Santa Marta: Sailing Tour to Tayrona Park with Luis’ Team

The main appeal here is simple: you reach Tayrona Park by sailboat, not by road or a long footpath. The route passes Taganga Bay, Granate Bay, and Aguja Island before the boat anchors near Bahia Concha, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, walk the beach, or stretch out on deck.

I like the all-in pricing, which covers park and marina fees, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, equipment, and insurance. I also like the chance to help sail the boat on the return trip, weather permitting. The main caution is value: if you expect a fully guided park tour or several quiet coves, this may feel more like transport to one beach with time on the water.

Key points to know before booking

• A 10:30 am marina meeting leads to an 11 am departure, with return to Santa Marta at about 5 pm.
• The route includes Taganga, Granate, and Aguja Island, the only island within Tayrona Park.
• Bahia Concha is the main stop, with swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach walks, and sunbathing.
• Lunch, snacks, soft drinks, equipment, insurance, and entrance fees are included, while alcohol costs extra.
• English and Spanish are advertised, but English service has not always been dependable.
• The park closes on set dates, when the boat instead visits bays around Santa Marta.

Setting out from Santa Marta International Marina

You meet at 10:30 am at the Santa Marta International Marina, near the marina charter station. Ask for Artivela when you arrive. The boat is scheduled to leave at 11 am, so arrive with enough time to find the right charter area and settle aboard.

The total activity lasts 390 minutes, or six and a half hours. That makes this a full half-day on the water, not a quick harbor cruise. You return to the marina around 5 pm, leaving your evening free for dinner in Santa Marta.

The boat is a sailboat, but you should set your expectations carefully. The crew may raise the sails for only part of the outing, and the amount of sailing depends on wind and weather. One recent account found that only the front sail was used briefly. If your main goal is a serious sailing session, this may disappoint. If you mainly want a boat ride to Tayrona with the chance to sail on the way back, the format makes more sense.

The crew is described as bilingual in English and Spanish, and the experience includes a live guide in both languages. Still, English explanations have not always been available in practice. If you are booking specifically for detailed commentary about Tayrona Park, confirm the language arrangement before paying.

The coastal route past Taganga and Granate

The journey to the park takes about an hour and a half. That gives you time to settle in, eat some snacks, and listen to an explanation of Tayrona Park and its surroundings.

The boat passes Taganga Bay, the former fishing village and popular coastal stop just east of Santa Marta. It then continues toward Granate Bay. These are not advertised as shore visits, so you should think of them as scenic points along the sailing route rather than separate stops.

The crew puts fishing poles out as the boat passes these bays. This is a pleasant extra for anyone who likes the idea of trying to catch something during the crossing, but no catch is promised. It is best treated as a casual activity rather than a dedicated fishing trip.

The route gives you a different view of the coast than a land excursion. From the boat, you can watch the shoreline change as Santa Marta gives way to smaller bays and the wooded coast of Tayrona. Bring a hat and sunscreen, since much of the enjoyment comes from being exposed to the open air and sun.

Passing Aguja Island, Tayrona’s only island

A particularly interesting point on the route is the Aguja Island Pass. Aguja is described as the only island within Tayrona Park, which gives this section more character than a standard ride straight to the beach.

The boat passes through this area before entering Bahia Concha. The attraction is the route itself, not a long island visit. You should not expect to disembark at Aguja Island or explore it on foot. Its value comes from seeing this distinctive part of the park from the water.

The trip also gives the crew a natural chance to explain some of the park’s curiosities. That information can make the crossing more rewarding, but the quality of the commentary depends on the language support and how actively the guide speaks with the group.

Bahia Concha as the day’s main stop

The boat aims to anchor as close to Bahia Concha as conditions allow. This is the central stop, and most of your free time is spent here or aboard the boat beside the beach.

Bahia Concha gives you several ways to spend the afternoon:

• Swim from the boat or near the beach
• Walk along the sand
• Use the snorkeling equipment
• Try the paddleboard
• Sunbathe aboard the sailboat
• Eat lunch and enjoy the included snacks and soft drinks

This flexible setup suits mixed groups. One person can swim while another stays dry with a drink, and children or less active members of your party can enjoy the beach or boat without following a demanding schedule.

The tradeoff is that this is not a broad tour of Tayrona Park. You do not hike to several beaches, visit the park’s inland trails, or move between a string of coastal coves. The boat takes you to Bahia Concha and gives you time there. That can be exactly right for a relaxed day, but it is important to know what you are buying.

Bahia Concha can also be busy with other boats. Music from nearby vessels may be loud, even though the beach is inside a national park. If you picture a quiet, untouched bay, keep your expectations modest. The setting can still be beautiful, but the atmosphere may feel more like a popular boating stop than a remote beach.

What the included food and equipment mean for value

At $66 per person, the cost is easier to justify because the package includes several items that can add up separately. Your price covers the marina fee, Tayrona Park fee, lunch, soft drinks, snacks, paddleboard use, snorkeling equipment, and insurance.

The unlimited snacks and soft drinks are useful on a long day in the sun. You do not need to plan for every drink before boarding, and you can spend your time enjoying the coast instead of searching for supplies.

Lunch is included, though the available information does not specify the menu. If you have dietary restrictions, ask in advance rather than assuming a particular meal will be available.

Alcohol is not included. It is sold aboard the boat as an extra. Keep track of what you order and check the bill before settling up. A recent booking included a dispute over beers that had not been ordered, so a quick check of the onboard tab is sensible.

The value depends heavily on your plans. If you use the snorkeling gear, paddleboard, lunch, drinks, and park access, the package is reasonably convenient. If you only sit on the boat while being taken to Bahia Concha, the price may feel high compared with a basic beach transfer.

Returning under sail to Santa Marta

The boat begins the return trip at about 3:45 pm and reaches the marina around 5 pm. Weather permitting, the crew allows everyone to participate in sailing.

This is potentially the most memorable part for anyone who wants hands-on time with the boat. Wind decides how much sailing is possible, though, and the crew may use only part of the sail plan. The trip is not sold as a technical sailing course, so participation should be informal rather than instructional.

The return crossing also gives you a second chance to enjoy the coast from offshore. If the sea is calm, sitting on deck with a soft drink can be a fine finish. If the wind is poor, you may spend more of the trip under engine power.

Language, accessibility, and comfort

The activity is offered in English and Spanish, with a live guide. Spanish speakers should have the easier experience if English interpretation is limited, but the advertised bilingual format is useful for mixed-language groups.

The tour is marked as wheelchair accessible. That is helpful information, but boat access can involve practical details that are not explained here. If you use a wheelchair, ask the operator about boarding, movement aboard, and access to the beach before booking.

For comfort, bring the basics listed by the operator:

• Hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen

You should also expect to get wet if you swim or use the water equipment. A towel is not just a nice extra. It will make the return crossing more comfortable.

Because this is a long coastal outing, sun protection matters. You will spend time outside during the crossing and at the beach, and shade may not always be available where you want it.

Tayrona Park closure dates and alternate bays

Tayrona Park closes from February 1 to 15, June 1 to 15, and October 19 to November 2. During these periods, the boat still sails, but the route changes to bays around Santa Marta.

This matters when you compare dates. You may still get a pleasant day on the water, but you should not book a closure-period departure expecting access to Bahia Concha or the same Tayrona route.

The park closure periods are part of the area’s management calendar, and the operator continues to run a coastal outing rather than canceling the experience altogether. Ask which Santa Marta bays are planned for your date, since the available details do not name the alternate stops.

Who will enjoy this sailing tour most

I would choose this outing if you want a simple water day with several included activities. It works well for couples, families, and small groups with different ideas about fun. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can read or sunbathe on the boat.

It is also a good fit if you want to see Tayrona from the sea without committing to a long hike. The 1.5-hour crossing gives you coastal views, and the park fee is already handled.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet beach, detailed park interpretation, or a full day of active sailing. Bahia Concha can be crowded, music can carry across the water, and the boat may motor for much of the route. The language issue is another reason to confirm expectations before booking.

The tour’s overall rating is 4.5 from 76 reviews, which suggests many people find the day enjoyable. The lower ratings point to a clear pattern worth considering: the experience can feel expensive when the guiding is light and the main result is simply arriving at the beach.

Booking advice and final call

Book this tour if you value convenience, included extras, and a coastal view of Tayrona more than a detailed park tour. At $66, it offers a fair package when you use the lunch, drinks, water equipment, entrance fee, and marina fee.

Before booking, confirm three things: the language of the guide, how much actual sailing is expected on your date, and whether Bahia Concha is open during your travel period. Also keep an eye on any alcohol charges aboard.

I would recommend it to someone who wants a relaxed day at sea and does not mind sharing a popular beach with other boats. I would steer a serious sailor, a quiet-beach seeker, or anyone expecting a guided exploration of several Tayrona sites toward a different excursion.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at 10:30 am at the Santa Marta International Marina. At the marina charter station, ask for Artivela.

What time does the sailboat leave?

The scheduled departure is 11 am.

What time does the tour return to Santa Marta?

The boat is expected to return to the marina at about 5 pm.

How long is the full activity?

The activity lasts 390 minutes, which is six and a half hours.

Which destination does the boat visit?

The planned destination is Bahia Concha in Tayrona Park, or another Tayrona bay depending on the route and conditions.

What can I do at Bahia Concha?

You can swim, walk on the beach, snorkel, use the paddleboard, or sunbathe on the boat.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks and soft drinks.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are sold aboard the boat and cost extra.

Is the tour offered in English?

The tour is advertised with English and Spanish service and a live guide. English explanations have not always been dependable, so confirm this before booking if it is important to you.

When is Tayrona Park closed for this tour?

The park closes from February 1 to 15, June 1 to 15, and October 19 to November 2. During those dates, the boat sails to bays around Santa Marta instead.