Tayrona Park Tour to Playa Cinto & Playa Cristal — Snorkel, Swim and Seafront Lunch from Santa Marta
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Light: suitable for most people who can get on/off a boat and walk short rocky sections
Overview
Spend a day by boat off Santa Marta exploring two very different Tayrona beaches: the quiet, sheltered Playa Cinto and the turquoise snorkeling paradise of Playa Cristal. This seven-hour tour includes round-trip boat transport, an expert guide, and a seafront lunch.
Tayrona Park Tour to Playa Cinto & Playa Cristal — Snorkel, Swim and Seafront Lunch from Santa Marta
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The boat cuts a clean line through the Caribbean; spray tags the side of the hull and the coast peels away until the Sierra Nevada feels like a wall behind you, green and implacable. By the time the skipper calls out a ragged welcome, you’re already thinking in salt: the sea here pulls at you, bright and insistent, daring you into that clear shallow where fish dart like living confetti.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for calmer seas
Morning departures usually offer glassier water and better visibility for snorkeling; afternoons can be windier and choppier.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect coral and your skin — non-reef-safe lotions can harm marine life and are often banned in protected areas.
Wear water shoes
Shallows and reef edges are rocky; water shoes protect feet while entering and exiting the sea.
Bring small bills and ID
Some beach stalls only accept cash for extras and park staff may request ID when checking vouchers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tropical reef fish (parrotfish, sergeant majors)
- Frigatebirds and brown pelicans hunting the shallows
History
The Tayrona coast was historically inhabited by Tairona peoples; archaeological sites in the park reflect centuries of coastal settlement and trade.
Conservation
Tayrona is a protected national park — follow park rules, use reef-safe products, and avoid single-use plastics to minimize visitor impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Santa Marta
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while preventing damage to coral and marine life.
summer specific
Snorkel mask
Improves your ability to see and enjoy the reef at Playa Cristal.
summer specific
Water shoes
Protects feet on rocky beach entries and coral shallows.
Dry bag (10L)
Keeps phone, cash and a light jacket dry on a boat day.