Quick Facts

Duration: Half Day (7:15 AM to ~1:30 PM)
Location: Tayrona National Natural Park & Taganga waters
Activity: 2 Guided Boat Dives + 2 Interactive Conservation Workshops
Requirement: Certified Scuba Diver (Solid buoyancy control required)

Overview

Experience scuba diving that actively protects the Caribbean marine ecosystem! Join our expert team at Ocean Lovers for a specialized two-tank dive trip in Tayrona National Natural Park dedicated to controlling the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) population.

Why We Hunt Lionfish: Native to the Indo-Pacific, the red lionfish has become one of the most aggressive invasive species in the Caribbean. Because they have no natural predators in these waters and reproduce rapidly, they consume enormous quantities of native juvenile reef fish and crustaceans. This disrupts the entire food web and threatens the health of our local coral reefs.

Targeted culling by certified divers is currently one of the most effective ways to keep their numbers in check and protect the biodiversity of Taganga Bay and Tayrona National Park.

By participating, you directly support local marine conservation efforts in partnership with local environmental guidelines and Tayrona National Park protection initiatives.

Trip Itinerary & Schedule

7:15 AM – Morning Routine & Pre-Dive Workshop: Start your morning at our Taganga shop with our signature coffee and a comprehensive 30-minute interactive workshop. You will learn lionfish ecology, why we hunt them, identification and approach techniques, venom risk management, emergency first-aid protocols, and proper use of the Hawaiian sling and containment unit.
Boat Departure: Head out by boat from Taganga into the crystal-clear waters of Tayrona National Park.
The Hunt (2 Dives): Enjoy two guided conservation dives where you will locate, approach, and securely bag invasive lionfish using your one-way containment unit. (Reef preservation and safety always come first!)
~12:30 PM – Post-Dive Preparation Workshop: Back at the dive center, participate in a 30-minute hands-on workshop to learn how to safely handle your catch, remove venomous spines, and clean the fish so you can take it home or to a local kitchen for safe, delicious culinary consumption.
Can you eat it? Absolutely! Lionfish meat is white, flaky, delicate, and delicious (similar to snapper or grouper). After the workshop, you can take your cleaned fillets with you to cook at home, or ask a local restaurant in Taganga to prepare them for you!

Requirements

Certification Level: Must be a certified scuba diver (Open Water certification or higher).
Buoyancy Control: Solid buoyancy and environmental awareness are strictly required to ensure you never touch or damage the coral reef.
Recent Experience: If you haven’t dived recently or aren’t confident in your skills, contact us via WhatsApp to check if a quick refresher dive is recommended before joining.
Note: Lionfish are wild animals, so sightings and catches cannot be guaranteed.

What’s Included

• 2 guided boat dives in Tayrona National Natural Park
• Professional dive guide supervision and safety support
• Boat transportation from Taganga Tanks and weights
• The 7:15 AM Morning Coffee Ritual at our Taganga dive center
• Pre-Dive Briefing & Workshop: 30-minute session covering lionfish ecology, impact, identification, safety protocols, and hunting techniques
• Post-Dive Preparation Workshop: 30-minute hands-on training on spine removal and cleaning your catch for the plate

Equipment & Rental Note

Full Scuba Gear Included: This package includes full scuba equipment rental (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, and fins) alongside your tanks and weights.
Specialized Hunting Gear Included: The package provides a Hawaiian sling and a secure, one-way lionfish containment unit (designed with internal baffles to keep venomous spines safely locked away and prevent escapes).
Personal Gear: You are welcome to bring your own dive gear if you prefer.

Safety & Policies

Safety First: Lionfish have venomous spines, so strict adherence to your guide’s mandatory instructions is required. Never touch a caught lionfish directly underwater.
Standard Scuba Rules: Normal scuba safety, buddy awareness, air monitoring, and good buoyancy always take priority over hunting.
Flying After Diving: To prevent decompression sickness (DCS), standard Divers Alert Network (DAN) guidelines recommend waiting at least 18 hours after multiple dives (such as this two-tank trip) before ascending to altitude or boarding a commercial flight. Please plan your travel schedule accordingly!
Weather & Cancellations: Activities may be adjusted, rescheduled, or cancelled due to weather, sea conditions, or park restrictions. Standard cancellation policies apply.