Experience Colombia's stunning Caribbean coastline with Tayrona National Park tours that feature sailing, sea transport, or coastal exploration. Whether you are cruising on a classic sailboat, taking a speedboat to Playa Cristal, or hiking to beautiful bays, these trips are perfect for water lovers wanting to see the park from a new perspective.
Free Cancellation Discover the hidden bays of Tayrona National Park from the water with an experienced bilingual sailing team.
Free Cancellation A full-day trip to Bahía Concha in Tayrona Park on a classic 58ft ketch with snorkeling, lunch, and paddleboarding.
Free Cancellation Swim and snorkel in the calm, transparent waters of Playa Cristal, a protected bay inside Tayrona National Park.
Free Cancellation Hike through the coastal jungle of Tayrona National Park to reach the iconic shores and viewpoints of Cabo San Juan.
Free Cancellation Hike through Tayrona Park's coastal forests to Cabo San Juan, spotting wildlife and visiting the Kogui community.
Free Cancellation Explore Tayrona Park’s bays by boat with stops at Cinto, Playa Cristal, and Concha, skipping the long hiking trails.
Free Cancellation Explore the jungle trails and iconic beaches of Tayrona National Park, including Cabo San Juan and Arrecifes.
Free Cancellation Guided horseback riding through Tayrona's forests and beaches, focused on nature and relaxation.
Free Cancellation Hike through Tayrona’s coastal rainforest to reach the swimming bays of La Piscina and Cabo San Juan.
Free Cancellation Enjoy a relaxing day at Bahía Concha, a calm beach in Tayrona Park accessible without the need for long hikes.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Tayrona National Park — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Exploring Tayrona National Park by boat offers a completely different perspective of Colombia's stunning Caribbean coast, allowing you to bypass hours of sweaty jungle hiking. You will cruise past dramatic mountain foothills that plunge directly into the sea, stopping at secluded bays, vibrant coral reefs, and iconic white-sand beaches.
The park's most famous beach features gorgeous turquoise waters and an iconic wooden lookout hut perched on a rocky hill. It is the ultimate spot to swim, relax, or rent a hammock right over the ocean.
A tranquil lagoon protected by a natural barrier of coral reefs. The calm, crystal-clear waters make it the safest and most family-friendly swimming and snorkeling area in the park.
A small, protected bay known for its exceptionally transparent water and bright white sand. It consistently ranks as one of the top coastal destinations in the Americas for its pristine conditions.
Board a classic sailboat or catamaran to cruise the coastline in style. Many sailing tours include onboard lunches, snorkeling gear, and a relaxing atmosphere away from the crowded hiking trails.
An easily accessible, calm bay surrounded by mountain scenery. Recently removed from the main park boundaries, it offers a cheaper entry fee and incredibly peaceful waters for a laid-back beach day.
Planning a boat trip to Tayrona requires a bit of preparation, as this is a highly protected ecological and ancestral reserve with strict entry rules.
You can choose between relaxing sailboat charters, fast-paced speedboat transfers from Taganga, or combo tours that involve hiking into the park and taking a boat out. Sailboats offer a smoother, more luxurious day on the water, while speedboats are purely for quick transit.
Tayrona completely closes to all visitors three times a year for indigenous spiritual cleaning and environmental recovery. You cannot book tours or enter the park from February 1–15, June 1–15, and October 19–November 2.
Check your tour inclusions carefully. While some boat tours include the park entrance fee, others do not. Regardless of how you enter, all visitors must pay a mandatory daily health insurance fee in cash (COP $5,000 to $8,000) at the entrance.
To protect the environment, single-use plastics, plastic bags, alcohol, and drones are strictly banned. Park rangers search bags at the entry points, and any prohibited items will be confiscated on the spot.
The open ocean route, particularly between Taganga and Cabo San Juan, can be extremely rough and choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand or opt for a larger sailboat rather than a small speedboat.
There are absolutely no ATMs inside Tayrona National Park or at the entrance gates. You must bring enough Colombian Pesos (COP) to cover insurance, meals, locker rentals, and any emergency transport.
