7.5 hours that turns Santa Marta into a boat day. I love the sailboat-style coast views as you pass bays and Aguja Island, and I love that snorkel gear and paddle boards come with the trip. The only real catch: the ride out can be choppy if waves stack up, so plan for motion sickness if you’re prone.

What makes this outing work is the way the day is paced once you reach Bahía Concha. You anchor for beach time, lunch happens onboard at a steady rhythm, and the crew stays on top of details (Captain Carlos is mentioned often, and staff like Jesús also show up in the mix). One more consideration: Bahia Concha can still be busy at certain spots, so where your boat anchors matters for crowd levels.

You’ll head to one main destination—Bahía Concha—with no other stops on the way in or out. And if Tayrona Park is closed during certain dates, the plan shifts to nearby areas (Taganga half day plus Inca Inca half day), so you still get a day in the water.

Key things to know before you sail to Bahia Concha

• You’re sightseeing at sea on the way in: you pass Taganga Bay, Granate Bay, and Aguja Island from a distance rather than making multiple stops.
• Most of the beach time happens after anchoring at Bahía Concha, not during constant transferring.
• Lunch is included (fish with rice salad and plantains, with chicken or vegetarian if requested after booking).
• SUPs and snorkeling gear are part of the package, so you don’t need to hunt rentals on arrival.
• Ask prices on the beach first—chairs, drinks, and vendor offers can add up fast.

From Charter Dock to Tayrona water: the real timing

Most days start at Marina Internacional de Santa Marta. You meet at the charter dock at 9:30 am, then the group typically pushes off around 10:00 am (there can be a short wait since other boats use the same dock).

Once underway, you motor upwind to reach Bahía Concha around 11:30 am. That first stretch is part scenic cruise, part workout for your stomach. One important practical detail: on some days the sea can feel rough on the outbound trip. Even with a crew that’s experienced at managing it, the motion is real—so if you’re sensitive, bring seasickness tablets and keep some shade and hydration in your plan.

Good news: the return tends to feel easier for many people. And when wind cooperates, you may get motor-sailing and even sailing under genoa only on the way back, which is when the trip starts to feel like you’re really living on a sailboat rather than just traveling by boat.

Riding past Taganga Bay, Granate Bay, and Aguja Island

This is one of the underrated parts of the day: you get coast scenery without turning it into a hop-on, hop-off tour.

On the way to Bahía Concha, the boat passes major landmarks like Taganga Bay, Granate Bay, and Aguja Island. You don’t stop there—you just enjoy the views from onboard as the coastline scrolls by.

Why that matters: it keeps the day from feeling rushed. With one main beach destination, you get more actual water time and less time tied up in transfers. You’re also less likely to feel worn out before lunch, which is a common problem on long day trips from Santa Marta.

Bahía Concha anchoring: beach time without the stress

When you arrive, the boat anchors in Bahía Concha. From there you have options:

• Stay onboard and relax at anchor
• Swim to the beach
• Or use the auxiliary boat depending on how conditions and timing line up

In practice, this flexibility is what makes the trip feel easy. If the water calls you, you can go right in. If you’d rather chill first, you can do that too. And because you’re anchored, there’s no constant back-and-forth to get everyone moving.

Crowds can vary. Some groups report having a quieter beach side or basically having a calmer stretch of the shoreline because of where the boat anchors. Still, Tayrona-area beaches are popular, so expect that the most convenient swimming sections can get busier as the day goes on.

Snorkel and SUP time: what’s included (and what to bring)

One of the best value parts here is the included equipment: paddle boards and snorkeling gear.

That means you can spend time in three modes:

1. Swim in clear water
2. Snorkel with provided masks/gear
3. Paddle around once you’ve got your balance

A practical tip: the sun gets intense in the Caribbean. Even if the water feels refreshing, you can still burn fast while anchored. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and ideally something lightweight for shade. Some people also rent beach shade on arrival, since long chair days can get hot.

Also keep in mind the sea conditions. If it’s choppy, snorkeling can feel more work. You’ll still have plenty to do—paddle boards can be easier if you take it slow and pick calmer water.

Lunch onboard: simple, filling, and timed well

Lunch arrives roughly 90 minutes after you get to Bahía Concha. It’s served onboard, not as a separate restaurant stop, so it doesn’t eat up your beach time.

The meal is typically grilled fish with rice salad and plantains. There’s a chicken option and a vegetarian option if you specify after booking. One smart move: if you have dietary needs, make sure the request is clearly communicated during booking rather than hoping it’ll be handled last-minute.

You also get one beverage included. Additional drinks are available, but they cost extra. In some cases, crew has provided snacks and water beyond the included item, but don’t count on it as your only plan for staying fed and hydrated.

One more heads-up: if you’re sensitive to motion, lunch can be tricky if conditions are rough. Eat slowly and drink water—especially before you snorkel.

The return sail: why the timing feels worth it

By about 3:30 pm, you should be back onboard to start the ride home. The return is a mix of motor-sailing and only-sailing under genoa when wind allows.

