Diving in Colombia

If you find yourself on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, I would highly recommend a stop in the small fishing village of Taganga. It is located on the edge of Tayrona Park just 5 km North of Santa Marta and it is a good jump-off point if you are headed to do the Lost City trek (La Ciudad Perdida).

Taganga is known as one of the cheapest places in the world to get diving certified and it has become the town’s main economic activity. Although it may be thrifty, you do not miss out on quality as the instructors have years of experience, solid gear and are legitimately affiliated with PADI and/or NAUI. Some diving schools do have an edge over others and they often compete to get your money. I completed my open water certification with Calipso Dive Center and had such a great experience I extended my stay to get my advanced. What sets Calipso apart from the other schools is their option of the “Dive Safari”. The instructors take you by boat to a private beach for 3 nights where meals are cooked for you and you sleep on hammocks under unbelievable starry skies. There is a good variety of dives: drift, night, cave, wreck etc. and you’ll find yourself wanting to get back in as soon as you surface. The staff are all very friendly and the instructors are fluent in English. As a bonus, they also provide cheap and basic accommodation at the dive center in town if you choose not to take the Safari route.

If you aren’t diving or if you’re celebrating your certification I would suggest taking in the nightlife atleast once. El Garaje is the “gringo bar” and the place to be on Wednesday and Saturday nights. If you can’t handle the heat on El Garaje’s dance floor….Divanga Bar provides a more laidback atmosphere with a good cocktail list and rooftop view of the beach. You will find many of the locals and transients will chat you up and offer to sell you drugs, but be forewarned that many of them work with local police to set up tourists for money bribes. If you can’t resist their Colombian charm, just buy their jewelry instead! I ended up with more rings than I have fingers…

If you’re looking for a place to crash the best hostel in Taganga is Casa de Felipe. Hands down. It has great atmosphere, clean modern rooms and plenty of hammocks to laze around in. The restaurant is run by a Dutch chef and it is top-notch! Many tourists from other hostels come here just for dinner. The only catch with Casa de Felipe is that you have to book in advance because it is always full.

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