Is learning to scuba dive on your bucket list but you are concerned about breaking your travel budget? Although daunting at first floating underwater in total silence, finding yourself surrounded by a school of colourful fish out of nowhere, and spotting sea creatures peeking their head from corals makes you forget about all the worries in the world. The small coastal town Taganga has something to offer most places in South America cannot, cheap scuba diving courses.
The tales are those of an unsafe climate and ugly beaches. I can dismiss the claims of Taganga being unsafe but have to agree with the later. If all you want is a paradise beach break. Then Palomino and Isla Barú are the one for you. Adventurers tend to flock to Taganga for the sole reason of becoming PADI certified, improve their diving skills, or have a one-off scuba diving experience.
Rightfully so, Taganga is one of the cheapest places in South America to learn scuba diving. The open water diving course is only a fraction more than a zone 1 – 2 monthly London underground ticket. Ready to pack your bags and tick something off your bucket list? Read on to find out what to expect from a scuba diving course in Taganga, where to eat and to stay.
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THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF THRILLING DIVING EXPERIENCES
Only looking for a thrill and a bit of fun? Diving schools in Taganga offer Discovery Scuba Diving, Fun Dives, and snorkelling in different diving sites in and around Tayrona Park. This will allow you to swim in the depths of the ocean without the daunting experience of having to remove your mask and oxygen underwater. Yes, that’s part of your diving training.
As I have already mentioned, Taganga is a great place to become PADI Open Water certified. Course lengths range from between 3 to 4 days.
Experienced divers can further their skills by taking an Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, or a Dive Master Course.
WHICH DIVING SCHOOL TO CHOOSE
There are many scuba diving schools to choose from in Taganga. Hostels have agreements with diving schools and will push you their direction. I suggest shopping around and doing research on reviews on different websites. Fellow travellers will also be able to share their experiences.
After comparing prices and the diving sites, some schools take you into Tayrona Park, we opted for the cheapest and most friendly diving instructor at ‘I am Diver’ diving centre. We could even stay for free at the diving instructor’s spare apartment. Say whaat? Throughout our stay, the team went out of their way to make us feel welcome and we ended up driving to Santa Marta for a heartfelt goodbye dinner.
Other popular diving schools are Poseidon Dive Centre and Oceano Scuba.
The Cost Of A PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course in Taganga.
Most diving schools quoted a price of COP 1,000,000. The three-day Open Water PADI diving course at the ‘I am Diver’ diving centre cost the three of us a mere COP 750,000/ $ 200 each. Prices include lunch.
Important Things To Note About Diving Safety.
There are certain dangers associated with this exhilarating sport. Any prices much lower than all the other diving schools are almost certainly too good to be true. Not being asked about any health conditions before the first dive is also a sign for unsafe practice. Colds are another reason to stay clear of diving until you recovered.
MY PADI OPEN WATER DIVING COURSE EXPERIENCE WITH “I AM DIVER”
On day one you will be taught about the basics before practising underwater. Most diving schools start by teaching you inside a pool various we were taken straight into the ocean. We literally walked in our gear from the diving centre into the depths of the ocean. The descent will be no deeper than a swimming pool.
The first day is the most intimidating but do not fear the experience of learning to scuba dive. Once you have practised removing the oxygen and taking off your mask you will be able to enjoy floating alongside the tropical fish. The diving instructor did a great job in making me feel at ease throughout all the practices.
Once you are past the initial point of fear and you realise that remaining a calm breath allows you to barely notice a difference between breathing underwater compared to fresh air. You will paddle away over colourful corals with no worries. Scuba diving quickly became a sport I wanted to continue practising. The airiness of the depths of the ocean are incredible and the visibility underwater compares to nothing I had experienced before.
Two dives a day will be completed and videos about all you need to learn will be watched before you can take the PADI Open Water test and become PADI certified. The final day had one last surprise in store. The instructor advised us to jump off the speedboat and swim the 200 metres back to shore. Laughing at what we deemed a joke quickly turned out to be the reality to become certified.
Being able to learn scuba diving in Taganga was an incredible experience and something to tick of the bucket list, and best of all it allowed me to dive with sharks in the Galapagos.
The Sea Creatures That Will Join You On Your Adventure.
Tayrona Park’s dive sites aren’t notorious for the most exciting wildlife, not underwater anyway. But for any beginner this will be an unforgettable experience, nonetheless. During our dives, we saw seahorses, lobsters, many colourful tropical fish, and eels peeking out of corals.
Try to collect any rubbish you spot to protect the marine life.
WHERE TO EAT
There are many restaurants along the beach, none of them will blow your mind but do the trick. One night I had clowder of cats surround me during dinner. Call me the queen of cats if you wish.
Babaganoush.
Are you looking for tasty food and stunning sunset views? Then Babaganoush is the one for you. Not the easiest to find restaurant in Taganga but one of the best. Piso 3 Centro de Buceo Tayrona, Cl. 1c #18-22, Santa Marta, Magdalena
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Mirador de Taganga.
This hostel comes with an infinity pool and an endless ocean view. Located away from the centre of Taganga on top of a hill this hostel is a popular choice. Breakfast is included in the price.
Hostel Nirvana Taganga.
This hostel is one of the more social hostels with great sunset views, a pool, and bar.
THE BEST TIME FOR SCUBA DIVING IN TAGANGA
The weather is warm all year round with temperatures ranging between 25 – 20 C. The water temperature can be as mild as 22 C and reach up to 30 C from July to August. The least rain and best diving conditions are from January to April, and in December. It is important to note that Tayrona Park is closed all of February. However, diving sites close to Taganga will remain open.
WHAT TO PACK
Due to the high temperatures all year round only light layers for the evenings. Bring high factor sun cream and most importantly tropical mosquito repellent. Ask your diving instructor about suggestions for ear drops if you tend to have ear pressure problems. Drops helped me a great deal.
WHERE TO NEXT
Wherever you plan to go next you will have to one of the blue local busses to Santa Marta. Simply flag down any bus leaving Taganga to get to the coastal town. The busses tend to be overcrowded but the curvy 25-minute ride only costs COP 1,600. Alternatively, taxis only costs COP 20,000 and take 15-minutes.
Unless you plan on hiking through the jungle to the Lost City, I suggest skipping Santa Marta and head straight to Cartagena for island adventures. Looking for a beach break? Then Palomino is the one for you. Would you rather hand around in a hammock high above the canopies then take the bus to Minca.
Did I do a good job of sharing my love for scuba diving? Ready to learn scuba diving in Taganga to be able to swim alongside sharks at some point? Let me know in the comments.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
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