Discover one of the Caribbean’s most biodiverse underwater worlds at Tayrona National Park, where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the sea. The park’s unique geography creates a rare mix of coral reefs, rocky formations, and seagrass beds that support an incredible variety of marine life. Nutrient-rich currents flowing along Colombia’s coast bring food that attracts vibrant reef fish, sea turtles, rays, and countless invertebrates. The surrounding protected jungle and coastline reduce pollution and create a healthier habitat for underwater biodiversity. The coastal city of Santa Rosa offers a welcoming atmosphere with lively streets, great food, and a perfect place to relax after a day of diving.
Project Focus: The purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers and Non-divers.
Accommodations: Accommodations are at the Hilton Garden Rose Hotel in Santa Marta. Rooming options include either 2 double beds or one king. The standard accommodation is the City View rooms, but upgrades can be arranged by request. The hotel is located 2 blocks away from the marina, where you will meet the boat. More details on rooming options and amenities are located here.
Diving: There will be five days of 2-tank morning dives in and around Tayrona National Park. Diving will be done with Oceano Scuba on their spacious 42ft boats out of the Santa Marta Marina. Also included are snacks in between dives and gear rental. Water temperature is expected to be in the low 80s.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
| Double Occupancy, Diver | Single Occupancy, Diver | |
| Standard Room | TBD* | TBD* |
*A few pieces are coming together for the complete pricing, but expect it to be between $1500-$2000 for the package.
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes seven nights of accommodation at the Hilton Garden Rose Hotel in Santa Marta, five days of two boat dives, breakfast daily, round-trip airport transfers, tanks, and weights.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $350 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials.
Additional Fees - Not Paid to REEF: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF. All flights and associated travel to and from Santa Marta, Colombia, rental equipment, and meals outside of breakfast. Gratuities are not included in the trip package and are at each individual's discretion.
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $500 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Colombia Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Get There: Participants should look to fly into Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR), arriving on Saturday, April 3, and departing on April 10. There are multiple options available connecting through Bogota, Colombia's capital.
Transfers: Round-trip ground transfers between the airport and the Hilton are included. Group transfers will be organized based on arrival times closer to departure.
Passports, Documentation, and Visas: Visitors must have a current passport, adequate funds to support themselves, and a return airline ticket. U.S. citizens require a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival. Please consult the appropriate consulate for specific travel regulations and to ensure that you have the correct documentation.
COVID-19 Considerations: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination, and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.