PADI COURSES IN TAGANGA, COLOMBIA
LEARN TO DIVE.
LIVE THE OCEAN.
Join Ocean Lovers, a PADI 5★ IDC Dive Resort & Hostel
in Taganga. Get certified, explore Tayrona reefs and become
part of our international dive community.
PADI 5 ★ IDC
Career development
Six Languages
EN, ES, DE, FR, NL & IT
Own boat
Daily diving
Conservation
Preservation & protection
Small groups
Max. 4 divers
Dive & Stay
All in one place
YOUR PADI DIVING JOURNEY
From beginner
all the way to professional
Open Water Diver
Get your certification, get access to gear and dive up to 18m anywhere in the world!
Advanced Open Water Diver
Build experience and explore different kinds of specialties during your adventure dives.
Specialty courses
Deepen your knowledge with our wide selection of specialty courses.
optional
Instructor
Share your passion and become a PADI Professional, teaching divers and helping them get certified.
Divemaster
Live the diving lifestyle and guide certified divers on their fun diving trips, or assist instructors with their courses.
Rescue diver
Learn to prevent problems and manage emergencies, becoming a more confident and reliable diver.
Open Water Diver
Get your certification, get access to gear and dive up to 18m anywhere in the world!
Advanced Open Water Diver
Build experience and explore different kinds of specialties during your adventure dives.
Specialty courses
Deepen your knowledge with our wide selection of specialty courses.
optional
Rescue diver
Learn to prevent problems and manage emergencies, becoming a more confident and reliable diver.
Divemaster
Live the diving lifestyle and guide certified divers on their fun diving trips, or assist instructors with their courses.
Instructor
Share your passion and become a PADI Professional, teaching divers and helping them get certified.
Featured PADI courses
Start your
diving adventure
$ 1.550.000
PADI Open Water Diver Course
Become a PADI Open Water Diver in Taganga in just three days. Learn essential dive skills, explore Tayrona’s reefs and earn worldwide scuba certification!
- For:
- Beginners
- Duration:
- 3 day course
- Level:
- No experience needed
$ 1.450.000
PADI Advanced Open Water Course
Expand your diving skills in Tayrona with five adventure dives, including Deep and Navigation, while discovering Taganga’s spectacular underwater world and reefs.
- For:
- Certified divers
- Duration:
- 2 to 3 days
- Level:
- Open Water Certified
Price range: $ 2.950.000 through $ 3.150.000
Open Water & Advanced Open Water Combo
Complete Open Water and Advanced in Taganga. Gain confidence, experience, and new diving skills while exploring Tayrona’s best dive sites in one full program.
- For:
- Certified divers
- Duration:
- 5 days
- Level:
- No experience required
Price range: $ 4.350.000 through $ 5.450.000
PADI Divemaster
Turn your passion into a dive career in Taganga. Build leadership skills, assist instructors, and learn to safely guide divers as a PADI Divemaster.
- For:
- Aspiring Dive Pro's
- Duration:
- 3-4 weeks
- Level:
- Rescue Diver Certified / 40 dives
Price range: $ 570.000 through $ 1.145.000
PADI Enriched Air Diver Specialty Course (Nitrox)
Learn to dive with Nitrox for longer bottom times, shorter surface intervals, and more time exploring Tayrona’s spectacular underwater world safely.
- For:
- Certified divers
- Duration:
- 1 day
- Level:
- Open Water Certified
Price range: $ 1.850.000 through $ 2.120.000
Rescue Diver & Emergency First Response Combo
Complete EFR and Rescue Diver in Taganga and Tayrona’s reefs to become a confident, prepared diver with life-saving, emergency, and rescue skills for real situations.
- For:
- Certified divers
- Duration:
- 2-3 days
- Level:
- Advanced Open Water
Price range: $ 375.000 through $ 465.000
Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course
Discover how Tayrona’s coral reefs function, the challenges they face, and how we all can actively help protect these ecosystems for future generations!
- For:
- Everyone
- Duration:
- half day
- Level:
- No experience required
Price range: $ 630.000 through $ 720.000
Dive Against Debris Specialty Course
Learn to remove, record, and report marine debris in Taganga while making every dive contribute to global ocean conservation through Project AWARE actions!
- For:
- Certified divers
- Duration:
- 1 day
- Level:
- Open Water Certified
Price range: $ 1.095.000 through $ 1.185.000
Deep Diver Specialty Course
Safely explore deeper Tayrona dive sites while learning advanced planning, equipment, and procedures to confidently extend your underwater adventures safely.
- For:
- Certified divers
- Duration:
- 2 days
- Level:
- Advanced Open Water Certified
Price range: $ 780.000 through $ 870.000
Digital Underwater Photography Specialty Course
Learn underwater photography in Tayrona to capture stunning marine life and dive memories while improving composition, lighting and camera skills underwater.
- For:
- Certified divers
- Duration:
- 1 day
- Level:
- Open Water Certified
Price range: $ 735.000 through $ 825.000
Drift Diver Specialty Course
Experience drift diving in Tayrona while learning safe techniques to glide effortlessly along beautiful reefs with confidence and excellent dive control.
- For:
- Certified divers
- Duration:
- 2 days
- Level:
- Open Water Certified
Price range: $ 570.000 through $ 1.145.000
PADI Enriched Air Diver Specialty Course (Nitrox)
Learn to dive with Nitrox for longer bottom times, shorter surface intervals, and more time exploring Tayrona’s spectacular underwater world safely.
- For:
- Certified divers
- Duration:
- 1 day
- Level:
- Open Water Certified
PADI specialty courses
Ready to dive in deeper?
