Tayrona Sailing PRIVATE

Tayrona looks different from a boat. This private sailing outing turns Santa Marta into a day on the water, anchored where mountains meet the sea, with time for SUP and snorkeling. You get one drink, snacks, and lunch included, and the pace stays in your hands.

The main thing to weigh is weather. Tayrona is beautiful, but strong winds can limit where you land and how easy some shore time feels for slower walkers.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private for your group of up to 10, so you control the mood and the breaks
• SUP and snorkeling included at anchor inside Tayrona National Park
• About seven hours on the water, anchored with time to relax or play
• Lunch and snacks included, plus one beer as part of the onboard setup
• Crew matters a lot, with named captains like Jesus and Carlos getting praise for help and professionalism

Santa Marta to Tayrona: why this day feels special

If you want Tayrona without the usual “bus, line, hurry up” energy, this format is a smart choice. You start in Santa Marta, then spend your day sailing and anchored at a Tayrona beach. That shift, from land logistics to ocean time, is what makes the experience feel calmer and more flexible.

I also like the way this trip respects your group. The tour is private, so you are not stuck moving on someone else’s schedule. You can be active in the water, or you can hang out, swim when it works, and just enjoy the view.

Finally, this is a “do it your way” day, not a scripted speed run. The best days tend to be when you treat the boat as the base camp, not a taxi between shore stops.

Price and logistics for a private group of up to 10

The price is $550 per group for up to 10 people. That matters because with private tours, the math changes fast depending on your group size. For example, if you fill all 10 spots, it can work out closer to a bargain per person. If it’s just two of you, you are paying for exclusivity and comfort.

Either way, you should think of the cost as paying for:

• a full private sailing day in Tayrona
• a crew that manages the boat and time at anchor
• included basics like lunch, snacks, and one drink

As for practicalities, the start is at 9:30 am from Cra. 1c #22-93, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. You also get a mobile ticket, and service animals are allowed.

The 7-hour plan: how the day actually flows on the water

This outing is built around one main stop in Tayrona National Park, plus sailing time to reach it. Plan on roughly seven hours total in the water and at anchor, not a short “quick look” kind of trip.

That one-stop structure is a big deal. You spend less energy commuting and more time in the place you came for. When wind or sea conditions affect the route, having a single anchor plan also means the crew can adjust without turning your day into a chaotic shuffle.

In your head, think of it like this: you set out from Santa Marta, the crew positions the boat in a Tayrona beach area, then you spend the middle of the day swimming and playing. Then you slowly sail back.

Stop 1 in Tayrona: anchoring where mountains meet the ocean

Your anchor spot is the star of the show. The trip sails to a Tayrona beach and drops anchor where you get that classic view of mountains meeting the ocean. It is the kind of scenery that looks better from water than from any trail.

From there, you get included activities at anchor:

• SUP boarding
• snorkeling

The experience is designed so you do not have to scramble for gear or figure out logistics. The crew handles the setup so you can focus on the water time.

One more detail that helps you plan: the trip includes lunch and a beer, but additional drinks are available for purchase. So, you can keep it simple or upgrade if your group wants more.

What I’d watch for at shore time

You may not always get the exact beach you requested, and that matters most when you are shore-bound. One review described a day with strong winds where the reachable beach (Playa Granate) was very difficult to access for older walkers. If your group includes people with mobility limits, I would go into this with flexible expectations, and ask the crew how shore access looks before you commit to a full beach walk.

SUP and snorkeling included, with a pace you control

The included SUP and snorkeling are the difference between passive sightseeing and an active day. SUP is great if you want a slower challenge, something you can do at your own pace and stop whenever you need a break. Snorkeling is ideal when you want a quick burst of exploration without getting too far from the boat.

The best part is that the day is private, so you can adjust your timing. Want more time on the board? Take it. Want to snorkel later? Fine. Want to just float and enjoy the view between activities? That works too.

One thing I’ve learned from how this type of day plays out: you will get more out of it if you treat the boat like your base. Move when you feel like it, rest when you need it, and use the included activities as options rather than checkboxes.

When wind changes the route, here is how to think about it

Tayrona conditions can shift. A strong-wind day is not just uncomfortable, it can change which beach is practical to reach and how safe or easy it is for people to get on and off.

