Diving for the first time in Santa Marta: what to expect, how to prepare and how much it costs

Diving for the first time is one of those experiences you never forget: breathing underwater, floating over a reef and seeing colorful fish inches away. If you're in Santa Marta, you're lucky enough to do it in Tayrona Park, with warm, calm waters. Here we tell you what to expect, how to prepare and how much it costs.

Do I need experience to dive for the first time?

No. The beginner activity is called Discover Scuba Diving o Try Scuba Mini-Course. It's designed for people who have never dived: you don't need a certification or your own gear, just good health and the desire to live the experience.

Your first dive, step by step

1. Forms and medical questionnaire: when you arrive at the school you fill out the PADI forms.
2. Gear fitting: we fit your wetsuit, mask, fins, BCD and regulator.
3. Theory briefing: you learn how to breathe with the regulator, how to equalize your ears and the basic underwater signals.
4. Boat trip to a calm spot in Tayrona Park.
5. First dive (40 minutes): you practice in shallow water what you learned in the briefing and then take a tour of the reef.
6. Surface interval (40 minutes) to rest.
7. Second dive (45 minutes): of fun and photos, always hand in hand with your instructor.

A fun fact we teach you in the briefing: underwater, thumbs up means «go up», not «all good». To say you're fine you use the OK sign.

How much does it cost to dive for the first time in Santa Marta?

At Taganga Dive Station the Try Scuba Mini-Course costs $365,000 COP per person and includes boat transport, full gear, PADI instructor, edited photos and videos, and e-learning materials. You secure your spot with $30,000 COP per person and pay the rest at the school.

And if you love it, the mini-course counts as part of the PADI Open Water Diver Course, the certification to dive independently anywhere in the world.

Tips for your first dive

• Sleep well the night before and avoid alcohol.
• Eat a light breakfast and stay well hydrated.
• If you get seasick on boats, take something for it in advance.
• Breathe slowly and deeply: calm is your best ally underwater.
• Equalize your ears from the start and often, as the instructor teaches you.
• Tell us about any medical condition before diving.
• Don't fly within 18 to 24 hours after diving.

What if I'm scared?

It's completely normal. That's why the mini-course starts in shallow, calm water, and the instructor is with you the whole time. You can go up whenever you want. One of our students summed it up like this:

“Luis is the best instructor: very patient and explains everything really well. A great choice for your PADI certification and first dives. Zero fear!” — Lidiya Kravchenko, Google review

How to choose who to dive with for the first time

Safety comes first. Choose a PADI-certified center with well-maintained gear, qualified instructors and good reviews. Most schools are in Taganga because it's closer to Tayrona's best reefs; we explain why in diving in Taganga. For a full overview of prices and seasons, read our diving guide to Santa Marta.

By the way, the Discover Scuba Diving program and its safety standards are described on the official website of PADI.

Frequently asked questions

How deep do you go the first time?

The mini-course starts shallow for practice; on the second dive you can go down to about 12 meters, always with your instructor.

Do I need to be a very good swimmer?

You should feel comfortable in the water. You don't need to be a great swimmer: the BCD helps you float and the instructor is with you at all times.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen and enthusiasm. Dive gear is included.

How long does the mini-course last?

One day. It includes a briefing, two dives of 40 and 45 minutes and a surface interval.