Sunset Sailing on Santa Marta Bay

Santa Marta sits on one of the most striking bays on the Colombian Caribbean, with the Sierra Nevada rising almost straight out of the sea behind it. At sunset the headlands turn orange and pink, fishing boats return to harbor and the lights of the old town start to glow along the waterfront. A sailing trip is one of the best ways to take it all in. The boat leaves the marina, rounds the small rocky islet known as El Morro, glides past the beaches of Playa Dormida and Los Cocos and turns back toward the city as the sun goes down. It is a simple, atmospheric outing that suits almost anyone, from couples to groups of friends to families with older children. The product here is a sunset sailing trip on Santa Marta Bay. Most such tours last about two hours, include drinks or snacks and give passengers a chance to swim or simply sit and watch. The crew handles the sailing, and you are free to lounge on the deck, chat with other travelers or take pictures. In the calmer months the bay is smooth, and the experience feels gentle and unhurried.

Think about timing and conditions. The sunset is earliest and most reliable in the drier months, while winter winds can make the bay choppy and cause delays. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring a remedy and sit in the center of the boat. Arrive a little early, as boats depart on a schedule and the light changes quickly. Wear light layers because the breeze can feel cool once the sun is down, and bring a small bag for your camera and a towel if you plan to swim.

The surrounding area adds interest. From the water you can see the port, the old cathedral's tower, the beaches along the northern edge of the bay and the fishing village of Taganga in the distance. On clear evenings the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada glow in the last light, and with luck you can pick out snow-capped ridges far above the heat of the coast. Pelicans and frigatebirds follow the boats, and dolphins sometimes appear in the open water.

This activity works well after a hot day of sightseeing. Plan it for your first or last evening in Santa Marta to get a feel for the coastline, or schedule it after a hike in Tayrona when you want something restful. Dinner in the old town afterward is a natural continuation, with seafood restaurants and live music a short walk from the marina. If you are celebrating something, a private charter is possible with some operators, though the shared sunset sail is more than enough for most travelers and costs far less.

Photographers should know that the best light often comes in the twenty minutes before the sun touches the horizon, when the headlands glow and the water turns copper. Stay at the rail on the side facing the sunset, keep your camera strap around your wrist and resist the urge to film the whole time, since the view is better without a screen. Ask the crew about the route and bring a light jacket for the sail back.