The beach is to the southwest of the city on the island of Baru. In fact, I think it has become a victim of its own beauty, as it can get overrun with crowds on weekends and holidays. Things to Do in Cartagena Most of these are located on Isla Grande, the largest of the islands, with a few more on Isleta (including our favorite) and a couple other scatted about on other islands. The Rosario Islands are located about an hour by boat southeast of Cartagena. Castillogrande is one of the most exclusive residential neighborhoods in Cartagena, located on a narrow little finger that curves off the end of the Bocagrande peninsula. I've been living as a digital nomad for 8+ years. Because it is located quite far from the tourist district of Cartagena, it is not very common to see foreigners here, although more and more hotel chains are beginning to build in this unexploited area of the city. If youre like me, you like have a good book at the beach. Well, to be honest, its because I am not a fan at all of the beach in Bocagrande. All in all, I wouldnt recommend going here just for the day if youre just visiting Cartagena unless you have your own transportation. Besides lounging on the beach and swimming in the Caribbean, there are a lot of options for spending time on the Rosario Islands. The beach here isnt very large, but if the crowds of the larger beaches around the corner on the front side of Bocagrande are too large, Laguito can be a decent Cartagena beach to spend some time. They have a nice beach area with plenty of chairs and beach beds and has a relaxed atmosphere. You can book a boat tour to the beach which includes lunch. Here youll find a handful of hotels, such as the Cartagena Hilton, as well as residential buildings and restaurants in Laguito. Meanwhile, those looking for a bit more lively atmosphere might want to check out the next place on this list of the best Cartagena beaches in the Rosario Islands. Thats not because of the beaches themselves. Obviously youll want to bring along your best beach lover gear, so first, Im going to share a handful of things that are good to take along to the beaches in Cartagena, and then, Ill discuss in more detail each of the aforementioned areas and the best spots in each. Whether you're looking for family fun or peaceful places to unplug, Cartagena has something that will suit you.
The town of Santa Ana on the island is actually where I spent my first year in Colombia as a volunteer teacher. Its fairly easy to find day trips to Playa Blanca. You can also find a handful of cheaper restaurants and bars across the street from the beach. Bocachica can be reached by public boat taxi from the main docks outside the Walled City or by private boats offered in day passes at places like Blue Apple. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. The most famous urban beach in Cartagena sits in front of the glitzy neighborhood of Bocagrande (the famous peninsula lined with skyscrapers and upmarket hotels). If youre looking for some budget beachfront hotels, the Aixo Suites and Hotel Boutique del Mar are located here and make for decent choices that put you beach front and within a 15 minute walk of the Walled City. You can book a private boat online via GetYourGuide ahead of time. The easiest way is to get to Tintipan from Cartagena is to take the ferry from La Bodeguita dock.
Come hunt colorful fishes and be amazed by the magnificent bioluminescent plankton seen when the moon isnt too bright.
Now that thats out of the way, lets get to this guide to the best beaches in Cartagena, Colombia. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". Manzanillo del Mar is located about 20 minutes outside of Cartagena, beyond La Boquilla.
The boats can take you to Tierra Bomba at any time of the day, departing from Castillogrande beach, behind Bocagrande hospital. Much of the area is covered in mangroves and there are a few small Afro-Colombian communities that live here. Although not beachfront, the Estelar and Hyatt are also terrific hotels and just a short walk from the beach. The best beach in Cartagena is located only 40 minutes by boat or by land from Cartagena. Located at the end of the narrow channel between Isla Grande and Isleta, Bora Bora Beach Club in Cartagena is a great spot for a fun day pass. Youre pretty much guaranteed to have vendors approach you while on the Cartagena, Colombia beaches. The price of a round trip boat ride to and from the island can be negotiated with the owner of each boat, but it should cost you around COP$25.000 ($5USD) per trip. One of the best spots on Punta Arena is the Bomba Beach Club which has loungers, hammocks, food, music, and an outdoor bar. Some of the most famous and best in Colombia and Cartagena beaches are located here, including boat party spot Choln and Playa Blanca, probably the most famous backpacker beach of Cartagena, Colombia. If you plan to only spend one day here, we recommend that you go mid-week to avoid crowds. With an average temperature of 81.6 degrees, nearly every day is perfect for heading to the beach. Your email address will not be published.
