Sanctuary of Flamingos Day Tour from Santa Marta: Boat and lagoon

Watch flamingos feed in their lagoon, then sail among them

A six to seven hour tour from Santa Marta to the Sanctuary of Flamingos, a protected feeding ground on Colombia's Caribbean coast where you board a boat to see flamingos in the salty lagoon. Your guide explains the park's importance to the region and its wildlife, then you sail freely around the water to watch the birds feed on shrimp. Hotel pickup and drop-off by motorbike are included, along with entrance and boat transportation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Flamingo Sanctuary and Lagoon Tour

• Guide picks you up
• Visit flamingo sanctuary
• Learn about park importance
• Sail around salty lagoon
• See flamingos feeding
• Enjoy typical lunch at Playa de Camarones
• Return to hotel

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel and a ride to the salty lagoon where the flamingos gather to feed. Your guide walks you through the sanctuary first, explaining why this place matters to the local community and the country's conservation efforts. The flamingos come here because of the shrimp in the water. That's what draws them, and that's what you'll see them doing once you're on the boat.

Once you're on the water, you follow the guide's recommendations for staying safe around the birds, then you're free to sail around the lagoon at your own pace. The boat lets you get close enough to watch them feed and move through the water. Afterward, you can grab a typical lunch at Playa de Camarones if you want. That's not part of the tour price, but it's there if you're hungry. Then you head back to your hotel by motorbike the way you came.

What’s included

• Entrance to the Sanctuary of Flamingos.
• boat transportation around the lagoon.
• a guide who explains the park and its wildlife.
• hotel pickup and drop-off by motorbike.
• all-risk insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (4 to 85 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Gran Colombia Tours

Is this one for you?The tour runs six to seven hours with a motorbike ride to the lagoon and time on the water, so you'll be moving between sites and sitting in a boat. Book this if you're comfortable with both and want to spend a full morning and early afternoon on the water and in the sun.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What exactly is the Sanctuary of Flamingos and why do flamingos go there?

The Sanctuary of Flamingos is a protected salty lagoon on Colombia's Caribbean coast where flamingos gather to feed on shrimp. The lagoon's salt content and shrimp population make it a natural feeding ground, and the site is now recognized for its importance to local wildlife and the region's ecosystem.

Do I get to see the flamingos up close, or do I watch them from far away?

You sail around the lagoon on a boat, which lets you get near the flamingos as they feed. Your guide gives you recommendations for safe viewing, and then you're free to move around the boat to see them at your own pace.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but you'll have time to eat at Playa de Camarones after the boat ride if you want to. A typical meal there is available for an extra cost.

What's the weather like, and what should I bring?

The tour runs in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for sun, wind and possible rain. Bring comfortable shoes, water to stay hydrated, and sunscreen. The guide will contact you the day before to answer any questions about what to pack.