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Pan American experiences
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Ruta Pantera's Chris Engholm viewing coral reefs near Cartagena, Colombia.
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Scuba Diving the Last Caribbean ReefAnd How to Help Preserve ThemBy Christopher Engholm for Ruta Pantera on 12/1/2025 9:12:33 AM |
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| Caribbean coral reefs are the ocean’s tropical forest: they host 25% of all marine life on the planet while covering less than 1% of the ocean’s surface. However, 75% of them are in critical condition according to the Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2025 report (Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network). Global warming, acidification, irresponsible tourism, and pollution have caused an additional 14% loss of live coral cover between 2019 and 2025. Fortunately, there are still places where corals glow with impossible colors and biodiversity dazzles. Here are six must-see destinations in the southern Caribbean and the Antilles where diving is unequalled, along with a look at their conservation-committed dive centers. Cartagena and the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park (Colombia) have one of the best-preserved reef systems in the continental Caribbean. Islands such as Tierra Bomba, Barú, and the 27 keys of Rosario maintain live cover above 60% in many sites. The soft coral gardens of Santa Cruz del Islote and the walls of Pavitos reach 30 meters of visibility in the dry season (December–April). The 2023–2024 warming event bleached only 8% of corals thanks to the cold Humboldt Current that mitigates the impact. Recommended centers: • Diving Planet Cartagena (Paseo Peatonal Bocagrande) – 2-tank dives: 280,000 COP • Aquatours Rosario (Muelle La Bodeguita) – Coral Restoration Foundation certified – 320,000 COP with equipment Bonaire, the “shore diving capital of the world,” preserves 64% live coral cover (the highest in the Caribbean). Its Marine National Park status since 1962 and the absolute ban on anchors have protected legendary sites like 1000 Steps, Bari Reef (over 300 recorded species), and the double reef of Klein Bonaire. In 2025, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire transplanted more than 60,000 corals with an 89% success rate. Highlighted centers: • Dive Friends Bonaire (multiple locations) – 6-dive package 225 USD + unlimited shore nitrox 375 USD • VIP Diving – Specialists in photography and coral restoration courses – 59 USD per dive |
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Curaçao preserves hidden gems such as Mushroom Forest and Watamula, where giant brain corals and barrel sponges form otherworldly landscapes. Live coral cover is around 55% thanks to the Reef Renewal Curaçao program, which since 2015 has grown more than 100,000 corals in nurseries. Playa Kalki and Tugboat are perfect for surface snorkeling. Leading centers: • Ocean Encounters (LionsDive Resort) – 2-tank dives 115 USD – Transfer included • The Dive Bus – PADI 5-Star IDC, 90% repeat clients – 59 USD Roatán (Honduras) hosts the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The Roatán Marine Park has ensured that sites such as Mary’s Place, El Aguila Wreck, and West End Wall maintain over 70% live coral. In 2024, the Healthy Reefs project reported a 12% recovery after Hurricane Eta thanks to floating nurseries. Highlighted centers: • Roatán Divers (West End) – Small groups (max. 6) – 3 dives 140 USD • Coconut Tree Divers – Coral Restoration Diver course – 450 USD (includes coral adoption) San Andrés and Providencia (Colombia) suffered massive bleaching in 2010 and 2016, but the recovery is admirable: Old Providence McBean Lagoon and Crab Cay reached 58% live cover in 2025. The Corales de Paz program has transplanted more than 40,000 fragments with an 82% success rate. Committed centers: • Karibik Divers (North End, San Andrés) – 2-tank dives 220,000 COP • Providencia Dive Center (South West Bay) – Specialists in macro and black corals – 80 USD per dive Tobago, the least-known gem, has Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool with spectacular soft corals and the deepest reef in the Caribbean (Speyside). Tobago Reef Check reports 62% live cover thanks to the ban on trawl fishing since 2014. Recommended centers: • R&Sea Divers (Crown Point) – PADI Green Star – 65 USD per dive • Charlotteville Dive Experience – Technical diving and Reef Renewal courses – 70 USD The health of these reefs depends on us. The centers mentioned above actively participate in restoration programs (Reef Renewal, Coral Restoration Foundation, Corales de Paz) and allocate part of each dive to coral planting. Choosing Green Fins or PADI Green Star certified operators, using reef-safe sunscreen, and avoiding touching corals are precautions that make a difference. Remember: diving in these precious places is not just a privilege; it’s a compact with the ocean, which still allows us to see the Caribbean coral in all its splendor. |
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References: Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. (2025). Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025. https://gcrmn.net/2025-report/ Healthy Reefs Initiative. (2025). Report Card for the Mesoamerican Reef 2025. Reef Renewal Bonaire. (2025). Annual Report 2024–2025. Coral Restoration Foundation. (2025). Caribbean Restoration Update. Corales de Paz Colombia. (2025). Annual Restoration Report 2024–2025. https://www.padi.com/es/centro-buceo/colombia/cartagena-divers/ |
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