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PADI Discover Scuba Diving Price range: $ 340.000 through $ 425.000
Ocean Lovers Taganga place picture
4.9
Based on 801 reviews
Kareena jade profile picture
Kareena jade
8 hours ago
I stayed at Ocean Lovers to complete my Advanced Open Water Course. I had amazing private instruction with Felipe, who is very knowledgeable, patient, and filled with passion for diving which you can really feel as he guides you. He tailored the course specific to my needs and I had an incredible time. I feel so much more confident as a diver now. The facilities are so nice, there is free coffee 24/7, and all the staff and volunteers bring great energy. I would recommend coming here if you are interested in learning more about diving or to continue your education. Thank you so much Ocean Lovers 🐠🪸🫶
Joseph Hamilton profile picture
Joseph Hamilton
9 hours ago
Had four great dives with Ocean Lovers in Taganga! We saw eels and a turtle, and I really enjoyed diving with our divemaster, Lena. Thanks for a great experience!
Courtney Corrie profile picture
Courtney Corrie
3 days ago
I completed my open water PADI with Anna at Ocean Lover’s Taganga and my experience was incredible. Anna makes you feel so at ease and gradually builds your confidence day by day. She explains the course and its requirements so well and I can’t believe the progress I made in 3 days! The equipment at Ocean Lover’s is high quality and all the dive masters are super friendly and encouraging. The hostel has great facilities and the dive sites around Tayrona National Park are beautiful. I highly recommend this spot to anyone looking to do any kind of diving course or fun dives! Thank you so much Anna!! So excited to continue my journey! 🤿🪸🧜🏼‍♀️🐠
Isabel Bohan profile picture
Isabel Bohan
3 days ago
Thank you so much to Anna for all of her amazing instruction. She is such a clear, experienced and steadfast teacher which made me feel so safe and comfortable doing my Open Water. I feel so confident and independent in my diving after our three days of training. We had so much fun together, thank you Anna 💙🐠🐡🐙🦀🪸🪼🐚
Bas Siebelink profile picture
Bas Siebelink
3 days ago
Michelle de Leeuw profile picture
Michelle de Leeuw
3 days ago
Enjoyed a wonderful dive with Edgar!
Curt Banks profile picture
Curt Banks
4 days ago
Excellent place... 5 minute walk from the beach ⛱️ Very friendly staff. Clean and neat. Right next door to the Dive Shop!!
Marintonia Quintero profile picture
Marintonia Quintero
5 days ago
I really liked the dive site; they have both the course and the accommodation very well organized. I highly recommend it!
Daniel Angarita profile picture
Daniel Angarita
5 days ago
It was a good experience
Jorge Alejandro Iragorri profile picture
Jorge Alejandro Iragorri
5 days ago
Excellent team, all the instructions are clear for those who are learning. Highly recommend staying at the super comfortable and clean hotel.
Mees Drielsma profile picture
Mees Drielsma
1 week ago
I did the open water advanced course here with Anna. Really enjoyed it and very good instructors
juan fernando diaz profile picture
juan fernando diaz
1 week ago
I went to do my open water course and I really loved it. Edgar was very attentive and taught us how to dive properly and correctly.
Lina Echeverri profile picture
Lina Echeverri
1 week ago
I got my certification with Edgar! Excellent instructor, very careful, and a great guide!! 20/10 and the place is amazing. 100% recommended
Ofek Golan profile picture
Ofek Golan
1 week ago
Lena and Ora were great guides. The place is really professional and takes care of safety and also takes care of fruit and water on the tour and coffee on the way back. We did 4 dives with them and it was amazing
Rotem profile picture
Rotem
1 week ago
A team of good guides, most of whom are European and have a lot of experience. Lena and Ora are recommended guides.
Sebastian Caicedo profile picture
Sebastian Caicedo
1 week ago
I got certified with Ocean Lovers and stayed at their hostel. The experience was fantastic, the service was attentive, and the hostel has lovely facilities for resting, cooking, and relaxing. The certification process was wonderful; the instructors are great and very knowledgeable, making you feel safe and comfortable at all times. Being hosted and certified in the same place makes everything very convenient and practical.
Yuna Richard profile picture
Yuna Richard
1 week ago
Really great experience for my first dive ! Laura is an amazing dive master, really professional and attentive !
Alejandra Narváez Vallejo profile picture
Alejandra Narváez Vallejo
1 week ago
Excellent place, the shared rooms are very nice and comfortable, and the people are very friendly. The diving experience was sensational. Edgar and Wilson provided a fantastic overview of all the skills with both theoretical and practical lessons.
Antoine Meunier profile picture
Antoine Meunier
1 week ago
