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.

Giant Hawkfish

Cirrhitus rivulatus Explore – Explore Adult Family: Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae) Size: Up to 60 cm (24 in) | Common: 35 cm Depth: 3 – 30m (10 – 100ft)…

Panamic Soldierfish

Myripristis leiognathos Explore – Explore Adult  Family: Squirrelfishes & Soldierfishes (Holocentridae) Size: Up to 18 cm (7 in) | Common: 14 cm…

Rockmover Wrasse

Novaculichthys taeniourus Explore – Explore Family: Wrasses (Labridae) Size: Up to 30 cm (12 in) | Common: 20 cm Depth: 3 – 25m (10 – 82ft)…

Giant Damselfish (Juvenile)

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

White-spotted Puffer

Arothron hispidus Explore – Explore Adult Family: Puffers (Tetraodontidae) Size: Up to 50 cm (20 in) | Common: 35 cm Depth: 3 – 50m (10 – 160ft)…

Pacific Porgy

Calamus brachysomus Explore – Explore Adult Family: Porgies (Sparidae) Size: Up to 61 cm (24 in) | Common: 35 cm Depth: 3 – 80m (10 – 260ft)…

Wounded Wrasse

Halichoeres chierchiae Explore – Explore Adult  Family: Wrasses (Labridae) Size: Up to 20 cm (8 in) | Common: 15 cm Depth: 2 – 35m (6 – 115ft)…

Moorish Idol

Zanclus cornutus Explore – Explore Adult Family: Moorish Idols (Zanclidae) Size: Up to 23 cm (9 in) | Common: 15 cm Depth: 3 – 180m (10 – 600ft)…

Longnose Hawkfish

Oxycirrhites typus Explore – Explore Adult Family: Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae) Size: Up to 13 cm (5 in) Depth: 10 – 100m (30 – 330ft) Distribution:…

Ember Parrotfish

Scarus rubroviolaceus Explore – Explore Initial Phase Family: Parrotfishes (Scaridae) Size: Up to 70 cm (28 in) | Common: 45 cm Depth: 1 – 35m (3 –…

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 – Explore Family: Chromodorididae (Dorid Nudibranchs) Size: Up to 6.5 cm (2.5 in) | Common: 4 cm Depth: 1 – 30m (3 –…

Agassiz’s Nudibranch

Felimare agassizii Explore – Explore Family: Chromodorididae Size: Up to 8 cm (3 in) | Common: 4 cm Depth: 1 – 30m (3 – 100ft) Distribution: Eastern…

Panamic Cushion Star

Pentaceraster cumingi Explore – Explore Adult Family: Oreasteridae Size: Up to 30 cm (12 in) in diameter Depth: 0 – 183m (0 – 600ft) Distribution:…

Harlequin Shrimp

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

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…