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Santa Marta: when your ship stops here

The oldest surviving city in Colombia, the home where Bolivar died, and a national park on the coast.

Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Santa Marta is a Caribbean city in Colombia with 566,150 people (2018 census). Rodrigo de Bastidas founded it on 29 July 1525, and Wikipedia calls it the country's oldest surviving city. A cruise port guide says the port handles only about 10 cruise calls a year. Our sources do not say where ships dock or how far the pier is from town.

Sources: Wikipedia: Santa Marta; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Santa Marta

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

    The estate just outside the city center where Simon Bolivar died of tuberculosis in 1830, aged 47.

    Tip: Our sources give no opening hours and no travel time from the pier.

    Source: Wikipedia: Santa Marta

  2. 2. The Cathedral Basilica

    Built in the eighteenth century and one of the city's oldest structures. It held the remains of both Bastidas and Bolivar after their deaths. Bolivar's remains were later moved to Caracas.

    Tip: It is in the city itself, which makes it an easier stop than the park.

    Source: Wikipedia: Santa Marta

  3. 3. Tayrona National Natural Park

    A park about 34 km (21 miles) from the city center, with about 150 square km of land and 30 square km of Caribbean sea. It was Colombia's second most visited national park in 2022, with 545,760 visitors. Cabo San Juan is a popular swimming area.

    Tip: Our sources give no road travel time, so only book a tour that gets you back before the all aboard time.

    Source: Wikipedia: Tayrona National Natural Park

What to skip

  • The hike to El Pueblito

    Wikipedia says the El Pueblito hike in Tayrona National Natural Park has been closed since 2019 at the wishes of the indigenous residents.

    Source: Wikipedia: Tayrona National Natural Park

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Santa Marta

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Santa Marta, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 6, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in Santa Marta

Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Santa Marta on the way.

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