One amazing day in a private recent sailing boat in the Tayrona Park. The best sail trip from Santa Marta!

The best part of this private Tayrona sailing trip is the freedom to shape the day. You sail from Santa Marta with Thierry and Amy-Esther, then spend several hours in a quiet bay swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply lying in the sun. If luck is on your side, dolphins may follow the boat.

I like the small private setting, which works well for families and friends who want their own pace. I also like the large rear swimming platform, fresh sandwich, supplied snorkeling gear, and paddleboard. These details turn a boat ride into a full day on the water.

The main consideration is the price: $790 per group, up to 12 people. That is a serious cost for two or three people, but it becomes much better value when shared by a larger group. The route can also change with weather, and Tayrona access is suspended during three annual closure periods.

Key points to know before you book

• A private boat for up to 12 people: Your group has the boat to itself, with no strangers sharing the day.
• A long stop in Bahia Concha: You reach the bay around noon and have several hours for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and beach time.
• Personal service from Thierry and Amy-Esther: The hosts are described as warm, multilingual, and attentive to each group’s preferred pace.
• A genuine sailing return: The boat begins its trip back around 3:30 pm, with a calm sail toward the Santa Marta marina.
• A flexible Tayrona route: The captain may choose another bay if conditions make the planned stop unsuitable.
• Seasonal park closures matter: Tayrona access is suspended from February 1 to 15, June 1 to 15, and October 19 to November 2.

Setting out from Santa Marta at 10:30 am

The day starts at the Alquiler de Yates Santa Marta marina at Cra. 1 #22-93 in Comuna 2. The activity lasts about seven and a half hours, so the 10:30 am departure gives you a full morning and afternoon at sea without requiring a very early start.

I like this timing. You are on the water before the hottest part of the day, but you do not have to rush out before breakfast. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the plan simple if you are staying in Santa Marta.

This is a private activity, so only your own party joins the boat. That matters more than it may sound. A couple can keep the day quiet, two families can share the cost, and a group with children can decide when to swim, eat, or return aboard without working around a larger schedule.

The boat is described as a recent sailing boat, clean and well cared for. It also has coolers, so you can use the available storage for chilled items. The supplied snack and one drink are included, while additional beer, wine, and rum can be purchased onboard.

Sailing along the Santa Marta coast

The outward trip is part of the experience, not just transport to a beach. You will see the coast from the water while the boat moves toward Tayrona. The route gives you time to settle into the slower rhythm of a sailing day, with the chance of spotting dolphins or trying your hand at fishing.

Neither dolphin sightings nor fishing success is guaranteed. That is worth keeping clear in your mind. The attraction is the sailing itself, with wildlife as a pleasant bonus rather than the main reason to book.

I would bring sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, and a light cover-up. The supplied drink and sandwich are useful, but the information does not describe a full meal service. If your group needs more food or has particular dietary needs, ask before departure rather than assuming the onboard sandwich will suit everyone.

The hosts, Thierry and Amy-Esther, are a central part of the day. Their style appears personal rather than formal. They speak multiple languages and make an effort to adjust the outing to the group, including finding a quieter place when conditions allow.

Bahia Concha around noon

The planned stop is Bahia Concha, one of the bays within the Tayrona area. You are expected to arrive at about noon, leaving roughly three and a half hours before the return begins at 3:30 pm.

That long pause is the heart of the trip. Instead of squeezing several short stops into one rushed route, you have time to use the boat properly. You can swim from the rear platform, jump from the sailboat, take the supplied snorkeling equipment into the water, or use the paddleboard.

The rear swimming platform is especially useful. It gives you a low, direct way into the sea and makes getting back onboard easier than climbing up a high side. If someone in your group prefers not to jump, the platform offers a calmer entry.

Bahia Concha also has a beach, so the experience is not limited to staying aboard. You can divide your time between the water, the sand, and the deck. The bay is valued for its scenery and quieter feel, but the exact level of peace depends on conditions and the number of other boats in the area.

The captain may change bays if the sea or weather makes Bahia Concha unsuitable. That is not a flaw in the trip. It is a sensible safety choice, though it means you should not treat the named bay as an absolute guarantee.

Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and time to do very little

The equipment list gives you several ways to enjoy the stop. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the paddleboard adds another option for active time on the water. You can also swim, sunbathe, or simply sit with a drink and watch the coast.

I like that the tour does not force a single style of fun. Some people want to stay active all afternoon. Others want a quiet boat, warm sun, and a good view. A private trip lets both types share the same day without one group controlling the whole schedule.

The supplied gear is a convenience, especially for anyone packing light. Still, the details do not specify the amount or range of equipment, so a large group should confirm what is available if everyone wants to snorkel or paddleboard at once.

The water is the main attraction here, so this trip suits people who are comfortable swimming and getting on and off a boat. Most people can take part, but anyone with mobility concerns should ask the provider about the boat access and swimming platform before booking.

