Full-Day Tayrona Park Tour to Playa Cristal from Cartagena — Guide to Beaches, Snorkeling & Seven Waves

Santa Marta•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

15–18 hours

Fitness Level

Able to handle several hours in transit, short climbs (stairs to viewpoints) and standing or walking on sand and uneven trails.

Overview

A long coastal day that pairs the Sierra Nevada’s cliffs with crystalline Caribbean water—this full-day tour from Cartagena takes you to Seven Waves, Neguanje and Playa Cristal for snorkeling, a typical coastal lunch, and a concentrated taste of Tayrona Park’s marine life and Indigenous culture.

Full-Day Tayrona Park Tour to Playa Cristal from Cartagena — Guide to Beaches, Snorkeling & Seven Waves

Other

Snorkel

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You step off the coach before sunrise and the air changes—salt and warm mountain humidity arriving together as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta leans down to meet the Caribbean. The day unfolds like a coastal relay: a highway ride from Cartagena, a brief stop in Santa Marta, a park entrance briefing, a short hike to a rocky natural lookout called Seven Waves, a quiet swim at Neguanje, and a quick boat hop to Playa Cristal where the water is transparently blue and the sand is sugar-fine.

Adventure Photos

Full-Day Tayrona Park Tour to Playa Cristal from Cartagena — Guide to Beaches, Snorkeling & Seven Waves photo 1

Adventure Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen

The park protects coral and marine life—use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply under shade to protect both your skin and the reef.

Pack a small waterproof bag

Keep phone, wallet and a light towel dry—boats are small and beach sand gets everywhere.

Pace the day for motion comfort

Long drives and short boat rides can be bumpy; bring motion-sickness remedies if you're sensitive.

Buy crafts thoughtfully

If you purchase Indigenous crafts, ask about materials and provenance—buying directly supports local artisans.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Parrot species and coastal seabirds
Colorful reef fish using shallow coral gardens

History

Tayrona Park protects coastal territory long inhabited by indigenous groups—today their cultural presence shapes craft markets and stewardship practices at park entrances.

Conservation

Fishing bans inside the reserve and visitor limits are designed to protect coral and fish populations; visitors should avoid touching corals, take all trash out, and use reef-safe products.