Palomo

Best months: Jan–Apr

Protected Area

Los Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo

Why dive here

With 517+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - Palomo offers some of Santa Marta & Tayrona's richest reef diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest June, July, September.

Best timeJan–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Blue Sharks, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Hammerhead Sharks · 517+ species recorded

Water28-30°C · warmest June, July, September

CharacterReef dive · max 5-15m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Palomo is one of those sites we always recommend for new divers, or anyone who just wants to take it slow and really *see* things. At a maximum of 10 metres, you get tons of bottom time, which is perfect for spotting the smaller stuff. We’ve spent whole dives just watching the blennies bobbing their heads out of the sand, especially the Banded and Delalande types. The mix of sandy patches and coral bommies is what makes Palomo so productive. Look closely in the sand for those tiny Eyed Flounder, almost invisible until they twitch. We often find juvenile Bonnethead Sharks cruising the shallows here, a real thrill in such a mellow spot. For those learning to dive, or just brushing up skills, it’s ideal – calm, clear enough for easy navigation, and packed with enough life to keep things interesting without feeling overwhelming. You’ll see plenty of Spotted Trunkfish and Caesar Grunts, and the Fringed Filefish are always a delight to watch as they drift lazily. It’s our pick for a relaxed, critter-focused dive where you can truly slow down.