Santa Marta is the gateway to the Colombian Caribbean, the Sierra Nevada, and Parque Tayrona National Park. If you’re coming from another country, getting here is easy, but it’s a good idea to take care of a few details before you land: documents, money, health, and how to plan your days at sea.
This guide brings together the essentials for your first trip in 2026, with links to official sources so you can confirm everything before you go. At the end, we’ll tell you what a day on a private motorboat is like and what changes with the closure of Tayrona National Park at the end of October.
How to get there: Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR)
Santa Marta has its own airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport (code SMR). From there, it’s a 20- to 30-minute drive to the city center or the El Rodadero area, depending on traffic.
Many international visitors arrive via a connecting flight in Bogotá or Medellín. If this applies to you, allow plenty of time between flights, especially if you have checked luggage or are traveling during peak season.
Tips for Arrival Day
- Save the address of your lodging written in Spanish on your phone and on paper.
- Have some cash in Colombian pesos on hand for initial expenses.
- If you’re planning a motorboat trip the next day, avoid booking it for the same afternoon you land: flights get delayed, and you’ll enjoy the sea more if you’re well-rested.
Before flying: documents and the Check-MIG form
Migración Colombia has an online form called Check-MIG. As of mid-2026, it is reported to be recommended, not mandatory, and can be completed anywhere from 72 hours to one hour before your trip. Complete it only on the official Migración Colombia website, and be wary of websites that charge for the process.
Immigration rules change, so check the current requirements for your nationality before buying tickets and again a few days before your flight. Travel with your valid passport and keep a digital copy in a safe place.
Currency: Colombian pesos and exchange rate
The official currency is the Colombian peso (COP). Prices are usually written with a period to separate the thousands, for example, $2,100,000, which can sometimes be confusing for those accustomed to a different format.
To calculate amounts, use the representative market rate (TRM) published by the Banco de la República. This is an official reference; the rate applied by your bank or a currency exchange may differ.
For a motorboat trip, there are two fees paid in addition to the rental: the departure tax, which is 12,000 COP per person, and the entrance fee to Parque Tayrona if your route goes into the park. Ask via WhatsApp how to pay these fees so you can bring the necessary funds.
Language and Getting Around the City
The language is Spanish. In tourist areas, you’ll find people who speak some English, but don’t take that for granted. A translation app on your phone and a few basic phrases (good morning, thank you, how much does it cost) will make your life easier.
To contact us, you can use WhatsApp, which is the most common way to communicate with businesses, restaurants, and tourist services in Colombia. Take your time to write down your dates, the number of people, and your questions, and save the conversation for future reference.
To get around, it’s most convenient to use a taxi or transportation services arranged through your lodging. The Marina Internacional de Santa Marta (Santa Marta International Marina), where our motorboats depart from, is located in the city’s bay.
Health and Safety: The Basics
Yellow Fever and Parque Tayrona
Colombian authorities require the yellow fever vaccine to visit Parque Tayrona and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta; it must be administered at least 10 days before your trip. Consult your doctor and check the current requirements on the National Natural Parks of Colombia website, as they are subject to change.
Sun, heat, and hydration
The Caribbean sun is intense even on cloudy days. Drink water frequently, wear a hat and sunscreen, and spend the hottest hours of the day in the shade.
Personal Safety
Use common sense as you would at any tourist destination: don’t display valuables, use reliable transportation at night, and keep your passport in a safe place. Before traveling, read your government’s recommendations, such as the UK’s travel advice page for Colombia or the U.S. State Department’s page if you’re from the United States.
What a Day on a Private Motorboat from Santa Marta Is Like
For many travelers, the sea is the best way to explore the coast. At Serenity Boat Rental, you rent the entire motorboat: the price is per boat, not per person, and only your group will be on board.
Here’s how a typical day works:
- Departure at 9:00 AM from the Marina Internacional de Santa Marta (Santa Marta International Marina).
- Cruise with two certified captains; fuel and safety equipment are included.
- Stops at beaches and bays depending on the chosen route, with time to swim and relax.
- We return around 5:00 PM, while it’s still light out.
There are two motorboats: Serenity, for up to 13 passengers, and Serenity II, for up to 16. Both have a canopy for shade, padded seats, a sound system, and GPS navigation. You can compare routes on the Santa Marta boat tours page and check out luxury private motorboat packages in Santa Marta.
Prices for the 2026 day tour start at 2,100,000 COP for the entire motorboat on the Bahía Concha and Granate route. Details on what’s included and what’s charged separately can be found in our private motorboat rental price guide.
Please note: Tayrona National Park is closed from October 19 to November 2.
Parque Tayrona has scheduled closures in 2026, agreed upon with the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada to allow the land to rest and for their rituals. The next closure runs from October 19 to November 2, and the park reopens on November 3. Dates are subject to change, so please check the official website before your trip.
During the closure, you cannot visit any of the park’s beaches, not even by boat. This includes Playa Cristal, Cinto, and Bahía Concha. If your trip coincides with those dates, there are some great options outside the park:
- Inca Inca and Taganga.
- Playa Grande and Playa Blanca.
- El Rodadero and the Acuario del Rodadero.
- Bajo Bello Horizonte—for snorkeling.
- The sunset tour.
We explain each option in the article about motorboat routes when Tayrona is closed.
If you’re short on time, the sunset motorboat tour departs at 4:30 PM and returns at 8:00 PM. The price is quoted via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price of the motorboat per person?
No. The price is for the entire boat. You’ll also pay the departure tax ($12,000 COP per person) and the entrance fee to Tayrona National Park if the route enters the park.
How much is the entrance fee to Tayrona for foreigners?
In 2026, for non-resident foreigners (outside the CAN), the price is 81,000 COP in the low season, 96,500 COP in the high season, and 43,500 COP in the Bahía Concha area. Please confirm this before your visit.
Is the Check-MIG mandatory?
As of mid-2026, this is reported as recommended, not mandatory. Check the Migración Colombia website before flying, as the rules may change.
What if I want to change the date?
The terms and conditions for date changes and cancellations are confirmed in writing before booking.
Book your day at sea. Let us know your dates, the size of your group, and the route you’re interested in. Message us on WhatsApp from the Serenity Boat Rental booking page, and we’ll help you put together a plan that fits your trip.