If you have your own car, made friends with someone who does, or are renting a car, then you can drive and park at the beach easy enough. It gives them a cool, local vibe, you wont find on the touristy Colombia beaches in Cartagena elsewhere, but they can get very, very crowded those days even though most other days there will be hardly anyone here. Speaking of spending the night, do note that day passes usually include boat transportation, but for overnight stays, you may have to pay an additional fee for the boat, so double check and factor that in when comparing prices at these beaches in Cartagena, Colombia. ->Click here to get a free planning checklist for your trip to Cartagena! Cartagena beaches in town proper pale in comparison. The beaches in this area are the furthest of the mainland beaches around the urban area of the city. There are stories of people being shown one menu and set of prices when ordering and another with higher prices when paying. Its definitely very Instagrammable too. It is a big area though, and you can use the areas at the next door place named Bomba Beach as well. In less than 10 minutes by boat, youll arrive at a wide public beach, with turquoise blue water, completely different from the beaches of Bocagrande and el Laguito and in complete contrast with the buildings of Cartagena in front of it. The upstairs deck is also pretty nice and the food is pretty solid. I love writing and publishing content for digital nomads, remote workers, and passionate travelers like me. Thats changed somewhat (probably why the residents have been complaining more about it). Sometimes I wonder if their strategy isnt to just get you to buy something so they leave you alone. There are also some neat tours and activities that can be done from La Boquilla. However, theres not great public transportation to this Cartagena beach. The archipelago features one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. (2022 Safety Update), CDC Moves 6 Places To High Risk Category Including 1 Top Destination and 2 Latin American Countries, These Top Travel Destinations Still Have Covid-19 Entry Requirements, Airbnb Ranks The Best Digital Nomad Destinations In The U.S. And Canada, 24 Best REMOTE JOBS 2022 With No Experience Or Degree, Balis Head Of Tourism Explains Details About Digital Nomad Visa, 12 Best Places to Visit in Florida in August 2022, 21 Best Places To Visit In August In The U.S. in 2022, 10 Best Camping Sites in NEVADA State to Visit in 2022, Airbnb Adds Safety Features to Stay Protected As A Solo Traveler, 9 Best Beaches in Mallorca to Visit in Summer 2022, JetBlue Will Soon Purchase Spirit Airlines, 11 Best Beaches in Washington State To Visit in August 2022, 8 Best Boutique Hotels in Tucson to Visit in 2022, Honolulu People About To Enjoy Free Bus Fares, Privacy Policy & Terms of Use & Editorial Policies. A useful recommendation is to walk towards the end of the beach towards Hotel Decameron (past the blue tents that you will see if you arrive by boat). These coral islands have gorgeous clear and turquoise waters, and picturesque scenery. Located in San Bernardo, Tintipan is the biggest and probably the most beautiful island of the archipelago. One of the best reasons to visit Manzanilla del Mar is the beaches are more spacious than many that are closer to the city, and the views are lovely. The beach itself is perhaps less visually attractive than some of the others on this list, but its perfect for anyone looking to spend some beach time away from the crowds of tourists who can descend upon Cartagena during high season. There is a great beach area, two pools, and all you can eat and drink. Last but not least, dont be concerned about the weather because it is always sunny! Youll often see the Cartagena beaches of Bar lumped into the Rosario Islands. The best way to do Choln is without a doubt doing your own private boat rental.
Just like with taxis, its best to always agree on prices.
Personally, I think youre better off enjoying the colonial charm of the Walled City and Getseman and avoiding the beaches in town, getting your beach fix at a place above. This former private vacation home turned beach resort and club is located on the far side of Tierra Bomba, past Bocachica. As I noted above, the beaches in town are ok but not nearly as pretty as those discussed above. There are amazing things to see and do out here. For entry to Colombia It is not necessary show a negative PCR test for Covid-19. Therefore the area is referred to as the Isla Bar today. Playa Dorada is one of the areas most tranquil beaches and is three minutes away from Manzanilla del Mar. Maybe this deserves its own category as its more a beach near Cartagena than a beach in Cartagena, but its not in the islands like most of the best beaches near Cartagena, and its really close to the city, so Im lumping it in with the beaches in Cartagena proper. Its also a good idea to go ahead and ask if they offer lunch service and how much as you can sometimes negotiate a package deal. Doing a boat rental is undoubtedly the best way to see the islands and the most stylish and fun way to enjoy the beach in Cartagena, Colombia. You can read more about getting there as well as tips on beating the crowds in my complete guide to Playa Blanca here. Facing the small beach area is a double row of palm-covered huts.
