Taganga

Taganga is best as a day trip or as a base for a dive course. The dive community makes it social and fairly comfortable for women on their own during the day. Poor street lighting and higher crime limit what you can do independently in the evening. If you aren't diving, visit for the day and go back to the historic center at night.

Taganga is a former fishing village on a horseshoe bay, 4km north of the historic center as the crow flies and 7km by road. Some fishing still goes on, but tourism, and diving in particular, now drives the town. PADI courses here are among the cheapest in South America. The beach isn't especially clean or attractive compared to others nearby, but the bay is calm and the diving is good. The atmosphere is rough-edged and backpacker-oriented, with hammocks, cheap seafood, reggae bars, and a group of long-stay divers and travelers. If you sign up for a multi-day dive course, you'll be part of a social international group and should feel at ease. As a casual visitor, it works as a half-day or day trip. Don't walk alone at night. The paths between the beachfront and the accommodations higher up are unlit, and muggings have been reported, so go in a group after sunset.