Top Dive Sites in San Andres, Colombia

Top Dive Sites in San Andrés

I wasn’t sure what to expect for diving in Colombia.  After reviewing Trip Advisor, the location of dive shops, and their websites, I contacted Banda Dive Shop in San Andrés.  They confirmed that they offered two-tank morning dives with a surface interval on the boat which included water in a bag and a small snack.  In addition, all equipment was provided.  The boat included a small canopy, captain, and 1-2 bi-lingual divemasters for 8-12 people. The price, at around $65 per day, was far less than most diving locations around the world.

I arrived at the dive shop at 8 to fill out the paper work before the scheduled 8:15 departure time which morphed into 8:45.  The paperwork was the most informal I had ever seen which basically included a waiver and a blank for my certification number.  Illnesses and the number of dives were of no importance in Colombia. Continue reading “Top Dive Sites in San Andres, Colombia”

Top 11 Tips for Traveling to San Andres, Colombia

San Andrés

San Andrés is the largest of three islands in the Colombian archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea.  The islands first appeared on the Spanish map in 1527.  Over the next 350-400 years, the islands were inhabited by the English, Dutch and Spanish and changed hands many times.  In 1900, the islands were declared Colombia’s.  The USA requested that the archipelago be given to Panama by which it is closely located, but the request was rejected proving the local’s loyalty to Colombia.  In 2000, the islands became a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Continue reading “Top 11 Tips for Traveling to San Andres, Colombia”