Imagine waking up to the gentle lap of the Caribbean Sea, watching the sunrise over crystal-clear waters, and stepping off the yacht directly onto pristine beaches only seen on postcards. Exploring Tayrona National Park from a private yacht offers the perfect combination of comfort, adventure, and authentic contact with nature. You don't have to carry your bags, you can move quickly, and each beach can feel like yours for a few hours. But like any special experience, there are details, rules, and timeframes to plan ahead for.
Tayrona is an ecological sanctuary rich in biodiversity: tropical rainforest, mangroves, coral reefs, coastal wildlife, white-sand beaches, and an ancient history rooted in the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Visiting by yacht allows you to access remote beaches, snorkel in unfrequented marine areas, swim in coastal waterfalls, sleep at dusk listening to the sea, and enjoy a more free and personalized travel experience. However, not everything is permitted, and there are closed seasons, ecological regulations, and navigation rules to respect.
For example, the park has periods called "Respira Tayrona" (Breathe Tayrona) when it closes to the public to allow for ecological regeneration and support Indigenous practices. In 2025, these closures will be from February 1 to 15, June 1 to 15, and October 19 to November 2. During these periods, no visitors, hikes, or tourist services are permitted.
Another important point: although sleeping on Tayrona beaches is possible through authorized campsites or accommodations within the park (cabins, hammocks, tents), spending the night aboard a yacht anchored off these beaches is not clearly regulated as an authorized option. There is no reliable data indicating that it is permissible to keep a private vessel anchored overnight off Playa Cristal, Cabo San Juan, or other beaches within the park without special permits. Nautical activities are often limited by schedules, maritime authority permits, and environmental regulations.
Even so, private yachts are allowed to conduct full-day sea tours, approach beaches accessible only by water, and perhaps anchor temporarily for swimming and lunch, as long as they respect the permitted areas and sailing schedules. However, for overnight stays at sea or on the beach, it's prudent to check with Colombia's National Natural Parks and the local maritime authority beforehand to ensure you have the appropriate permits.
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Recommendations for visiting Tayrona on a private yacht
- Hire a boat with a crew that has experience in the area.
- Make sure the yacht has current navigation permits.
- Avoid park closing dates (February, June, October-November).
- Bring snorkeling gear, biodegradable sunscreen, and eco-friendly repellent.
- Plan your departure early to make the most of the beaches.
- Bring your ID and cash for tickets or purchases.
- Always check if anchoring is allowed where you plan to stop.
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Tips to keep in mind about Tayrona Park
- The beaches with the best access from the sea include Playa Cristal, Cinto and Bahía Concha.
- Single-use plastics and alcohol are not permitted.
- Free camping and campfires are prohibited.
- There are beaches with very strong waves: not all of them are suitable for swimming.
- Park rangers and maritime authorities are monitoring key points.
- If you plan to enter the park from the sea, be sure to pay the official entrance fee.
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Can you spend the night on your yacht off the beaches of Tayrona?
The short answer: It's not guaranteed to be legal under current regulations if you only have a private yacht and want to spend the night on a beach within the park. Here are some points to consider:
- National Park regulations prohibit certain activities outside of authorized hours and stipulate that visitors must remain in designated camping, lodging, or regulated habitat areas.
- Maritime authorities require vessels to comply with permits, licenses, safety equipment, etc. If you plan to remain at sea overnight, special permits may be required.
- Some tour operators offer a private yacht charter option for a day, but rarely at night, precisely because of these regulations.
Therefore, if your plan is to sleep on a yacht, the safest thing to do is:
- Check with the National Parks Department and Dimar to see if there is specific authorization for your boat and area (some beaches may allow it under special conditions).
- Check the necessary permits, insurance and registrations.
- Plan an itinerary that respects park entry and exit times and avoids emergencies due to waves, currents, or other environmental hazards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an advance reservation to enter?
Advance reservations are not required for general park admission; however, tickets sell out early during peak season, so it's best to arrive as early as possible.
How much does it cost to enter Tayrona Park?
For adult foreigners, entry fees in 2025 are approximately COP 77,500 during the low season and around COP 92,000 during the high season. Additional medical insurance is also required.
Is free camping allowed on any beach in Tayrona?
No. Only tents, hammocks, or similar accommodations are permitted at authorized campsites. Free camping (pitching your tent on any beach) is not permitted.
Can I enter the park on a private yacht and stop at multiple beaches?
Yes, but with some nuances. You can take trips by sea, visit beaches accessible only by water, and travel between areas where it is permitted. However, you must respect navigation schedules, maritime permits, permitted docking/transfer areas, and avoid illegal anchoring or spending the night without authorization.
What do I do if I want to sleep in Tayrona Park when I return to the yacht?
Ideally, you should use the lodges/campsites within the park to sleep on land while your yacht returns to the departure point, or check if there is a special permit to spend the night on board near the beach—if and only if you have official approval.
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