Wheelchair access is highly limited due to rugged terrain and sandy beaches. For elderly visitors or those with mobility issues, booking a direct boat tour to Bahia Concha or Playa Cristal is much better than attempting the strenuous 3.5-hour jungle hikes.
Most boat and sailing tours offer a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund. However, always double-check the departure times, as boats leave promptly and late arrivals are usually not refunded.
| Classic Sailing Charter | Hike & Beach Combo | Bahia Concha Beach Day | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8 hours | Full Day | 7 hours |
| Vibe & Pace | Relaxing, scenic, and comfortable | Active, adventurous, and sweaty | Family-friendly and low physical effort |
| Key Inclusions | Lunch, snorkeling gear, marina entry fees | Park entrance, bilingual guide, bus transport | Ground transport, guide, bathroom access |
| Price from | $55 - $79 USD | $58 - $65 USD | $39 USD |
Standard Park Hours:
Entry Cutoffs: The last entry is strictly enforced at 4:00 PM at the main El Zaíno entrance and 2:00 PM at the Calabazo entrance. If you are visiting for the day, you must depart the park by 5:00 PM (low season) or 6:00 PM (high season).
Boat Tour Timings: Most full-day sailing charters depart from the Santa Marta International Marina between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM, returning around 5:00 PM.
By Boat: A daily speedboat departs Taganga at 9:30 AM directly to Cabo San Juan, returning at 4:00 PM. It costs COP $40,000 - $80,000 each way. Expect a very rough, wet ride. Alternatively, book a larger sailboat charter from the Santa Marta Marina for a smoother journey.
By Bus: Buses leave every 20 minutes from the Santa Marta Public Market (Calle 11 & Carrera 11) to the El Zaíno entrance. The trip takes 1.5 hours and costs COP $7,000 - $10,000.
By Taxi: A private taxi from Santa Marta takes about 45 minutes to the park entrance and costs COP $80,000 - $100,000, which is ideal for small groups splitting the fare.
Ideal Months: The dry seasons from January to April and July to September are the best times to visit. Rainfall is lower, making the water clearer for snorkeling and the jungle trails much less muddy.
Months to Avoid: Avoid the peak high seasons (December 15 to January 30 and June 15 to July 15) if you dislike massive crowds, long queues, and inflated prices.
Mandatory Closures: You cannot visit during the park's three annual indigenous conservation periods. The park is completely closed from February 1–15, June 1–15, and October 19–November 2.
Wheelchair Access: Highly limited due to rugged terrain, steep trails, and sandy beaches. However, handicapped visitors who meet the park's conditions are granted free entry.
Elderly Visitors: Visitors over 65 receive free admission with valid ID. Because the main hike to Cabo San Juan is strenuous (up to 3.5 hours over difficult terrain), elderly visitors are advised to take boat tours directly to the beaches, hire horses at the trailhead, or visit the easily accessible Bahia Concha sector.
Children: Kids under 5 get in free. Families should stick to calm swimming areas like La Piscina or Bahia Concha, as the open ocean currents elsewhere are dangerous.
Money: There are NO ATMs inside the park. You must bring enough physical Colombian Pesos (COP) to pay for everything.
Lockers & Security: Small lockers are available at the Cabo San Juan campsite, but you must bring your own reliable padlock. Never leave valuables unattended on the beach.
Accommodation: If staying overnight, you can rent hammocks at Cabo San Juan for about COP $40,000 per night (COP $50,000 for the ones on the lookout rock). Bring a sleeping bag liner, as coastal winds make it chilly at night.
Water: Bottled water is expensive inside the park. Bring a high-quality water filter bottle (like Water-to-Go) to safely purify tap water and reduce plastic waste.
Prohibited Items: Do not bring single-use plastics, plastic bags, alcohol, drugs, drones, musical instruments, or pets. Bags are strictly searched at the gates, and items will be confiscated.
Mandatory Insurance: Every visitor must purchase daily health insurance at the entrance, costing COP $5,000 to $8,000 per day.
