Although it’s a popular pitstop for party-hard backpackers along Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, Taganga has more to offer than beach bars and beers. Take an affordable diving certification course through one of Taganga’s many dive shops or experience the town’s picturesque views, affordable eats, and popular beaches during a bike tour, ideal if you’ve got limited time in the region. Alternatively, combine a stop on the Taganga coast with an excursion to nearby Minca. Most Taganga tour options also include a visit to Playa Grande.
Would-be scuba divers won’t want to miss Taganga, which is known as an affordable place to secure a diving certification.
Be sure to pack bug repellent and plenty of sunscreen for a visit to this hot and humid coastal town.
Take care at night in Taganga and never leave your belongings unattended on the beach—petty crime is a problem in the area.
Taganga’s streets are mostly unpaved and can be muddy depending on the season, so wheelchair users may find access difficult.
Sandwiched between Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park on Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, Taganga is just a 15-minute bus ride from the former—look for the blue buses marked "Taganga" which depart from Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) in downtown Santa Marta or opt for a taxi instead. Remember that Colombian taxis don’t operate meters, so you should agree to a price before getting into the vehicle.
Hot and humid Taganga is best visited in the dry but busy winter months, although the town is a year-round destination for scuba diving. Travelers looking for a quieter visit should stop by midweek, as Taganga is especially popular with both visitors and locals on the weekend.
If you’re itching to explore more of Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, colonial Cartagena—with its colorful street art and rich, complicated history—is a great place to start. From there, head north to Tayrona National Park, known for dramatic scenery and sun-bleached beaches, before tubing down the Palomino river in the Guajira region.
