Sailing in Colombia
Including Rosario Islands Archipelago, San Andrés and Providencia Archipelago, and Tayrona National Park Coast. On the map.
The vibe
Sailing here is an adventurous undertaking that rewards those who prefer navigating between remote, untouched anchorages over visiting developed marinas. It feels like a true expedition, requiring a bit more self-sufficiency than a standard charter holiday in more commercialized waters. The trade winds are most favorable during the drier months, providing steady conditions for moving between the coastal islands.
Rosario Islands Archipelago
RAP Caribe
Jorge Láscar from Australia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Located just off the coast of Cartagena, this protected archipelago offers calm, turquoise waters ideal for day-sailing and short-hop cruising. The cluster of coral islands provides sheltered anchorages and a scenic escape from the mainland bustle.
Access. Charter catamarans and monohulls are available for hire from the marinas in Cartagena, with most trips heading to the islands for overnight or multi-day excursions.
Notes. Best sailed from December to April during the trade winds season; requires local knowledge for navigating shallow coral reefs.
San Andrés and Providencia Archipelago
San Andrés and Providencia
Joao Carlos Medau from Campinas, Brazil / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
This remote archipelago in the Caribbean Sea offers pristine, deep-water sailing and navigation between volcanic islands and coral atolls. The area is renowned for its 'Sea of Seven Colors' and provides a more adventurous, open-water cruising experience.
Access. Accessible primarily by flying into San Andrés, where local charter operators and private yacht services provide access to the surrounding cays and the nearby island of Providencia.
Notes. Requires significant offshore sailing experience; navigation between islands involves crossing open Caribbean waters.
Tayrona National Park Coast
Magdalena
adelmotrujillo@gmail… / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The rugged coastline of Tayrona offers dramatic scenery where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. Sailing here involves navigating along the lush, protected bays and secluded coves that are otherwise difficult to access by land.
Access. Sailing charters depart from Santa Marta's Marina Internacional, offering coastal cruises that navigate toward the park's protected anchorages.
Notes. Strong winds can occur; check park regulations for anchoring zones as some areas are strictly protected.