Colombia’s coastal gem, Santa Marta, serves up some of the Caribbean’s most authentic lunch experiences. Local restaurants dish out the essentials: fresh-caught fish, crispy patacón (plantain), coconut-infused rice, and vibrant salads – all staples of the region’s cuisine.
Two standout tours consistently deliver memorable meals: The Tayrona Bahia Concha experience pairs pristine beaches with a satisfying seaside lunch, while the White Beach excursion offers a generous buffet spread featuring local specialties. Both options combine great food with stunning coastal views.
Let’s explore Santa Marta’s top lunch tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Enjoy a typical Colombian feast featuring fresh fish, patacón, rice with coconut, and salad during the Santa Marta day trip lunch experience.
- Savor a buffet-style lunch including white rice or coconut rice, meat choices, salad, and patacones during the Playa Blanca boat tour.
- The lunch menu for the Tayrona Bahia Concha excursion includes a typical beach lunch as part of the package.
- Some guests have provided mixed reviews on the lunch experiences, citing a rushed pace and language barriers during the Santa Marta day trip.
- Bring cash for any additional food or beverage expenses, as the lunch options may not always meet individual preferences.
From Cartagena: Santa Marta Day Trip With Breakfast & Lunch
This day trip from Cartagena to Santa Marta offers an immersive experience, showcasing the vibrant coastal city and its rich cultural heritage. Priced from $135.00 per person, the 17-hour excursion includes complimentary hotel pickup, a panoramic tour of Barranquilla, and a boat trip to the picturesque Playa Blanca.
Guests can start their day with a hearty breakfast at Rodadero, choosing from options like scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or perico with arepa.
The full-day itinerary also features visits to significant landmarks, including Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino, the statue of Pibe Valderrama, and the Gold Museum. For lunch, travelers can enjoy a typical Colombian feast featuring fresh fish, patacón, rice with coconut, salad, and a choice of grilled chicken or beef.
While the tour has received mixed reviews, with some guests citing issues with the rushed pace and language barriers, others appreciated the guide’s efforts to showcase the city’s charm.
Travelers are advised to bring necessary items like passports, comfortable clothing, and cash to make the most of this comprehensive Santa Marta experience.
Read our full review: From Cartagena: Santa Marta Day Trip With Breakfast & Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Tayrona Bahia Concha With Lunch
Offered as an eight-hour excursion, the Tayrona Bahia Concha With Lunch experience transports guests from the Playa El Rodadero and Pozos Colorados areas to the picturesque Bahia Concha.
The activity, priced from SEK 485 per person, includes a 1-hour air-conditioned vehicle ride, free time at the beach, snorkeling at Waikiki Beach, and a typical lunch on the beach.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Santa Marta, passing the Pibe Valderrama monument and historic center.
The tour is available in Spanish and English, and guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or people over 70 years old.
Visitors are advised to bring beachwear and cash, as alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.
While the activity has an overall rating of 2/5 based on one review, the operator may change the date or improve the service if weather impacts the experience.
Read our full review: Tayrona Bahia Concha With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
White Beach With Lunch
The White Beach with Lunch experience whisks visitors away from the Rodadero Bay area to the renowned Playa Blanca. For €25.76 per person, guests enjoy a 10-minute boat ride, access to the picturesque white sand beach, and a buffet-style lunch at La Pikua.
The tour, which runs from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, offers a live guide in Spanish and English, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The lunch menu features white rice or coconut rice, a choice of meat, grilled chicken, or fried fish, as well as salad, patacones, and soup. While drinks aren’t included, the scenic setting and convenience of the all-inclusive package make this a popular option.
Although the overall rating is 3.3/5 based on limited reviews, visitors praise the logistics and natural beauty, with suggestions for improved restaurant organization and chair rental services.
Read our full review: White Beach With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Lunch Experiences?
The dress code for the lunch experiences is typically casual. Visitors should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that’s appropriate for the warm, tropical climate. No formal attire is required, allowing diners to enjoy their meal in a relaxed setting.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages?
Guests can’t typically bring their own food and beverages to these lunch experiences. The establishments generally have specific policies in place that require patrons to order from the menu and purchase drinks on-site. It’s best to inquire about any exceptions.
Are There Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available for Lunch?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available for lunch in Santa Marta. Many restaurants and cafes offer plant-based dishes, salads, and dishes catered to those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
Are the Lunch Venues Wheelchair Accessible?
Many of the lunch venues in the area are wheelchair accessible, allowing diners with mobility challenges to enjoy the local cuisine. However, it’s best to check with individual restaurants to confirm their accessibility features before visiting.
How Can I Book the Lunch Experiences in Advance?
To book lunch experiences in advance, visitors can check the venues’ websites or contact them directly. Many offer online booking options or allow reservations via phone or email. This ensures they can secure their preferred dining time.
Recap
Santa Marta offers a range of exceptional lunch experiences. Whether it’s a day trip from Cartagena with a included breakfast and lunch, or a visit to Tayrona Bahia Concha or White Beach with a provided lunch, visitors can savor the local cuisine and breathtaking scenery. These lunch options provide a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the culinary and natural wonders of this coastal Colombian destination.