Tayrona by Sea: Cinto, Playa Cristal & Concha Day Tour

Boat tour to Cinto, Playa Cristal lunch stop and Bahía Concha swim

You’ll drift along Tayrona’s coast by boat with stops at Cinto’s wild beach and Playa Cristal for lunch right on the sand (fish is included). Snorkel in warm bays or just float awhile before finishing up at Bahía Concha for a swim as sunset creeps in. It’s easygoing but full of those moments you’ll want to replay later.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout the trip, snacks while cruising between bays, use of snorkeling equipment whenever you want to jump in, passenger insurance for peace of mind, entrance fees to Santa Marta marina covered from the start—and a freshly cooked fish lunch served right on Playa Cristal before heading back as sunset colors hit Santa Marta’s sky.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Tayrona bays

• Meet at Santa Marta Marina 8:30 am
• Boat to Bay of Cinto
• Walk beach and snorkel at Cinto
• Visit river mouth with crabs
• Return boat at 12 pm
• Stop at Playa Cristal for lunch
• Swim and snorkel at Playa Cristal
• Boat to Bahía Concha at 3 pm
• Enjoy sea and white sand at Bahía Concha
• Return to Santa Marta Marina at 4:30 pm
• Watch sunset with cold drink

The Experience

“You’re not going to eat that crab, are you?” That’s what I blurted out when our guide, Andrés, pointed at a scuttling little thing near the river mouth at Cinto. He just grinned and shook his head — apparently they’re just for watching, not eating. The boat ride from Santa Marta’s marina was longer than I expected (maybe an hour and a half?), but honestly, the way the Sierra Nevada mountains just sort of loom behind those green bays… it made me forget about time. There was this salty tang in the air, and my shirt stuck to my back almost immediately — Caribbean sun doesn’t mess around.

Cinto felt like some place you’d see on a postcard but never actually get to. We walked along the sand, which squeaked underfoot (I still remember that sound), and tried snorkeling near these rocks where tiny fish darted around. Andrés showed us how to spot where the river meets the sea — Old Mother, he called it — and there were so many crabs I lost count. At one point I just sat down and let my feet sink into the wet sand. Didn’t expect to feel so quiet all of a sudden.

Lunch at Playa Cristal was fish — fresh enough that Li swore it winked at her (it didn’t). We ate right by the water; I could hear people laughing behind us in Spanish, kids splashing somewhere nearby. The water really is clear here; I tried snorkeling again but mostly floated on my back watching pelicans dive-bomb for their own lunch. Later we hit Bahía Concha for one last swim before heading back toward Santa Marta. The sun started dropping behind the boats and someone handed me a cold drink — not fancy or anything, but it tasted like relief after all that salt and sun. Honestly, I keep thinking about that last bit of light over the bay.

Top questions

How long does the Tayrona by sea tour take?

The tour starts at 8:30 am and returns around 4:30 pm, so about 8 hours total.

Is lunch included on this Tayrona boat tour?

Yes, lunch is included—usually fish of the day served at Playa Cristal by the sea.

Are snorkeling equipment and snacks provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling gear and snacks are included during the trip.

Where does this Tayrona day trip start?

The meeting point is Santa Marta International Marina.

Do you visit multiple beaches on this Tayrona boat tour?

Yes, stops include Cinto Bay, Playa Cristal, and Bahía Concha.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

Can infants join this Tayrona sea tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during boat rides.

Are service animals allowed on this trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.