Biodiversity
of the Chocó

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the marine life of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Choose a category below to explore the vibrant species and dynamic ecosystems of our coastline.

Explore Fish

Dive into the profiles of our local residents. From the intricate patterns of the Longnose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) hiding in the corals to the massive pelagics cruising the blue water, discover the finned wonders of the Chocó.

Whitetip Reef Shark

Triaenodon obesus Explore - Adult Family: Requiem Sharks (Carcharhinidae)Size: Up to 210 cm (7 ft) | Common: 160 cm (5.2 ft)Depth: 1 – 40m (3 –...

Brassy Chub

Kyphosus vaigiensis Explore - Adult Family: Sea Chubs (Kyphosidae)Size: Up to 50 cm (20 in) | Max: 70 cmDepth: 1 – 40m (3 – 130ft)Distribution:...

Roughjaw Frogfish

Fowlerichthys avalonis Explore - Adult  Family: Frogfishes (Antennariidae)Size: Up to 35 cm (14 in) | Common: 15 cmDepth: 1 – 100m (3 –...

Dragon Wrasse

Novaculichthys taeniourus (Juvenile) Explore - Juvenile Family: Wrasses (Labridae)Size: Transitions to adult phase around 8 cm (Max adult size: 30...

Acapulco Damselfish (Juvenile)

Stegastes acapulcoensis Explore - Juvenile Family: Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)Size: 2 – 6 cm (1 – 2.5 in)Depth: 2 – 10m (5 – 33ft)Distribution:...

Panamic Sergeant Major

Abudefduf troschelii Explore - Adult  Family: Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)Size: Up to 20 cm (8 in)Depth: 0 – 15m (0 – 50ft)Distribution: Tropical...

Mexican Goatfish

Mulloidichthys dentatus Explore - Adult  Family: Goatfishes (Mullidae) Size: Up to 30 cm (12 in) | Common: 20 cm Depth: 3 – 40m (10 – 130ft)...

Giant Damselfish (Juvenile)

Microspathodon dorsalis Explore - Juvenile Family: Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)Size: Up to 31 cm (12 in) | Common: 20 cmDepth: 1 – 25m (3 –...

Pacific Goliath Grouper

Epinephelus quinquefasciatus Explore - Family: Sea Basses & Groupers (Serranidae)Size: Up to 250 cm (98 in)Depth: 1 – 100m (3 – 330ft)Distribution:...

Blacknosed Butterflyfish

Johnrandallia nigrirostris Explore - Adult Family: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae)Size: Up to 20 cm (8 in)Depth: 6 – 12m (20 – 40ft)Distribution:...

Explore Invertebrates

Discover the hidden macro world. Learn about the octopuses, crustaceans, and fascinating spineless creatures perfectly camouflaged against our dark, rocky reefs and black-sand slopes.

Red-tipped Sea Goddess

Glossodoris sedna Explore - Family: Chromodorididae (Dorid Nudibranchs)Size: Up to 6.5 cm (2.5 in) | Common: 4 cmDepth: 1 – 30m (3 –...

Harlequin Shrimp

Hymenocera picta Explore - Adult Family: Palaemonid Shrimps (Palaemonidae) Size: 2.5 - 5 cm (1 - 2 in) Depth: 1 - 20m (3 - 65ft) Distribution:...

Panamic Cushion Star

Pentaceraster cumingi Adult Family: OreasteridaeSize: Up to 30 cm (12 in) in diameterDepth: 0 – 183m (0 – 600ft)Distribution: Eastern Pacific (Gulf...

Agassiz’s Nudibranch

Felimare agassizii Explore - Family: ChromodorididaeSize: Up to 8 cm (3 in) | Common: 4 cmDepth: 1 – 30m (3 – 100ft)Distribution: Eastern Pacific...

Seasons of the Pacific

Diving the Eastern Tropical Pacific means embracing change. Every few months, the ocean currents shift, bringing a new cast of majestic giants and thrilling migrations to our coastline. Explore our dive calendar below and choose exactly which wild adventure you want to experience.

Humpback Whale Season in Bahia Solano

The Singers Have Arrived Every July to October, the warm waters of the Colombian Chocó become a sanctuary for migrating Humpback Whales. Wild and...

Whale Shark Season In Bahia Solano

Witness the Magic From their iconic spotted patterns to their massive silhouettes. Marvel at these gentle giants whether you are blowing bubbles...

Dive Sites

Explore the dramatic underwater topography of Bahía Solano. From rich muck-diving environments on volcanic sand to towering rock pinnacles swept by wild currents, map out your next underwater adventure.

Sebastian de Belalcazar Shipwreck

Hidden beneath the Pacific ocean of Bahía Solano, Chocó, Colombia, the ARC Sebastián de Belalcázar rests in tranquil retirement, its steel structure...