Are you ready?
Let’s Plan Your
Caribbean Adventure.
Questions about diving, accommodation, courses or our Dive & Stay packages? The Ocean Lovers team is here to help you plan the perfect experience in Taganga, Colombia.
still got questions?
Contact us
Phone
+57 304 3263342
Address
Cl. 15 #1b-14, Taganga,
Santa Marta, Colombia
Hours
7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Clear your doubts
Frequently asked questions
Ocean Lovers is located in Taganga, very close to the beach, restaurants, cafés, and the boat departure point.
We are only a short walk from the sea, which makes it easy to arrive, prepare your equipment, and go directly to the boat.
You can get to Taganga from Santa Marta, which is the nearest city and has both an airport and a bus terminal you can get to from all major cities and towns nearby. From Santa Marta, you can take a taxi or local bus to Taganga.
The ride is usually short, depending on traffic and your starting point. If you are arriving from the airport or bus terminal, we recommend allowing extra time so you do not miss your activity.
We can help you organize transport from Santa Marta Airport to Ocean Lovers in Taganga.
Please contact us before arrival with your flight details, arrival time, and number of people, and we will let you know the available options.
Technically yes, depending on your arrival time, availability, and whether all required forms or eLearning have been completed. However, for morning dives and courses, we usually recommend arriving the day before so you can check in calmly and be ready on time.
Morning dive activities usually start early. Guests meet at Ocean Lovers around 7:15 to 7:30 AM for check-in, equipment preparation, and briefing. The boat normally leaves after preparation, and we usually return around midday.
Exact times can change depending on the activity, weather, and boat schedule.
Yes, afternoon dives are sometimes possible depending on demand, weather, instructor availability, and boat schedule.
Please send us a message and we will check availability for your preferred date.
What others say
Loved by divers
around the world
Kavya S
4 weeks ago
Stayed 3 days here for my Advanced Open Water and it's the best dive shop in Taganga/Santa Marta!! The staff is so so so friendly and helpful - I texted them with a million questions in the few days leading up to my trip and they answered immediately with so many details about courses, prices, hostel availability, surrounding areas, and more. They even helped me shape my itinerary for Colombia.
I'd be remiss not to mention how amazing, kind, and fun Laura is! She instantly made me feel comfortable and welcomed - she showed me the ropes and clearly has an amazing relationship with everyone who stays/works/visits.
Upon arrival, everyone is so welcoming and friendly - the staff and hostel are extremely flexible and relaxed, and everyone diving there became good friends instantly. They also organise events such as a sunset hike. The facilities are also kept super clean - spotless bathrooms and great air conditioning. The rooftop terraces with hammocks + beanbags are also really well kept.
For my AOW, Jorge was extremely knowledgeable and well-prepared. We completed it without any issues and learned so much. The dive shop is super flexible if you feel unwell and want to postpone a dive or two. I felt very safe during the dives and had the best time.
Overall could not have asked for a better experience - I was nervous solo traveling Colombia and doing my AOW alone, but it's been unforgettable.
I'd be remiss not to mention how amazing, kind, and fun Laura is! She instantly made me feel comfortable and welcomed - she showed me the ropes and clearly has an amazing relationship with everyone who stays/works/visits.
Upon arrival, everyone is so welcoming and friendly - the staff and hostel are extremely flexible and relaxed, and everyone diving there became good friends instantly. They also organise events such as a sunset hike. The facilities are also kept super clean - spotless bathrooms and great air conditioning. The rooftop terraces with hammocks + beanbags are also really well kept.
For my AOW, Jorge was extremely knowledgeable and well-prepared. We completed it without any issues and learned so much. The dive shop is super flexible if you feel unwell and want to postpone a dive or two. I felt very safe during the dives and had the best time.
Overall could not have asked for a better experience - I was nervous solo traveling Colombia and doing my AOW alone, but it's been unforgettable.
Siti M. Yaakub
4 weeks ago
Did two dives with Anna and she was lovely. Very attentive, thorough with safety and we were well taken care of. Also super enthusiastic about marine life and the environment, which is what you want in a dive instructor.
The rooms at this dive center are nice and spacious. There was a slight issue early on about cleanliness but they fixed it very quickly.
The rooms at this dive center are nice and spacious. There was a slight issue early on about cleanliness but they fixed it very quickly.
