A private sail is the right kind of slow. It’s a full-day escape in Tayrona National Natural Park, starting in Santa Marta and ending with calm sailing back. Two things I really like are the snorkeling setup from the boat and how Thierry and Amy-Esther tailor the day so you spend your time where it feels good.

You’ll usually reach the water around noon, then you can swim, jump off the stern platform, snorkel, paddle, and just hang in the sun. One drawback to plan around: this trip depends on good weather, and the captain can switch bays if conditions change.

If you want a day that feels flexible but still well-run, this one works. It’s also priced for a group, so it’s a strong value when you’re dividing the cost among up to 12 people.

Key reasons this Tayrona private sail works

• Snorkel right off the stern: a big platform makes getting into the water easy
• Quiet, less-crowded feel: the hosts aim for bays that don’t feel packed
• Bespoke timing on a real sailboat: you get the freedom to choose how you spend the hours
• Thoughtful food + drink: fresh sandwich, snacks, and a drink each are included
• Time to linger: you’re in the bay until late afternoon, not just a quick stop
• Built-in weather reality: bay plans can shift, and Tayrona access can be suspended seasonally

From Santa Marta to Bahia Concha: the day’s best rhythm

This is a private sail day from Santa Marta with a meeting point at ALQUILER DE YATES SANTA MARTA on Cra. 1 #22-93, Comuna 2. The start time is 10:30 am, and in practice you’ll be out on the water long before the main swimming window. The trip is set up so you don’t feel rushed the moment you reach Tayrona.

The day’s anchor point is Bahia Concha, where you’ll arrive around 12:00 (give or take with conditions). That timing matters. You’ll have enough morning time to get settled, then the park feels like it shifts gears into swim mode. When you’re choosing between a quick boat tour and a full sailing day, this kind of schedule is the difference between seeing water and actually living in it.

Because it’s private, you also avoid that annoying group churn. No waiting behind strangers, no trying to fit everyone’s pace into one tight slot. You’re with your group, and the boat’s movement does the pacing for you.

A truly private day means you control the “how”

This is not a generic hop-on, hop-off outing. It’s set up as a private, bespoke tour for your group only (up to 12 people). That changes the whole vibe. Instead of you adapting to the day, the day adapts to you.

Thierry and Amy-Esther run the experience as hosts, not just operators. From what’s shown in the experience details and what people consistently highlight, they make a point of working at your comfort level—where you want to snorkel, when you want to relax, and how active you want the day to be. People also note their warmth and their effort to make the day feel special for each group.

You’ll also feel it in the way the boat supports different styles of hanging out. Want sun? There’s space for that. Want shade? You can usually find a spot. Want movement? You can swim, snorkel, or paddle. Want a slower day? You can keep it slow without feeling like you’re missing the “main event.”

The one thing to keep in mind is that “bespoke” still has to work with sea and weather. If conditions are rough, the captain may change the bay. That’s not a problem with the tour—it’s just how the coast works.

The water time: snorkeling, paddle boarding, and jumping off the stern

The biggest reason people love this trip is that the time in the bay isn’t just for a quick swim. When you arrive around noon, you get a long window to use the water in a hands-on way.

Here’s what you can do once you’re anchored or in the right spot:

• Swim and enjoy the view without distractions
• Jump off the sailboat from the stern platform
• Snorkel with provided equipment
• Paddle using paddle boarding options available on the boat

That stern platform detail matters more than you’d think. When you can step down or get into the water quickly and safely, you spend less time fussing and more time actually enjoying the sea. If you’ve ever done a boat day where you had to negotiate stairs or a sketchy edge, you’ll appreciate how simple this is.

Snorkeling quality in this area tends to be a highlight, and the way this trip handles it is practical: the equipment is provided, and the boat stays close enough that you’re not over-exerting. If you’re not a confident swimmer, snorkeling can still work because you can decide how far you go and use the boat as your easy safety point.

And then there’s the fun stuff. People talk about the joy of doing a little playful swimming from the boat. If you’re traveling as a couple or with a family, it’s one of those activities where everyone gets their own version of the day—some snorkel, some paddle, some just watch the light on the water.

Food and drinks on board: included, then flexible

A private sail doesn’t have to mean overpriced bites and dry snacks. Here, the basics are covered in a way that keeps the day easy.

On board, you’ll be served a fresh sandwich plus complimentary snacks and a drink each. That’s the kind of inclusion that helps your day feel complete—especially since you’re spending hours in and around the water.

If you get thirsty or want to turn the day into a bit of a celebration, there’s also a way to add more. The info provided says you can buy beverages on board like beers, wines, and rum. Coolers are available too, which is useful if you want things kept chilled.

What I like about this setup is that it avoids the two extremes. You’re not stuck paying for everything, but you also don’t feel locked into a single meal plan. The day stays relaxed, and you can treat food like part of the experience rather than a chore.

One small planning tip: bring water-friendly sun protection. Even if you’re eating and sipping, you’ll likely be out in the sun long enough to need sunscreen and a hat.

