Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX worth booking?
Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX is a 17-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $380 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (32)
- Duration
- 17 hours
- From
- $380 per person
Eco-adventure without pollution in Tayrona Park, wildlife. Opportunity to see an impressive variety of fish & marine life. Opportunity to see the beautiful phenomenon of 7 continuous waves. Exploration and purchases of indigenous crafts. Opportunity to see one of the most visited beaches in South America. This wonderful CRYSTAL BEACH, cataloged as one of the most visited beaches in South America, being among the 20 most beautiful beaches on the planet, crystal clear water in colors, coral white sand, surrounded by mountains and vegetation, where you will not have hearing pollution, only the waves of the sea and the sound of the birds are heard; additionally, it is the place where you can do the best snorkeling or lung diving activity because fishing is prohibited because it is a nature reserve.
What you get
About this experience
Eco-adventure without pollution in Tayrona Park, wildlife. Opportunity to see an impressive variety of fish & marine life. Opportunity to see the beautiful phenomenon of 7 continuous waves. Exploration and purchases of indigenous crafts. Opportunity to see one of the most visited beaches in South America. This wonderful CRYSTAL BEACH, cataloged as one of the most visited beaches in South America, being among the 20 most beautiful beaches on the planet, crystal clear water in colors, coral white sand, surrounded by mountains and vegetation, where you will not have hearing pollution, only the waves of the sea and the sound of the birds are heard; additionally, it is the place where you can do the best snorkeling or lung diving activity because fishing is prohibited because it is a nature reserve.
What's included
Included
- Return to the hotel
- Breakfast
- Tickets to Tayrona Park
- Guide.
- Typical lunch
- Pickup in the hotel with Air-conditioned vehicle
- Boat.
Not included
- Unspecified expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cartagena
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Samaria Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
32 verified traveler reviews for Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not worth 5 hours drive each way
You have to pay attention whether you book the hiking tour or the beach tour. We booked the beach tour. There were only 2 stops , one for a top view photo, and the next stop is just an ordinary beach, you have 3.5 hours to be free at this beach and that it. The tour is over. On the way back there was not enough stops for toilet. Facilities- bus was in am awful condition plus the face they exchangd it to small minibus on the way to the park which was made fir little kids, only a very thin person can sit there. There was not enoughspace for the tpur guide, so he had to stand with an open door poor guy. On the way back they added people we don't know from a different group and they stopped in 2 sculptures, one of Shakira and the other one is unknown. It doesn't mentioned on the tour description. Instead of stop for toilet. At the end finally they stop for toilet and Sbaro pizza for dinner . Finally.
Response from the operator: We regret your poor perception of the tour, we will take careful note of each of your comments. The mistake you had when booking is very influential, since you wanted to go to the Cabo San Juan sector, which is the hiking sector, and you reserved the sector that is only beach, that is, Playa Cristal.
via Viator
Daytrip to Tayrona from Cartagena
If you only want to see Tayrona park in one day from Cartagena- this is a decent tour to take. Pickup/Drop off: Received notification day before to be ready by 320am. But we weren’t picked until 340am and then we were dropped off to Monumento Torre del Reloj to wait for the bus to take us to Tayrona. When we got in to the bus around 4am we still had to pick up other people along the way. I wished pick up could be better- at least stagger pick up time base on where one is staying. Drop off- if you’re staying in central historic- you will be dropped off at Monumento Torre del Reloj and you’d walk back to your hotel. Bus ride: Driver was great. Ride was bumpy on some part of the area- I think for road safety reason on places where vehicles have to slow down. Seats were comfy but wished the seats could recline a little bit more. Was not able to sleep. If the tour bus is full- it might feel a little tight. They made stops for bathroom break- one halfway through and just before and after entering Tayrona. You can leave things in the bus if you don’t need to bring into the park - We were told it might be cold- I brought a light jacket just in case and just left it in the bus. Bring changes- have to pay 2000 pesos to use the bathroom. We were given breakfast as complimentary - ham and cheese sandwich and a juice. If you have free breakfast from your hotel. You can ask your hotel to arrange one for you to go. Some brought their own. If you’re vegetarian- maybe let the tour operator know ahead.Tour operator also gave us a bottle of water. We were given 2 options: 1 - go to a beach and just stay there the whole day 2 - hike, go through the park and see the beach (Cabo San Juan) which is different from the beach above We opted for option 2 since wanted to see more and also my friend forgot her swimsuit. Arrived at the park close to 9am The hike