Nature · Active · Community
Tubing on the Don Diego River
Float down from the mountain to the Caribbean Sea, among howler monkeys and birds.
3 to 4 hoursDifficulty: Easy
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Sierra Nevada river
Don Diego River
A river born in the glaciers of the Sierra Nevada that ends in the Caribbean, with howler monkeys in the canopy and a virgin beach at its mouth.
- Region:
- Magdalena
- From La Jorará:
- 6 km
The Don Diego is born in the snows of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and runs down to the Caribbean. In its final stretch, before the mouth, the channel opens out through dense jungle and the current turns slow and clear. That stretch is the one you float.
Tubing on the Don Diego is the most requested experience in the whole area, and not by accident: it is low difficulty, requires no fitness and packs everything that makes this region special into a couple of hours. You ride an inner tube, no paddling, just letting the water carry you.
On the way down you see howler monkeys in the canopy — you hear them long before they appear — herons, kingfishers, butterflies and, on clear days, the snow peaks rising above the green. At the mouth a barely explored virgin beach appears, where fresh water meets salt water and you can swim in both.
The river is also the setting for paddle boarding and for artisanal fishing at dusk, when the caimans come out and local fishermen tell the region's stories around a bonfire.
What to see and do
The tube float
A fifteen-minute easy walk to the entry point, then a two to three hour float with the current. No paddles, no rapids, no effort. The return from the beach is by motorboat.
The howler monkeys
The roar of howler monkeys carries more than a kilometre and is one of the most striking sounds in tropical forest. They live in the canopy along the river and are seen on almost every descent.
The river mouth
The point where the river meets the sea. A long beach with no buildings and no vendors, where cold fresh water mixes with warm salt water and you feel the temperature change as you swim.
Artisanal fishing at dusk
Heading out by boat before nightfall with local fishermen. You fish for snapper, snook and dorado, spot caimans along the bank, and finish with a fish sancocho on the shore under an open sky.
How to get there
- The river sits on the Troncal del Caribe highway, 6 km from La Jorará and about 40 km from Tayrona Park.
- From La Jorará it is a few minutes by local bus, or by private transfer.
- From Santa Marta it is about 70 km, a little over an hour.
- From Palomino it is about 16 km to the west.
When to go
- It runs all year. The activity does not depend on the season.
- In the dry season, December to March, the water is clearer and the flow gentler.
- In the rainy season the river rises and runs faster; the trip is shorter and more fun, but the water turns cloudy.
- Morning beats afternoon for wildlife spotting. Artisanal fishing, on the other hand, leaves at five in the afternoon.
What to know before you go
- You will get completely wet. Wear your swimsuit and bring a dry change for the way back.
- A waterproof bag for phone or camera: there is nowhere to keep them dry during the float.
- Sunscreen and repellent. A good part of the route is in open sun.
- A hat and plenty of water: it is hot even while you are floating.
- The tour does not include transport to the river. If you are staying at La Jorará we arrange it.
- Difficulty is low and you do not need to be a strong swimmer, but life jackets are used and a local guide always goes with the group.
Frequently asked questions
How long does tubing on the Don Diego River take?
Between three and four hours in total, counting the fifteen-minute walk to the entry point, the float itself, time on the beach at the river mouth, and the boat ride back.
Is it dangerous? Is it suitable for children?
Difficulty is low: there are no rapids and the current is gentle along the stretch you float. Life jackets are used and a local guide accompanies the group. It works well for children as long as they are accompanied; check with us depending on age and season, since the flow changes in the rains.
What is the difference between tubing and paddle boarding?
Tubing means floating on an inner tube and letting the river carry you: zero effort. Paddle boarding means descending standing on a board with a paddle, which takes some balance, though you can also kneel or sit. On the paddle trip you first ride twenty minutes upriver by boat, and a fruit picnic on the beach is included.
What we run here
See all experiences
Active · Nature
Paddle boarding on the Don Diego River
Descend the Don Diego standing on a board, down to where the river meets the sea.
3.5 to 4 hoursDifficulty: Easy
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Nature · Culture · Community
Sierra Nevada full-day tour
The most complete combination: Don Diego tubing, weaving workshop and lunch at La Jorará.
Full dayDifficulty: Easy
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Where to stay
See all places to stay
La Jorará Eco Hotel · Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Casa del Mar
A cabin facing the Caribbean, with the sound of the sea in front and the Sierra Nevada behind.
Cabin1–4 guestsSea view
FromCOP 520,000per night
La Jorará Eco Hotel · Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Morro Paraíso
High on the headland, looking out over the Caribbean and the Sierra Nevada rainforest at once.
Cabin2–6 guestsSea view
FromCOP 560,000per night
La Jorará Eco Hotel · Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Dorado
A suite on the upper floor of Casa Verde, La Jorará's main house.
Suite2–4 guestsMountain view
FromCOP 438,000per night
Nearby destinations
Our home
La Jorará
Km 62.5 on the Santa Marta – Palomino road: a private beach, a natural mountain-water pool and a fruit plantation, between Tayrona Park and Palomino.
Magdalena · Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
7 experiences here
Beach and river town
Palomino
Where the Sierra Nevada reaches the sea to the east: a long beach, a cold river off the glacier and the gateway to Kogui territory.
La Guajira10 km from La Jorará
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National natural park
Tayrona National Natural Park
White-sand bays between giant boulders and tropical dry forest, where the Sierra Nevada drops straight into the Caribbean.
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