Tayrona, Snorkel & Beach

Exploring the Tayrona, Snorkel & Beach Tour: A Detailed Review

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with crystal-clear waters, lively marine life, and stunning scenery, the Tayrona, Snorkel & Beach tour could be just what you need. Priced at $60 per person and lasting about 7 hours, this adventure takes you to some of the best snorkeling spots in Tayrona National Park, located just outside Santa Marta. Led by local guides who are experts in underwater life, you’ll enjoy not just the sights beneath the surface but also ample time to relax on pristine beaches.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the small group size—limiting to ten travelers—which fosters a more intimate experience, and the knowledgeable guides who know the area and marine species like locals. They’ll take you to spots that avoid the crowds and focus on the best snorkeling locations, making for a more authentic and less touristy experience.

One potential drawback is the limited snorkeling equipment: the tour provides snorkeling gear but not fins, so if you’re an experienced snorkeler who prefers your own equipment, you might want to bring yours along. Also, since drinks are sold on board, and alcohol isn’t permitted, those looking for a lively bar scene might be disappointed.

This tour suits travelers who love marine life, enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation, and want to see authentic parts of Tayrona without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re comfortable with a small group and eager to explore underwater ecosystems, this experience should fit your travel style well.

Key Points

• Expert local guides who know the underwater environment intimately
• Visit multiple snorkeling spots, including the renowned Granate reef
• Relax on Bahía Concha, the largest bay in Tayrona Park
• Includes a fresh fish lunch and snacks to keep you energized
• Limited equipment—bring your own fins if you prefer more comfort
• Small group size enhances the personalized experience

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Meeting at Santa Marta’s International Marina

Your day begins at 9:30 am at the Santa Marta International Marina. The location offers fantastic photo opportunities with sweeping views of the coast and mountains in the background. It’s a relaxed start, giving you time to meet your fellow travelers and get a briefing about the day ahead.

Boarding the Boat “Tranquila” and the Short Sail to Tayrona

At 10 am, you’ll board the boat “Tranquila”, a cozy vessel suited for small groups. The ride to the first snorkeling spot only takes about 10 minutes, making it easy to settle into the day without long, tiring journeys. This short sail means more time in the water and on the beach.

Snorkeling at Remanso and Granate

Your first stop is Remanso, a calm, shallow area ideal for beginners and those wanting to wade into the underwater world. Here, you’ll snorkel for approximately 40 minutes, spotting colorful fish and perhaps sea turtles. As one reviewer noted, “Despite recent rains, we saw quite a few different fish,” highlighting that even in less-than-perfect weather, the marine life can still impress.

The highlight for many is Granate, considered the best snorkeling spot in the park. With luck, you might see sea turtles and a vibrant array of species. Guides are known for pointing out various marine creatures and ensuring you get the most out of this experience, even if you’re not a seasoned snorkeler.

Relaxing in Bahía Concha

After snorkeling, the group sails to Bahía Concha, the largest bay in Tayrona, offering a perfect balance of swimming, sunbathing, and leisure. Here, you can stroll along the soft sands, wade into the warm waters, or simply relax with a book. Many reviews mention the beautiful scenery—not only the water but also the surrounding mountains and beaches.

Lunch and Free Time

While enjoying the views, you’ll have a delicious lunch based on fresh fish, prepared locally. The meal is often praised in reviews, with one reviewer describing the lunch as “excellent.” The group then has time to unwind, with options to swim, walk, or just soak up the sun.

Return Journey and Final Thoughts

The tour wraps up after a relaxed return to Santa Marta, giving you a full day of marine adventure, scenic vistas, and beachside relaxation. This experience offers a balanced mix of activities—a highlight for those wanting variety in their day.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Included in the tour are snorkeling equipment, entrance to the marina, a fish lunch, snacks, bottled water, passenger insurance, and life vests. This comprehensive package ensures that most essentials are covered without extra costs, allowing you to focus on enjoying your day.

Not included are sodas, other alcoholic drinks, or additional equipment like fins, which you might want to bring if you’re a seasoned snorkeler. Carrying sunscreen is essential, as many reviews point out the lack of shade on the boat, and one user even mentioned getting a sunburn despite using sunscreen.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour begins at the marina, which is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the group remains small, fostering a more personal and flexible experience. Guides are praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and local knowledge.

Pricing and Value

At $60 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions—multiple snorkeling stops, a substantial lunch, and expert guidance. The small group size and the chance to visit lesser-crowded spots add to its appeal.

Authentic Experiences and Real Reviews

Many travelers highlight the friendly guides like Luis and Oscar, who go out of their way to make everyone comfortable. One reviewer said, “They took us to good spots and avoided large crowds,” which is a big plus for anyone wanting an authentic, less touristy experience.

Snorkeling is a major highlight, with reviews emphasizing how even in less-than-ideal weather, the marine life can shine through. For example, “Despite recent rains, we saw quite a few different fish,” demonstrates the resilience of these underwater ecosystems.

The beaches themselves are repeatedly described as beautiful and inviting, with clear, calm waters perfect for swimming or relaxing.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Tayrona snorkeling and beach tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy marine life and want a hassle-free way to experience Tayrona’s best underwater spots. The knowledgeable guides, small group setting, and balanced itinerary make it perfect for those seeking an authentic adventure with minimal planning.

If you’re after a relaxing day on beautiful beaches, combined with some snorkeling in vibrant waters, this tour delivers on both fronts. It’s especially appealing to travelers who value local insights and prefer avoiding large crowds, as highlighted by multiple reviews praising the guides’ efforts.

However, if you’re a snorkeler who prefers your own fins or a traveler looking for alcohol options, you might want to consider bringing your gear or planning additional stops. Still, for most, this experience offers a memorable day immersed in nature, with plenty of opportunities to photograph stunning scenery and spot fascinating sea creatures.

FAQ about the Tayrona Snorkel & Beach Tour

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes the use of snorkeling gear, but fins are not provided, so bring your own if you prefer more comfort.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Santa Marta International Marina at 9:30 am and returns to the same location at the end of the day.

How long is the snorkeling at each stop?
You’ll snorkel at each site for approximately 40 minutes, enough time to see plenty of marine life and enjoy the underwater scenery.

What should I bring?
Bring waterproof sunscreen, a towel, perhaps your own fins if you’re experienced, and a hat or sunglasses for sun protection on the boat.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While the tour is mostly suitable for most travelers, non-swimmers should be comfortable with shallow water and always wear the provided life vest.

What is included in the price?
The package covers snorkeling equipment, marina entrance, lunch, snacks, bottled water, passenger insurance, and life vests.

Are drinks like soda or alcohol available?
Sodas and alcohol are sold on board, but alcohol consumption isn’t permitted during the tour.

This tour offers a wonderful combination of marine adventure and beach relaxation. With expert guides, stunning scenery, and a well-organized itinerary, it’s a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Tayrona Park—perfect for those who want to see underwater life and unwind on pristine beaches.