One amazing day in a private recent sailing boat in the Tayrona Park. The best sail trip from Santa Marta!

The best part of this private Tayrona sailing trip is the freedom. You leave Santa Marta at 10:30 a.m., reach Bahia Concha around noon, then spend several unhurried hours swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply lying in the sun. Thierry and Amy-Esther handle the sailing while you decide how active the day should be.

I like the private format, especially for families or two couples who want their own pace. I also like the large rear swim platform, which makes getting into the sea much easier than climbing over the side of a small boat. The main consideration is weather: the captain may change bays, and Tayrona access is suspended during several annual park closures.

Key points at a glance

• Bahia Concha by sailboat: Reach one of Tayrona’s best-known bays from the water rather than by road and foot.
• A genuinely private day: Your group alone uses the boat, with space for up to 12 people.
• Long swimming stop: You arrive around noon and have until 3:30 p.m. for snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, and sunbathing.
• Friendly hosts: Thierry and Amy-Esther are the captain and first mate, and they speak multiple languages.
• Simple food and drink plan: A fresh sandwich and one drink are included, while beer, wine, rum, and other drinks can be bought onboard.
• Possible wildlife sightings: You may fish during the crossing or see dolphins near the boat, though neither is guaranteed.

Why this Santa Marta sailing trip works so well

This is not a packed sightseeing cruise. It is a private day on the water with one main destination and plenty of open time. That difference matters. You are not rushing from one cove to another while someone calls out the next activity. Once the boat reaches Bahia Concha, you can stay in the water, stretch out in the sun, or do nothing at all.

The schedule also has a sensible rhythm. Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Santa Marta marina. The boat sails toward Tayrona, with the bay planned for about noon. You then have several hours to enjoy the water before beginning the return at 3:30 p.m. The trip finishes back at the same marina after roughly seven and a half hours.

I especially like that the return is planned under sail in a calm part of the afternoon. You get a proper sailing experience, not just a boat ride to a beach with the engine running the whole time.

Meeting Thierry and Amy-Esther at the marina

You meet at Alquiler de Yates Santa Marta, at Cra. 1 #22-93 in Comuna 2. The activity starts at 10:30 a.m. and ends back at this meeting point.

Thierry and Amy-Esther serve as captain and first mate. Their role is more personal than you might expect from a standard boat transfer. They set the route and manage the boat, but the day is also shaped around your group. Families have used the boat for swimming and relaxed time together, while smaller groups have chosen a quieter cove and spent more time snorkeling.

The boat is described as a recent sailing boat and is kept clean and well cared for. A large swimming platform at the stern gives you direct access to the sea. That is a small detail with a big practical benefit, especially if children or less confident swimmers are joining you.

The boat can accommodate up to 12 people, but the value of the private setup depends on how many people share the cost. A couple will pay much more per person than a full group, while two families or a group of friends can make the $790 price quite reasonable.

Sailing from Santa Marta toward Tayrona

The crossing is part of the experience, not dead time between the marina and the beach. You see Santa Marta from offshore and watch the coast change as Tayrona comes closer. The scenery is a major reason to choose sailing over a standard land excursion.

With luck, you may fish along the way or have dolphins swim near the boat. One group was lucky enough to see dolphins playing beside the boat, but you should treat that as a bonus rather than a promise. The same applies to fishing. The route and conditions determine what is possible on the day.

The boat may use the engine at points, but the planned return includes sailing. If you want a fully wind-powered crossing in both directions, ask the operator before booking. The provided information promises a sailing trip, but it does not give a precise breakdown of when the sails will be used.

The sea can also affect the plan. The captain can change the chosen bay if weather conditions make Bahia Concha unsuitable. That is the right call for safety, even if it means your exact destination changes.

Bahia Concha from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Bahia Concha is the only listed stop, and the long stay is the heart of the outing. You reach the bay around noon, giving you about three and a half hours before the return begins at 3:30 p.m.

You can use that time in several ways:

• Swim from the rear platform or near the beach
• Snorkel with the provided equipment
• Try paddleboarding
• Jump from the sailboat
• Sunbathe onboard
• Relax on the beach
• Simply enjoy the quiet water and scenery

This is where the private format earns its keep. You do not have to join a group activity or follow a fixed sequence. If some people want to snorkel while others stay onboard, that is easy to arrange. If the children want to keep swimming and the adults want a slower lunch, the day can accommodate both.

The bay may not be completely empty. Bahia Concha is a known destination within Tayrona, so conditions and crowd levels can vary. The hosts have also taken groups to more secluded bays when suitable, but you should not assume that a completely private beach is guaranteed.

Snorkeling is one of the stronger reasons to book. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring a full kit. Visibility and marine life depend on weather and water conditions, but the schedule gives you enough time to make snorkeling worthwhile rather than treating it as a rushed 20-minute add-on.

