Private sailing in Tayrona beats the beach day. This is a private group sail day in Tayrona National Natural Park, with time to swim, snorkel, paddle, and enjoy the kind of quiet coves that feel a world away from the usual beach crowds. I especially like the bespoke pace—you arrive, you play in the water, and you sail back relaxed.

What I like most: the hosts (Thierry and Amy-Esther) are hands-on and friendly, and they take you to calmer spots instead of running a one-size-fits-all schedule. I also like that you’re not stuck only on a beach—there’s a proper sailing rhythm, plus easy sea access from the boat’s big rear platform.

One drawback to factor in: this trip depends on good weather, and the captain can switch the bay if conditions don’t cooperate—so the exact spot can change.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private sail day in Tayrona with your own group up to 12 people
• Bahia Concha arrival around midday for swimming, snorkeling, and sun time
• Snorkeling gear included plus paddle boarding options (bring swim confidence)
• On-board snacks and a fresh sandwich, with drinks available to buy
• Sailing back with a calm return at ~15:30, often more relaxing than you expect
• Chance of dolphins or fishing while sailing, weather permitting

Tayrona by sail: the day feels quieter, and that matters

Tayrona can be stunning, but it can also feel crowded when you’re moving along fixed paths and time slots. A private sailing boat changes that. You’re not just visiting the park—you’re living it from the water, with frequent pauses to actually enjoy the sea.

The vibe is family-friendly and social, but not chaotic. You get to spend your time how you want: jump in, snorkel, sunbathe, paddle, or just hang out and watch the coastline slide by. Because this is private, there’s no herd of strangers shaping the day. It’s built for a group that wants freedom and comfort.

What you’ll notice right away

• The boat is kept clean and well cared for, and it’s set up for an easy day at sea.
• The hosts help keep the day smooth. You’re not stuck figuring things out while everyone else moves on.
• You get real water time, not just a quick dip.

The morning setup: Santa Marta to the park at a smooth pace

The trip starts at 10:30 am at the ALQUILER DE YATES SANTA MARTA meeting point on Cra. 1 #22-93 in Santa Marta. From there, you head out with the expectation of arriving at the bay around 12:00 pm.

That timing works well. You get daylight for swimming and snorkeling, and you avoid the earliest scramble that some full-day tours push on you. Also, if you’re the type who likes to arrive, settle, and then enjoy—this schedule feels designed for that.

Practical tip

Plan to arrive a bit early so you can settle in before you set sail. It also gives you a minute to confirm where to store things and how the boat works before water time begins.

Bahia Concha arrival around noon: where the real relaxing starts

Around 12:00 pm, you’ll reach Bahia Concha, and this is the heart of the day. This is when the park feels most alive, because you’re not rushing. You can swim right away, use the boat’s rear bathing platform for easy entry, and settle into the water.

This stop is built for options:

• Swimming and sun time
• Snorkeling using the equipment provided
• Paddle boarding (available if you want it)
• Jumping from the boat and just chilling

If you’re thinking, do we just stop and walk around? No. Bahia Concha is more about staying in the water and enjoying the setting from a float.

Why the platform is a big deal

On a lot of boats, getting in and out is a hassle. Here, the big rear platform makes sea access simple. That matters if you’re bringing kids, if you’re not an expert swimmer, or if you just don’t want to spend your vacation doing awkward ladder gymnastics.

Snorkeling in Tayrona: gear included, and the setup is the point

You’re given snorkeling equipment, so you don’t have to plan around rentals or fit. That alone saves time and stress.

What makes snorkeling work best on this kind of private sail is the calmer approach. Instead of one quick stop, you get time to actually get comfortable in the water. You can take it slow, watch the coastline and surface activity, and then decide if you want longer swims or shorter passes.

If you want the best snorkeling experience

• Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen if you’re picky about brands (it’s not listed, so don’t count on it).
• If you wear contact lenses, plan accordingly for salt water and rinsing.
• If you’re nervous, start with gentle swims and use the boat platform to regain confidence.

And yes, dolphins do happen sometimes. The trip includes a bit of natural “science fiction” energy—while sailing, there’s a chance you’ll spot dolphins or even be in the right mood for fishing, depending on conditions.

Sailing time: it’s not just transport, it’s the attraction

This is a sailing trip, not a motor-ride with a souvenir stop. You get real sail time along the coast, which changes how the day feels. The pace is slower. The air is different. The coastline comes at you in a way you can’t replicate from a bus.

There’s something practical here too: the sailing portion gives your group a break from constant activity. You can sit, chat, take photos, and watch the water. It’s the kind of rhythm that makes the day feel long in the best way, because you don’t feel like you’re running an itinerary.

The calm return at about 15:30

At 15:30, you begin the return toward the marina. The return is designed to be smooth and relaxed, which is exactly when many tours get loud and rushed. Here, you get time to unwind.

Food and drinks on board: simple, solid, and not food-taxing

Lunch is handled in a low-effort, high-comfort way. You’ll have a fresh sandwich served on board, plus complimentary snacks and a drink each included.

