That first sail out of Santa Marta sets the tone fast. This is a private sailing trip into Tayrona National Natural Park, built around your pace, with stops that focus on water time, not checklists. I especially like the mix of a smooth day on the boat and the real chance to get into the sea with provided gear, not just look at it.

You’ll spend hours around the water, starting with arrival near Bahia Concha and then doing snorkeling, paddle boarding, sunbathing, and even jumping from the boat. The other big win is how personal the day feels, with hosts who aim to take you to quieter areas and keep the mood relaxed for families or small groups.

One thing to plan for: access and routes depend on weather, and the captain may swap the bay if conditions change. If you’re traveling during Tayrona closure dates, you’ll use an alternate beach plan instead of the park.

What Makes This Tayrona Sailing Day Work

Private boat time is the difference-maker here. You’re not squeezed into a crowd, and you get a calmer rhythm for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing. The second thing I like is the practical set-up onboard: a big rear bathing platform for easy entry to the water, plus snorkeling equipment included so you can go right from the deck.

There is a small trade-off. Drinks beyond the included snacks and drink are available to buy onboard, so if your group expects to drink all day, budget a bit extra. Also, the day runs on a schedule, with return starting at 15:30, so it’s not a choose-your-own-adventure all the way into evening.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private group up to 12: you steer the vibe, not a fixed itinerary for strangers
• Bahia Concha timing: you get on-the-water time after arrival around 12:00
• Snorkeling gear included plus time to paddle board and swim from the boat
• Snacks and one drink each are included, with extra drinks available for purchase
• Hosts aim for quieter spots, and the boat is kept clean and well cared for

From Santa Marta to Tayrona: The Morning Setup That Matters

This starts in Santa Marta at 10:30am from ALQUILER DE YATES SANTA MARTA, Cra. 1 #22 -93, Comuna 2. The meeting point is close to public transportation, which helps if you’re not staying right by the marina.

Why I like the start time: 10:30am gives you time to get settled without feeling like you’re racing the clock all morning. You’ll then sail toward Tayrona, with arrival in the bay around 12:00. That timing is key because it lines up with a full chunk of daylight for swimming and snorkeling, and it avoids the awkward in-between window where you’re only waiting on the sea.

This trip is private, so only your group goes. With groups up to 12, it’s large enough for friends and family, but small enough to stay flexible once you’re out there. Most travelers can participate, so you don’t need to be a sailor to enjoy the day.

If you want the day to feel easy, plan to arrive a little early and show up ready for water time. The trip quickly turns into sea time once you reach the bay.

Arrival Around 12:00 in Bahia Concha, Then Water Time

Around 12:00, you’ll reach Bahia Concha and the pace shifts. This is the “do what you want” window, and that freedom is the whole point of a private day.

Once you’re in the bay, you’ll be able to enjoy the place right away:

• swim and relax in the water
• jump off the sailboat if you feel like it
• take sun on deck
• snorkel using the equipment provided
• try paddle boarding (available onboard)

This is also where the onboard design helps. The boat has a large bathing platform at the back, so getting in and out of the water is straightforward. That matters in Tayrona, because you’ll want to go in and out without turning the day into a chore.

And yes, you’ll get a sense that this bay is special for a reason. The views from the boat feel dramatic in a way that photos can’t fully capture. You’re not just on a beach, you’re floating near the coast with the park around you.

Snorkeling and Paddle Boarding: Gear Included, Choices Yours

This is one of the trip’s strongest selling points because it gives you real time in the water. You’re provided with snorkeling equipment, so you can skip the hassle of renting or hunting for gear last minute.

In practice, this means you can do it your way:

• snorkel when conditions feel right
• hop in for a quick swim if you don’t want to do the full loop
• paddle board for a slower, steadier way to enjoy the bay

The paddle and snorkel mix is a great combo for groups with different moods. Someone who wants to snorkel can do it. Someone who prefers to relax can float or sunbathe. It’s not all one activity. That’s why private time works so well here.

A small but important detail: the boat platform at the rear makes water access simpler than stepping down from a narrow ladder. It’s the kind of thing you don’t notice until you’re actually in sandals and trying to move fast. Here, you can get going quickly and spend more time in the sea.

Onboard Food and Drinks: What’s Included and What You Can Buy

Food is handled simply and well. You’ll be served a fresh sandwich onboard during the day, with snacks and a drink included as part of the experience.

This setup is smart because you’re not waiting around for lunch on land. You’re already in the right place, in the right mood, and the boat keeps the day flowing.

You can also buy drinks onboard, including beer, wine, and rum. There are coolers available on the boat if you need them, which is handy for keeping items chilled. If your group has a specific vibe, like a few beers during the sail or a glass of wine with snacks, you can usually make it happen without planning extra stops.

What to take seriously: bring sunscreen and water-friendly swimwear. You’re on the sea and in the sun, and Tayrona does not do “light exposure” for most people. If you burn easily, plan to protect yourself early.

Sailing Back Calm and Quiet Around 15:30

The return starts at 15:30, and this is the part of the day I’d call the reset. The schedule keeps it comfortable: you get a long afternoon on the water, then you head back with sailing time.

The return is described as calm and pleasant, which makes sense. By then, you’ve already done the active stuff, and your group can relax while the coastline drifts by.

