Fun Classes for Expats Living in Santa Marta
Summary: Once you've arrived in Santa Marta, here are some classes to consider taking to help you meet people and get settled in to your new life abroad.
For expats and digital nomads in Santa Marta, finding engaging activities that cater to English-speaking residents can be a delightful way to immerse oneself in the local culture while also meeting new people. Whether you're interested in honing your culinary skills, learning the nuances of the Spanish language, or exploring your creative side through art, Santa Marta offers a variety of classes that can enrich your expat experience. These classes not only provide valuable learning opportunities but also serve as social hubs where you can connect with fellow expats and locals alike. Below is a curated list of classes that are perfect for English-speaking adults living in Santa Marta, even for those who are still mastering the local language.
Escuela de Cocina Caribe
Type of Class(es): Caribbean Cooking Workshops
Location: Calle 17 #3-75, Centro Historico, Santa Marta
At Escuela de Cocina Caribe, you can dive into the flavors of the Caribbean with cooking workshops that cater to both beginners and seasoned cooks. The classes are designed to be hands-on, allowing you to learn traditional cooking techniques and recipes. While the primary language may be Spanish, the visual and practical nature of cooking makes it an enjoyable experience for those still learning the language.
Centro Cultural Bahia
Type of Class(es): Spanish Language Courses, Art Workshops
Location: Carrera 2 #11-68, Santa Marta
Centro Cultural Bahia offers Spanish language courses tailored to different proficiency levels, making it an ideal place for expats to improve their language skills. Additionally, the center hosts art workshops where you can express your creativity through various mediums. These workshops provide a relaxed environment where language barriers are easily overcome through the universal language of art.
Vino Cultura Wine Bar
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting Events
Location: Calle 18 #3-75, Centro Historico, Santa Marta
Vino Cultura Wine Bar is not just a place to enjoy a glass of wine but also a venue for educational wine tasting events. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for oenophiles to learn about wine varieties, pairing, and tasting techniques. The events are often led by knowledgeable staff who can accommodate English speakers.
La Brisa Loca Academy
Type of Class(es): Salsa Dancing Classes
Location: Calle 14 #3-58, El Centro, Santa Marta
La Brisa Loca Academy is a vibrant spot where you can learn the passionate art of salsa dancing. The classes are suitable for all levels and are a fun way to immerse yourself in Colombian culture. Dance is a universal language, and instructors are accustomed to teaching students from all over the world, making it easy for English speakers to follow along.
El ArteSano
Type of Class(es): Craft and Jewelry Making Workshops
Location: Carrera 3 #16-36, Santa Marta
El ArteSano is a creative space where you can learn the intricate art of craft and jewelry making. The workshops are designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing you to create beautiful pieces while learning about local materials and techniques. The hands-on nature of these workshops makes them accessible to non-Spanish speakers.
Parque de Los Novios Language Exchange
Type of Class(es): Language Exchange Meetups
Location: Parque de Los Novios, Santa Marta
The Parque de Los Novios Language Exchange is an informal gathering where expats and locals come together to practice languages. It's a fantastic way to improve your Spanish in a relaxed, social setting while helping others with their English. These meetups are free and occur regularly, fostering a sense of community among participants.
Elemento Outdoor Adventure School
Type of Class(es): Outdoor Photography, Environmental Education
Location: Various locations in and around Santa Marta
Elemento Outdoor Adventure School combines education with the stunning natural beauty of Santa Marta. They offer outdoor photography classes that teach you how to capture the essence of the landscape, as well as environmental education programs that provide insights into local ecosystems. These classes are often conducted in English to cater to the expat community.
La Canoa Café Cultural
Type of Class(es): Literature and Writing Workshops
Location: Calle 19 #4-76, Centro Historico, Santa Marta
La Canoa Café Cultural is a cozy spot for book lovers and aspiring writers. They host literature and writing workshops that can be a haven for English-speaking expats looking to explore the world of words. The workshops are often bilingual, making them accessible to those with varying levels of Spanish proficiency.
Samaria School of Yoga
Type of Class(es): Yoga and Meditation Workshops
Location: Carrera 3 #16-29, Santa Marta
Samaria School of Yoga offers a tranquil environment where you can practice yoga and meditation. While not a fitness class, these workshops focus on mental and spiritual well-being. The instructors are experienced in guiding classes in English, ensuring that all participants can fully engage in the practice.
Proyecto Titi
Type of Class(es): Wildlife Conservation Workshops
Location: Various locations in and around Santa Marta
Proyecto Titi is dedicated to the conservation of the Cotton-top Tamarin and its habitat. They offer workshops on wildlife conservation that are both educational and inspiring. These workshops are often led by English-speaking experts, making them suitable for expats interested in environmental efforts.
Please note that while we strive to provide accurate information, it's always best to check with the individual establishments for the most up-to-date details on class offerings and schedules.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Public Transportation in Santa Marta
- Best Markets in Santa Marta
- Retire in Santa Marta Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Santa Marta
- Pros & Cons of Living in Santa Marta
- Driving in Santa Marta
- The Essential Guide to Santa Marta
- Health Care in Santa Marta
- Cost of Living in Santa Marta
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Colombia
- Best Places to Live in Colombia
- Real Estate in Colombia
- 22 Expats Talk about What It's Like Moving to Colombia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Colombia