Sailing Tayrona from Santa Marta: Small-Group Cruise & Onboard Lunch

Summary

Sail past isla aguja to bahía concha with local stories lunch and swimming

You’ll board a sailboat in Santa Marta for a day trip along Tayrona’s coast, passing Isla Aguja before anchoring at Bahía Concha. Swim or snorkel with provided gear, share fresh-grilled fish for lunch onboard, and swap stories with your bilingual guide. The quiet moments drifting near shore stay with you long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a cold drink before I even notice I’m thirsty. Luis is already at the helm, sun-bleached hair and that kind of calm you only get from years at sea. We’re barely out of Santa Marta’s marina when he starts pointing out little things — how Taganga looks different from the water, why Isla Aguja is shaped like that (I still can’t see it, but he swears it’s obvious). The wind smells briny and sharp, and there’s this low hum of Spanish and English mixing as everyone settles in. I try to help with the fishing rods but mostly just tangle the line — Luis laughs and fixes it without making me feel dumb.

The sail to Bahía Concha takes about an hour and a half, but honestly, I lose track of time watching sunlight flicker over the water. We pass Isla Aguja (finally spotted it), and then suddenly everything’s quieter — just gulls overhead and the slap of waves. Anchoring close to shore feels like cheating; you can practically jump straight into that blue-green water. Some folks paddleboard or snorkel (the gear’s all there), but I just float for a while, letting salt dry on my skin. Lunch is grilled fish right off the back of the boat — smoky, a little lemony, eaten with sandy fingers because I couldn’t be bothered to dry off properly first.

On the way back toward Santa Marta, Luis lets anyone who wants help with the sails. I give it a go — not gracefully — but nobody cares. There’s fruit and more stories, someone tries out their broken Spanish on one of the crew (big laughs all around), and by now we’re all sun-pink and salty-haired. It’s easy to forget what time it is out here; even heading home feels slow in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and exploring Tayrona National Park

• Board sailboat at 11:00 am
• Sail to Bahía Concha (1.5 hours)
• Share stories about park and people
• Set up fishing rods
• Pass Taganga and Garnet bays
• Pass Isla Aguja island
• Anchor near Bahía Concha beach
• Swim, walk, snorkel, or sunbathe
• Enjoy grilled fresh fish on board
• Begin return sail at 3:45 pm
• Arrive back at marina around 5:00 pm

Top questions

How long does the Tayrona sailing tour last?

The tour departs at 11:00 am from Santa Marta marina and returns around 5:00 pm.

Is lunch included on this Tayrona sailing trip?

Yes, lunch is included—usually fresh fish grilled onboard or pita sandwiches with salad.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes, you can swim or snorkel in Bahía Concha using provided equipment.

Are guides bilingual?

Yes, Luis and his team speak both Spanish and English.

What if Tayrona Park is closed?

The tour follows an alternative route when Tayrona is closed.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at Santa Marta marina for boarding.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes—water, soft drinks, ice, fruit, and snacks are included onboard.

Is this sailing tour suitable for children?

Yes—the boat welcomes infants and children; specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your day includes entrance to Santa Marta marina, use of snorkeling equipment plus paddle boards, water and soft drinks with fruit and snacks throughout the cruise, grilled fish or pita sandwiches for lunch onboard (with vegetarian options), passenger insurance coverage—and plenty of chances to join in sailing or just relax on deck until sunset brings you back to port.