Check out some of our favorite other destinations:Mountain Town MincaHip Beach Town PalominoUnspoiled Beaches of Tayrona National ParkCaribbean Paradise of San Andres IslandLesser Known Beaches of the San Bernardo IslandsCharming Colonial Town Villa de LeyvaBarichara, Colombia's Prettiest Small TownAdventure to Colombia's AmazonPunta Gallinas, Northernmost Point of South AmericaCoffee Region Town of Salento, Theme Copyright 2022 - OceanWP Theme by Nick, these quick dry microfibers from Dock & Bay, Book a Tour that includes Rosario Islands, Choln, and Playa Blanca, Book a Tour that includes Snorkeling and Mangroves, best places to see the sunset in Cartagena, Whale Watching on Colombias Pacific Beaches, Insiders Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Cartagena, Practical Guide to Beaches in San Andres Island Colombia Best Beaches in San Andres, Colombia, A Locals Guide to More than 75 Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia, Practical Guide to Villa de Leyva Colombias Most Enchanting Colonial Town, A Locals Guide to the Best Beaches in Cartagena, Colombia and Tips to Enjoy Them, El Volcn del Totumo Mud Volcano A Practical Guide to Cartagenas Strangest Attraction, Unspoiled Beaches of Tayrona National Park, Lesser Known Beaches of the San Bernardo Islands, Barichara, Colombia's Prettiest Small Town, Punta Gallinas, Northernmost Point of South America. If youd like some expert advice to plan your trip to Cartagena and the rest of Colombia, fill out this form to get a free itinerary based on your interests and no strings attached quote for a perfect customized trip from our partners at BnB Colombia Tours. Finally, if you choose to do one of the options below that takes you on a boat. You can hang your hammock between two trees and sleep on the beach if you wish. When you come into Cartagena for the first time, one of the things that will probably stand out is youll go down a road along the waterfront, including past a big Cartagena sign, one of the best photo ops in Cartagena. Feel free to post it in the comment section below this post. They do offer a free daily shuttle in to town as well, so if youre looking for a more secluded beach vacation where you can still see town and not be stuck out in the islands it is a good option. Doing a day trip or spending a night or two out there is, in my opinion, one of the all but obligatory things to do in Cartagena.
An excursion out to Tierra Bomba takes 10 to 15 minutes from the mainland. If you love hanging out at the beach, choose the one that best suits the travel experience you want. You can get to this Cartagena beach by walking behind the Hospital of Bocagrande, just beyond Laguito. You can take a taxi here from the city centre for about $15USD maximum. Some of the rappers are actually quite good and funny, some are awful and just obnoxious. Castillogrande is a delightful beach for a late afternoon swim and early evening picnic while you watch the sunset. This beautiful beach lies on Isla Tierra Bomba, a large island less than 10 minutes by boat from the city. How to get there? Im going to run down a few of the best ones here, but you can learn even more about the islands in my complete post on them. So, they are perfectly nice. Both make for good options for those looking for resort style beach accommodations in town, and the beaches in front are open to the public. Other areas Id recommend if you do want to hit the beaches in Bocagrande, are the areas closer to the entrance of Bocagrande around where the Decameron All Inclusive hotel is located. For those inclined to spend the night, it can be great once the crowds have cleared out. There are some higher end places, and some slightly cheaper places, but its very nice and is a pretty good value for a beach in Cartagena, Colombia. The water is a lovely turquoise blue, the sand is sugary soft, and there are palm trees that sway with the breeze and shelter you from the sun. They also have a terrific pool area. However, the beaches in the islands outside of town are truly the best, and they are well worth the visit. You can do kite surfing lessons, go paratriking over the beach, rent a jet ski, or tour the mangroves (use the code ExploreColombia10 to get 10% off that mangrove tour). So, it is worth keeping that in mind. The beach has tables, chairs, and hammocks to relax in, and the water is warm. La Boquilla has quite extensive beaches and many restaurants and kiosks where you can spend an afternoon. Castillogrande has extensive beaches, and the sea is very clean and clear. Want to take the hassle out of planning your trip? Blue Apple does offer day passes as well as overnight stays. While not enormous, there is a decent beach area here, and lots of space for swimming in the pretty, clear waters out front. Not only can they get crowded, but they are crawling with vendors. To learn more please consult our Disclosure Policy. The beach at Playa Blanca is one of the most beautiful around the Cartagena region. The fact that there are less tourists here also means there is less police presence, and I have heard of people having their things stolen while in the water, so its best to make sure at least one person stays on the beach to watch over things (honestly, thats good advice at all the beaches in Cartagena). The sand on the beach here is black so its hotter than beaches with white sand. There are some neat, creative cocktails, all of which pair perfectly with the beach. Directly across from Bocagrande, youll find the area often referred to as Punta Arena. Some of the beachfront hotels Id recommend around here include the Hotel Caribe and the Intercontinental. The lovely balconies