Lunch, drinks, and the practical side of the boat

A fresh sandwich is served onboard. It is a simple but helpful arrangement: you do not need to interrupt the bay stop to search for lunch, and you can eat without leaving the boat.

The tour includes snacks and a drink for each person. Extra drinks, including beers, wine, and rum, are available to buy. Coolers are also onboard, which gives your group a place to keep items cold.

I would treat the food as light lunch rather than a large catered meal. The information does not list sandwich fillings, drinks included, or special dietary options. If that matters to you, contact Vela del Mar before the trip.

The relaxed setup suits a private sailing day. You can eat when convenient, then return to the water. It is less structured than a formal restaurant lunch, but that is part of the appeal.

The return sail begins at 3:30 pm

At about 3:30 pm, the boat starts back toward the marina. The return is made under sail, when conditions permit, and is intended to feel calm and unhurried.

This timing gives you a clear end to the swimming stop. You will not be left guessing when the boat needs to leave, and you have enough time to dry off, gather your belongings, and enjoy the final stretch at sea.

The return trip also gives the day a useful balance. The outward route takes you toward Tayrona, the middle is for swimming and beach time, and the final section is a slower ride back to Santa Marta. If dolphins appear, this is another possible moment for wildlife viewing, but there is no promise of a sighting.

You arrive back at the original marina. Since the tour does not include a separate transfer from your hotel, plan your route to and from the marina as part of the day.

Why the $790 group price can make sense

The listed cost is $790 for the whole group, with up to 12 people. That works out to about $66 per person if the boat is full, before any extra drinks or other personal costs.

For a large family group or two families traveling together, that is a reasonable way to get a private boat, a seven-and-a-half-hour outing, snorkeling equipment, paddleboarding, snacks, a drink, and a beach stop. You also avoid sharing the boat with strangers and gain more control over the day.

For two people, the same price is much harder to justify. A couple may value the privacy and personal service enough to pay it, but the per-person cost is high. Three or four people improve the calculation, while six to 12 people make the strongest financial case.

I would book this for the privacy and time on the water, not simply as a way to reach a beach. If you only want a quick swim near Santa Marta, a shorter and cheaper outing may suit you better. If you want a full day with your own family or friends, the price becomes easier to defend.

Who will enjoy this private sailing day most

This trip fits families, groups of friends, and couples who want a private setting. It is also a good match for people who care more about relaxed time at sea than checking off many separate sights.

Children may enjoy the swimming, paddleboard, and chance to jump from the boat, though the supplied information does not give an age policy or child-specific safety details. Adults who prefer sunbathing and conversation can stay aboard while others use the water.

The multilingual hosts are useful for mixed-language groups. The personal approach also suits anyone who wants help shaping the day rather than following a rigid timetable.

I would think twice if your main goal is an extensive Tayrona land visit. This is a sailing and swimming day, not a hiking tour or a broad park tour. The stop focuses on Bahia Concha or another bay, with most of your time spent on or near the water.

Weather, park closures, and route changes

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The captain can also change the bay during the outing if the planned destination is not safe or practical.

Tayrona access is suspended from February 1 through 15, June 1 through 15, and October 19 through November 2. During those periods, an alternative such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga is offered.

These alternatives mean the trip can still have a beach and water focus, but the setting will not be the same as Tayrona. Check your dates before paying, especially if visiting during one of the closure windows.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation made less than 24 hours ahead is not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. The cutoff uses local time, so set a reminder if your plans are still moving.

Is the Vela del Mar sailing trip worth booking?

I would book this trip if you have a group large enough to share the $790 cost and want a private day built around swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and unhurried time together. The strongest features are the flexible pace, the comfortable rear swimming platform, the long stop in a bay, and the warm service from Thierry and Amy-Esther.

I would choose another activity if you are traveling alone, as a couple on a tight budget, or mainly want to hike through Tayrona. Before booking, confirm the food arrangements, available equipment for your group, and the expected route for your date.

For a family or friend group that values privacy, this is one of the more appealing ways to spend a full day from Santa Marta. The dolphins may or may not appear, but the boat, the bay, and the time to enjoy them are the dependable parts of the plan.

FAQ

How long does the sailing trip last?

The experience lasts about seven hours and 30 minutes. It starts at 10:30 am and returns to the Santa Marta marina after the afternoon sail back.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Alquiler de Yates Santa Marta, Cra. 1 #22-93, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your own group takes part, and the boat accommodates up to 12 people.

Which bay does the tour visit?

The planned stop is Bahia Concha. The captain can choose another bay if weather or sea conditions prevent access to the planned destination.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and a paddleboard is also available for use during the stop.

Is food included?

A fresh sandwich, snacks, and one drink for each person are included. Additional drinks such as beer, wine, and rum can be purchased onboard.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. If bad weather causes the provider to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.