Snorkeling in the San Bernardo Islands: where to go and what to see
Put your face in the water and you will understand why this archipelago is protected.
Put your face in the water and you will understand why this archipelago is protected. Below the surface there are coral reefs, colorful fish and clear water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue within a few meters.
If you are planning to go snorkeling in the San Bernardo Islands, this guide covers where to go, what you will see, the best time to get in the water and how to look after the reef while you explore it.
Why San Bernardo is a good place to snorkel
The waters around the archipelago are part of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, created to protect its coral formations and seabed. You can tell in the water: there are living reefs at shallow depths, just minutes by boat from the islands.
The reefs also act as a natural barrier against the waves. Off many of the archipelago’s beaches the water is shallow and calm, which is ideal if you are snorkeling for the first time.
Where to snorkel in the archipelago
The Bajo Chara reef
This is the best-known snorkeling spot near Isla Múcura and the most organized outing from the hotel. Snorkeling at Bajo Chara is a guided tour that leaves in the morning, around 9:30 a.m., and returns at midday.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Departs around 9:30 a.m., returns around 12:00 p.m. |
| Price | COP 70,000 per person |
| What’s included | Boat transfer to the reef, local guide and safety briefing |
| Frequency | Daily, weather permitting |
| Booking | At the front desk or on WhatsApp |
Going with a local guide has an advantage beyond safety: they know where the healthiest coral is that day and explain what you are looking at.
The calm water off the islands
Before heading out to the reef, the shallow water off the beach is a good place to get used to the mask and snorkel, especially on your first time. Breathe slowly through the tube, float face down and practice clearing your mask if water gets in.
What you will see underwater
Every outing is different, because it depends on the light, the sea and a bit of luck. This is what you commonly find on Colombian Caribbean reefs:
- Hard and soft corals: rounded formations like brain coral, branching corals and sea fans swaying with the current.
- Reef fish: parrotfish, easy to spot for their colors and the sound they make scraping the coral; striped sergeant majors; and small schools moving together.
- Hidden life: sea urchins, starfish and small fish sheltering in the cracks of the coral.
A tip: move slowly and stay still for a few seconds over one spot. Many fish come closer once they stop seeing you as a threat.
Best time to snorkel
Early in the day. Around the archipelago the sea is usually calmer in the morning, which is exactly when the Bajo Chara tour leaves. With fewer waves, the water is clearer and the boat ride is more comfortable.
Depending on the time of year:
- December to April brings more wind, and some days the sea gets choppy, especially in the afternoon.
- September to November brings more rain, mostly in short showers, but the sea is calmer, which you will appreciate in the water.
Departures depend on the weather. If conditions are not right, the hotel reschedules.
Snorkeling or diving: which to choose
| Snorkeling | Diving | |
|---|---|---|
| Prior experience | Not needed | Options for beginners and certified divers |
| Depth | At the surface | Underwater, with a tank |
| Minimum age | Ask when booking | From 12 years old |
| Price from | COP 70,000 | COP 250,000 |
If you have never dived, snorkeling is the best way to start. If you have tried it and want to see the reef from within, diving with a PADI instructor takes you to park sites about 25 minutes away by boat.
How to snorkel without harming the reef
Coral is a living animal and grows very slowly. A brush or a step can damage in seconds what took years to form. These rules are simple:
- Do not touch or stand on the coral, not even to rest. If you get tired, float on your back.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen, or apply it well before getting in the water so it does not wash off.
- Do not chase or feed the fish.
- Do not take shells, conch or stones from the water.
- Watch your fins: kick gently and away from the bottom so you do not stir up sand onto the coral.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and a long-sleeve shirt or rash guard to protect your back from the sun.
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- Towel and drinking water.
- A dry bag for your phone.
- Your own gear if you have it: a mask that fits well makes a big difference.
To learn more about the rest of the archipelago, our guide to the San Bernardo Islands covers what makes each island special.
Frequently asked questions about snorkeling in San Bernardo
Do you need experience to snorkel in San Bernardo?
No. The Bajo Chara tour is designed for all levels and includes a safety briefing before you get in the water. If you are not a confident swimmer, mention it when you book so the guide can plan for it.
What is the best time of day to snorkel?
The morning. The sea is usually calmer early in the day, the water looks clearer and the boat ride is more comfortable.
How much does snorkeling at Bajo Chara cost?
The guided tour costs COP 70,000 per person and includes the boat transfer to the reef, the local guide and the safety briefing.
Head out to the reef from Isla Múcura
Snorkeling is the simplest way to see what makes this park unique: living coral and fish just meters below the surface. Book your snorkeling trip to Bajo Chara at the hotel front desk or message us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm the time based on sea conditions.
