Karaya Dive Resort

Set in the heart of El Rodadero in Santa Marta, on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Karaya Dive Resort is a PADI Resort that forms part of the eco-focused Hotel Karaya. It's a place built around conservation and local culture, where indigenous interpreters from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and marine biologists help you explore the reefs.

Courses and diving

With one PADI Instructor on hand, the centre runs the PADI Open Water Diver course (from USD 495, around 4 days) and the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course (from USD 495, around 3 days). Training is supported by the region's only 5-metre-deep pool, an onsite classroom and a dive boat.

Divers reach local sites including Morro de Gaira, Inca Inca, Calderón and the El Nataly wreck, with easy access to Parque Tayrona. Onsite accommodation, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and equipment rental round out the facilities, and the team works in both English and Spanish — a natural fit for new and progressing divers alike.