Louise Conway
1 month ago
Myself and my boyfriend stayed at ocean lovers hostel for the last three days and it was amazing! Hostel was 10/10, really clean, great facilities and good location.
In relation to the scuba diving, I did my open water diving course with Edgar and my boyfriend did six fun dives with Ana. I couldn’t have asked for a better place and instructor for doing my course. Edgar was so patient and explained everything very clearly making it both a good learning and very enjoyable experience!
My boyfriend Alasdair raved about his dives with Anna, she was really chill nice and easy to talk to and made it a great time for him. In regards to the diving, the areas were amazing, such beautiful coral and lots of different marine life was seen!
Would highly highly recommend Ocean lovers to anybody whether you’re starting out or just looking for a day of good diving!
In relation to the scuba diving, I did my open water diving course with Edgar and my boyfriend did six fun dives with Ana. I couldn’t have asked for a better place and instructor for doing my course. Edgar was so patient and explained everything very clearly making it both a good learning and very enjoyable experience!
My boyfriend Alasdair raved about his dives with Anna, she was really chill nice and easy to talk to and made it a great time for him. In regards to the diving, the areas were amazing, such beautiful coral and lots of different marine life was seen!
Would highly highly recommend Ocean lovers to anybody whether you’re starting out or just looking for a day of good diving!
Martina Skalecki
1 month ago
I recently completed my Rescue Diver course with Ocean Lovers in Taganga, with Anna as my instructor, and I honestly couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
I originally came to Taganga just planning to do a day of fun dives but I loved the experience so much that I ended up staying an extra three days to complete my Rescue Diver course!
After finishing my Open Water and Advanced certifications I always knew Rescue was something I wanted to do and I’m so glad I chose Ocean Lovers for this next step.
From start to finish, Anna was an incredible instructor.
She made me feel completely comfortable and confident throughout the entire course. Her explanations were thorough, clear and patient. I always felt prepared and competent to take on each exercise under her guidance.
The course was challenging in the best way and I feel like I’ve gained so much confidence and valuable skills as a diver.
I can’t thank Anna enough for making this such a positive and memorable experience!!!
I will definitely be back 100% and would recommend Ocean Lovers to anyone looking for an amazing dive school in Taganga!
I originally came to Taganga just planning to do a day of fun dives but I loved the experience so much that I ended up staying an extra three days to complete my Rescue Diver course!
After finishing my Open Water and Advanced certifications I always knew Rescue was something I wanted to do and I’m so glad I chose Ocean Lovers for this next step.
From start to finish, Anna was an incredible instructor.
She made me feel completely comfortable and confident throughout the entire course. Her explanations were thorough, clear and patient. I always felt prepared and competent to take on each exercise under her guidance.
The course was challenging in the best way and I feel like I’ve gained so much confidence and valuable skills as a diver.
I can’t thank Anna enough for making this such a positive and memorable experience!!!
I will definitely be back 100% and would recommend Ocean Lovers to anyone looking for an amazing dive school in Taganga!
M. A.
1 month ago
Really good diving school, Edgar was a great instructor for my refresher dives, and a great support! Thank you!
Matteo la mendola
2 months ago
Marit Vanderwegen
2 months ago
Diving was wonderful. Staff profesional and friendly. Snacks and drinks provided. I had a great experience!
Adam Mackenzie
2 months ago
I had never done scuba before so I booked my open water with Ocean Lovers. Edgar was a fantastic instructor and made everything very clear, easy and fun. The entire experience was great and I learnt loads. I booked a lionfish hunt day after qualifying for open water which was a really cool experience and very well organised.
The hostel is lovely with nice rooms, aircon, great social spaces and very friendly and helpful staff. There were lots of dive masters and qualified instructors which made it easy to ask any scuba questions I had. I think it's the best time I've had in Colombia so far across 3 weeks of travelling. Strongly recommend staying and diving here.
The hostel is lovely with nice rooms, aircon, great social spaces and very friendly and helpful staff. There were lots of dive masters and qualified instructors which made it easy to ask any scuba questions I had. I think it's the best time I've had in Colombia so far across 3 weeks of travelling. Strongly recommend staying and diving here.
Alex Merchant
2 months ago
Excellent dive shop. I did a refresher course here as it had been 15 years since my last dive. Felipe and Laura are great dive instructors. Extremely thorough, safe, and friendly. Just a 15 minute easy boat ride to wonderful dive sites in Tayrona. Saw beautiful coral and so many fish.
