Colombia Caribbean Reef
When: April 2024
Where: Fly into Cartagena for a day of sight seeing before we depart to the Rosario Islands for two full days of diving, followed by 3 days in Santa Marta diving the glorious Taganga Park and neighboring reefs.
What you can expect to see on the dives: Caribbean reefs teeming with life! Coral is abundant with healthy boulder corals, elkhorn fields as far as the eye can see, and vibrant fish darting by. Eels are common sights, and sea turtles can be seen seasonally.
Price:$3,800. Group size will be a minimum of 4 and maximum 8.
What is Included: Lodging, most meals starting with lunch on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 9, five days of diving, local and US dive guides and instructors, dive tanks and weights, other dive gear as needed, airport pick up and drop off, and all ground transportation during the tour.
What is not included: Flights to and from Colombia, entrance visa, alcoholic beverages, beverages between meals while in cities, 2-3 meals, personal travel insurance (recommended), dive accident and extraction insurance (required), laundry service, tips for local staff, and any unscheduled activities.
Level of Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate. Typical visibility exceeds 40ft, often up to 100ft or more. Many dives are 60 – 80ft, though shallower sites can be selected based on group ability. The Rosario Islands experience strong currents in the spring, and boat rides in Santa Marta can be choppy on small boats. Divers may choose to participate in a skills refresher on dive day 1 and Advanced Open Water certification is available during the trip as well.
Food: We will eat at a variety of restaurants in cities and on the beaches including traditional Colombian food and lots of incredible seafood. Most food is included in the trip cost, but expect to purchase 2-3 meals on your own.
Lodging: We will stay in a variety of hotels and ecolodges, all of which have air conditioning or hot water. All rooms are double occupancy.
Visa: U.S. citizens to not need a visa in advance. You will need to fill out the free immigration form at https://www.colombia-checkmig.com/ prior to departure.
Vaccinations: For a list of recommended vaccinations visit your travel doctor or the CDC website at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Colombia no longer requires COVID vaccination or testing for entry.
Insurance: All trip participants are required to show proof of DAN Dive Accident Insurance and personal travel insurance that includes home country evacuation.
Day 1: Arrive in Cartagena and explore the city
Day 2-3: Dive Rosario Islands
Day 4: Travel to Santa Marta
Days 5-7: Dive in Santa Marta and Taganga Park
Day 8: Return to Cartagena
Day 9: Travel home, or stay longer to enjoy all Colombia has to offer