One review highlighted a situation where winds prevented visiting the beaches that were requested. The captain and assistant (Jesus and Carlos) still delivered a fun day, but the shore experience was less ideal for older guests due to difficulty getting to the beach. That review also praised Carlos for stepping in to help one person reach the sand.

So, what does that mean for you?

• Be ready for a plan adjustment.
• If you care deeply about a specific beach, know that weather can override preferences.
• If anyone in your group has limited mobility, ask about the likely level of effort for shore access on the day.

The good news is that the crew approach can make a big difference. When the captain is professional and the assistant is proactive, you often still end up with a satisfying day, even if the exact beach changes.

Crew quality: Jesus, Carlos, and Nicolas make the day feel managed

The standout theme in the feedback is that the captain and crew can make or break the day. People specifically praised:

• Captain Jesus for being friendly, helpful, and professional
• Carlos for being nice and stepping up with assistance
• Nicolas (often called Nick or Nic) for being attentive and helpful

In one story about a proposal trip, the crew team members Charly, Jordan, and Raul were described as fantastic, with an energetic vibe that reduced pressure during a special moment. That same review noted extra activities like kayaking and even cliff jumping, plus snorkeling and swimming, and learning to drive the small motorboat attached to the back.

You should not assume those extra items are always included for every departure, but the key takeaway is clear: when you book a private day, you have a better chance of customizing the experience. If you have a milestone, ask ahead. Nic was described as calling in advance to nail down specifics and even arranging post-proposal sparkling wine and charcuterie.

Food and drinks on board: included enough to enjoy, flexible for more

You get:

• snacks
• lunch
• one beer
• one included drink overall (the trip notes one drink plus snacks)

This is a solid set of basics for a half-day to full half-day feel. It means you do not have to hunt for meals while you are away from town.

It also keeps you in control. Because extra drinks are available for purchase, you can decide based on your own style and budget. If you prefer a no-fuss day, you can stick to included items only. If your group wants more, you have the option.

What I’d do before you go

If you tend to get hungry between activities, I’d treat the lunch as your main meal and time snack bites around SUP and snorkeling. It’s also smart to bring a small plan for hydration, because sea time and sun time can add up even when the day feels relaxed.

What to pack for a smooth Tayrona sailing day

Since you will spend hours on the water, packing matters more than people think. At minimum, plan for:

• swimwear (you’ll likely want it on)
• reef-friendly sunscreen (if you use it)
• a hat and sunglasses that can handle wind
• water shoes or sandals with grip (especially if you might deal with shore access)
• a dry bag or zip pouch for your phone and essentials

And because this is private, you can also coordinate. If your group has people who get cold easily on boats, bring a light layer. If you have strong swimmers and beginners in the same group, ask the crew how they suggest handling SUP and snorkeling time.

Best fit: who should book this private Tayrona sailing

This tour is a great match if you want:

• a private experience without squeezing into a shared boat lineup
• a mix of relaxation and water activities
• a day where you can choose your effort level

It is also a strong pick for couples and small groups. One review even focused on a proposal, which tells you these private boats are often used for memorable events, not just standard sightseeing.

Who should be cautious

If your group includes older guests or anyone who struggles with uneven footing, steep or tricky shore access, go in with open expectations. The route can change with weather, and shore difficulty can vary from beach to beach.

If your group is mostly comfortable with walking and stepping in and out of water, you will likely find the day easier and more enjoyable.

Should you book Tayrona Sailing PRIVATE?

I think you should book this tour if your priority is time on the water with included SUP and snorkeling, plus the comfort of a private group up to 10. The value improves when you fill the group and when you want a managed, crew-led day rather than a land-heavy itinerary.

I would hesitate only if your group has tight mobility constraints and you know you need guaranteed easy beach access. Weather can shift the plan, and the shore can be harder on certain beaches.

If you do book, here’s the smart move: ask the crew about how shore access is expected on your departure day, especially if anyone in your group is older. That one question can save a lot of stress and helps you enjoy the part of Tayrona you came for, the ocean time.

FAQ

How long is the Tayrona Sailing PRIVATE experience?

It runs for about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start in Santa Marta?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Cra. 1c #22-93, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.

Is this tour private?

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

What is included in the price?

Lunch, snacks, one drink, and one beer are included, along with SUP board and snorkeling activities.

What language is the tour offered in?

It is offered in English.

Do I need good weather for the tour to operate?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.