Swimming Restrictions: Swimming is strictly prohibited at several beaches, notably Playa Arrecifes, due to deadly rip currents. Only swim in designated safe zones like La Piscina and Cabo San Juan.
Respecting the Land: Tayrona is a sacred ancestral territory for indigenous communities. Stick to permitted trails, do not photograph indigenous people without permission, and carry all your garbage out.
The park closes three times a year for indigenous spiritual cleaning and environmental recovery. These strict closures happen from February 1 to 15, June 1 to 15, and October 19 to November 2.
It depends on the specific tour. Some guided combo tours include the park entrance fee, while independent boat transfers or sailing charters might require you to pay the fee separately upon arrival. Always check the 'Inclusions' section of your booking.
Every visitor must purchase a mandatory daily health insurance policy at the entrance. The cost ranges between COP $5,000 and COP $8,000 per day, payable in cash.
Alcohol and single-use plastic bags/bottles are strictly prohibited inside the park to protect the ecosystem. Park rangers search bags at the entrance gates and will confiscate these items.
Yes, the open sea route between Taganga and Cabo San Juan features extremely rough and choppy waters, especially from January to March. Passengers should protect belongings in plastic bags and expect to get wet.
No. Many beaches, including Playa Arrecifes, have extremely dangerous rip currents where swimming is strictly prohibited. You should only swim in designated safe zones like La Piscina, Bahia Concha, and Cabo San Juan.
Officially, visitors are required to show proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination to enter the park. While it is not always strictly checked at the gates, it is highly recommended to carry your physical card or a digital copy.
There are absolutely no ATMs inside the park or at the entrance gates. You must bring plenty of cash in Colombian Pesos (COP) to pay for insurance, food, shuttle vans, and hammock rentals.
Elderly visitors over 65 get free entry, but the main jungle hikes are highly strenuous. Older visitors are better off booking a direct boat tour, visiting the easily accessible Bahia Concha, or hiring a horse at the trailhead.
Bahia Concha is a stunning, calm bay that was recently removed from Tayrona's official park boundaries, meaning you don't pay the expensive main park fee. It has a flat fee (around COP $26,000 for adults) and is incredibly accessible for a relaxing beach day.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
After a twenty-year career as an economist, Luis returned to his lifelong roots on the water. Having sailed since infancy, he now shares his knowledge of navigation and the sea with those visiting the Colombian coast. Along with a bilingual team, he offers a way to experience Tayrona National Park from the water, focusing on the secluded areas and perspectives that are often missed from the land. The crew speaks both Spanish and English and prioritizes sharing local stories and coastal history throughout the day. The experience is designed to be informative and relaxed, led by professionals who have spent their lives on the water and want to show guests the unique geography of the Tayrona region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Meet at the Charter Dock at 9:30 AM to board the Sonata, a 58-foot cutter-rigged ketch built in 1979 with a capacity for 26 guests. The boat departs at 10:00 AM sharp, and all passengers must be on board by 9:50 AM. We motor upwind toward Bahía Concha in Tayrona National Park, passing Taganga, Playa Grande, and Aguja Island. Once anchored, you can reach the beach via our shuttle boat or by swimming. The afternoon is spent snorkeling, paddleboarding, or sunbathing, with lunch and one drink served on board roughly an hour after arrival. We depart for the return trip at 3:30 PM, sailing back to the marina if wind conditions allow, with an expected arrival between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted in the marina. In the event that maritime authorities close Tayrona Park, or during scheduled park closures (Feb 1–15, June 1–15, and Oct 19–Nov 2), the tour will visit nearby bays instead; refunds are only issued if all navigation is restricted by authorities.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Playa Cristal is a small, protected bay located within Tayrona National Natural Park near Santa Marta. The beach is recognized for its exceptionally clear water and white sand, often ranking among the top coastal destinations in the Americas. Its name refers to the water's transparency, which provides high visibility even from the shore. The bay's calm conditions and temperate climate make it a reliable spot for relaxation and water sports. Because the waves are minimal, it is an ideal location for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can observe the coral reefs and diverse marine life that inhabit this section of the national park.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Spanish
