Santa Marta: Sailing Tour to Tayrona Park with Luis’ Team

Santa Marta: Sailing Tour to Tayrona Park with Luis’ Team

If you’re craving a day of sun, sea, and stunning scenery just outside Santa Marta, this sailing tour to Tayrona Park is worth considering. Priced at $75 per person and lasting around 6.5 hours, this experience offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and authentic coastal views. Led by Luis’ team, the trip departs from the Santa Marta International Marina, heading straight for Bahia Concha within Tayrona Park or some nearby bays.

What we especially like about this tour are the unlimited snacks and soft drinks, which keep spirits high without extra cost, and the bilingual crew that makes communication easy whether you speak English or Spanish. The boat ride itself is a highlight, providing a chance to enjoy the sea breeze and views, while the itinerary includes fishing, snorkeling, and plenty of beach time.

A possible consideration is that some travelers might expect more sailing and less motorized cruising, as one reviewer noted the trip was more of a boat ride than a true sail. If you’re expecting a long, elegant sailboat experience, this might feel a bit commercialized or rushed. Still, it’s a well-organized tour that caters to those wanting a balance of fun, scenery, and comfort—all in a single day.

This tour suits travelers who love stunning beaches, enjoy water activities, and want a hassle-free way to explore Tayrona Park’s beauty. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate good value, lively crews, and a relaxed vibe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic coastal experience with a focus on scenic views and beach time
• All-inclusive: snacks, soft drinks, lunch, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards
• Flexible activities: swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, fishing
• Comfortable group size with a bilingual crew for clear communication
• Timing matters: Departure at 10:30 am with a 6.5-hour window, including travel and return
• Limited sailing, mostly motor cruising, which might disappoint sailing purists

In-Depth Review of the Santa Marta Sailing Tour to Tayrona Park

The Starting Point and Departure

The adventure begins at the Santa Marta International Marina around 10:30 am. When you arrive and ask for “Artivela,” you’re greeted by a friendly crew that sets a relaxed yet organized tone for the day. The meeting is straightforward, making it easy to find your way, especially if you’re exploring the area for the first time.

Once aboard, you’ll notice that the boat is well-equipped and prepared for a day on the water. Given the time of departure, you’ll have plenty of daylight to enjoy the sights and activities. The boat itself appears to be comfortable for groups, with enough space for everyone to spread out or gather in the shaded areas.

The Journey and Scenic Highlights

At 11 am, the boat departs for Bahia Concha, taking roughly 1.5 hours to reach Tayrona’s most famous beaches. During this cruise, the crew takes the opportunity to chat about the park’s curiosities and the local surroundings, making the journey educational as well as scenic.

One of the highlights is the chance to fish with poles as the boat passes along Taganga Bay and Granate Bay. For those who enjoy a bit of casual fishing, this adds a touch of traditional coastal life to the trip. Keep in mind that while fishing is included, you might want to bring your own bait if you have a favorite.

The boat then passes through the Aguja Island Pass—the only island in Tayrona Park—before anchoring near Bahia Concha. Here, the real fun begins: swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on the boat while soaking in the stunning beach vistas.

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Beach and Water Activities

Once anchored in Bahia Concha, you’ll have ample time to enjoy the surroundings. The beach is known for its clear waters and soft sands, perfect for lounging or a quick dip. The snorkel equipment provided allows you to explore underwater life, which many guests find particularly rewarding.

According to reviews, some travelers appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to just take in the sun. One reviewer noted, “It was so relaxing being at the beach taking a little sun.” The inclusion of paddleboards also offers a fun way to explore the calmer waters.

Food and Refreshments

A significant perk of this tour is the all-you-can-eat snacks and soft drinks. This means you can focus on enjoying the scenery without worrying about packing extra food. Around 3:45 pm, the crew begins the return trip, giving everyone a chance to cool down with a drink or snack as the boat cruises back toward Santa Marta.

The lunch included is appreciated, especially after a morning of activities. The crew ensures you’re well-fed before the journey ends around 5 pm. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase onboard, which you might find a nice way to toast the day, though they’re not included in the price.

The Return and Final Impressions

The return sail offers a chance to reflect on the day and enjoy the sea breeze. Weather conditions influence how much sailing versus motoring occurs; some reviews mention that the trip was more of a motorboat ride than a true sail, which could be disappointing if your expectation is for a classic sailing experience.

The tour concludes back at the marina, completing a well-rounded day of ocean views, beach leisure, and light adventure.

Authentic Experiences and Considerations

From the reviews, it’s clear the experience resonates strongly with water lovers and those seeking an easy, all-in-one day trip. The crew’s friendly attitude and the abundance of included amenities make for good value. One guest summed up their trip as “very good service,” highlighting the attentiveness of the staff.

However, some travelers felt that the trip was over sold as a sailing experience but was mostly motorized. If sailing is a priority for you, you might want to clarify with the operator or consider other options; this tour offers more of a boat cruise with casual sailing.

Another point to keep in mind is the timing. The tour operates during certain months when Tayrona Park is closed (early February, early June, and late October), so check availability if visiting during these times.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy beach days, snorkeling, and ferrying along scenic coastline. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, all-inclusive experience without the hassle of planning transportation or meals. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will appreciate the balanced mix of activities and the opportunity to unwind.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring a hat, towel, and sunscreen to stay protected and comfortable.
• Wear swimsuits under your clothes if you want to swim immediately upon arrival.
• Consider bringing extra bait or fishing gear if you’re keen on fishing.
• Confirm the tour’s schedule and availability in advance, especially during peak or closed seasons.
• While snacks are unlimited, bringing a personal water bottle is always a good idea.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those seeking a laid-back day on the water with beautiful beaches and snorkeling, this sailing tour offers solid value. The friendly crew, ample refreshments, and easygoing pace make it a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy Tayrona without the fuss of arranging their own transportation or meals.

If you’re a sailing enthusiast, you might find the experience somewhat less authentic than expected, since the trip is more of a comfortable cruise than a sailing adventure. Still, the views, beach time, and casual vibe are hard to beat.

This experience is best suited for nature lovers, water sports fans, and those wanting a hassle-free day trip. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing on pristine beaches while having good crew service and lively atmosphere.

FAQ about the Santa Marta Sailing Tour to Tayrona Park

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour includes beach time, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, making it suitable for families. Just ensure children are comfortable in water and bring necessary gear.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?
No, snacks and soft drinks are included in the price, along with lunch. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase onboard.

How long is the boat ride to Tayrona?
The trip from Santa Marta Marina to Bahia Concha takes about 1.5 hours each way, providing ample time to enjoy the scenery and crew commentary.

What activities are included?
You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or fish. The tour also provides paddleboards and snorkeling equipment at no extra cost.

Are the sailing conditions authentic?
Most of the trip is motorized, with some sailing possibly depending on weather. Some reviews note it felt more like a boat cruise than a true sailing experience.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, towel, sunscreen, and personal water. You might also want to bring bait if fishing interests you.

When does the tour operate?
Check availability as the tour runs during specific months, with Tayrona Park closed in early February, June, and late October.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for flexible planning.

If you’re looking for a scenic, relaxed day with plenty of water fun, this sailing tour to Tayrona Park delivers. It balances comfort with adventure, making it a worthwhile option for many travelers exploring Santa Marta’s coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby