0 m Taganga Dive Station
Scuba Diving Courses in Taganga
Learn to dive in Tayrona National Natural Park with PADI instructors at a PADI 5-Star dive center. From a one-day first experience to professional certification, with boat, gear, instructor and photos included.
- 4,9100+ Google reviews
- PADI 5 StarDive Center
- 20minBy boatto Tayrona Park
5 m Courses & prices
PADI scuba diving courses and prices
Six courses, from your first day underwater to professional level. Prices per person in Colombian pesos, including boat, gear, guide and photos.
Which course is right for you?
- Never dived before and have one dayTry Scuba Mini-Course
- You want to get certifiedOpen Water Diver Course
- Already a certified diverPADI Advanced Course
First timeTry Scuba Mini-Course
Enjoy a fun day underwater with our Try Scuba Mini-Course in Taganga.
- 1 day
- 2 dives
- Requirement: none
$365.000$395.000per personSee the course
CertificationOpen Water Diver Course
The PADI Open Water Diver course is your gateway to scuba diving.
- 3 days
- Down to 18 m
- Requirement: none
$1.550.000$1.600.000per personSee the course
Next levelPADI Advanced Course
Already an Open Water diver? Take your diving to the next level.
- 2 days
- Down to 30 m
- Requirement: Open Water
$1.450.000$1.550.000per personSee the course
Next levelRescue Diver Course
Gain more experience and confidence as a diver.
- 3 days
- Pool + ocean
- Requirement: certified diver
$1.400.000$1.700.000per personSee the course
ProfessionalDivemaster Course
Become a certified PADI dive leader.
- 8 days
- 20 dives
- Requirement: Rescue Diver
$3.800.000$5.000.000per personSee the course
FreedivingFreediving Course
Explore your limits with freediving.
- 3 days
- Pool + ocean
- Requirement: none
$1.300.000$1.400.000per personSee the course
7 m Beyond diving
More tours in Taganga and Tayrona
A day without a tank? Explore the beaches and coastline of Tayrona Park on one of our tours.
8 m The place
Diving in Taganga and Tayrona National Park
Taganga is a fishing village 15 minutes from Santa Marta, at the doorstep of Tayrona National Natural Park, where the Sierra Nevada meets the Caribbean Sea. Its bays have calm, clear water, ideal for learning to dive.
From the school we head out by boat to the park's dive sites: coral reefs full of colorful fish. Our students often tell us they saw sea turtles and seahorses on their very first dive.
- 20 min
- by boat from Taganga to the Tayrona dive sites.
- PADI
- 5-Star school. Your certification is recognized worldwide.
- 20+ years
- of experience our instructors have in these waters.
10 m Underwater
What Tayrona looks like underwater
Real photos from our dives with students. Photos and videos of your course are included.
Ready to descend 
We made it! 
Coral reef 
All good: the OK sign 
Our students, ready to head out
12 m Your first time
Diving for the first time in Santa Marta
No experience needed. Before every dive your instructor walks you through everything in a briefing. Here are two things you'll learn on day one — try them if you like.
No talking underwater: we use hand signals
What does a thumbs-up mean underwater?
See the 5 basic signals
- OK: thumb and index finger form a circle. “All good” or “Are you OK?”
- Up: fist with the thumb pointing up. We're going to the surface.
- Down: fist with the thumb pointing down. We're descending.
- Something's wrong: flat hand rocking side to side; then you point to the problem.
- Out of air: flat hand across the throat. I need air from my buddy.
Gear check before descending
Every diver checks their own gear and their buddy's. Tick each step.
Ready to descend! You'll practice this with your instructor on day one.Try it on the Mini-Course →
18 m Our most popular course
PADI Open Water Diver Course, day by day
In three days you become a certified PADI Open Water Diver, qualified to dive down to 18 meters anywhere in the world.
Day 1 · Pool or beach
Confined water
You set up your gear, take your first breaths underwater and practice the core skills over 5 sessions.
Day 2 · Tayrona Park · 12 m
First ocean dives
You head out by boat for 2 open water training dives.
Day 3 · Tayrona Park · 18 m
Certification
You make 2 dives to 18 meters and finish the course with your PADI certification.
- Boat to Tayrona
- Gear and dive computer
- PADI Instructor
- Photos and videos
- PADI certification
“We were able to do all our training in the ocean. On our first open water dive we saw sea turtles and seahorses.”
“Luis is the best instructor: very patient and explains everything really well. A great choice for your PADI certification and first dives. Zero fear!”
“All the gear is new and in perfect condition. He even took photos and videos of our dives and shared them for free.”
Who dives with you
- Luis EscobarPADI Instructor
- Amit MendelbaunPADI Instructor
- David MejíaDivemaster
- Cindy MatosManager
30 m Your questions
Frequently asked questions about diving in Taganga
Can I dive if I've never done it before?
Yes. The Try Scuba Mini-Course and the Open Water Diver Course require no previous experience. The mini-course is one day with two guided dives; Open Water certifies you in three days.
How much does a scuba diving course in Taganga cost?
From $365,000 COP per person for the one-day Mini-Course. The PADI Open Water Diver Course costs $1,550,000 COP and includes certification. You can see all prices on the courses page.
Do I need my own diving gear?
No. All courses include full gear, boat transport, a guide, and photos and videos of your dives.
How deep do you dive in Tayrona Park?
With Open Water you learn to dive down to 18 meters. The Advanced Course includes a specialty deep dive to 30 meters.
How long does a scuba diving course take?
From 1 day (Mini-Course) to 8 days (Divemaster). Open Water, Rescue and Freediving take 3 days; Advanced takes 2.
What marine life can I see diving in Tayrona?
Coral reefs full of colorful fish. Our students often tell us they saw sea turtles and seahorses on their very first dive.
How do I book and how much do I pay upfront?
Choose your course and date and pay a $30,000 COP deposit per person, or the full amount if you prefer. You can also book by messaging us on WhatsApp.
0 m Back at the surface
Book your diving course
Book online: hold your spot with $30,000 COP per person (or pay in full) through secure Bold checkout. We confirm everything by email and WhatsApp.
Choose your course and date
Hold your spot with $30,000 COP per person or pay in full.
We confirm on WhatsApp
You'll receive the meeting point and, if applicable, your study materials.
You arrive at the school
Meet your instructor and set up your gear in Taganga.
You dive in Tayrona
Boat, dives and photos. You finish with an unforgettable experience or your certification.