Christoph Berger
2 months ago
Very good diving school with phenomenal diving instructores. For first timers absolutely recommended. Patient lovely understanding. Feel-good atmosphere, solid preparation, coffee fruits juice, photos included- just enjoy the corals and sea life to the fullest!
Katie McCallum
3 months ago
My friend and I loved our stay here! It’s great just as a hostel but the dive school is also awesome! The staff are so lovely. I had Edgar as my dive instructor and he was so incredible. Any time I was stressed or overwhelmed he was so amazing at calming me down. I will cherish the experience I had here for a long time!
Thanks to everyone at Ocean Lovers 😀
Thanks to everyone at Ocean Lovers 😀
Amanda McAteer
3 months ago
Best booking yet! Edgar was truly the best dive instructor I have ever had, his attention to detail, safety, and instruction all while having the kindness, most patient and generous attitude was amazing. He felt like a friend but a friend I could trust with my life and he brought my diving skills up massively. I finally feel confident in my equalization, nitrox, as well as other dive skills. The place itself was super chill, calm, safe, welcoming, and right on the beach. The restaurant across the street is also the best with a local daily special that is a must have after ever morning dive. Would return and stay here both in the dorms or solo bed. Both are lively and WiFi worked pretty darn well esp for the area.
Ellie Binet
3 months ago
Fantastic dive centre, I got my PADI open water certification here and had the best time.
My instructor, Edgar, was incredible! He was so so professional and patient. I was also able to practice my Spanish and he gave me instructions in both Spanish and English, his English is so fluent and everything was really clear. I felt super supported and in safe hands, he is an excellent teacher!
The accommodation is also really nice, everyone is really friendly. There is such a nice atmosphere as everyone has coffee in the morning together before going out on dives.
Would 100% recommend!
My instructor, Edgar, was incredible! He was so so professional and patient. I was also able to practice my Spanish and he gave me instructions in both Spanish and English, his English is so fluent and everything was really clear. I felt super supported and in safe hands, he is an excellent teacher!
The accommodation is also really nice, everyone is really friendly. There is such a nice atmosphere as everyone has coffee in the morning together before going out on dives.
Would 100% recommend!
Anastasia Eleftheriou
3 months ago
What an incredible experience diving with Ocean Lovers! I originally went in to earn my PADI Open Water qualification, but ended up continuing on to complete my Advanced course-and even convinced my boyfriend, who was just doing fun dives, to join me.
Felipe was our instructor for the entire course, and he was phenomenal! Not only did he make every dive memorable, but he also made learning easy, fun, and completely stress-free. He has an amazing eye for spotting wildlife, explains everything clearly, and made us feel completely safe and confident in the water. Every dive with him was both educational and unforgettable.
The dives themselves were amazing-highlights included a night dive and a separate dive where we helped remove invasive lionfish from the reef. But this trip was about so much more than just diving-we had an absolute blast! The entire Ocean Lovers team made the experience unforgettable, and a huge shout-out to Lena for capturing stunning underwater photos of us. From booking to training to diving, everything was seamless, and we were spoiled with plenty of fresh fruit throughout the day.
I'll never forget this team or this experience-it was truly perfect.
Felipe was our instructor for the entire course, and he was phenomenal! Not only did he make every dive memorable, but he also made learning easy, fun, and completely stress-free. He has an amazing eye for spotting wildlife, explains everything clearly, and made us feel completely safe and confident in the water. Every dive with him was both educational and unforgettable.
The dives themselves were amazing-highlights included a night dive and a separate dive where we helped remove invasive lionfish from the reef. But this trip was about so much more than just diving-we had an absolute blast! The entire Ocean Lovers team made the experience unforgettable, and a huge shout-out to Lena for capturing stunning underwater photos of us. From booking to training to diving, everything was seamless, and we were spoiled with plenty of fresh fruit throughout the day.
I'll never forget this team or this experience-it was truly perfect.
Where you can find us
Located in the Heart of Taganga
Beautiful beaches
1-minute walk from Taganga beach
Tropical diving
Easy access to the best Caribbean dive sites
Dive & stay
Hostel and dive center in one for ultimate comfort
Convenience
Restaurants, grocery store and gym nearby
Close to the city
Only 15 minutes from Santa Marta
