Tayrona Sailing Private: Day Sail, Snorkel & SUP from Santa Marta
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people who can swim and are comfortable on a moving boat; basic balance needed for SUP and snorkeling.
Overview
Set off from Santa Marta for a private day sail to Tayrona’s sheltered coves—swim, snorkel and SUP where rainforest drops to the sea. This seven-hour charter mixes easy water sports, a casual lunch and a chance to learn basic sailing while you watch the Sierra Nevada recede into the distance.
Tayrona Sailing Private: Day Sail, Snorkel & SUP from Santa Marta
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The morning light in Santa Marta washes the marina in a sharp, Caribbean clarity—white hulls glinting, gulls arguing over the pier, and the Sierra Nevada rising like a green wall behind the town. By 10 a.m. a Ted Brewer 37-foot cutter slips its lines and motors into the chop; the engine’s vibration is a steady heartbeat as the coastline pulls away and the boat points toward Tayrona’s beaches where the forest literally leans over the surf.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The Colombian sun is strong and reefs are fragile—use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the coral.
Pack seasickness remedies
The boat motors into wind and the afternoon can get rolly—if you’re sensitive to motion bring pills or wristbands.
Secure a dry bag for tech
Phones and cameras ride better in a small dry bag or waterproof case when launching from the beach or on the SUP.
Respect anchoring rules and reefs
Avoid standing on coral and follow crew instructions when anchoring or entering the water to protect marine life.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea turtles
- Howler or capuchin monkeys in the coastal forest
History
Tayrona Park preserves coastal rainforest and archaeological sites from pre-Columbian Tayrona communities; indigenous groups from the Sierra Nevada continue cultural ties to the land.
Conservation
The park limits visitor numbers and has seasonal closures to protect nesting turtles and recovery of trails; avoid single-use plastics and step carefully around coral to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Santa Marta
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the coral ecosystems during prolonged sun exposure.
summer specific
Seasickness medication or wristbands
Reduces nausea during motoring and choppy conditions.
Dry bag (small, 5–10L)
Keeps phone, wallet and camera safe during water activities and beach transitions.
Quick-dry towel and swimwear
Dries fast after snorkeling or SUP and keeps you comfortable on the return sail.