The boat’s swimming platform is another practical plus. It gives you a stable, low entry into the water and a simple way back onboard. You can jump from the boat if you want, but there is no pressure to do so.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks onboard

A fresh sandwich is served during the day, along with snacks and one included drink. This is a light meal, not a full restaurant lunch, so you should plan your expectations accordingly.

The sandwich makes sense for a sailing day. You can eat onboard without losing beach time, and the food is simple enough to fit the relaxed nature of the trip. If your group has large appetites, dietary restrictions, or young children, ask ahead about what is included and bring up any needs before departure.

Beer, wine, rum, and other drinks can be purchased onboard. Coolers are available if needed. The supplied information does not say that you may bring your own drinks, so check first rather than assuming. You will want sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and any personal snacks or medication your group needs.

The food and drinks are not the main reason to choose this trip. You are paying for a private boat, sailing time, access to Tayrona’s coast, and several hours in a quiet bay. The included sandwich and drink are useful extras, but they should not be compared with a full catered yacht charter.

What the $790 group price really buys

The listed price is $790 per group of up to 12 people. For a full group, that works out to less than $66 per person before any optional drinks. For two families or a larger group of friends, that is a strong value for a private seven-and-a-half-hour boat day.

For a couple, the calculation is different. You are paying for privacy, personal attention, and a boat reserved only for you, not for a low-cost beach transfer. If you want the cheapest way to reach Tayrona, a shared excursion will likely make more financial sense. If you want your own route, your own timing, and the ability to decide how long to swim or snorkel, this private trip is easier to justify.

The value also improves if your group includes different interests. One person can sunbathe, another can snorkel, and another can paddleboard without everyone being forced into the same plan. That flexibility is hard to price on a crowded group boat.

The experience has a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 63 ratings and is recommended by 98 percent of people who booked it. Those figures suggest a strong record, particularly for the hosts, the boat, and the relaxed pace. Still, a high score cannot control the weather, water clarity, bay conditions, or wildlife sightings.

Tayrona closure dates and backup bays

Tayrona National Natural Park suspends access during these periods:

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

If your visit falls within one of those windows, you will be offered an alternative destination such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga.

This is important when planning a Santa Marta holiday. Do not book this trip assuming Bahia Concha will be available during a park closure. The alternative may still provide swimming and a day on the water, but it is not the same Tayrona experience.

Even outside the closure periods, the captain can change the bay if the weather does not allow the planned route. I would rather have that flexibility than see a captain push toward an unsafe destination just to follow the printed plan.

Who should book this private boat day

I would choose this trip for a family, a group of friends, or two families traveling together. The private boat gives you room to set the tone, and the mix of swimming, snorkeling, beach time, sailing, and sunbathing works for different ages.

It also suits couples who want a special day and do not mind paying for privacy. The hosts have been praised for warm, attentive service, and for making an effort to find quieter places when possible. The boat is a good match if you value conversation and personal care as much as the destination.

You may want a different excursion if you prefer a long beach visit with lots of time on land. This is a sailing day first. Bahia Concha is the main stop, and most of the time is spent around the boat and water. It is also not ideal if your plans cannot tolerate weather changes or if you expect guaranteed dolphins, fishing, or a specific secluded cove.

The boat is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The information does not provide detailed accessibility specifications, so ask the operator directly if anyone in your group has mobility needs.

Booking tips for the best day

This experience is booked about 21 days ahead on average. That is a useful signal for planning, especially if your Santa Marta dates are fixed or you want a weekend departure.

Book at least several weeks ahead when possible. Confirm the meeting point and ask about any food allergies, special diets, or personal drink arrangements before you arrive. Because the trip depends on good weather, keep some flexibility in your schedule.

The cancellation policy is generous if your plans change: you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book this Tayrona sailing trip?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day where the sailing and the time in the water matter as much as the beach. The strongest features are the spacious schedule, the helpful hosts, the stern swimming platform, and the freedom to tailor the afternoon to your group.

For a full group of up to 12, the $790 price offers good value. For only one or two people, it is a premium choice, but the privacy and personal service may be exactly what you want. Just keep the weather policy, Tayrona closure dates, light lunch, and possible bay change in mind.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip start?

It starts at Alquiler de Yates Santa Marta, Cra. 1 #22-93, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.

What time does the activity begin?

The start time is 10:30 a.m.

Where does the trip end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Santa Marta.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, and the boat can accommodate up to 12 people.

Which bay is planned as the main stop?

The planned stop is Bahia Concha in Tayrona National Natural Park.

What can I do at Bahia Concha?

You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, sunbathe, jump from the sailboat, or relax on the beach and onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the trip.

What food and drinks are included?

A fresh sandwich, snacks, and one drink are included. Beer, wine, rum, and other drinks can be purchased onboard.

Can the destination change?

Yes. The captain may choose another bay if weather conditions prevent access to the planned bay. During Tayrona closure periods, alternatives such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga may be offered.