This calm Caribbean fishing town 3km from Santa Marta draws visitors with its PADI dive centers, fresh seafood restaurants, and daily boat trips to white-sand beaches.
Taganga sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast just 3 kilometers north of Santa Marta. In this small coastal town, you can learn to dive for PADI certification, eat fresh red snapper at waterfront restaurants, and take boat trips to secluded beaches. The main beach buzzes with activity as fishermen bring in their daily catch, while travelers gather each evening to watch the sun sink into the Caribbean Sea.
Getting to Taganga
From Santa Marta, take a 15-minute bus ride from the downtown market for 1,800 COP. Taxis cost around 12,000 COP from Santa Marta's center and 45,000 COP from the airport. If you're coming from Cartagena, first take a bus to Santa Marta (30,000 COP) or book a direct shuttle to Taganga (58,000 COP).
Diving and Certification
The waters around Taganga maintain 25-meter visibility year-round, with water temperatures between 24-28°C. At Isla Aguja, you'll find coral reefs, sea turtles, and over 129 species of fish. A PADI certification costs between 750,000-1,000,000 COP. For experienced divers, two-tank dives cost 150,000-250,000 COP.
Beaches and Swimming
Local fishing boats come and go throughout the day at Taganga's main beach. For swimming, walk 15 minutes north to Playa Grande, where you'll find white sand and calmer waters. A boat ride there costs 15,000 COP round trip. The beach has several restaurants serving fresh fish and coconut rice, plus chairs for rent.
Local Food Scene
Fishermen sell their daily catch directly to the waterfront restaurants each morning. The local specialty is red snapper (pargo rojo), served whole with coconut rice and plantains. For breakfast, head to the main street where cafes like Cafe Bonsai open early for diving trips, serving Colombian coffee and fresh fruit smoothies.
Where to Stay
Hostel Nirvana and La Casa de Felipe have dorm beds from 29,000 COP, with shared kitchens and social areas. Hotel Bahia Taganga charges around 70,000 COP per night for private rooms with sea views and includes breakfast.
Safety Considerations
Take normal precautions when visiting Taganga. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas away from the main beach. Keep valuables in your hotel safe and use ATMs during daylight hours. The main beach and restaurant area stay active until late evening and have regular police presence.
Day Trips
From Taganga's beach, catch a one-hour boat ride to Cabo San Juan in Tayrona National Park, 18km away. The park has hiking trails through coastal forest and beaches backed by the Sierra Nevada mountains. You can also visit Minca, a mountain village 30 minutes away at 600 meters elevation, where you'll find coffee farms and waterfalls.
