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.

Coral Hawkfish

Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus Explore - Adult Family: Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae) Size: Up to 10 cm (4 in) Depth: 3 – 40m (10 – 130ft) Distribution:...

Giant Hawkfish

Cirrhitus rivulatus Explore - Adult Family: Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae)Size: Up to 60 cm (24 in) | Common: 35 cmDepth: 3 – 30m (10 –...

Dragon Wrasse

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

Burrito Grunt

Anisotremus interruptus Explore - Family: Grunts (Haemulidae) Size: Up to 60 cm (24 in) | Common: 35 cm Depth: 3 – 30m (10 – 100ft) Distribution:...

King Angelfish

Holacanthus passer Explore - Adult Family: Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae)Size: Up to 35 cm (14 in) | Common: 15 cmDepth: 4 – 30m (12 –...

Blue and Gold Snapper

Lutjanus viridis Explore - Adult  Family: Snappers (Lutjanidae)Size: Up to 30 cm (12 in) | Common: 20 cmDepth: 3 – 30m (10 – 100ft)Distribution:...

Razor Surgeonfish

Prionurus laticlavius Adult Family: Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae)Size: Up to 60 cm (24 in) | Common: 30 cmDepth: 3 – 30m (10 – 100ft)Distribution:...

Mexican Hogfish

Bodianus diplotaenia Explore - Female / Initial Phase Family: Wrasses (Labridae)Size: Up to 76 cm (30 in) | Common: 40 cm (16 in)Depth: 5 – 75m (15...

Balloonfish

Diodon holocanthus Explore - Adult Family: Porcupinefishes (Diodontidae)Size: Up to 50 cm (20 in) | Common: 15 cmDepth: 2 – 200m (6 –...

Rainbow Runner

Elagatis bipinnulata Explore - Adult Family: Jacks and Pompanos (Carangidae)Size: Up to 120 cm (47 in) | Common: 80 cmDepth: 0 – 150m (Surface to...

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.

Agassiz’s Nudibranch

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

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 –...

Panamic Cushion Star

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

Harlequin Shrimp

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

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...