Cartagena boasts some of the best beaches in Colombia, and a visit here means basking in the sun, hopping from beach to beach, and appreciating the sound of the ocean. Days at the beach tend to dominate your itinerary in Cartagena, so get your sunscreen and beach bag ready. This Caribbean city has both urban beaches as well as quieter and more secluded pockets away from the crowds. Here are seven beaches in Cartagena for you to sunbathe, swim, and thoroughly relax:
1. Bocagrande Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Cartagena is Bocagrande, a top choice for locals and tourists alike because it’s near a modern part of Cartagena. It’s close to the historic Old Town and one of the larger beaches in the area.
Bocagrande has all the big-city amenities, such as bars, restaurants, shopping, and accommodation, and the ocean is just steps away from glitzy high-rises. Because of its location, Bocagrande offers a city-meets-ocean vibe, and it’s a good spot to sneak in some beach time if you don’t have a full day to spare. If you’re staying nearby, there’s zero planning, transportation or travel required, as opposed to many of the other beaches needing a short drive or boat ride; simply wake up and head to the beach.
2. Playa Blanca
The sugary sand of Playa Blanca (which means “white beach”) near Cartagena is one of the area’s most sought-after beaches. This beach is on Barú peninsula just outside of Cartagena, and it’s the only public beach there. Book a tour to the beach, hop on a boat from the city’s docks, or take a taxi to get there.
This little patch of Caribbean heaven is known for its colourful parrotfish, sergeant major fish, crystal-clear water, and tranquil energy. The coastline has mangroves and bleached sands dotted with straw beach umbrellas, while fishing boats bob in the waves.
3. Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands have all the beauty of the turquoise-shored Caribbean combined with the peace and quiet of island life. These 27 islands off the Colombia coast have some of the most beautiful beaches near Cartagena, and this region is a national park officially known as Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, which protects marine life and coral reefs. Enjoy ocean breezes, baking-hot sunshine, and warm water.
You can kayak through the mangroves or take a tour of the plankton that glows at night; book through a tour operator in Cartagena or through the hostels and hotels on the islands.
To get to any of the islands, book a seat on one of the boats that depart from Cartegena’s main docks. Expect to cruise through choppy waters for just under two hours until you arrive. Don’t expect to arrive from this boat ride completely dry, and before you depart, make sure you have extra cash on hand because many of the islands don’t have ATMs.
4. La Boquilla
This beach near Cartagena is far enough from the city centre that you’ll be escaping some of the crowds. La Boquilla is a fishing village, and its beach’s proximity to Cartagena and high-quality water make it a must-visit location for travellers — it received Blue Flag certification in 2019, an award given to beaches around the world for clean water and proper environmental practices.
Another draw for travellers is that the restaurants along the edge of this sandy beach have agreed to a standardised pricing system. For visitors, that means no worrying about being charged higher rates. When lunch rolls around, expect staff to welcome folks into their restaurants to tell you about their catch of the day (likely snapper, sawfish, or mackerel), which is often paired with coconut rice and patacones (fried plantain). If you don’t want a full meal, hail down one of the vendors walking up and down the beach offering fresh tropical fruits.
5. Playa Castillo Grande
Castillogrande means ‘big castle’ or ‘tower’, which is a fitting name for a neighbourhood of modern high-rises and luxury apartments. Playa Castillo Grande, the beach on this peninsula, provides the conveniences of an urban beach in an upscale area: it’s easy to get to and close to many accommodations, while also being well-maintained and having calmer waters than some nearby beaches.
Playa Castillo Grande is still in Cartagena, so local residents hang out here. Rent a beach cabana if you’re in the mood to chill, or if you’re looking for a more active beach day, take a boat tour or rent a kayak or paddleboard to get out on the water. If you’re hungry after all that activity, food and drink vendors walk up and down Castillo Grande’s shores offering drinks, ice cream, ceviche, or fried fish.
6. Manzanillo del Mar
For a break from the city, head to Manzanillo del Mar just outside of Cartagena. This beach is a breath of salty ocean fresh air and a short drive from La Boquilla for the traveller keen on beach hopping. Because this beach is in a rural, lazy beach town with a population of just a few hundred residents, visitors can expect a quiet beach perfect for recharging their social batteries after long travels. Enjoy the Caribbean blue water, traditional coastal cuisine, views of Cartagena, lush greenery, and a craggy cliff that pokes into the water.
7. Tierra Bomba
Settle into island life for a day or two on the island of Tierra Bomba, a short boat ride from Cartagena. This small, 20-square-kilometre (7.7 square-mile) patch of land offers Instagrammable beaches like Punta Arena with its turquoise water, vibrant green palm trees that line the shores, weathered beach huts, sun-kissed white sand, and Cartagena’s skyline in the distance. Sit back with a drink in hand as you watch the toy-like fishing boats rock with the tide. If you’re up for some activities, check out the island’s historic sites, go birdwatching, or take a canoe out to explore the thick stands of mangroves.