are overflowing with colorful flowers. Whether you prefer the non-stop excitement of water sports, luxurious resorts, and beach clubs, or pristine beaches and crystal clear water, Cartagena has something for everyone. What we really like about it as it sits in its own little bay area with the rocks out front that makes it feel like a private beach, making it feel more exclusive than some of the other places at Punta Arena that have similar prices. Thats not to say there arent any crowds or vendors, but they are much less frustrating. However, youll still generally find far fewer people here than on the main beaches of Bocagrande. It also features mangroves that serve as a haven for crabs and a massive variety of birds, iguanas, and alligators. There are also some nice beachfront hotels in town that have good private beach areas. Heading to Santa Marta also? The only downside is getting there. Older Post It is one of the few resorts in the Rosario Islands that has a true beach (although it is a bit rocky). Vendors harassment is less stressing here than other beaches in Cartagena, but if you really want to have a completly relaxing day, it's better book a beach day trip in a beach club where you can be sure that you are going just to relax, getting tan and have fun. They do fun little dance competitions and have music throughout the day as well. Beach vendors can be especially intense, with many trying their best not to take no for an answer. If you look at the picture above its the far left area. *Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Weve yet to actually make it out to Fenix ourselves, but its on our list of Cartagena beaches we need to check out. The food is also really good, and is sort of like a blend of Cartagena and beach bar food you might find in the US, which can be welcome when youve been eating Colombian food for a while or you are just an expat who gets excited about a chicken sandwich on ciabatta. There are plenty of shady spots to settle in for the day to enjoy the sun and surf. Im fairly sympathetic to the vendors, but honestly, they make the beach here very hard to enjoy. In a nice touch, they offer an optional tour that goes out to the Rosario Islands as well, so you can have the opportunity to see them and do some snorkeling there if you like, and then come back and relax on the larger beach here. Many offer both day passes and overnight lodging. The sound of Caribbean music fills the air. Several of those places also are located in more secluded areas that give them a private beach area, and those are the ones I will recommend below. The upscale apartments at Castillogrande have a very low turnover, and the area attracts fewer tourists.
There are 3 colonial forts in the Bocachica area, all of which are well preserved and well worth a visit for the history buffs. I recommend stopping for snorkeling earlier in the morning in the islands then heading here. Here Ill run down my picks for the best beaches in Cartagena itself.
While it doesnt have that beautiful clear water like the islands or Playa Blanca, it is definitely nicer than the other beaches in the city itself, in my opinion. Youll also find a few cheaper beach spots on the beach by the main fort, and a bit further down, youll find one of the cooler beach clubs in Cartagena, Blue Apple Beach, which offers very nice bungalow accommodations as well as cool vibes for day trips (more on them below). Its a great spot for snorkeling and discovering beautiful corals. Theres a big beach space here, and they have both chairs as well as beach beds available. The water at the beach is crystal clear. You can even go horseback riding here, thats how not crowded it is. The wall was built as a deterrent to English pirates. Bora Bora also recently started having overnight stays. On the southern tip of Tierra Bomba is the area known as Bocachica. Theres not a whole lot else here, and the area is mostly residential, but you can rent a shade spot and some chairs and while it gets more crowded than it used to, its still likely to be more relaxed than the next beaches in Cartagena on this list. Its also got some great Instagrammable spots of its own, with a wooden circle overlooking the beach, a swing overlooking the water, and a neat looking old tree above the dock. The water is super calm and the bottom is all soft sand. The beaches of Manzanillo del mar will continue for the next couple of years to be an ideal place to get away from everything and enjoy one the the most tranquil and solitary beaches in the city. Shacks along the beach rent out hammocks and mattresses for the beach. *Recent times have shown how important it is to have travel health insurance. Its possible to do a pass here or spend the night in one of the hotels rooms or beach bungalows. A lot of vendors will be at the dock attempting to sell packages of food, transport, and cabanas, but a lot of visitors deal directly with the captains of the lanchas. Lets go exploring! Fill out this form and they will get back to you to help you design a tailored, custom trip. Cartagenas beaches are unfortunately notorious for vendors, some of whom will try to rip you off. The water is crystal clear, there are amazing natural landscapes, and the coral formations are unique. Technically, there are official prices for chairs and drinks, but they are not always adhered to, and in some cases if its later in the day or crowds are smaller, you may even be able to negotiate down. Considering how popular it is, it might be best to go here on a weekday or be sure you reserve in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons. You can also take surfing lessons here or do a