TagangaGetting your PADI certification is the first step to diving independently anywhere in the world. In Colombia, one of the best places to get it is Taganga, at the gates of Tayrona Park. In this guide we explain what PADI is, which levels exist, how much it costs and why your instructor's experience makes the difference.
What is PADI certification?
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the most recognized recreational diving training agency in the world. A PADI certification is a card proving you completed a course to international standards, and it lets you rent gear and dive at centers all over the planet.
PADI certification levels
- Discover Scuba Diving (Try Scuba Mini-Course): a one-day experience, without certification, to try diving.
- Open Water Diver: your first certification. You dive independently down to 18 meters.
- Advanced Open Water: you expand your experience down to 30 meters with specialties such as night diving and navigation.
- Rescue Diver: you learn to prevent and handle emergencies.
- Divemaster: your first professional level to guide divers. Read 7 reasons to become a Divemaster.
How much does PADI certification cost in Colombia?
At Taganga Dive Station, a PADI 5-Star, el PADI Open Water Diver course costs $1,550,000 COP per person and includes:
- Study materials, online or in-person.
- 5 confined-water sessions (pool or beach).
- 4 open-water dives in Tayrona Park (two at 12 m and two at 18 m).
- Full gear and dive computer.
- PADI instructor throughout the course, photos and videos.
- The PADI Open Water Diver certification.
You can see the full day-by-day program on the page of the Open Water Diver Course.
Book online
Get PADI certified in 3 days
Open Water Diver course in Tayrona Park. Secure your spot with $30,000 COP per person.
Why the instructor's experience matters
A good course doesn't depend only on the place: it depends on who teaches you. Taganga Dive Station was founded in 2016 by Luis Escobar, PADI Master Instructor, who started diving in Taganga Bay in 1999.
Before founding the school, Luis worked as an instructor in Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the Riviera Maya. In Israel he qualified as an instructor with the Israeli Diving Federation and taught courses to more than 300 people between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. He is also a CMAS instructor, a technical diver and a cave diver.
Today the school brings together more than 20 years of experience and more than 2,000 PADI certifications, with a team of instructors and Divemasters who know every corner of Tayrona.
Why get certified in Taganga?
- Calm, warm waters, ideal for learning.
- Tayrona Park reefs 20 minutes away by boat.
- Competitive prices compared with other Caribbean destinations.
- Certification valid worldwide.
Learn more about the area in diving in Taganga and in our diving guide to Santa Marta.
You can also check the official courses and levels on the website of PADI.
Frequently asked questions about PADI certification
Is PADI certification valid worldwide?
Yes. PADI is the most recognized recreational diving agency in the world and its certification is accepted at dive centers in every country.
How long does the PADI Open Water certification course take?
Three days: one of practice in confined water and two of open-water dives in Tayrona Park.
Does PADI certification expire?
It doesn't expire. If you go a long time without diving, a refresher with an instructor is recommended before getting back in the water.
Do I need experience to get certified?
No. The Open Water Diver course starts from scratch.
