A motorboat trip in Santa Marta lasts all day, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you’ll spend much of that time enjoying the sun, water, and sand. Packing the right things makes all the difference between coming back happy or coming back sunburned, hungry, and with a wet phone.
This list is designed for private motorboat trips departing from the Marina Internacional de Santa Marta. It’s ideal for groups of friends, families with children, and travelers visiting from abroad. At the end, you’ll find a quick checklist to review the night before.
Documents and money: what you can’t forget
Start with what you can’t replace in the middle of the ocean. Bring your ID or, if you’re a foreigner, your passport or a copy. Admission to Parque Tayrona has different rates depending on whether you’re Colombian, a resident, or a foreigner, and depending on your age, so it’s helpful to have proof of your status. Confirm via WhatsApp which document you need for your route.
As for the cost, keep in mind two expenses that are not included in the price of the lancha:
- Departure tax: 12,000 COP per person.
- Parque Tayrona entrance: only if your route goes into the park (Playa Cristal, Cinto, or Bahía Concha).
The 2026 Tayrona Park entrance fees for Colombians, foreign residents, and CAN citizens aged 25 and older are $36,500 COP in the low season, $43,000 in the high season, and $26,000 in the Bahía Concha sector. For non-resident foreigners (outside the CAN), the rates are 81,000, 96,500, and 43,500. You can see the full breakdown in this Infobae report on Tayrona’s 2026 rates.
Ask via WhatsApp how to pay these fees and bring cash in Colombian pesos as a backup. To understand everything included in the rental, check the price guide and see what’s included with the private motorboat.
Sun protection
The Caribbean sun reflects off the water and burns faster than it seems. Serenity’s motorboats have a canopy for shade, but when you’re on the beach or in the water, you’ll be exposed.
- Broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Choose one that’s coral-friendly; NOAA explains why on its page about sunscreen and coral.
- A hat or cap that won’t blow away in the wind.
- Sunglasses, ideally with a cord.
- A lightweight spandex T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt for swimming.
- Lip balm with sunscreen.
Apply sunscreen before leaving your lodging and reapply several times throughout the day, especially after swimming.
Water, food, and comfort on board
Eight hours in the sun require constant hydration. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, in reusable bottles if possible. Pack some fruit, snacks, and something salty to replenish your energy between beaches.
If you’d like to arrange drinks or something special for a celebration, ask via WhatsApp; extras are arranged upon request. If you plan to eat at a beach along the route, bring cash and ask the crew what options are available that day.
Medications and Seasickness
Carry your personal medications in a waterproof bag. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the NHS has general recommendations for motion sickness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, as some must be taken in advance and may cause drowsiness.
Clothing, shoes, and dry bag
Wear light clothing over your swimsuit so you don’t have to change on the lancha. Bring a change of dry clothes for the return trip, when the afternoon breeze may make you feel chilly in wet clothes.
- Wear your swimsuit from your lodging.
- Quick-dry towel.
- Sandals or water shoes that can get wet.
- A light jacket for the return trip.
- Waterproof bag for your phone, documents, and money.
- Waterproof phone case if you’re going to take photos near the water.
If you’re going snorkeling, be sure to bring a mask and snorkel that fit you. You’ll find more details in our article on the best snorkeling spots from a private motorboat.
If you’re traveling with children or from abroad
Families
For young children, be sure to pack extra changes of clothes, sunscreen for sensitive skin, simple beach toys, and snacks they’re familiar with. Confirm via WhatsApp that there are life jackets in the right size for your children’s ages.
International travelers
Bring Colombian pesos, not dollars, for small payments. If your itinerary includes a visit to Tayrona, check well in advance about the yellow fever vaccine. We’ve summarized this in the practical guide for international travelers in Santa Marta.
What Not to Bring on the Lancha
The space on board is comfortable but shared. Traveling light makes the experience better for the whole group and ensures nothing gets lost or wet.
- Large or hard-sided suitcases: a backpack or soft-sided bag is better.
- Glass containers, which may break due to movement.
- Jewelry and valuables you don’t need.
- Single-use plastics that could end up in the ocean.
- Electronic devices without water protection.
What’s Already On Board
You also don’t need to bring anything the boat already has. The rental includes fuel, safety equipment, and two certified captains. On board, there’s a canopy, padded seats, a sound system, and GPS navigation, so you don’t need to bring your own speaker—just have your music on your phone. If you want to take a closer look inside each boat, check out the page for the Serenity, which seats up to 13 passengers.
Quick Checklist for the Night Before
- Identification card or passport.
- Cash in pesos is required for the departure fee and park admission.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Water, snacks, and personal medications.
- Swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes.
- Dry bag and phone case.
- Diving mask and snorkel, if you have them.
- Confirmation of the departure time via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there shade on the motorboat?
Yes. The motorboats have a canopy and padded seats. Even so, you’ll need sunscreen for the beach and the water.
How much cash should I bring?
Allow 12,000 COP per person for the trip, and if your route includes Tayrona National Park, add the entrance fee based on your category. Add a buffer for meals or unexpected expenses.
Can I bring my own food?
Bring water and snacks for the day. For drinks or special extras, ask via WhatsApp before the trip.
What happens if it rains?
The captains assess sea conditions. If you need to change the date, the terms for date changes and cancellations are confirmed in writing before booking.
Do you have your list ready? Choose your route from the boat tours departing from Santa Marta, and message us on WhatsApp from the booking page to secure your date.