Thanks to Laura, our divemaster for the beginner dive ! It was incredible. We saw a lot of différent fish, she was attentive of us to make sure we were enjoying it. It was a pleasure really ! Thanks a lot to all the team ! We will come back
Iris Aixalà Sala profile picture
Iris Aixalà Sala
2 weeks ago
We went diving with the Oceans Lovers team and it was great, they were very attentive and friendly, the visibility was very good and there was a lot of marine life
Sophia Smith profile picture
Sophia Smith
2 weeks ago
Stayed a night and did a fun dive! Would recommend, such a fun morning coffee vibe and great snacks and fruit between dives. Dive sites were great.
Marie Blanc profile picture
Marie Blanc
2 weeks ago
Great diving school! Friendly welcome and well-organized :) I highly recommend it
Jadon Co profile picture
Jadon Co
2 weeks ago
This experience was amazing, I really liked diving here and was so happy to come to Colombia, Ocean Lovers. Lena was my instructor and I’m very thankful for her patience and instruction while diving. She spoke fluent English and Spanish, leading me well. We saw soooo many cool animals, including a squid, an octopus, some eels, and a turtle! Really recommend her as a diving buddy regardless of your level of experience. The diving shop was very clean, affordable and all the instructors were very friendly and helpful. I hope to come back again! Thanks so much yall.
Carolin Quinones profile picture
Carolin Quinones
2 weeks ago
The instructors were all amazing and patient. The experience was incredible and the views from all point of views was incredible. Definitely will return.
Manny Martinez profile picture
Manny Martinez
2 weeks ago
Maaike Jongmans profile picture
Maaike Jongmans
2 weeks ago
I really enjoyed my time at Ocean Lovers! The people at the hostel are very nice and helpful. I stayed here to get my PADI Open Water certification and I definitely recommend doing it here. Anna is a fantastic instructor who is very patient and explains everything calmly. Thanks for the fantastic dives!
nicolas tarnovsky profile picture
nicolas tarnovsky
2 weeks ago
We had two days of diving, and everything was excellent: the equipment, the location, the staff—everything was superb. Many thanks to Edgar and the entire team. Highly recommended spot in Taganga.
Cíara Corrigan profile picture
Cíara Corrigan
3 weeks ago
Amazing dive school. Jorge was an amazing instructor for our PADI advanced open water. He was really patient and great fun to dive with.
Mary Parada profile picture
Mary Parada
3 weeks ago
The hostel is very nice, the staff is very friendly, my diving instructor was Lena and she's the best, very professional. I highly recommend the place.
Anton Bauer profile picture
Anton Bauer
3 weeks ago
Great dive school! My training with Tobi and Edgar was excellent; I felt I was in very professional hands! The group was small, so everyone received excellent attention. I highly recommend getting your dives done at this dive school.
Halithan Cetin (HC) profile picture
Halithan Cetin (HC)
3 weeks ago
Nice diving school and hostel, thanks Anna!
Steven Kocken profile picture
Steven Kocken
3 weeks ago
Immaculate vibes, great coaching and a cute kitten! Definitely recommend :)
Raphaël L profile picture
Raphaël L
3 weeks ago
Very nice dive shop to stay in. Good people and instructors (special mention to Jorge).
Jon Johnson profile picture
Jon Johnson
3 weeks ago
We were here for fun dives. From check-in through the briefing to the entire dive and debriefing, everything was just as you’d hope: transparent, clearly communicated, professional, and with a very pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. We’d love to come back anytime.
Laura M. Solis profile picture
Laura M. Solis
4 weeks ago
I got my Open Waters certification and it was amazing from start to finish. I received great support from the moment I booked until I "graduated." Anna, my instructor, was very kind, patient, and dedicated; I feel like I wouldn't have made it without her support. The rooms are very clean, air-conditioned, and have access to a kitchen where you can cook if you prefer, or you're close to delicious restaurants. The only risk of staying at this hostel and getting certified is that you might fall in love with diving and your vacation will never be the same.
Theis Hansen profile picture
Theis Hansen
4 weeks ago
Edgar did an amazing job! Not only did he convince me not to give up during my first dive, he is also an incredibly skilled and confident, and calm instructor. Highly recommend! 🪸 You will be in safe hands!
Paul Ravoire profile picture
Paul Ravoire
4 weeks ago
We completed our Open Water Diver certification with our instructor Edgar. He was fantastic, very patient, and a great teacher. Everything was perfect! 👍
Frederik Andersen profile picture
Frederik Andersen
4 weeks ago
Took the Open Water diver course with Edgar as the instructor, which was amazing. He was patient and explained things really well, so all the instructions were very clear. Completely recommend this.
