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

A private sailing boat day in Tayrona is interesting for one big reason, you skip the crowd and choose your pace. I like the flexible, bespoke vibe, and I especially like the time in the water with snorkeling gear plus an easy-to-use swim platform on the back of the boat. One consideration: good weather matters, and the captain may change the bay if conditions shift.

This is a group trip, up to 12 people, with friendly hosts who genuinely try to tailor the day. In my kind of travel, that means less time waiting, more time swimming, and a calmer sail. One more thing to know upfront: if Tayrona access is suspended on certain dates, you’ll get an alternate beach plan.

From Santa Marta, this is one of the best ways to experience Tayrona without making it feel like a chore. If you want a day that feels like a mix of sailing, beach time, and water play, this hits the mark.

Key things that make this Tayrona sailing trip worth your attention

• Private boat, up to 12 people, so your group sets the rhythm
• Bahia Concha timing, arrive around 12:00 for real swim and snorkel time
• Snorkeling equipment included, plus you can also do paddle time if you want
• Fresh sandwich and snacks, with one included drink each, and more drinks you can buy
• Hosts Thierry and Amy-Esther, warm, experienced, and focused on making it feel personal
• Possible dolphins or fishing, depending on the day and the captain’s call

Leaving Santa Marta for Tayrona by boat feels like the right start

Most Tayrona day trips feel like a sprint. This one starts calmer. Boarding begins around 10:30 am at Alquiler de Yates Santa Marta (Cra. 1 #22 -93). From there, you’re on a private recent sailing boat heading toward the coast and the park.

You’re not crammed into a big bus plan. You’re on water, with space to move, hang out, and get into vacation mode early. If your idea of a great day is “less logistics, more time,” this format fits.

And because it is private, small details matter more. I noticed that the day is paced around the sea, not around a check-list. That shows in how the schedule works, especially the long water block after you arrive.

Bahia Concha arrival around 12:00, this is where the day pays off

The trip is designed around reaching the bay at about 12:00 (around the time you arrive in the Bahia area). Stop 1 is typically Bahia Concha, and that timing is smart. You’re not arriving late, when the beach day is already halfway over.

Once you’re there, you can do what you came for:

• Swim and hang in the water
• Snorkel with provided equipment
• Jump in from the boat, thanks to the big swim platform at the back
• Take sun time onboard or on the waterline

A private boat gives you a choice. If you want action, you can go straight to snorkeling. If you want to do almost nothing, you can. Either way, you are spending your hours in the park’s coastal setting, not stuck in transit.

One small “reality check”: the captain can change the bay if weather won’t cooperate. That does not mean the day is ruined. It means you might switch to another suitable cove. On a sailing day, that is normal, and it’s better than forcing a plan that the sea won’t allow.

Onboard comfort: what you get without asking, and what you can add

The boat setup is part of the comfort story. Reviews point out that the boat feels clean and well cared for, which matters on a day you’ll spend close to seats, surfaces, and the swim area.

Food and drinks are also handled in a way that feels easy:

• A fresh sandwich served onboard
• Complimentary snacks and one drink each included
• You can buy more drinks on board, like beers, wine, or rum
• Coolers are available if you need extra space

I like that they include the essentials so you do not have to think about money for every small need. At the same time, the option to buy more drinks means you control how leisurely the day stays.

If you’re traveling with friends or family, onboard service also makes the day smoother. It cuts down on people splitting off to find food or snacks. You stay together, and the day stays one shared experience.

Snorkeling, paddle time, and the dolphins maybe moment

This is not a “look from the boat” trip. It is a water trip. The snorkeling gear is provided, so you are not scrambling for rentals or waiting for anyone else to get ready.

The water time also has a rhythm. You arrive, you get in, you snorkel, then you can switch to lounging and repeat. That repetition is what makes it feel like a real beach day, not a short stop.

A detail I appreciate is the boat design. The rear platform gives a direct path into the sea, so even if you are not a confident swimmer, you can handle the water access more comfortably. That also makes it easier for families with mixed ages, as long as everyone follows safety cues.

Now for the fun part: the trip includes the possibility of fishing and the chance of seeing dolphins. You cannot schedule that, but the fact that they watch for it is a bonus. On a day built around the sea, a dolphin appearance is the kind of moment that turns into a story you’ll repeat at dinner later.

Reviews also mention that paddle boarding may be part of the day, depending on conditions. Even if you skip paddle time, the option keeps the day from feeling one-note.

