photo by Erik Kristensen (via Flickr)
Colombia's Tayrona National Park is filled with amazing views, exotic animals, and hikes to explore on land, but there is also a vast aquatic world waiting to be experienced while diving in the Caribbean sea. With average daily temperatures around 33°C (91°F) and water temps around 27°C (80°F), there is no such thing as a "bad" time to visit Tayrona, but there are some rainier months, which may affect diving, so plan accordingly. What can you hope to see? Well, there are approximately 149 fish species in the area and a diverse marine ecosystem - truly an ocean wonderland.
photo by Erik Kristensen (via Flickr)
Lionfish
The lionfish is a beautiful, albeit venomous, fish and actually shouldn’t even be found off the coast of Colombia. However, this skilled predator has become an invasive species through a series of unfortunate actions by humans. It can grow up to 35 cm (14 in) and doesn't have any natural predators in the Caribbean, which means it is growing more invasive by the day. You will recognize this fish by its numerous spines and reddish striped appearance, but you'll want to steer clear of any close encounters. As part of the efforts to get rid of the lionfish in non-native areas, there is a movement to capture and eat them, but it would probably be best to leave the fishing to professionals.
photo by Ratha Grimes (via Flickr)
Coral reefs
The bays at Tayrona park are protected from rough seas and trade winds, and allow for deeper diving, which means a rich diversity of coral species. Some of the coral you can expect to find includes Giant Brain Coral (as pictured). What we call coral is really large groups of soft animals living together in a colony, in which they grow a protective skeleton. This brain coral is made up of thousands of these creatures and is an important reef builder. Other coral in the area includes Finger Coral, Star Coral, Fire Coral, and Spiny Disc Coral. These reefs provide protection and homes for a multitude of aquatic life, and are protected within Tayrona National Park.
Stonefish
With unique camouflage and upwards of 17 venomous spines, this ugly cousin to the lionfish is another species that can be found hiding out in coral reefs, waiting to capture prey. It often dwells on the seafloor, eating other bottom dwellers like crustaceans, by swallowing them. Unlike the lionfish, the stonefish is endemic to the area. They prefer shallow waters, but can sometimes be found up to 2200 meters!
photo by Silke Baron (via Flickr)
Octopus
Recent articles have you wondering about consciousness and octopi? You're not alone! The octopus has always fascinated human beings, and their obvious signs of advanced intelligence have some scientists questioning what consciousness means. No matter where you land on this philosophical debate, these lovable, eight-armed molluscs are a highlight of any dive, should you be lucky enough to spot one. All octopuses are venomous, but only one, the blue-ringed octopus is deadly to humans (and not found in Colombia). These trickster animals are masters of camouflage, and swim incredibly fast by using their respiration to propel themselves through the water.
Ready to take a dive and explore some of the world's unique marine diversity? Uncharted Colombia's Tayrona Scuba Diving Day Trip is the perfect opportunity to see these creatures, and hundreds more. Colombia is waiting.