🌊 A unique experience from the sea
If you're in Santa Marta and thinking about visiting Tayrona National Natural Park, one of the most exciting and convenient ways to do so is by private boat or on a boat tour. But is it really worth it? In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know to make the best decision.
🚤 Why take a boat instead of going by land?
Parque Tayrona is accessible by both land and sea, but traveling by boat offers many advantages:
✅ You get there faster
A trip by land can take up to 2 hours, while by boat you can get there in 30–45 minutes from Santa Marta or Taganga.
✅ Stunning views from the sea
During the walk, you'll see hidden beaches, cliffs, and coastal rainforest from a unique perspective.
✅ Access to exclusive beaches
Some beaches, such as Playa Cristal, Bahía Concha, and Cinto, are easier to reach by boat, which saves you from having to take long walks.
🏖️ Top beaches you can visit on a boat tour
Playa Cristal Beach: White sand, crystal-clear waters—perfect for snorkeling.
Boats and a catamaran anchored in the turquoise waters of Bahía Concha. Bahía Concha: Quiet and family-friendly, surrounded by nature.
Cinto Beach: More secluded and unspoiled, ideal for completely unwinding.
Cabo San Juan del Guía: One of the park's landmarks, also accessible by sea.
🦺 Is the boat ride safe?
Yes, as long as you use an authorized company that follows safety protocols, such as Serenity Boat Rental. The boats must have:
Life jackets
Passenger Insurance
Experienced captains
Constant communication with the marina
🎒 What should you bring?
Lightweight clothing and swimwear
Biodegradable sunscreen
Sunglasses and a cap
Drinks and snacks (some tours include them)
Water-resistant camera or cell phone
💰 How much does a boat tour to Tayrona cost?
Prices vary depending on the destination, the duration, and whether it's a shared tour or a private boat tour. In general:
Shared tour: starting at 90,000 COP per person
Private boat: starting at 450,000 COP per group (4 to 10 people)
Important: These prices are a general market reference for Santa Marta and vary depending on the company, the season, the boat, and the route. Serenity Boat Rental Prices (private motorboat charter, full-day tour from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM): Bahía Concha and Granate starting at 2,100,000 COP · Playa Cristal starting at 2,250,000 COP · Cinto starting at 2,400,000 COP · Cinto + Playa Cristal + Bahía Concha starting at 2,550,000 COP. Includes captains, fuel, and safety equipment; does not include the departure tax (12,000 COP per person) or admission to the beaches in Parque Tayrona National Park. See Serenity’s plans and prices.
Note: Some tours include park admission, while others do not.
👥 Shared tour or private boat?
Both options lead to the Tayrona Sea, but the experience is very different:
Shared tour: You pay per person and travel with other passengers. The tour operator sets the schedule, stops, and time spent at each beach for the entire group.
Private boat: You reserve the entire boat just for your group. You decide on the stops with the captain, set the pace for the day, and don't share the boat with strangers.
Whether you're traveling with your family, celebrating a special occasion, or with a group of friends, a private boat is usually worth it: when you split the cost among everyone, the price per person is about the same as a shared tour, but with much more comfort.
⏰ When is the best time to go out?
In Santa Marta, the sea is usually calmer in the morning, which is why day tours leave early. At Serenity Boat Rental, the daytime tour runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and we also offer sunset cruises from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM to explore the bay as the sun sets.
Please note that Parque Tayrona is temporarily closed at certain times of the year for environmental restoration. Before booking a tour within the park, please check the dates on the official channels of Colombia’s National Natural Parks; if your trip coincides with a closure, we can suggest tours outside the park, such as Inca Inca, Taganga, or Playa Blanca.
🎟️ Costs to Keep in Mind
Departure tax: 12,000 COP per person, paid separately.
Admission to the beaches in Parque Tayrona: not included in the boat rental.
Optional extras: decorations, beverages, special music, or Starlink internet on board, at an additional cost.
📲 How to Book Your Boat to Tayrona
Send us a message on WhatsApp with the date, the number of people, and the beach you're interested in (Cinto, Playa Cristal, or Bahía Concha).
We're confirming availability, the ideal boat for your group (Serenity, which accommodates up to 13 passengers, or Serenity II, which accommodates up to 16 people), and the price.
You can pay via Bancolombia, Nequi, cash (with prior confirmation), or a secure link, and on the day of the tour, you’ll depart from the Marina Internacional de Santa Marta.
We recommend making a reservation at least 48 hours in advance, especially on weekends and during peak season.
✅ So, is it worth it?
Yes. Taking a motorboat to Tayrona saves you time on the road and on hikes, lets you see the coast from the sea, and gives you easy access to beaches like Cinto, Playa Cristal, and Bahía Concha. Plus, if you take a private motorboat, the day is tailored to your group—not the other way around.