Steffen Dieken profile picture
Steffen Dieken
1 month ago
Great dives with my instructor Lena 👌🏻
Stian Skogen profile picture
Stian Skogen
1 month ago
Took my open diver here and it was amazing, great place to be and great people aswell
Elio Padilla profile picture
Elio Padilla
1 month ago
Pia Al profile picture
Pia Al
1 month ago
I got this place recommended myself and I was not disappointed! I did my open water diver and therefore my first dive(s) ever with Ocean Lovers Taganga. Everybody at the Hostel and at the diving school has been lovely, especially my diving instructor Edgar! He never got tired of explaining and showing me all the skills and everything that we saw underwater. I felt safe and comfortable at any time, so I would highly recommend this place!
Sara Wilde profile picture
Sara Wilde
1 month ago
I loved my time here. Lena was such a great dive master. She was so thorough with her pre dive briefing and safety checks, I felt very safe diving with her. We saw so many different types of fish, including an octopus, which we weren’t expecting. I wish I had known about the dorms earlier, I would love to stay here.
George Sloane profile picture
George Sloane
1 month ago
Me and my partner completed 2 recreational dives with Lena as a dive master. She was absolutely excellent, as we were relatively inexperienced we were slightly nervous heading into the dive. Lena had fantastic attention to detail and made us feel very safe and confident throughout all aspects of the dive from setting up the gear to the briefing to the time during the dive. She took time to explain each type of fish we seen as well as the coral and even brought us through logging the dive on the padi app. 10/10 would recommend.
Caoimhe Murphy profile picture
Caoimhe Murphy
1 month ago
We did a fun dive package with Ocean Lovers and could not recommend it more! It included two dives and our dive master Lena was incredible. As new divers we felt safe with her all the time while also having fun and enjoying the experience. Would definitely come back here again
Aldo Salgado profile picture
Aldo Salgado
1 month ago
Lena was very kind and careful during the dive.
Delphine Quevy profile picture
Delphine Quevy
1 month ago
I did two dives with Oceano Lovers, specifically with Léna and Laura. Booking was easy and they were very responsive, even the day before. They were attentive, and the group was small. I highly recommend this dive center.
Jozefien ibens profile picture
Jozefien ibens
1 month ago
It was a very good experience! The rooms were very clean and it’s a nice vibe. The dive as well, very friendly staff and everything is good arranged. Thanks to Lena and the other staff!
Scarlet Bolivar profile picture
Scarlet Bolivar
1 month ago
My experience was fantastic! My instructor, Edgar, was very friendly and professional. I felt very relaxed and learned easily. We had two dives: the first was to practice the theory, and the second was to enjoy being underwater. I highly recommend it! 🩷
Jowi Steenhoff profile picture
Jowi Steenhoff
1 month ago
Great experience diving with Lena! She’s super approachable and made us feel comfortable in the water right away.
Madelief Mons profile picture
Madelief Mons
1 month ago
Lovely dive school, right instructions and very clear
Linus Kübler profile picture
Linus Kübler
1 month ago
Very good and competent instructors in this dive center. Their english is very good so you don't necessarily need to know spanish. Special thanks to my dive instructors Ana and Edgar :)
Juan Campos profile picture
Juan Campos
1 month ago
An incredible experience with Ocean Lovers. I did several fun dives, including a night dive and a lionfish hunt, and everything was excellent. All the instructors were very professional, attentive, and conveyed a great passion for diving. A special thanks to Laura and Cheo for the amazing sunset we enjoyed, and to Lena for the photos and for capturing so many incredible moments of the experience. I would definitely dive with you again! 🌊🤿
Justus-h profile picture
Justus-h
1 month ago
Amazing place, both for diving and the hostal. I had the pleasure of doing my divemaster training here with Felipe, aswell as deep, nitrox and sidemount specialties. I stayed a total of 5 weeks, got to learn a lot and had a lot of beautiful dives. The equipment is good and well maintained, the instructors are nice and professional and the rest of the crew is also taking good care of everything from check in to check out. Can highly recommend.
Will B. profile picture
Will B.
1 month ago
Edgar was my instructor and as an american spoke amazing English and was great underwater as well! The place was clean, the people were great (fellow guests and staff), and Taganga is a great and safe place! Sunsets are also amazing here!
Reto Gerber profile picture
Reto Gerber
1 month ago
Awesome Scuba Diving Center. Amazing vibes and fun and professional Staff. Lena was a superb dive Guide. Highly recommended.
