After exploring some iconic sites in the first part, we now head to more extreme and sometimes mythical locations. From oceanic islands swept by strong currents to deep chasms that fascinate divers around the world, and even the sacred waters of an Andean lake, Latin America reveals a new facet of its underwater treasures.
Malpelo Island, Colombia
A true sanctuary, Malpelo is part of the Tropical Eastern Marine Corridor, alongside Gorgona, Coiba, Cocos, and the Galápagos. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it plays a key role in the preservation of the scalloped hammerhead shark, a species critically endangered according to the IUCN. Its waters are home to massive schools of hammerhead sharks, as well as silky sharks, whitetip reef sharks, whale sharks, tuna, and manta rays. Powerful currents and great depths make it a destination reserved for experienced divers, accessible only via liveaboard trips with limited spots to protect the ecosystem.
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Nicknamed “the island of sharks,” Cocos lies 550 km off the mainland and is only accessible by diving liveaboard. The site is world-renowned for its spectacular gatherings of hammerhead sharks, especially at Bajo Alcyone. Whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, and dolphins also roam these nutrient-rich waters, which attract exceptional pelagic wildlife. Conditions are demanding — strong currents and deep dives — making it a destination for advanced divers only. Visibility is generally excellent, with a particularly favorable season from June to November.
Great Blue Hole, Belize
Considered one of the most famous dive sites in the world, this circular marine sinkhole in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll spans over 300 meters in diameter and 125 meters deep. Its vertical walls and stalactite formations offer a unique setting, although most recreational dives are limited to 40 meters. Reef sharks, bull sharks, and hammerheads can be spotted here. Most divers reach the site via excursions from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, or through liveaboard trips. The ideal time to visit is from April to June, when the sea is calmer and visibility is optimal.
Our article: Belize: A World of 5 Wonders
Bay Islands, Honduras
Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja form a true Caribbean paradise at the heart of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral system on the planet. Roatán, the largest and most developed, captivates with its colorful reefs, shipwrecks, and coral gardens teeming with turtles, eagle rays, and reef sharks. Utila, smaller and more accessible, is known for its affordable dive schools and whale shark encounters, observable from March to April and September to December. More remote, Guanaja offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, with pristine reefs, underwater canyons, and a more exclusive vibe.
Lake Titicaca, Peru
At over 3,800 meters above sea level, the highest navigable lake in the world offers a diving experience as rare as it is demanding. Visibility can reach up to 15 meters, revealing aquatic plants, endemic fish, and even submerged remains of Inca and Tiwanaku cultures. Extremely low temperatures — often below 10°C — and reduced pressure require prior acclimatization, altitude diving training, and specialized equipment. An extraordinary immersion, where diving takes on both cultural and spiritual dimensions.
From hammerhead shark gatherings in Colombia and Costa Rica to the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca, these sites showcase the exceptional diversity of experiences offered by Latin America. Here, every dive tells a different story — of oceans, cultures, and landscapes that shape this continent of infinite horizons.
Photos: Fundación Malpelo | Isla del Coco | Belize Tourism Board | Kadu Pinheiro | PromPerú