You also can buy drinks on the boat—think beers, wines, rum—so you can add to the fun if that’s your style. Cold storage (glaciers/ice boxes) are available if you need them.

How to think about the food value

The value isn’t that it’s a big restaurant spread. It’s that you don’t waste time hunting lunch, and you’re not stuck paying for every bite. For a day that’s mainly about water and scenery, it hits the sweet spot.

Wildlife and fishing: you’re not guaranteed, but the odds feel real

The trip description mentions a chance to fish or to be accompanied by dolphins while sailing, and that’s consistent with how the day tends to run: you’re out on open water in a coastal park area where wildlife sightings are possible.

From a planning standpoint, treat this as a bonus, not a promise. The captain’s main job is weather safety and choosing a good bay. If dolphins show up, you’ll remember it for years. If they don’t, you still get the snorkeling and the scenery.

Weather changes the plan: how to stay flexible and not stress

This is one of those tours where the sea wins. The captain can change the bay if weather prevents reaching the planned location. That’s normal and responsible.

Also, Tayrona access has suspended periods:

• 1–15 February
• 1–15 June
• 19 October–2 November

During those times, you’ll be offered an alternative like Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga.

My advice

If your trip dates fall inside those suspended windows, don’t assume you’ll still get the exact same bay. Instead, focus on the bigger goal: a private sail day with swimming and snorkeling in a coastal setting.

Price and value: $790 for up to 12 can be smart math

The price is $790 per group, up to 12 people, for about 7.5 hours on the water. That sounds high if you’re picturing an individual ticket—but it’s not priced like one. It’s priced like privacy.

Here’s the value angle: if you split the cost across a few adults (or multiple families), you can end up paying a lot less per person than you’d expect from private boat time. And you’re getting more than a ride—you get snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, a fresh sandwich, and real access to the water without the constant crowd pressure.

When this is best value

• You’re traveling with a group (friends, extended family, kids)
• You want a day that feels custom and un-rushed
• You care more about the water experience than ticking off fast photo stops

When it may not be

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple with no intention of splitting, a private boat may not feel as efficient. In that case, you might prefer a shared tour option for cost reasons. But if you’re set on privacy, this delivers it.

Who this sailing day fits best (and who should reconsider)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A relaxing day on the coast with swimming and snorkeling
• A private setting for families and friend groups
• A captain/crew who actively help shape the day, not just follow a checklist

It’s also a good fit if you like quieter beaches and coves. The best reviews highlight the calm, less-busy places you’re taken to, which matters in Tayrona where some areas can feel busy.

I’d reconsider if:

• You hate water time and would rather spend the day on land
• Your group has very strict timing demands and can’t handle weather-based changes
• You’re traveling during the park suspension dates and are disappointed by alternative locations

Booking confidence: what makes it feel like a safe bet

This kind of experience works when the hosts are competent and the day flows without friction. Here, you get a clear signal in how the hosts run the trip: friendly, attentive, and focused on making the day feel special.

Names you may hear aboard include Thierry and Amy-Esther. In reviews, they’re praised for tailoring the day to the group, finding quieter spots, and keeping the experience comfortable and fun. That’s a big deal. With a private boat, small details—timing, pacing, and where you stop—make the difference between a good day and a standout one.

Also, the day can include an extra layer of excitement if dolphins appear during sailing. You should expect the sea to be the star, not any scripted show.

Should you book this Tayrona sailing day?

If you want Tayrona without the stress, this is a great call. The strongest reasons to book are the private group setup, the water access (especially the snorkeling time), and the relaxed schedule that leaves room to actually enjoy the place.

Book it if:

• You’re traveling with 3–12 people and can split the group price
• You care about snorkeling and comfortable sea time
• You want a day paced by the captain and your group, not by crowds

Consider skipping (or adjusting expectations) if:

• You’re very price-sensitive as a solo traveler
• Your dates fall in the park suspension periods and you only want specific areas
• You’re unlikely to handle weather-driven bay changes

If your goal is a memorable, calmer day on the Caribbean side of Colombia, this private Tayrona sailing format is exactly the kind of experience that makes a trip feel complete.

FAQ

What time does the sailing trip start, and how long is the day?

The tour starts at 10:30 am and lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes. You arrive in the bay around 12:00 pm and begin the return at about 15:30.

Where does the tour meet, and where does it end?

You meet at ALQUILER DE YATES SANTA MARTA, Cra. 1 #22-93, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What activities are included while you’re at the bay?

You can swim, snorkel with provided equipment, and use a paddle board if you want. The boat also has a large platform at the back that makes getting into the water easier.

Is food and drinks included?

Yes. You’ll get complimentary snacks and a drink each, plus a fresh sandwich served on board. Additional drinks like beer, wine, or rum can be purchased on the boat.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The captain may also change the bay if conditions don’t allow reaching the planned one.

Does Tayrona always open on the scheduled dates?

No. Access is suspended from 1–15 February, 1–15 June, and 19 October–2 November. If that happens, an alternative destination is offered such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga.

Is this a shared tour?

No. This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. The group size is up to 12 people.

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