Felicitas Mussler profile picture
Felicitas Mussler
1 month ago
My time here at the hostel is amazing, the vibe is super relaxed and perfect for connecting with others. Lena gave me a really warm welcome at the dive shop and was also incredibly professional as a divemaster. The dive center in general is very professionally equipped; everything has its place and is impeccably maintained.
Kyle Davis profile picture
Kyle Davis
1 month ago
Great diving school! My instructor Edgar was the best 💪 loved it
Cristian Pacheco profile picture
Cristian Pacheco
1 month ago
Ocean Lovers has been the best diving experience I’ve ever had! I made some amazing friends, and the instructors, especially Jorge, are absolutely incredible. Everyone works together as one big team they truly feel like family. EVERYTHING was amazing! I came all the way from New Jersey, USA, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend Ocean Lovers to anyone looking for an unforgettable diving experience! THANKS
Juan David Zambrano Borja profile picture
Juan David Zambrano Borja
1 month ago
I really like the place, the people and the experience Diving, we even saw turtles, Jorge was an amazing instructor, and we learned a lot from him. The night was amazing we chilled a lot and enjoyed as much as we could
Menga Sartorius profile picture
Menga Sartorius
1 month ago
Juan Felipe Agudelo Patiño profile picture
Juan Felipe Agudelo Patiño
1 month ago
An exceptional place if you want to get started in the wonderful world of scuba diving. I took the Open Water course with Instructor Edgar Ávila, an excellent instructor and a great person. I highly recommend this place and its instructors.
Sven Jelinek profile picture
Sven Jelinek
2 months ago
Christine S profile picture
Christine S
2 months ago
Nicolai Mortensen profile picture
Nicolai Mortensen
2 months ago
Took my PADI open water certificate with Jorge. Amazing experience
Karla Kunert profile picture
Karla Kunert
2 months ago
Lena and Edgar took excellent care of me – I am incredibly grateful as I now need "full service" for diving, including getting dressed, carrying, etc. Many thanks to the whole station!
gabriel Kunert profile picture
gabriel Kunert
2 months ago
Had a wonderful time here. My younger brother and I did our advanced open water with Edgar who was amazing! Great communication above and below the water surface and very kind and patient with the two of us ❤️ the rooms where good too, we stayed in one of the apartments rooms wich was clean and spacious. Taganga is a charming village with bars, restaurants and friendly people
Roland Kunert profile picture
Roland Kunert
2 months ago
Ocean Lovers has the best combination of hostel and dive school in Taganga. We spent four days with Lena, Laura, Edgar, and Cheo and experienced a fantastic program, from Advanced Open Water Diver training with a night dive to fun dives and lionfish hunting. Thank you so much, we'll be back!
Lilyan Bolivar Ortega profile picture
Lilyan Bolivar Ortega
2 months ago
I loved this experience. The instructor, Jorge, was very kind and patient, and he made me feel comfortable in the water. Overall, the team makes you feel confident, and everyone is very friendly. There's a great energy here. I would go back a thousand times.
Kavya S profile picture
Kavya S
3 months 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.
Siti M. Yaakub profile picture
Siti M. Yaakub
3 months 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.
Louise Conway profile picture
Louise Conway
3 months 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!
Martina Skalecki profile picture
Martina Skalecki
3 months 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!
M. A. profile picture
M. A.
3 months ago
Really good diving school, Edgar was a great instructor for my refresher dives, and a great support! Thank you!
Morgane Amstad profile picture
Morgane Amstad
3 months ago
Matteo la mendola profile picture
Matteo la mendola
3 months ago
Marit Vanderwegen profile picture
Marit Vanderwegen
3 months ago
Diving was wonderful. Staff profesional and friendly. Snacks and drinks provided. I had a great experience!
Adam Mackenzie profile picture
Adam Mackenzie
4 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.
Alex Merchant profile picture
Alex Merchant
4 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 profile picture
Christoph Berger
4 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 profile picture
Katie McCallum
5 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 :D
Amanda McAteer profile picture
Amanda McAteer
5 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 profile picture
Ellie Binet
5 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!
Anastasia Eleftheriou profile picture
Anastasia Eleftheriou
5 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.
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PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)