Also, sailing back matters because it wraps the day in a different feel than just motorboat transport. Even if you don’t care about sailing mechanics, you’ll notice the difference in how the boat moves and how the day feels less rushed.

Then you end back at the meeting point in Santa Marta. You’re not scrambling to find a ride or reorient yourself. You finish where you started.

Dolphins, Fishing, and the Nature Odds You Can’t Control

Part of the fun here is that nature is allowed to be nature. During sailing, there’s a chance you might see dolphins. There’s also mention of the possibility of fishing, depending on conditions.

To be realistic: this is not a guarantee. But it’s still exciting because the boat is out there long enough for wildlife sightings to be possible. When you’re already in the bay and the sea is calm enough for snorkeling, any surprise like dolphins is a bonus, not a promise.

If dolphins show up, the day becomes a story you’ll replay. If they don’t, you still get what you paid for: real water time, snorkeling, and a private boat day that doesn’t feel like a squeeze-through schedule.

Hosts and Vibe: Why People Rate This So High

The big reason this trip lands at 4.9 out of 5 is not just the water. It’s how the day runs with the hosts.

The captain and first mate are known for being warm and attentive. Names you’ll want to remember: Thierry and Esther (also referenced as Amy-Esther). They also speak multiple languages, which helps if your group is mixed or you want to feel comfortable quickly.

From what I’d look for, their style fits people who want a personal day without stress. They also try to take you to bays that are less busy, which is the right idea in a popular park. Less crowd equals more relaxed swimming and better peace on the water.

If you’re booking for a couple or for family, this matters. You get adult downtime for conversation and also kid-friendly sea time. The day stays flexible without feeling random.

Price and Value: When $790 Makes Sense for Your Group

The price is $790 per group, up to 12 people, for about 7 hours 30 minutes. That sounds pricey until you do the math in terms of private access.

If you fill the boat, you can think of it as a per-person cost that often feels more reasonable than a strictly individual tour. And you’re not just buying a seat. You’re buying a boat for your group, with snorkeling gear, snacks, a sandwich, a drink included, plus time in a park that many people only visit in crowded ways.

If your group is small, the price is still what it is, but the value comes from how you use the time. This kind of day is best if you genuinely want:

• hours in the sea
• a relaxed rhythm
• no waiting for others
• the freedom to swim, snorkel, paddle, or just sunbathe

So ask yourself this: if you were paying for a private boat day, would you actually use the privacy? If yes, the cost can feel fair. If you only want to “see the park quickly,” there might be cheaper ways to do it.

Tayrona Closures and Weather Swaps: What Happens If Plans Change

Two kinds of surprises can affect the day: weather and park access rules.

First, the captain can change the bay if weather doesn’t allow reaching the planned one. That’s normal for sea days. The important part is that the goal stays the same: you still get a sailing experience and water time.

Second, Tayrona access is suspended during:

• February 1 to February 15
• June 1 to June 15
• October 19 to November 2

If you travel in those windows, you won’t lose the trip. You’ll get an alternative destination such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga.

If you hate schedule uncertainty, plan for a bit of flexibility. If you go with the mindset of, I booked a sea day, not a single perfect beach, you’ll be fine.

Weather matters for the trip overall, so if conditions are poor, the experience may be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What to Bring for a Comfortable Day on Deck

You’re planning a full day on a boat near the water. Based on how the day runs, pack for sun and salt.

Bring:

• sunscreen and something to reapply
• a hat or cap if you burn fast
• swimwear and a quick-dry towel
• sunglasses with a strap if you’re sensitive to glare
• reef-safe mindset is nice, though not stated here, so at minimum be careful with your skin and products
• a small bag for your phone and valuables (kept dry)

If you’re going to snorkel, remember that you’ll be in the water more than once. So treat this like a swim day, not a quick dip.

And if your group likes sea photos, be ready before you’re fully in “relax mode.” Once you’re in the bay, you’ll want to spend time, not fuss with gear.

Should You Book This Tayrona Sailing Trip?

I’d book it if you want Tayrona to feel personal and unhurried. This trip is built for water time, with snorkeling gear included, an easy entry platform, and enough freedom to match different interests in one group. The standout strength is how the hosts run the day, with attention to making it special and aiming for quieter spots.

I’d think twice if you’re traveling during Tayrona closure windows and you only care about one specific bay. In that case, the alternate beach options help, but the experience won’t be the exact same as a park-access day.

For most people, the decision is simple: if you can afford a private boat and you want to spend hours actually in Tayrona waters, this is one of the better ways to do it from Santa Marta. It’s not just sailing, it’s a full day that feels like you rented time on the sea with friends who know the area.

FAQ

What time does the sailing trip start?

The trip starts at 10:30am in Santa Marta.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at ALQUILER DE YATES SANTA MARTA, Cra. 1 #22 -93, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.

How long is the trip?

It lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes, with return beginning around 15:30.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you also have time to swim and use other water options.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have a fresh sandwich onboard, plus complimentary snacks and a drink each. Other drinks such as beer, wine, and rum are available to buy onboard.

Can the planned bay change?

Yes. The captain can change the bay if weather conditions do not allow reaching the planned destination.

What happens if Tayrona access is suspended?

During closure periods (Feb 1 to Feb 15, June 1 to June 15, and Oct 19 to Nov 2), you’ll be offered an alternative destination such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga.