Diving Planet

Diving Planet is a PADI 5 Star dive centre based in the walled city, with its office on the second floor of a building on the Plaza de San Diego. It runs trips to the Rosario Islands, which lie within the Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Natural Park, about an hour by boat from Cartagena, and its days on the water include a surface interval and lunch on the islands.

The range of trips covers most levels. Certified divers can join scuba trips, beginners can try a Discover Scuba Diving session, and non-divers can join snorkelling tours. The centre also lists night dives and what it calls panoramic dives. Courses run from basic to advanced PADI certifications, and PADI's listing adds freediving, conservation, and first aid and CPR courses, with four PADI instructors on staff. Teaching is offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

One of the most distinctive parts of its work is the Dive to Heal programme, which includes adaptive diving for people with disabilities, coral restoration and mindful diving. PADI's listing notes accessible trips and boat diving, staff trained in adaptive support, and personalised training. Colombia's tourism board also promotes mindful diving in Cartagena as an experience in its own right.

Facilities include an air-conditioned classroom, free Wi-Fi, a dive boat, Nitrox and equipment sales and rental for both scuba and freediving, including cylinders and gear in children's sizes. For guests who are already staying on one of the islands, the company offers a pick-up and return service, with prices listed separately on its website.

Diving Planet suits first-time divers who want a supervised introduction, certified divers looking for reef dives close to the city, families with older children, and travellers with disabilities looking for an adaptive programme. Reviews on its own website mention departures from Bocagrande, but meeting points and times vary, so confirm them when you book.

To book or ask questions, contact the centre on +57 320 230 1515 or by email at [email protected]. The office is on the Plaza de San Diego in the walled city, a short walk from La Cevichería and Juan del Mar. If you have dived before, bring your certification details, and ask about equipment rental when you book, as the centre rents both scuba and freediving gear.