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

A private sail day in Tayrona is the real deal. I love the quiet freedom of a boat just for your group and the snorkeling time in calm, swim friendly water. One thing to plan around, weather can force a bay change.

This is a full day on the water, about 7 hours 30 minutes, starting at 10:30 am from Santa Marta. You’ll arrive around noon, spend hours in the bay, then head back around 15:30 with a calmer sailing return.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private group sailing in Tayrona National Natural Park with a bespoke feel, not a cattle schedule
• Snorkeling gear included plus a boat setup made for easy water access
• Bahia Concha timing: you get the morning cruise out, then a long afternoon hang
• On board food and drinks: complimentary snacks and a drink each, plus a fresh sandwich
• Flexible day in hand: paddle time, jumping in, sunbathing, and time that’s yours
• Chance for dolphins or fishing while sailing, if the sea is in the mood

From Santa Marta to Tayrona’s water, without the crowds

If you base yourself in Santa Marta and want Tayrona, this is the way to do it. You skip the feeling of rushing to fit into whatever time slot is left. Instead, you get a private sail day that starts with a proper morning departure and settles you into the bay for hours.

The vibe here is simple. You’re on a boat, you’re moving along the coast, and then you stop where it feels good to swim. It helps that the trip is designed around the sea, not around constant chores. You’ll see people who love Tayrona for the nature, but you’ll also see plenty of folks who really come for the water time, and this day delivers that.

Meet Thierry and Amy-Esther, your captain and first mate team

The sailing experience runs on one big ingredient: the hosts. In the best comments, Thierry and Amy-Esther come up again and again as warm, organized, and genuinely focused on making the day fit the group.

What matters for you is not charisma, it’s competence plus pacing. You get help when you want it, and space when you want it. Many people describe the hosts as making the day feel tailored, including finding places that feel less busy for swimming and snorkeling.

Also, they steer the day with local sea judgment. Even if the plan is Bahia Concha, the captain keeps the right to adjust the bay if conditions make the original choice unrealistic. That’s a practical detail that often separates a smooth day from a stressful one.

The morning plan: 10:30 start, sail out, arrive by noon

You’ll start around 10:30 am at the meeting point in Santa Marta, at ALQUILER DE YATES SANTA MARTA (Cra. 1 #22-93, Comuna 2). The timing matters because it gives you time to settle into the day before the heat and crowds feel strongest.

While you’re sailing, keep an eye on the sea. The day is built around the chance of dolphins appearing while you’re underway, and there’s also mention of possible fishing depending on conditions. None of that is guaranteed, but the point is that the cruise is active and watchable, not just “transport.”

By around 12:00 pm, you reach the bay area, and that’s when the day becomes very enjoyable. This is when you stop thinking about schedules and start thinking about where you want to spend the next few hours.

Bahia Concha swim time: snorkeling, paddle, and easy water access

Once you’re in the bay, you’re not stuck watching from the deck. The boat has a large bathing platform at the rear that makes it straightforward to get in and out of the water.

From there, you can choose your mix of:

• swimming and sun time
• jumping in from the boat
• snorkeling with the provided equipment
• paddle time

I like this approach because it fits different energy levels in the same group. Someone can snorkel for a while, someone else can stay in shallow water, and nobody is forced into a single activity for the whole stop.

And yes, the scenery is part of why people love Tayrona from the sea. The coastline view from a sailboat feels more open and less “you are in a line” than many land-based approaches.

A small practical note on snorkeling

Snorkeling gear is included, which removes a common headache. Still, if you’re new to snorkeling, the first few minutes always feel a bit awkward. Start shallow, get comfortable, then look around. The longer you stay calm, the more you’ll enjoy it.

Food and drinks on board: fresh sandwich plus snacks, then easy extras

This day is built to keep you fueled without making lunch a whole event. At sea, you’re served a fresh sandwich, and you’ll also have complimentary snacks and a drink each included.

Then there’s a simple system for anything extra. You can purchase drinks on board, including options like beer, wine, and rum. If you need space for your own items, coolers are available on the boat if needed.

I see this as good value, especially when you’re comparing it to trips where you get a tiny snack and then spend the whole afternoon buying food. Here, you’re fed without turning the day into a restaurant run.

One small tip: if your group includes people who like specific drinks, check what’s available for purchase when you board. That way nobody feels surprised later.

The afternoon return sail at 15:30, calm and unhurried

At about 15:30 pm, you start heading back to the marina. The design of this return matters. It’s not a rushed sprint, and it’s not another forced activity. It’s a sailing return in a calmer mood, which is a great match for an active morning and mid-day swim.

This timing also gives you flexibility. If someone in your group gets tired of water time early, you still have a smooth path to the end of the day. If you love it, you have enough time to enjoy the bay before the return call comes.

Weather rules, bay changes, and Tayrona access pauses

This trip requires good weather. The captain may change the bay if conditions don’t allow reaching the planned one, and that’s a normal sea decision. It’s still worth knowing, because it means the exact stop can shift based on real conditions, not just theory.

There’s also an important seasonal access detail. During periods when access to Tayrona is suspended, the tour won’t go to the usual Tayrona area. Instead, an alternative destination is offered such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga.

So if you’re traveling during dates like 1 to 15 February, 1 to 15 June, or 19 October to 2 November, double-check what destination you’ll actually visit. This is the sort of detail that can change the whole flavor of the day.

Price and value for up to 12 people

The price is $790 per group, up to 12 people. That’s not cheap in isolation, but it can be strong value depending on your group size.

Here’s why. You’re paying for:

• a full private boat day
• a Tayrona National Natural Park sailing experience
• included snorkeling equipment
• complimentary snacks and one drink each
• a fresh sandwich
• a full day of guidance and setup so you can focus on swimming

If you travel as two, the per-person cost feels higher. If you travel as a family or a small group, the per-person cost drops fast. Also, private sailing days tend to cost more in peak season because you’re buying time on a boat, not just transportation.

My rule of thumb: if you’re the kind of group that would otherwise rent separate taxis and spend half the day sorting out logistics, this kind of private day becomes more attractive. It turns the whole day into one plan, handled for you.

Who this trip fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a private Tayrona experience from Santa Marta
• long water time, including snorkeling
• a relaxed day with a small team that handles the flow
• a choice of activities at the stop, not one fixed script

It may be less ideal if:

• you hate waiting on weather decisions
• you’re traveling with a group that won’t share the cost, since the price is per group
• you’re visiting during a Tayrona access suspension window and really need Bahia Concha specifically

Should you book this private sailing day?

If your ideal Tayrona day is more about sea time than hiking time, I’d strongly consider booking. You get a long stop in the water around noon, snorkeling gear included, and a boat setup that makes swimming simple. The hosts, Thierry and Amy-Esther, also seem to be a big part of why people rate this so highly, because they focus on making the day feel smooth and personal.

My final take: book it if you’re going to treat this like a water day. Bring swim essentials, plan to enjoy the stop for hours, and let the hosts handle the sailing pace.

FAQ

What time does the trip start?

The activity starts at 10:30 am, with the day ending back at the meeting point.

Where do we meet in Santa Marta?

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

How long is the sailing experience?

It lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour, and only your group participates.

What is included in the snorkeling and food?

Snorkeling equipment is provided. Complimentary snacks and a drink each are included, and you are also served a fresh sandwich on board.

Can we buy drinks on the boat?

Yes. Drinks like beers, wines, and rum are available for purchase on board.

Will we definitely see dolphins or go fishing?

No. It’s listed as something that could happen with luck during navigation, depending on conditions.

What if the sea conditions are not right for the planned bay?

The captain may change the bay if weather conditions do not allow reaching the planned area.

What happens if Tayrona access is suspended during certain dates?

During suspended access periods, you’ll be offered an alternative destination such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.