A Day in Tangana Santa Marta
When I arrived in Santa Marta, I had never heard of Taganga. It was a German traveler I met at Tayrona Park who told me he had spent several days there.
Listening to him describe this sun-drenched fishing village where time seems to slow down, I was immediately eager to visit.
When I realized that it would take me less than an hour to get there from my accommodation in Santa Marta, I didn’t hesitate for a second.
If you enjoy the vibe of this small village, it’s also a great idea to spend several days there or even use it as your base. In any case, here’s what to do in 1 day in Taganga, Colombia!
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Taganga in a nutshell
Located 6 km from Santa Marta, Taganga is surrounded by mountains that enhance its beauty.
This fishing village is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals who want to slow down the pace for a few hours or days.
However, Taganga does not have a completely positive reputation. Its beach is often considered too small and sometimes too dirty to be the idyllic spot one might hope for.
In recent years, the town has also become a hotspot for many tourists seeking to party. Unfortunately, drug trafficking and prostitution are still prevalent.
Despite these darker aspects, I still recommend taking a detour to Taganga Colombia, to enjoy its laid-back way of life.
What to Do in Taganga?
Since the village is quite small, the list of activities is fairly limited. However, it’s more than enough to enjoy a day in Taganga!
1. Sunbathe on Taganga Beach
Here, there is no crystal-clear water inviting you to swim, but a small beach that’s often crowded on weekends, offering a truly stunning view.
It’s the perfect spot to sunbathe, though not in complete tranquility. Colombians love music, and on the beach, they always arrive with speakers ready to share their favorite tunes. It’s not the most peaceful place, but you’ll experience a 100% local vibe!
2. Swin at Playa Grande
If you love beautiful beaches, this is the place to go. From Taganga, a short hike will take you there. However, some people have reported thefts along the way.
You can also reach Playa Grande by taking a boat from Taganga. The ride lasts about 5 minutes. You can join this tour for pickup from Santa Marta.
This small bay welcomes you with its white sand and invites you to dive into its crystal-clear waters. However, on weekends, the beach gets crowded with locals and tourists, so for more tranquility, try to visit during the week.
Want to go to Playa Grande by bike? This tour will interest you!
ALSO READ: Things to Do in Santa Marta
3. Go diving
Taganga is known for its stunning underwater landscapes in its calm waters, making it the perfect opportunity for a diving trip. You’ll get to admire numerous fish and several types of coral.
There are many companies offering this activity. If you’d like to book a diving experience, click here.
4. Try snorkeling
If you’re not keen on diving, you can still enjoy the beauty of the underwater world by snorkeling.
Many companies offer equipment rentals. You can try spotting fish near the beach, but it’s recommended to book a spot on a boat to venture a little further out to sea.
5. Explore the town center
The center of Taganga is quite small, but lovely to explore at a leisurely pace. The best time to start your stroll is around 4 p.m., when the village streets begin to come alive.
Take the opportunity to explore its shops and enjoy a coffee at one of its many local cafés.
6. Taste fresh seafood and fish
It’s impossible to visit a fishing village without tasting the fruits of their labor.
Settle into one of the many local restaurants to enjoy a fish dish or some fresh seafood.
7. Watch the sunset
The sunset in Taganga is truly a magical moment.
Surrounded by locals, you watch as the sky transforms into hues of yellow, orange, pink, and purple, before plunging this dreamlike scene into complete darkness.
How to get to Taganga, Colombia?
Getting to Taganga from Santa Marta is extremely easy. You can take the bus, which is a very quick ride, lasting about 15 minutes. It’s also possible to get there by taxi from any starting point.
The bus from Santa Marta to Taganga passes through several locations in the city. You can catch the bus at the Mercado Público stop, for instance.
Where to stay in Taganga, Colombia?
The hotel options in Taganga are surprisingly diverse, especially considering the size of this small village. From backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, there’s something for everyone.
As for the different areas of the destination, no worries! You can stay anywhere since everything is within walking distance.
However, if you don’t want to hike up the small hill to get back to your accommodation, I recommend choosing a place close to the beach.
Here are 4 hotels where you can stay in Taganga, depending on your budget.
Sunset View ($): Simple yet comfortable, these accommodations feature private bathrooms. Some even have a terrace, while others offer a sea view. A perfect choice for couples!
Taganga Macabi Hostel ($): This guesthouse offers dormitory beds at very affordable prices. The garden, courtyard, and shared kitchen are great places to easily meet other travelers.
Vito Hotel Boutique Taganga ($$): Relax in rooms with mountain views. Comfortable and clean, this accommodation is perfect for a peaceful getaway for two!
San Sebastian House ($$$): This 5-room accommodation is perfect for families or groups of friends! Bright and well-decorated, the property also features a pool to cool off in the sun.
Is it safe to visit Taganga, Colombia?
I’ll be honest: I only spent one day in Taganga, so it’s difficult to draw a definite conclusion.
However, I did some research, and it seems that the town is generally safe during the day. Of course, like anywhere else in Colombia, avoid going out with valuables or walking around with your phone in hand.
Once the sun sets, avoid walking alone. And, of course, don’t do drugs and stay away from the main areas of prostitution.
How to travel responsibly in Taganga, Colombia?
Colombia faces several environmental challenges, like many countries around the world. Therefore, it’s important to take responsibility as tourists and adopt the right practices.
Here are a few ideas for traveling responsibly in Taganga:
- Take the bus instead of a taxi.
- Use eco-friendly sunscreen.
- Pick up your trash on the beach.
- Don’t feed the animals on the beach.
- Don’t get too close to the fish or touch the coral.
- Refuse plastic straws.
These are just a few examples. The list of eco-friendly practices is long!
With these 7 activities, you’ll have plenty to fill a great day in Taganga!
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