neat sunset paddle board tour on the bay. They also have some really neat looking bungalows behind the beach area. But dont worry, in the list below you will find public beaches close to the city which are, in our opinion, the best places you can go to see your caribbean dream come true. The apartments near the beach are more exclusive than some others throughout the city, have a lower turnover, and usually attract fewer tourists. Of all the beaches within the city, this is our favourite. We used to go to Choln a lot, and weve had some good fun there. Up on the little ridge overlooking the beach, theres a lot of space to hang out, and there is always a lively atmosphere. There are also a number of hotels and beach clubs on Tierra Bomba that are pretty good values. It was great for us as a romantic weekend, and it would be great for families, especially since there is one larger, multi bedroom cabin. There are plenty of good restaurants and cabanas so you have some privacy on the beach to relax and enjoy the scenery. In the Rosario Islands and Bar, south of Cartagena, youll find crystal clear Caribbean waters that feel and look like paradise. The overnight stays can be in one of the nicely furnished rooms in the main house or in one of the lovely little bungalows, a few of which have their own little splash pools. A bit past that, youll find La Boquilla, a small town that sits between the beach and the mangrove swamps beyond, and a traditional fishing village. You will find a different environment at each of the beaches we have mentioned. This area is composed of the neighborhoods of El Cabrero and Marbella, with Cabrero being right by the Walled City, and Marbella a bit further up towards the airport. Backpacking trips to your favorite beach, boat tours, and private boat charters are just a few of the ways to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the islands. I'm from Slovakia and I've visited 75 countries but for now, taking a little break in Barcelona. If youre not interested, be more insistent yourself and give them your firmest No, gracias and finger wag. Manzanillo del mar is furthest from all other beaches on the list, sitting 35 minutes from the centre of Cartagena. It was a peninsula, and the Spanish cut the Canal del Dique across it, connecting the Magdalena River to the bay of Cartagena during the colonial era. Its common to head out to the islands, stop to swim and snorkel off the reefs, then head to either a beach in the islands or one of the places in Bar discussed below, but you should be able to work with your rental company and/or boat captain to go where you like.
If you do decide to hang out here, Id recommend doing it around El Muelle as you can use the beach chairs and umbrellas there if you buy drinks and/or food (their Coco Locos are really good by the way!). Let the experts at our partner BnB Colombia Tours help you! Check out our Facebook Group to ask any other questions you have! Check out: 10 Best Beaches in Colombia + MAP. The beaches in town are fine. Its also a bit secluded and tends to draw a mostly local crowd and doesnt get too crowded. For more ideas in the islands, check out my lists of the Best Rosario Islands Day Tours and the Best Rosario Islands Hotels. Take a carriage ride, dine at superb restaurants, explore museums and historic churches, and experience the citys vibrant nightlife. If you enjoy the party, you can stay the rest of the day, or you can head to one of the next two spots on this list to end the day. There are a handful of other beach resorts as well around the town of Bar. While it probably does not represent the majority, there are some who will try to drive up the prices or do things like tack on an exorbitant fee for service. Dont be afraid to ask around and compare prices. For those looking for cheaper accommodations on the beach in Cartagena, Posada Kalea makes a good choice. Another option for visiting Baru is to book a trip to the park on the Rosarios Islands, which has a side trip to Baru. We only recently finally made it out to Blue Apple, and we were not disappointed (read about it here). The beach is more spacious than many of the other beaches in the area, and the water is immaculate, so its a favorite place to swim. If you go towards the naval club, there are not as many vendors, and there is more room to enjoy the beach, which is also one of the best places to watch the sunset in Cartagena.
Check if y Rincn del Mar is in the Sucre province about 3 hours south of Cartagena. They are on the pricier side but they are very nice, and they do offer longer term options for those who may be working remotely or just want to hang out by the beach for a month or two. They will end up wanting money, so if youre going to indulge, make sure you follow the above and agree on a price before hand. In conclusion, theres no shortage of options for candidates for the best beaches in Cartagena, Colombia! This beautiful place attracts tourists who want to rent a private boat or yacht to go with friends or family. There are more than 11 miles of beaches within the Metro region with more surrounding the nearby islands. Featuring a DJ and bar, Bora Bora Beach Club is more for those looking for a bit of a Cartagena beach party, and its even known to attract a celebrity or two every now and then. That being said, the beaches in the city of Cartagena are, of course, more convenient, and if you arent able to budget for a boat ride and lunch out in the islands or Bar, dont want to ride a boat, or you just want to spend a couple hours at the beach, the beaches in Cartagena can be good for that.
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