Local Councils
Santa Marta from within
Beach vendors
Depending on the beach, the number and type of vendors varies. At the most popular beaches, such as Bahía Santa Marta and Playa El Rodadero, visitors will find numerous vendors offering a variety of products, including tours, massages, beach toys, coffee (tinto), juices, cocktails, beers, fresh oysters, ceviche, grilled meats, and other miscellaneous items. Some local restaurants are also happy to deliver meals directly to the beach.
Sometimes the number of vendors can be annoying. A simple "thank you" is often enough to get them to leave.
In general, prices are fairly fixed for Colombian tourists. If you're a foreigner, don't be surprised if your Colombian neighbor on the beach gets a better price, especially on items like toys or jewelry. It doesn't hurt to try to negotiate, but unlike Mexican vendors, Colombian vendors don't usually start with a premium of 100%.
Tours
Visitors to Santa Marta will likely want to take at least one or two tours. There are many tour operators available, so don't feel pressured to book the first one that screams "Tayrona Park, Palomino, Playa Blanca…!" They all offer practically the same prices, so the choice depends on who you feel most comfortable with. It's a good idea to think ahead and discuss with your companions what types of tours interest them most before arriving (mountains and waterfalls, beaches, the aquarium, etc.), to make the conversation and booking easier.
Water sports
In Santa Marta, Rodadero, and Taganga, there are water sports vendors offering kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skis, and banana boat rides. There are also many dive shops that organize diving and snorkeling excursions from Bello Horizonte, Rodadero, Santa Marta, and Taganga.
People who beg for alms
Like every Colombian city, Santa Marta is home to many Venezuelan refugees. In addition to recycling, selling cigarettes, beer, and apartments by the day, many people ask for money. They generally appreciate a 500 or 1,000 peso coin. There's no obligation to give anything, and simply saying "I don't have any coins" is usually enough to get them to leave.
