Imagine waking to the sound of the tide, rolling yourself out of your hammock for a fresh fruit breakfast, then taking your coffee and book to relax on the beach until you are called to dive the waters in Parque Tayrona. If this sounds ideal, a beach safari with CALIPSO Dive Center sounds like just the getaway for you.
Playa del Amor, where the safari dives are set, is a private beach accessible only by boat and has snorkeling just off the beach. You can also take a hike up to the lookout point for a bird’s eye view of the turquoise waters in the bay. The beach is shared only by one other resident who vacations in her lovely home while on holiday.
Looking to combine scuba diving and beach time in the lovely Tayrona National Park, the beach safari offers you 3 days and 2 nights in the Park. Accommodation in a hammock under a covered “campesito,” 7 dives including 1 night dive, dive gear, all your food and drinks including water, juice, and cookies, park entrance fees, and transport to and from the park. (450,000 pesos) It’s an all inclusive package for the scuba diving backpacker!
CALIPSO Dive Center is a NAUI affiliated operator that offers certification courses from scuba diver and advanced diver, up to dive instructor. The dive instructors speak English, and the courses are held at Playa del Amor in Tayrona National Park.
Please keep in mind that facilities are basic. You will sleep in a hammock on the beach and though there is no worry of mosquitoes because of the wind, you may want to bring warm clothes or a blanket. Three meals a day plus cookies and soda are provided, but if you are a big eater, you may want to bring along additional snacks. There is a toilet at the campesito and they do provide toilet paper, however supplies only come in once a day so it never hurts to have your own supply.
The dive center has friendly staff offering coffee upon arrival, they have a colorful painted map covering their wall, and best of all, they have FREE dorm beds for those using their services.
You can also do day trips, snorkeling trips, hiking trips, and more. Please check with CALIPSO for more details or check out their website
Taganga
by Santa Marta
www.calipsodivecenter.com
315 684 3075 (cel)
CALIPSO Dive Center can be found in Taganga located on Calle 12, which runs perpendicular to the beachfront road. They have bright red doors, just one block from the main road. You’ll see a sign on the right side of the main road if you’re walking with the beach on your left.
