Tayrona Sailing PRIVATE

This private sailing day is interesting because it mixes real ocean time with Tayrona National Park scenery, where mountains drop straight into the sea. You’ll spend around seven hours on the water and anchor inside Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona.

What I like most is the feel of control. This is a private tour, so you set the rhythm, either active with paddling and snorkeling or relaxed with sun, shade, and a slow cruise. I also love the simple value: lunch, snacks, and one included drink take the edge off costs once you are out there, and it keeps the day from feeling like a constant add-on.

The main drawback is weather. If winds are strong, the crew may change which beaches you can reach, and that can affect how easy it is to get from the boat to shore, especially for older travelers. I’d plan on good flexibility, and bring practical footwear because beach access is not always equal.

Key highlights that matter before you book

• Private group up to 10: it is only your party, not a mixed tour crowd.
• SUP and snorkeling included: you get built-in ways to enjoy the water once you anchor.
• Anchor time in Tayrona: you are not rushing past views, you are actually stopping where land meets sea.
• Lunch, snacks, and one drink: fewer meals to figure out, more time to enjoy the day.
• Crew customization by request: the trip runs your pace, and the crew can often adjust details to make the day special.

Tayrona Sailing PRIVATE: what the day feels like on the water

This is one of those “how is this so relaxing?” tours, even though it is on a boat. The key is that you are not stuck on a rigid schedule with strangers. You sail out, anchor in Tayrona, then spend real time where the scenery is the point: dramatic coastal hills, dark rock edges, and that classic Caribbean-style mix of sea and mountains.

You can think of it as a private floating beach day with activity options. On the active side, you have SUP board time and snorkeling activities included. On the chill side, you can just float, swim when it is comfortable, and enjoy the breeze. That balance is hard to find when you book group tours that feel like a checklist.

Also, the crew matters. The experience is run by Nicolas Giraldo, and you may meet a captain and assistant who are friendly and professional, with examples including captain Jesus and assistant Carlos. On one trip, the attention to keeping things smooth stood out, and that is exactly what you want on the water.

Price and value: is $550 per group actually fair?

The price is $550.00 per group (up to 10) for about seven hours. That sounds high if you compare it to public transport and walking tours. But sailing is different. You are paying for the boat charter feel, a crew, time on the water inside a protected park area, and included extras like lunch and a drink.

Here is the value logic I use when I see a private boat rate:

• If you would otherwise buy a full-day boat tour plus food plus snorkel or paddle activities, this starts looking like a cleaner deal.
• Included meals reduce the hidden costs that happen once you get to a remote area.
• Private time means you spend fewer minutes in transit and more minutes at the actual view.

You also get purchase options. Lunch and one drink are included, and additional drinks are available for purchase. That gives you a predictable baseline, with flexibility if you want a second beer or something stronger.

If your group is 2 to 4 people, the cost per person can still feel steep, but this is the kind of day where the comfort and control can justify it. If you can fill a few spots, it becomes much easier to see the math.

Santa Marta to the start line: meeting point and timing

The tour starts at 9:30 am in Santa Marta. Your meeting point is listed as Cra. 1c #22-93, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia, and the tour ends back at the same place.

I like this setup because it keeps the day simple. You get one fixed start, then the boat work carries you. When you are done, you are not stuck figuring out how to get back across town.

The meeting point is also described as being near public transportation, so you are not forced into a taxi-only plan. Still, I’d give yourself buffer time. On a morning start, a few extra minutes can save stress, especially if you need to coordinate with your group.

The private sailing plan in plain steps

You will spend about seven hours on the water. The day is anchored around a Tayrona National Park stop, plus sailing time between moments of “here it is, look at this” scenery.

Even though your trip is private, your coastline experience still depends on wind and water conditions. That means the crew may shift which beach you reach. This is not a flaw of the tour, it is the reality of sailing. The smart move is to treat it as a plan that prioritizes staying safe and still giving you a great day.

Stop at Tayrona National Park: where the mountains meet the ocean

Your main stop is Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona. The idea is that you sail to a Tayrona beach, then anchor where you can enjoy the dramatic meeting of mountains and ocean.

This is also where the included fun kicks in:

• You get SUP board access.
• You get snorkeling activities included.
• One beer (as part of the included drink) is included.
• Lunch is included, plus snacks.

What I like about anchoring here is that it usually feels less like you are “touring” and more like you are hanging out in the real environment. If you want active water time, SUP and snorkeling scratch that itch. If you want calm, you can pick your own pace once you are stable at anchor.

One practical note: beach access can vary. In at least one case, a beach stop required a difficult trip to shore, which became a problem for older travelers. That is not something you can fully predict from a description, so go in expecting that some stops are easier than others.

Lunch on a boat day: included, but with choices around it

Lunch is included. You also get snacks, which matters because a half-day snack plan turns into a much more comfortable outing when you are already spending hours under sun and wind.

You will likely want hydration and sun protection even if you think you will stay shaded. A sailing day heats up fast, especially if you are near the water and your clothes dry quickly. If you burn easily, bring sunscreen you trust and a hat that stays put on windy decks.

Additional drinks are available for purchase. I like this approach because it avoids the annoying “everything costs extra” feeling, but it still gives you the option to have more if you want.

SUP and snorkeling: how to get the most from the included time

The tour includes SUP board and snorkeling activities, which is a huge part of why this day works. Too many sailing trips end up being mostly “sit and look.” Here, you have tools to actually interact with the water.

For SUP, think balance and simple control. Even if you are not a stand-up expert, take a few calm minutes first. The crew tends to help you get comfortable, and that first adjustment makes the rest of the board time much easier.

For snorkeling, keep expectations realistic. You are not getting a guided, lab-level reef survey. You are getting a chance to snorkel in Tayrona waters when conditions allow. If you are new, focus on floating, slow fin kicks, and watching your air. If you are experienced, you can spend a few longer looks before switching back to swimming or chilling.

If you travel with mixed abilities, this is a good match. People who want action can go for water activities, and people who just want to relax can stay near the boat and enjoy the view.

When the wind changes the plan: how to stay flexible (and safe)

This is the part I would not ignore. Sailing depends on wind. When winds are strong, beach visits can change. In one described situation, the day’s requested beaches were not possible due to weather conditions, so the crew informed guests ahead of time and redirected to other beaches.

That is a risk you accept with water days. The important thing is how the crew handles it. In the more negative experience, the beach reached was difficult to access from the boat for older travelers, and it did not feel like there was time to fully talk through where you were going and what the beach would be like. That is the lesson to take into your planning.

My practical advice:

• Ask early how shore access works at likely stops, especially if anyone in your group has mobility limits.
• Bring shoes that can handle rocky or slippery surfaces.
• Expect that the most accessible beach might not always be the one with the most dramatic postcard view.

The flip side is also true. Strong wind can still lead to an excellent day, just on different beaches or with different pacing. On the best-rated experiences, attention from the crew helped everything feel smooth and enjoyable, even when the day required adjustments.

Who this private Tayrona sailing trip fits best

This is a strong choice if you want a private day that feels flexible, not regimented. It also suits people who want both scenery and water activities without doing the logistics themselves.

You will likely enjoy it most if:

• Your group can commit to a morning start at 9:30 am.
• You want included lunch and a drink, not another day spent hunting for food.
• Some people in your party want SUP and snorkeling, while others want to relax.
• You care about a professional, friendly crew experience.

It may not be the best fit if:

• Everyone in your party needs very easy, step-free beach access. Shore difficulty can happen depending on anchoring and conditions.
• You are traveling with tight, non-negotiable plans for a specific beach. Weather can change locations.

If you are planning a special moment, this private format is also ideal. One couple described doing a marriage proposal mid-trip, and the crew helped make it feel special with extra touches like sparkling wine and charcuterie on that day. That kind of personalization is exactly what you get with a private charter vibe.

What to bring so the day stays comfortable

The tour info covers what is included, but you should still bring the basics because you will be on the water for hours.

Pack smart for sun, water, and wind:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• A light cover-up or rash guard if you burn easily
• Water shoes (more important than you think if shore access is rough)
• A small dry bag for your phone and valuables
• A change of clothes for after, if you want to feel fresh on the ride back

If you tend to get seasick, consider bringing what works for you. The tour is sailing, so movement is part of the experience.

Should you book Tayrona Sailing PRIVATE?

I would book this if you want a private Tayrona day that is built around time on the water, with included SUP and snorkeling and an easy meal plan. The included lunch, snacks, and one drink turn it into a day where you spend your energy enjoying rather than planning.

I would think twice if anyone in your group has limited mobility and you need guaranteed easy shore access. Weather can also force changes, and wind is a real factor in a sailing plan.

If you do book, do it with a simple mindset: show up ready for the sea, stay flexible on beach options, and lean into the included water time. When the crew is on their game, this is exactly the kind of private day that makes Tayrona feel personal, not crowded.

FAQ

How long is the Tayrona Sailing PRIVATE tour?

It lasts about seven hours, spending around seven hours on the water.

What is included with the tour price?

The tour includes admission to Tayrona, one drink, snacks, and lunch. SUP board and snorkeling activities are also included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, just for you and your party, with a group size of up to 10.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Cra. 1c #22-93, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Can I cancel, and what if weather causes cancellation?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. 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.