Sailing back at 3:30 pm: calm, not chaotic

After the main bay time, you’ll start heading back toward the marina at 3:30 pm. This is when the mood changes in a good way. Sailing back is often calmer, with fewer “activity transitions.” You’re not packing up gear right away, and you can just settle into the movement of the boat.

The trip description also notes the return is by sail and feels calm and pleasant. That matters because some day tours feel like a sprint from stop to stop. Here, the structure is built around lingering first, then easing into the ride home.

If you’re the type who likes to end a day on a strong vibe, this is the time for it. It’s also a good window to take photos (the light tends to be softer later in the day).

Dolphins, fishing, and the “maybe” that makes it fun

During the navigation, there’s a chance you’ll see things out in the water—possibly dolphins—and there’s also an option for fishing if the moment works. The tour doesn’t promise it, and it shouldn’t. This coast is alive and unpredictable.

Still, I like having “maybe” events built into the day. It gives you something extra to watch for without making the day hinge on one thing. Even if dolphins don’t show up, you still have the core payoff: views, sailing time, and that long swim-and-snorkel window.

If you want to maximize your odds of spotting marine life, keep your group moving like a team. When everyone stands ready and quiet for a minute, chances improve compared to people talking over the water.

When weather or Tayrona rules change, the tour adapts

You should treat weather as part of the plan. This experience requires good weather, and the operator can change the bay if conditions don’t allow reaching the planned one. In other words: you’re not guaranteed Bahia Concha every single time if the sea says otherwise.

There are also seasonal windows when access to Tayrona is suspended:

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

If access is suspended, the information says you’ll be offered an alternative destination such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga. That’s helpful because it means your day doesn’t automatically fall apart during those dates.

And if the whole outing gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So while the sea can be moody, the plan isn’t rigid in a way that leaves you stuck.

Practical advice: if your travel dates land in the seasonal closure windows, don’t assume this will look exactly like the Bahia Concha plan. Ask what alternative destination you’d get before you build your schedule too tightly.

Price and value: $790 for up to 12 people

At $790 per group (up to 12 people), the cost can look high at first glance if you’re thinking per person. But the value math flips depending on your group size.

If you’re:

• 1–2 people, you’re paying close to a full private-boat rate, and the price is harder to justify.
• A family or group of friends, the per-person cost becomes much more reasonable because you’re splitting a private experience that includes a boat day, snorkeling gear, and food/drinks.

Also, you’re paying for time and convenience. This is not just transportation—it’s a guided-hosted day in Tayrona waters with a private setup and enough hours for the day to feel full. If you compare it to piecing together separate activities (boat + guided water time + food), the pricing starts to look more like what you’re actually buying: a whole day on the sea with your group in control.

What makes it “worth it” for many people is how well it’s run. People highlight that the hosts keep the day organized, clean up the small stuff, and focus on quiet experiences rather than crowded stops. That kind of effort costs money, and you’re basically paying for the difference between doing a boat day and having a boat day handled well.

Who should book this private Tayrona sail?

This trip fits best if you want a calm, water-focused day and you value private time with people who know how to run a sail day.

It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want snorkeling without the stress of crowds
• Families who want an activity everyone can enjoy at different levels
• Small groups of friends who want to hang together, swim together, and keep the schedule flexible

Based on the way the hosts describe their approach and what’s highlighted by guests, you’ll likely enjoy it more if you like conversation and a relaxed pace. If you want a “checklist tour” with lots of land stops and rapid sightseeing, this one is probably the wrong style—this is a sea day, not a museum day.

Also, this is a nice choice when you’re set on Tayrona but you want it experienced like a local day on the water rather than a frantic run through highlights.

Should you book this private Tayrona sail from Santa Marta?

If you can travel on a day with good weather, I think you should strongly consider it. The combination of boat access to snorkeling, long bay time, and hosts who focus on making the day feel right for your specific group is exactly what you want from a private sail.

Book it if:

• You have a group size that can share the cost up to 12
• You care about spending real time in the water
• You prefer fewer crowds and a more relaxed approach
• You want included food and drinks without hunting for a plan

Skip it or rethink it if:

• Your dates fall inside the Tayrona closure windows and you need certainty about the exact bay
• You’re traveling as a solo person and the group price doesn’t fit your budget
• You want mostly on-land sightseeing rather than a sea-and-swim day

FAQ

How many people can go on this private sail trip?

The tour is private for your group only, with capacity up to 12 people.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The experience starts at 10:30 am and lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Where do we meet for the trip?

You meet at ALQUILER DE YATES SANTA MARTA, Cra. 1 #22-93, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You’ll receive a fresh sandwich, complimentary snacks, and a drink each included. You can also buy additional beverages on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and use water activities like paddle boarding.

What happens if Tayrona access is suspended or weather prevents the planned bay?

The captain can change the bay if weather makes it unsafe to reach the planned one. Tayrona access is suspended during 1–15 February, 1–15 June, and 19 October–2 November, and you’ll be offered an alternative destination such as Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, or Taganga. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.