Become a PADI Instructor in Taganga and inspire future divers worldwide. Build professional teaching skills while starting an exciting dive career abroad!

Note: PADI Instructor Examination and application fees are not included and are paid directly to PADI.

$ 9.000.000

Indicated price only applies to cash payments.

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VAT: Colombian residents +19% (not included in price). Foreign tourists are exempt. Cash discount available.

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Description
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OVERVIEW

PADI IDC AT A GLANCE

Duration 20, 25 or 55 days Certification PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (after successful IE)
Accommodation 15, 20 or 50 nights included, depending on package Minimum age 18 years
Prerequisite PADI Divemaster or qualifying leadership-level certification Required dives 60 logged dives to start; 100 before the Instructor Examination
Ideal for Divemasters ready to become professional PADI Instructors Training Pre-IDC preparation, IDC & Instructor Examination
Package options IDC, IDC + MSDT Prep, or IDC + MSDT Prep + Team Teaching Included extras EFR Instructor & Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Instructor training
Location Taganga & Tayrona National Park in Santa Marta, Colombia Free diving Up to 7 days of fun diving before the IDC
PADI fees Not included — paid separately to PADI
PADI Instructor Development Course in Taganga, Colombia

Become a PADI Instructor.
Build a Career Doing What You Love.

Turn your passion for scuba diving into a career with the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Ocean Lovers Taganga.

Becoming a dive instructor is about much more than passing an exam. It’s about learning how to teach, communicate, manage students and confidently turn your diving knowledge into unforgettable experiences for others.

At Ocean Lovers Taganga, you’ll complete your instructor training in a real PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Resort on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. You’ll train alongside experienced instructors, Divemasters and students while being immersed in the daily life of a working dive center.

Whether your goal is simply to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, add Specialty Instructor ratings, or gain real teaching experience before applying for your first job, you can choose the IDC pathway that fits your plans.

Professional Training Pathways

Choose Your IDC Package

IDC | 20 Days

Become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor

Our complete IDC package takes you from Divemaster to PADI Instructor through a structured combination of preparation, instructor development and examination.

Your program includes:

  • 3-day Pre-IDC preparation
  • 15-day PADI Instructor Development Course
  • 2-day PADI Instructor Examination*
  • PADI IDC eLearning and required IDC materials (full crewpack incl.
    PADI backpack)
  • Emergency First Response Instructor training incl. materials
  • Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Instructor training incl. materials
  • 15 nights accommodation in our shared on-site dorm
  • Up to 7 days of free fun diving before the IDC
  • Professional mentoring and exam preparation
  • Ocean Lovers IDC T-shirt and cap

*Mandatory PADI fees are not included in the course price. Current fees 2026: IE US$825, OWSI Application US$244, and EFR Instructor Application US$160 — US$1,229 total, paid separately to PADI.

During the IDC, you’ll develop the skills to teach PADI programs professionally through knowledge-development workshops, confined-water sessions, open-water teaching presentations, dive theory, PADI standards, skill demonstrations, problem solving and student management.

By the time you reach your PADI Instructor Examination (IE), you’ll have practiced each component with feedback and coaching from our instructor development team.

Pass the IE and complete the required PADI application process, and you’ll become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)—ready to begin your career teaching and certifying divers.

Best for: Divemasters who want a complete, supportive and immersive route to becoming a PADI Instructor.

IDC + MSDT Prep | 25 Days

Become a More Versatile—and More Employable—Dive Instructor

Want to start your instructor career with more to offer?

Our IDC + MSDT Prep package includes the complete 20-day IDC pathway plus additional training toward five PADI Specialty Instructor ratings.

Specialty Instructor training expands the range of courses you can teach and helps make you a more versatile candidate when applying for dive-center jobs around the world.

You’ll receive everything included in our standard IDC package, plus:

  • 5 additional days of professional training
  • Training toward 5 PADI Specialty Instructor ratings
  • Specialty-specific knowledge and teaching development
  • Practical specialty training dives where required
  • 5 additional nights accommodation in our shared dorm
  • Preparation toward becoming a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer

To receive the full PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating, you must hold at least five qualifying PADI Specialty Instructor ratings and have issued at least 25 PADI diver certifications.

This package gives you the specialty training first, so you can begin building those certifications as you start your instructor career.

Best for: Candidates who want to leave their IDC with a broader professional skill set and a stronger profile for dive-industry employment.

IDC + MSDT Prep + Team Teaching | 55 Days

Become an Instructor—and Gain the Experience to Feel Like One

Passing your Instructor Examination proves that you meet the PADI standard. Working with real students is where you develop the confidence and judgment of an experienced instructor.