You’ll typically return to the marina between 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm. That timing is perfect because it gives you daylight for Santa Marta’s famous sunset afterward, which is a big part of why this day trip works so well for people who don’t want to spend the evening exhausted.

If the wind stays strong, the boat ride back can feel like a reward rather than a slog. If not, you still get a boat ride and a proper end to the day—just with more motor time.

Money and small gotchas: chairs, Wi‑Fi, vendors, and cash

At around $64 per person for a roughly 7.5-hour day (plus marina entry, insurance, lunch, and gear), the value is solid—especially because your snorkel and SUP time doesn’t require extra rentals.

But a few extras are common:

• Beach chairs are not included (about $2 each). One guest reported chairs at 8,000 pesos at the time they went.
• Wi‑Fi is paid (given as about $4–$5 on different notes).
• Additional beverages cost extra (reported as roughly $3–$8).

Two smart practical moves:

1. Bring cash. If you end up paying for vendor items or beach add-ons, some card machines can add a fee (one report cited an extra 15% charge at the beach).
2. Ask prices before buying from beach vendors. It’s not rude; it’s just good budgeting in a place where you’ll see lots of offers.

Also remember the marina rule: no food and beverages allowed into the marina. You can buy items in the marina’s mini-market, and anything you bring should be non-food (or you’ll be stopped at the gate).

Crew, language, and how to make the day smoother

The crew is generally described as friendly, attentive, and helpful. Captain Carlos and staff like Jesús come up in people’s accounts. That helps because the day is mostly “do this, then this,” and you don’t want to be guessing when you’re tired and sun-warmed.

Language is listed as Spanish and English with a Spanish/English greeter, but some staff may have limited English. If you can say a few essentials in Spanish, you’ll feel more relaxed—especially when it comes to lunch preferences or where to store items.

A note on onboard comfort: this isn’t a quiet, quiet spa cruise. The deck can get sun-heavy, and the ride can be bouncy. If you want a smoother day, you’ll be happiest with basic sea-readiness and the right sun protection.

Who should book, and who should skip this sailboat day

This trip is a good fit if you want:

• A single beach destination day instead of a multi-stop itinerary
• Snorkel and SUP time without extra rental hassle
• A real sailing vibe, especially if wind cooperates on the return

It’s not a great fit if:

• You have mobility impairments (not suitable per the tour info)
• You’re prone to seasickness (the outbound ride can get rough)
• You’re traveling with unaccompanied minors (not allowed)
• You want to smoke on board (no smoking)

If you’re on the fence because of choppy water, don’t assume it’s always rough. But it is enough of a theme that you should plan for it if your stomach doesn’t love waves.

Tayrona Park closure dates: the Taganga and Inca Inca backup plan

Tayrona isn’t open year-round. During closure dates—listed as Feb 1–15, June 1–15, and Oct 19–Sep 3—the trip won’t go into Tayrona Park. Instead, you’ll visit Taganga half day and Inca Inca half day.

What stays consistent is the overall idea: you still get a day on the water with swimming time and a beach-focused schedule. What changes is the exact park experience. If Tayrona itself is the only reason you booked, check your dates carefully before you commit.

Should you book this Santa Marta sailboat day tour?

If you want a classic day-trip combo—sailing views, one anchor-and-beach plan, included lunch, and included snorkel/SUP time—this is a strong choice for the money.

I’d book it if:

• You like being on the water and don’t mind a few hours of boat travel
• You want to reduce decision-making (one beach, included gear, lunch onboard)
• You’re happy to spend the day at Bahía Concha and make peace with the idea that crowds shift by where boats anchor

I’d think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion and didn’t pack anything for seasickness
• You need very easy movement (this isn’t set up for mobility challenges)
• You hate sun and forget shade—because you’ll be exposed while anchored and sailing

If you do book, prep smart: sunscreen, hat, water, and a small snack just for peace of mind outside marina rules. And on the beach, ask prices first. You’ll keep the day feeling like a vacation instead of a running tally.

FAQ

How long is the Santa Marta sailboat day tour?

The tour lasts 450 minutes, which is about 7.5 hours.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at the charter dock at Marina Internacional de Santa Marta, at the building just past the Caribbean Team Restaurant. Ask for the Sonata Boat at the dock area.

Where is the main destination beach?

The main destination is Bahía Concha (with no other stops).

What’s included for lunch and drinks?

Lunch is included and is typically grilled fish with rice salad and plantains, with chicken or vegetarian options available if you request it after booking. You also get one beverage included.

Are snorkeling gear and paddle boards included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and paddle boards.

Are beach chairs and Wi‑Fi included?

No. Beach chairs are not included, and Wi‑Fi is a paid add-on.

What happens if Tayrona Park is closed on my dates?

If Tayrona Park is closed, the plan shifts to nearby areas: Taganga half day and Inca Inca half day.

Can I bring food and beverages into the marina?

No. Food and beverages are not allowed into the marina. You can buy items at the marina mini-market instead.

You Might Also Enjoy

Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays Catamaran Sailing TourDolphin Sightseeing Tour on the Footloose CatamaranBarcelona: Unique Sunset Sailing Tour with Tapas & Open BarSan Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran