Sailing to Tayrona with Luis and his team: Unique!

A sail day in Tayrona beats the usual bus hike. You get a boat ride that actually feels like an outing, plus time anchored close to the beach at Bahía Concha. I especially like the onboard touch points, fresh grilled fish and snacks throughout the trip, plus the small group size that keeps things calm.

One thing to plan for: English support isn’t guaranteed every day, and the beach scene can get busy depending on conditions and season, so shade and quiet may take a bit of luck.

Key highlights you’ll feel immediately

• Bahía Concha anchor time right by the beach, so you can swim, walk, or just float and sunbathe
• Food that’s included with a grilled fish meal on board and a solid backup sandwich option
• Snorkeling gear and paddleboard access, plus extra water activities if conditions cooperate
• Small group vibe, capped at 25 travelers, which makes the day feel less like a factory
• Insurance included in the price, so you travel with one less worry
• Park closures handled smartly, since Tayrona dates shut down, but the sail continues on an alternate route

Santa Marta to Bahía Concha: the simple plan that works

This is an around-the-water day designed for comfort. You leave Santa Marta in the morning, cross toward Tayrona National Park by boat, spend your beach time at Bahía Concha, then head back with the late afternoon light starting to soften.

The timing is straightforward. You board around 11:00 am, the sail to Bahía Concha takes about 1.5 hours, then you’re in the anchoring zone and ready for sea time. By about 3:45 pm, you start your return, and you should be back to the marina around 5:00 pm. That structure matters because it keeps the day feeling full without dragging into the night.

You’ll also notice the itinerary is not about “tick-box beaches.” It is about one main stop in Tayrona, with a boat-based approach that lets you choose your pace. Some days you’ll want to swim first thing. Other days you’ll want to hang back and just watch the coastline change.

Price and value: what $70 covers, and what you should budget for

At about $70 per person, the big value is what’s included, not just the transportation. Your ticket typically covers:

• Lunch (grilled fish with salad, or a pita sandwich with ham, cheese, and salad)
• Snacks and drinks (water, ice, soft drinks, fruit, plus snacks throughout)
• Snorkeling equipment and paddleboard use
• Marina entrance
• Passenger insurance

That mix is what makes this worth it for a lot of people. If you were to piece together a boat trip, then add food, then pay for snorkeling gear separately, the math gets worse fast.

What costs extra is mostly what you’d expect for a beach day. Alcoholic drinks are sold on board, and there are vendors at the beach for loungers and food and drinks. One common detail to keep in mind: beach chairs can cost 10,000 COP per chair. If you want a shaded seat, you may still end up paying for it.

My practical advice: bring some cash for chairs and for your personal drink plan. Also, if you’re doing this with a group, agree early on who’s bringing cash so nobody is hunting for an ATM right when you step off the boat.

Leaving at 11:00: Taganga views and the Tayrona sailing rhythm

Boarding happens at Marina Santa Marta, at Carrera 1 #22-93. Once you’re aboard Artivela, you’ll head out around 11:00 am and point toward Bahía Concha.

There’s a lot built into the crossing, even though it’s only about 1.5 hours. You pass in front of the bays of Taganga and Garnet, and you start the famous Tayrona passage by Isla Aguja, described as the only island inside Tayrona National Park. Even if you don’t know the geography, the views help you understand why people do this area by sea instead of by foot.

During the trip, the crew shares stories and curiosities about the park and its people. I like this part because it turns the ride into something more than just travel time. It also helps you keep your bearings so the park feels more connected when you arrive.

You’ll also see fishing rods set up along the way. It’s not the core of the trip, but it adds that “we’re actually out on the water” feeling that makes the day more fun.

One more note: this is a sailing-focused day, but the boat may use the motor depending on wind and safety. You should think of it as a sail trip first, with sailing that depends on real conditions.

Isla Aguja and the anchor at Bahía Concha: your beach choices

The moment that changes the day is when you enter Bahía Concha and try to anchor close to the beach. This is the big convenience win. You’re not hiking in, hauling bags, and then arriving sweaty. You’re already positioned, and you can decide what you want to do.

At Bahía Concha, your options are flexible:

• Swim
• Walk along the beach
• Snorkel with provided gear
• Sunbathe on the boat or by the waterline

If you like controlling your own tempo, this works well. You can be active in short bursts. Then you can slow down and just watch the shoreline.

You’ll also get your included lunch while you’re there. A fresh grilled fish dish is cooked on board, and it’s timed so you’re not scrambling to eat while everyone else is packing up.

Drawback to consider: the beach experience is not always the same mood. On some days it can feel more commercial, with more vendors and more people along the shore. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it changes the vibe if you’re hoping for quiet and solitude.

Lunch on board: the part that keeps people happiest

The included meal is a standout for good reason. This isn’t just a snack box. The plan is grilled fish with salad, and there’s a backup pita sandwich with ham, cheese, and salad if that fits your appetite better.

There’s a big difference between “food included” and “food worth waiting for.” In this case, the meal is repeatedly praised as fresh and tasty. That matters because lunch is the anchor point of the beach day. When lunch is good, you feel like the trip was planned well.

One extra practical tip: if you’re someone who gets hungry faster than average, do not assume you’ll only eat at lunch. You’ll have snacks and drinks along the way, so you can tide yourself over without waiting.

Also, if you’re sensitive to sun, eat earlier rather than later. The midday heat in Tayrona can feel intense, and you’ll enjoy the rest of the time more if you don’t spend it waiting for your stomach to cool off.

Snorkeling and paddleboards: fun when conditions cooperate

Snorkeling and paddleboarding are part of the included package, so you should expect access to equipment. That said, the quality of snorkeling depends on sea conditions and timing, and it’s not always crystal-clear.

In the snorkeling portion, visibility can vary. Some people love what they see, while others find conditions less ideal, especially when there are waves or strong water movement. In busy moments, snorkeling can also feel a bit rushed because the schedule stays tight.

Paddleboards are mentioned as available, and people describe using paddleboards and kayaks as part of the activity mix. But it’s smart to treat that as “confirm when you board.” On some departures, not everyone gets the exact number of boards they expected, so a quick check with the crew at the start can save disappointment.

My best approach: think of snorkeling and paddleboarding as an extra bonus, not the only reason to book. If the water is great, you’ll love it. If it’s rough, you can still enjoy swimming, beach walking, and the boat time.

Sailing expectations: motor time is normal here

If you’re a sailing purist, you need to know what’s realistic. This is a sailboat experience, but the crew may rely on the motor if the wind isn’t right or safety requires it. More than one review highlights that the boat often motors more than expected.

Sometimes you might see the crew set sails, like using a jib on the return route. But you should plan your mindset around flexibility. The goal is a safe, comfortable day with enough time at the beach, not a full-time sailing lesson.

What this means for you: book if you want the experience of being on a sailing vessel and a smooth transfer to Tayrona. Don’t book if you’re specifically looking for hours of uninterrupted sailing with constant sail work.

Crew, language, and how to handle communication smoothly

The tour is described with a bilingual guide. In practice, English support can vary by day and by who is on board. Some days you’ll get plenty of explanation in English. Other days you may hear mostly Spanish and need to rely on your fellow passengers or your own translation skills.

If you want the best chance of smooth communication:

• Learn a few basic Spanish phrases about snorkeling, safety, and meeting points.
• Ask questions early, before you’re scattered on the beach.
• If you care about details of the park, ask the crew to point out what you should watch for right after anchoring.

Names also show up in the crew stories. You may meet captains and crew described as attentive and helpful, including people like Captain Rocky, and crew members named like Noemí in some accounts. Regardless of the names, the consistent pattern is that the crew works hard to keep the day organized and enjoyable.

When Tayrona is closed: how they keep your day on the water

Tayrona National Park has seasonal closures. It is closed from February 1 to 15, in June, and from October 19 to November 2.

The key detail for you is that the sailing continues during these periods by using an alternative route instead of canceling the whole outing. That’s one reason this tour is popular, because it protects your time in the region even when access changes.

Seasickness and comfort: a small prep checklist

If you’re prone to seasickness, the operator recommends taking medication to prevent it. That’s sensible because you’re out on open water, and conditions can shift. A little rough water is possible.

For comfort, I’d also plan for:

• Sun and minimal shade on the boat
• Wetness risk if waves come in around the edges
• Cash for beach extras like chairs

Also, remember the day is long enough to matter. You’ll be out for about 8 hours total, with a meaningful chunk of that being on the water.

Should you book this sail to Tayrona?

Book it if you want a relaxing, time-efficient Tayrona day where you trade steep trails for boat comfort, and you care about getting in actual water time at Bahía Concha. The included grilled fish lunch, snacks, and snorkeling gear make it good value for the price.

Skip it or manage expectations if:

• You need guaranteed English interpretation the whole day
• You’re chasing a quiet, undeveloped beach vibe with zero vendors
• You want maximum sailing with sails up most of the time

If you can accept a real-world beach scene, varying snorkeling conditions, and some motor time, this is a strong way to experience Tayrona without making the day into a workout.

FAQ

How long is the sailing and beach time?

The total trip is about 8 hours. You board at 11:00 am, sail for about 1.5 hours, then return around 3:45 pm and arrive back around 5:00 pm.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Inclusions typically include snacks, water, soft drinks, fruit, lunch (grilled fish with salad or a pita sandwich with ham, cheese, and salad), snorkeling equipment, paddleboard use, marina entrance, and passenger insurance.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it during your time at Bahía Concha.

Are alcohol drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are sold on board.

What does the tour cost, and is insurance included?

The price listed is $70 per person, and passenger insurance is included.

What if Tayrona National Park is closed on certain dates?

The park is closed from February 1 to 15, in June, and from October 19 to November 2, but the tour continues on an alternative route during closures.