Our most complete professional development package combines the IDC and MSDT Prep with approximately one additional month of mentored Team Teaching at Ocean Lovers.

After becoming an instructor, you’ll stay with our team and move from training scenarios into the real dive-center environment. Depending on our course schedule and bookings, you can observe, assist and progressively participate in actual PADI courses alongside experienced instructors.

Your Team Teaching experience can include:

  • Working with real diving students
  • Assisting and team-teaching PADI courses
  • Student communication and management
  • Course preparation and organization
  • Dive-trip and daily dive-center operations
  • Practical teaching feedback
  • Ongoing mentoring from experienced instructors
  • Building confidence before teaching independently

The Team Teaching period includes 30 nights accommodation in our shared dorm, so you remain fully immersed in the Ocean Lovers community while developing your professional experience.

It’s the bridge between being certified as a dive instructor and feeling confident working as one.

Best for: Candidates who want the most complete preparation possible before starting their first professional instructor position.

The Ocean Lovers Experience

Why Become a PADI Instructor with Ocean Lovers?

More Than an IDC

Our goal isn’t simply to get you through the Instructor Examination. We want you to leave Ocean Lovers prepared for the realities of working as a dive professional.

You’ll train in an active dive center where courses, fun dives, Divemaster training and daily operations happen around you. This gives your IDC a real-world environment from the beginning.

3-Day Pre-IDC Preparation

Before the official IDC begins, we include three preparation days to refresh important Divemaster-level knowledge and skills.

You’ll review areas such as dive physics, physiology, equipment, decompression theory, rescue skills and the Open Water skill circuit.

It gives you the opportunity to identify and strengthen any areas that need attention before the IDC begins.

Up to 7 Days of Free Fun Diving

Arrive early and enjoy up to one week of free fun diving with the Ocean Lovers team before your IDC.

Use the time to get comfortable in the water again, refresh your skills, meet the team and discover the dive sites around Taganga and Tayrona National Park before your professional training begins.

Learn, Dive & Stay in One Place

Ocean Lovers combines our PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Resort and accommodation in the same property, just steps from the beach in Taganga.

Your shared accommodation during the program is included according to your selected package, allowing you to live, train and dive alongside other professionals and travelers throughout your stay.

Private-room upgrades may also be available at a discounted rate.

Professional Development

Training That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Your IDC combines PADI eLearning with instructor-led workshops and practical teaching sessions.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Conduct PADI courses professionally
  • Deliver effective knowledge-development presentations
  • Demonstrate scuba skills clearly
  • Teach in confined and open water
  • Identify and correct student problems
  • Manage students and groups
  • Apply PADI standards and procedures
  • Handle real-world teaching situations
  • Develop the communication skills expected from a professional instructor

Most importantly, you’ll receive coaching and feedback throughout the process so you understand not only what to teach, but how to become a better teacher.

Before You Start

IDC Requirements

To begin your PADI Instructor Development Course in Colombia, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a PADI Divemaster or hold a qualifying leadership-level certification
  • Have been a certified diver for at least 6 months
  • Have at least 60 logged dives to begin the IDC
  • Have at least 100 logged dives before attending the Instructor
    Examination
  • Have completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care or qualifying CPR/First Aid training within the previous 24 months
  • Have a medical statement signed by a physician within the previous 12 months

Not quite at 100 dives yet? Contact us before booking and
we can help you plan your diving before the Instructor Examination.

Additional Costs

PADI Fees

Applicable
PADI Instructor Examination, professional application,
instructor-rating and other PADI fees

are separate unless specifically stated as included in your selected
package.

We’ll provide you with a clear breakdown of the applicable PADI fees
before your training so you know exactly what to expect.

Your Next Step

Start Your Dive Instructor Career in Colombia

Your IDC is one of the biggest steps in your diving career—so choose somewhere that gives you more than a certification.

At Ocean Lovers Taganga, you’ll prepare thoroughly, train in a supportive international environment, dive the Caribbean coast of Colombia and learn inside a working PADI Instructor Development Dive
Resort.

Choose the pathway that matches your goals:

IDC | 20 DaysBecome a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

IDC + MSDT Prep | 25 DaysBecome an instructor and train toward five Specialty Instructor ratings.

IDC + MSDT Prep + Team Teaching | 55 DaysBecome an instructor, expand your specialty qualifications and gain a month of mentored real-world teaching experience.

Come as a Divemaster. Leave ready for the next chapter of your diving career.

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