Already got certified, but you want to dive in even deeper? There are a lot of different specialty courses to choose from which allow you to explore new perspectives underwater, or use different equipment to expand your options when looking for spots to dive.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you want to try diving for one day, choose If you want to try diving for one day, choose Discover Scuba Diving.
If you want a full international certification that allows you to dive around the world, choose the PADI Open Water Diver course.
If you are not sure which option is best for you, contact us and we will help you choose the right experience.
The PADI Open Water Diver course usually takes 3 days. The course includes PADI eLearning, digital course materials, professional instructor training, confined-water or shallow-water practice, 4 open water training dives, full scuba equipment during the course, and your PADI certification after successful completion.
Some Dive & Stay packages may also include hostel nights or accommodation discounts.
Please check your selected package before booking.
The exact schedule can depend on your eLearning progress, weather, and instructor availability.
We strongly recommend starting your PADI eLearning before arrival and ideally completing at least part of it before your first course day. This allows you to focus more on the water sessions, practical skills, and diving, and gives you more time to enjoy Taganga.
Most PADI course theory is completed through PADI eLearning before or during your course. This allows you to study at your own pace and spend more time in the water once you arrive in Taganga. Your instructor will always review important points with you and answer your questions during the course.
Yes. Many travelers continue directly from Open Water to Advanced Open Water.
The Advanced Open Water course helps you gain more experience, improve your confidence, dive deeper, practice navigation, improve buoyancy, and explore different types of adventure dives. It is a great way to become more relaxed and capable, even if you are just a casual diver.
Technical diving courses depend on instructor availability, conditions, and current training schedule. If you are interested in Tec diving or advanced-level training, please contact us directly with your certification level, number of dives, and goals so we can confirm what is available.
Some courses or packages may include dorm nights or accommodation discounts. Please check the specific package details when booking or contact us directly so we can offer the best Dive & Stay option for your dates.
Not sure which
course is right for you?
Chat with our team and we’ll help you choose the best option for your goals and experience
Emergency oxygen
Oxygen always on board and on site in case of emergency
Decompression chambers nearby
Hyperbaric chambers in Santa Marta are reachable in around 20 minutes
Full safety equipment
Life jackets, first aid kits and complete safety gear
Marine communication
Reliable communication system to contact coast guard & emergency services
Emergency trained team
Our team is trained in first response and rescue procedures
Your Safety is our Priority
About our
Safety standards at sea
Besides maintaining a high quality standard for all the equipment used for diving, our diving boat is fully equipped with professional emergency and safety equipment, allowing our team to operate efficiently and safely in all conditions.
Featured Dive & Stay packages
Save more by staying with us
Make the most of your time in Taganga. Combine your PADI course with accommodation at our dive hostel and enjoy the full Ocean Lovers experience.
How it works:
- Choose your course
- Select your accommodation
- Receive your PADI eLearning
Open Water & Stay Package
Take the first step on your PADI diving journey with the Open Water course.
- For: Beginners
- Duration: 3 days
- Stay: 3 nights included
Advanced Open Water & Stay Package
Dive in deeper with our Advanced Open Water course!
- For: Certified divers
- Duration: 2 days
- Stay: 2 nights included
Fun dive & Stay Package
Explore the tropical Caribbean reefs with us on a fun dive.
- For: Certified divers
- Duration: 1 day, 2 dives
- Stay: Discounted rates
Why Ocean Lovers?
MORE THAN A DIVE SHOP
At Ocean Lovers Taganga, your PADI course is not just about getting certified. It’s about learning properly, feeling safe, diving beautiful Caribbean reefs and becoming part of an international community.
- PADI 5★ IDC Dive Resort
Dive and learn with a professional PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Resort, offering courses and experiences from first-time diving to professional training. - Award-Winning Elite Instructors
Our highly experienced PADI Elite Instructors are regularly recognized by PADI for excellence in training, safety and student success. - Small Groups & Personal Care
We keep our groups small so you get more attention, better support and a safer, more relaxed diving experience.
- Our Own Dive Boat
With our own boat, we offer smooth daily dive trips, flexible logistics and comfortable access to the best dive sites around Taganga and Tayrona. - Six Languages Spoken
Our international team speaks English, Spanish, German, French, Italian and Dutch, making your dive experience clear, easy and personal. - Dive & Stay Experience
Stay, dive and connect in one place, just steps from the beach, with hostel rooms, apartments, rooftop views and ocean-loving travelers.
Best Price guarantee
Great promos & discout
Flexible Payment
Book now, pay later
Instant confirmation
Secure your spot today
Free cancellation
Up to 48h before
What others say
Loved by divers
around the world
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Thanks to everyone at Ocean Lovers 😀
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!
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'll dive
Dive sites in
Taganga & Tayrona
Your course combines theory, confined water practice and open water training dives in the beautiful Caribbean waters around Taganga and Tayrona. Expect tropical reefs, coral formations, schooling fish and relaxed boat trips with our Ocean Lovers team, and beautiful dive sites for all levels.
Salidero
Good variety, nice reef fish activity, sometimes stronger current
- Bottom: Rocky reef
- Depth: 3 to 25m
Punta aguja
More dramatic topography, good for drift-style dives and advanced divers
- Bottom: Sloping reef wall
- Depth: 8 to 40m+
Morito largo
Bigger structure, more adventurous profile, good for experienced divers
- Bottom: Long rocky reef
- Depth: 8 to 40m+
El Coro
Colorful, calm reef dive; good for photography and relaxed fun dives
- Bottom: Coral garden
- Depth: 6 to 25m
El Torín
Weather dependent site with good visibility; beautiful coral development
- Bottom: Developed corals
- Depth: 4 to 25m
Calichan
One of the most versatile sites; good for beginners and experienced divers
- Bottom: Rocks with corals
- Depth: 4 to 40m
coming soon
