A day on a motorboat with the kids can be the highlight of a vacation in Santa Marta: the thrill of setting sail, the clear water, the sand, and the feeling of having the sea all to yourselves. To make sure it turns out that way, all you need to do is choose the right route and take care of a few details.
In this guide, we’ll tell you which routes work best for families, how to keep children safe on board and in the water, what to bring, how to manage your time, and what options you have while Parque Tayrona is closed.
Why a private motorboat works so well for families
At Serenity Boat Rental, you rent the entire motorboat, and only your group goes on board. That means you don’t share space with strangers, your family sets the pace along the agreed-upon route, and children can move about more freely under adult supervision.
Every trip includes two certified captains, fuel, and safety equipment. On board, there is a canopy for shade, padded seats, and a sound system to play the family’s music.
Which motorboat should you choose based on the size of your family?
- Serenity: up to 13 passengers. Ideal for a large family or two families traveling together. Check out the Serenity motorboat.
- Serenity II: up to 16 passengers, designed for larger groups or family gatherings. It is the largest motorboat in the fleet.
Children count as passengers toward the boat’s capacity. Please confirm the exact number of adults and children via WhatsApp when booking.
Best motorboat routes with kids (and open during the Tayrona closure)
From October 19 to November 2, 2026, Parque Tayrona is closed, and none of its beaches can be visited, not even by boat. The park reopens on November 3; confirm the dates on the official National Parks website for Tayrona. The good news is that the most kid-friendly trails are outside the park.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca Beach, with its green hills and nearby lighthouse, is a classic choice for families. There are kiosks on the beach, which come in handy when traveling with children.
Acuario del Rodadero
Combining the motorboat trip with a visit to the Acuario del Rodadero adds a unique activity to your day at the beach. Check out the private motorboat route to the Acuario del Rodadero and confirm the details of your visit with the team.
Inca Inca
Inca Inca is a quiet beach near Santa Marta. You can combine several of these stops on the private motorboat route to Inca Inca, Playa Blanca, and El Rodadero, the price of which is quoted via WhatsApp.
If you want to see all the available options while the park is closed, read our article on boat tours when Tayrona is closed.
Safety: Life jackets and rules on the water
Safety equipment is included on every trip. When booking, please let us know your children’s ages and confirm that there are life jackets in the proper size for each child. A properly fitting life jacket should not ride up above the chin when the child raises their arms.
These rules help ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves without any worries:
- Children must wear a life jacket while on the boat and also in the water if they are not confident swimmers.
- There is always a responsible adult supervising each child, without distractions from a cell phone.
- No one is allowed to approach the engine room or the ladder without permission from the crew.
- On the water, children should stay close to the shore or the lancha, as directed by the captains.
- Follow the crew’s instructions at all times.
The American Red Cross has a very comprehensive guide on water safety for families that is worth reading with your children before your trip.
Sun, water, and snacks: the logistics that make all the difference
Children feel the sun and the heat before adults do. Plan the day as if it were a long excursion.
- Sunscreen for sensitive skin, applied before heading out and reapplied after each swim. If possible, choose a coral-friendly sunscreen; NOAA explains why on its page about sunscreen and coral.
- Spandex shirts or long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks your kids are familiar with: fruit, cookies, sandwiches.
- A complete change of clothes and towels.
- Simple beach toys that won’t get lost easily.
- Wet wipes and trash bags.
The complete list is in our checklist of what to bring on a lancha trip.
Schedules and Daily Routine with Children
The day tour runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s a long day for young children, so it’s a good idea to plan for breaks: time in the shade, meals at regular intervals, and a rest period after lunch.
The sea is usually calmer in the mornings, so it’s a good time to swim. If any of your children get seasick easily, have them sit toward the center or the back of the lancha and ask them to look at the horizon. We have more tips in the guide on how to avoid seasickness on a lancha.
Another option for families is the sunset tour, from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, which is shorter and offers spectacular sunset views. Prices are quoted via WhatsApp.
What to mention when booking
To help the team prepare everything better, include the following in your WhatsApp message:
- Date and total number of people, listing adults and children separately.
- Children’s ages, to confirm life jackets in their size.
- Route or type of trip you’re interested in.
- If anyone is prone to seasickness or has any special needs.
- If you’re celebrating something: decorations and other extras can be arranged via WhatsApp.
Remember that the departure tax is 12,000 COP per person and is paid separately. Check with the team to see how this applies to children.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can children ride on a lancha?
Contact us via WhatsApp with your children’s ages. The team will confirm the conditions and availability of life jackets in their sizes.
What is the best route for children?
Playa Blanca, the Acuario del Rodadero, and Inca Inca are very convenient options and are located outside Tayrona National Park, so they remain open even when the park is closed.
Is there shade on the motorboat?
Yes. The motorboats have a canopy and padded seats. At the beach, you’ll need additional sunscreen for the children.
What happens if the weather changes?
The captains assess the sea conditions on the day of the trip. The date change and cancellation policies are confirmed in writing before booking.
Plan a family day out. Message us on WhatsApp with your children’s ages and your desired date via the private motorboat booking page, and we’ll work together to create the perfect itinerary.