The return sail around 15:30 keeps the mood calm

At about 15:30, the group heads back toward the marina. This is when the trip often feels its most relaxing. You are done swimming, you’ve eaten, and the boat is doing its main job, sailing.

The return is described as calm and pleasant, which fits the whole idea of a private sailing day. You are not rushing to pack up and sprint to the next stop. You can settle back, enjoy the sea views, and let the day end without the usual travel fatigue.

If you’re someone who gets annoyed by tightly timed itineraries, this is a strong point in the favor column. The schedule gives you time where it counts, then gives you a gentler return.

Price and value: what $790 per group really buys you

At $790 per group (up to 12 people), this is not a budget excursion. But value is not only about low cost. It is about what you avoid.

With a private boat:

• You avoid crowd friction
• You get the timing you want for arrival around 12:00
• You stay on the water instead of spending most of the day traveling
• You get included basics like snacks and a drink each, plus a fresh sandwich
• You gain a flexible feel, where your group can spend the day how you want

For many couples and small groups, it can feel like the “right splurge,” especially if you split the cost among several people. For solo travelers, it is usually pricier in per-person terms, because you are paying for the boat.

This is best when you travel with people you actually like spending time with. If you’re with family, it can work nicely because everyone shares the same boat day. If you are with friends, it can be a party-light, scenic hangout that still feels special.

Who should book this private Tayrona sailing day

This tour fits best if you want a Tayrona day that feels personal and sea-focused.

It is a great match for:

• Couples who want a quieter, more romantic-feeling day on the water
• Families that want one shared plan with swimming time built in
• Groups of friends who want to choose their own pace, snorkeling or sun as you prefer
• Travelers who dislike crowded tours and prefer a calmer schedule

I would also suggest it if you’re the type who enjoys conversation and attention from the crew. Hosts include Thierry and Amy-Esther, and the vibe is described as warm and hospitable. That kind of care can turn a good day into a memorable one.

If you hate water activities, this might be less exciting. The boat day is centered on being in the sea.

Tayrona closures and weather changes, what happens when the plan shifts

Real talk: Tayrona has seasons when access is suspended. The trip notes these closure windows:

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

If your date falls in one of those periods, you will get an alternate destination such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga. That’s important. It means you still have a full day at sea and on a beach setting, even if Tayrona itself is restricted.

Weather can also affect the bay choice. The captain reserves the right to switch bays if the planned one is not reachable. Since this is a sailing-focused trip, that flexibility is part of how they keep the experience safe and enjoyable.

If the entire trip is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. So you are not stuck hoping for good skies with no backup.

A quick practical checklist before you go

To have the smoothest day, think in terms of comfort and water time.

Bring what helps you enjoy repeated water entry:

• Swimwear and a towel you do not mind getting sandy
• Sun protection, since you’ll be outside for hours
• A water-ready layer for when the wind cools things down on the sail back

Also remember the boat day is set up for water access, with snorkeling gear and swim platform access built into the flow. If you plan to snorkel and paddle, you’ll enjoy the day more if you are ready to move with the schedule.

And if you like taking photos, plan to do it during water breaks and the calm sail return. That’s when the day has its most relaxed lighting and tempo.

Should you book this private sailing trip from Santa Marta?

Book it if you want Tayrona without the chaos. This is a private day with snorkeling gear, a realistic water-focused schedule, and hosts who seem focused on making the day feel personal. The best part is not one single feature, it is the mix: sailing time, long water time around the 12:00 arrival, included food and drinks, and a calmer 15:30 return.

Skip it if you want the cheapest possible outing or if you prefer land-based sightseeing only. This trip is built for sea time. Even the schedule is shaped around it.

If your dates fall near the Tayrona closure periods, check that you are comfortable with an alternate destination like Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga. And if you are sailing with any strong weather sensitivity, keep an eye on conditions, since the captain may adjust the bay.

FAQ

How many people is the private boat for?

The tour is private for your group, with a maximum of 12 people.

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

It starts at 10:30 am at the meeting point, and the total duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes. The return sailing begins around 15:30.

What food and drinks are included?

You get complimentary snacks and a drink each. There is also a fresh sandwich served onboard. You can buy additional drinks on board, such as beer, wine, or rum.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included so you can spend time in the water once you arrive at the bay.

What if Tayrona access is suspended or the captain changes the bay?

If Tayrona access is suspended during specific dates, you’ll be offered an alternative destination such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga. Also, the captain may change the bay if weather conditions do not allow reaching the planned one.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

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’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.