Snorkeling in Cartagena
Snorkeling in Cartagena comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are December to April, with highs around 88°F (31°C) and the sea at about 82°F (28°C).
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top snorkeling in Cartagena
Cartagena 5 Island Hop Tour: Lunch, Snorkel, Beach Clubs, & MoreFrom $70View 
Cartagena's Rosario Islands 5-Site Boat Tour with Lunch & SnorkelFrom $75View 
5 Islands Tour from Cartagena Including Snorkeling and LunchFrom $100View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Cartagena month by month
Averages for Cartagena, 1991–2020; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 88 (31) | 88 (31) | 88 (31) | 89 (32) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 89 (32) | 89 (32) | 89 (31) |
| Low °F (°C) | 75 (24) | 76 (24) | 77 (25) | 78 (26) | 79 (26) | 79 (26) | 78 (26) | 79 (26) | 78 (26) | 78 (26) | 78 (26) | 77 (25) |
| Rainy days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 9 | 3 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 83 (28) | 82 (28) | 82 (28) | 82 (28) | 84 (29) | 85 (30) | 86 (30) | 85 (30) | 85 (30) | 85 (30) | 85 (29) | 84 (29) |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:59 pm | 6:10 pm | 6:13 pm | 6:13 pm | 6:16 pm | 6:24 pm | 6:28 pm | 6:21 pm | 6:03 pm | 5:45 pm | 5:36 pm | 5:43 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Cartagena?
December to April. Expect highs around 88°F (31°C) and the sea at about 82°F (28°C). The least comfortable months are October and August, when the sea drops to about 82°F.
How warm is the water in Cartagena?
The sea averages 82°F (28°C) in March and 86°F (30°C) in July. It stays warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit all year.
Where can I book snorkeling in Cartagena?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