Cabo San Juan del Guía is the most recognizable destination within Tayrona National Natural Park. This tour takes you on a trek through the park's tropical forest and along several coastlines to reach the famous hilltop gazebo overlooking the Caribbean. Its central location makes it a strategic point for exploring the wider park. The experience centers on ecological walks through diverse landscapes, from shaded jungle paths to open shorelines. After the hike, you will have time to swim in the bay, relax on the beach, or continue exploring the nearby trails that showcase the unique natural beauty of the Colombian coast.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Spanish
The tour enters Tayrona Park through the El Zaino sector for a four-hour round-trip hike. Along the way, you will walk through mangroves and tropical dry forests where you can spot native wildlife, including titi, capuchin, and howler monkeys, as well as zainos and needle caimans. The trail also offers a chance to meet the local Kogui community and learn about their presence in the region. You will pass a series of beaches such as La Gumarra, San Felipe, Arrecifes, Arenilla, and La Piscina before reaching Cabo San Juan del Guia. This final stop features a restaurant and bathroom facilities for visitors. The group will stay at Cabo San Juan until 2:00 PM, at which point the return hike begins.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Spanish
This boat tour offers a way to explore the bays of Tayrona Park from the water, avoiding the long walks typically required to reach these areas. The route passes by Taganga, Garnet, Chengue, and Gayraca, providing a full view of the park's rugged coastline. Throughout the day, the boat stops at Cinto, Playa Cristal, and Concha. These locations are chosen for their clear water and scenery, allowing plenty of time to swim and relax at each beach before moving to the next destination.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip is designed for travelers who want to see the highlights of Tayrona National Park in a single day. You will hike through the tropical forest to reach the park’s most famous coastal spots, including Arrecifes and the iconic Cabo San Juan. Along the way, there are numerous opportunities to see local wildlife and photograph the unique scenery where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. Once at the coast, you can enjoy a traditional Caribbean lunch at a local seaside restaurant (not included) and spend the afternoon swimming or resting on the beach. We offer two ways to join the tour: a private option that includes door-to-door transport from your accommodation, or a shared option where you meet the guide at the park entrance via public transit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This horseback ride begins by crossing the Piedras River into the forests bordering Tayrona Park. The tour follows quiet trails through the trees, using the steady rhythm of the horse to help you relax and connect with the surrounding nature. It is a slower-paced experience intended for those who want to unwind in a peaceful, natural setting. The route leads to Los Naranjos beach, where the river meets the Caribbean Sea. Once there, you can rest by the water or take the opportunity to gallop across the sand. The ride is designed to be mindful and respectful of the animals, providing a calm space to enjoy the coastal scenery. The experience lasts between one and three hours, with departures available twice a day. You can join the morning session from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or the afternoon session from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., which is timed to catch the sunset.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Spanish
This guided trek leads you through Tayrona National Park, where the Colombian jungle meets the Caribbean Sea. Starting on the Canaveral trails, you will hike through dense forest and past the massive granite boulders of Arrecife. The route follows the coastline, providing a close look at the region’s biodiversity and diverse tropical landscapes. As you move further into the park, you will stop at La Piscina, a beach protected by a natural rock reef that creates calm waters ideal for snorkeling. The journey ends at Cabo San Juan del Guia, a site famous for its twin bays and clear water. You will have time to swim and rest on the beach before beginning the return hike. The tour requires a moderate level of physical activity, as it involves walking for several hours on forest paths. It is a direct way to experience the transition from rainforest to sea, visiting the park's most significant landmarks in a single day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Bahía Concha is one of the most accessible spots in Tayrona National Park, known for its calm, clear waters and surrounding mountain scenery. Unlike other parts of the park that require hours of trekking through the jungle, this bay allows you to enjoy the Caribbean coast with minimal physical effort. The beach features golden sand and plenty of natural shade from the trees lining the shore. During the day, you can swim in the gentle waves or snorkel along the rocky edges to see local marine life. The tour is designed for those who want a quiet day by the sea rather than an intense hike. A traditional local lunch is included, typically featuring fresh fish and coconut rice, served right near the beach.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.