was about 2 hours to the beach then 2 hours back. There are beaches you will stop by on the way. If you want to stop on the swimmable beaches and just stay- you can but recommend to go all there way in the end - to Cabo San Juan beach- Hike was moderate. You can opt to take a horse. Wished I had taken the horse. You would be able to spend more time in the beach and save time. But I didn’t know how much it cost- wished I knew how much before the tour so could bring enough money if needed. What I didn’t like about the trail is that on some parts- you have to share same trail with the horse…just smells like horse manure and have to try to avoid the horses and their manure. I wouldn’t recommend hiking if it just rained. Could be very muddy and slippery. The guide- was like a boot camp instructor- encouraging us to make it to the end and go faster. The faster you get to the location the more time you could spend on the beach. We saw different viewpoints, a monkey, termite hives. There are stands, people selling food/drink Cabo San Juan beach is nice- There’s a shower at Cabo San Juan beach- again, you also have to pay - 2000 pesos You spend about an hour on the beach. Lunch was provided and it was good- portion was big. This tour is offered in Spanish only. We still took a chance- My friend speaks and understands a bit- and we were lucky we met someone who’s knew how to speak English and translate for us. But the tour operators did try their best to translate for us. Looking back, I wished I had opted for option 1- I don’t mind just relaxing on the beach for hours. I’m not fit and not a hiker. But I still don’t regret taking option 2 for the experience.
Response from the operator: We appreciate your detailed comment, it helps us correct the errors and continue our improvement work.
via Viator
A beautiful day in Parque Tayrona
It’s a long day but it’s worth the trip. You are taken in a comfortable air conditioned bus to Parque Tayrona and a guide takes you on the hike inside the park until you reach the beautiful beaches. Lunch is included. Get the fish it’s delicious and freshly fried fish. The tour operator and guides are very nice and the park itself is spectacular. A must see highly recommend this trip.
Response from the operator: Nos complace mucho su satisfacción. Gracias por su lindo comentario, esperamos tenerlos nuevamente en nuestro tour, y agradecemos su recomendación con amigos y conocidos.
via Tripadvisor
it was very good
Excursion in boat to tree different islands in Cartagena, that experience was really nice because the guide brought us to a beautifully beach that have many snails. all the trip was very nice because the pilot talk about history and explain some things about the beaches, also the guide brought us to the beach that it is the more visited in Cartagena , there we saw the community and went to swim with a blind shark. Finally at the end of the day we went back to the hotel and we were satisficed because we purchased another trip because the trips aren't expensive, in general all the trip was very good I recommend to go to the island that have more tourist in Cartagena.
Response from the operator: Good morning, we appreciate your opinion, we will be happy to return these beautiful experiences to our visitors. We will be back very soon. We miss them so much. We have all the biosafety protocols to provide you with a pleasant safe trip.
via Tripadvisor
Good
Long drive early in the morning. Tayrona park is interesting but not enough time to visit other places in the patk only Cristal beach which was very bussy. Santa Marta is nothing special but if you have enough time in Cartagena revommended.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 17 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX cost?
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Prices start at $380 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cartagena usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX take?
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Plan for about 17 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cartagena is not rushed.
Is Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 32 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cartagena, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 17-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cartagena can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cartagena and add a light layer if any part of the 17-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cartagena within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cartagena?
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On Outty we rank every Cartagena experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena, Cartagena Antigua & Barrio Getsemani group with audio system, Cartagena VIP Boat Tour: Rosario Islands & Snorkel. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX?
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Included: Return to the hotel; Breakfast; Tickets to Tayrona Park; Guide; and Typical lunch. Not included: Unspecified expenses; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 153 listed pickup locations in and around Cartagena. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cartagena. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Tayrona Playa Cristal from Cartagena,PRIVATE ONLY. MINIMUM 2 PAX?
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Across 32 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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