Marjolein Dilven
Looking for a restful beach foray with some nature adventure thrown in? Search no more and head on to Playa Blanca Colombia.
Playa Blanca is the perfect place if you like outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, diving, and other water sports, communing with wondrous marine creatures, or simply sunbathing on the pearly white sand beach.
It is definitely a must-visit beach destination, a worthy addition to your travel wish list.
Best Things To Do in Playa Blanca – Activities
1. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is an activity that you shouldn’t miss. There are some great snorkeling spots with clear waters, pink coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marvelous marine life. If you book a good hotel, you can rent the snorkel equipment for some additional pesos.
You can also find boats on the beachfront, with locals taking tourists to the snorkeling spots.
2. Bioluminescent Plankton Tour
The bioluminescent plankton tour is by far the best activity that you can do in Playa Blanca. Planktons shine like lamps at night, lighting up the whole swimming experience.
This breathtaking activity is quite rare as it is only available in 7 destinations worldwide, including Playa Blanca.
The plankton tour costs only 40,000 COP ($9), which is very reasonable.
3. Water Sports in Isla Baru
Jet skiing, paddle boarding, and kayaking are fun activities that allow you to explore the islands while enjoying the sea waves. You can spot many locals with their jet skis and kayaks quoting their prices.
At first, these locals usually quote very high prices, so make sure you negotiate to save some pesos for other activities.
You can also try scuba diving and take a diving introduction course in Playa Blanca.
4. Get a Beach Massage
A massage on the beach is a total relaxation experience that can activate all your senses instantly. It is one of the best idyllic experiences on Playa Blanca’s white sand beaches. You don’t have to find massage spots to get these services since the massage ladies will approach you while relaxing under the shade of palm trees on the powdery white sands.
Take these services after 3:00 pm when the place gets less crowded, and they drop their prices. The standard price for a 30-minute massage is around 35,000 COP ($8).
Best Things To Do in Playa Blanca – Sights
5. Aviario Nacional
On your visit to Playa Blanca, you can visit the nearby aviary of birds. There are many amazing views to see while walking down the pathways.
It is an excellent spot to learn and enjoy your day with your partner and kids.
6. Rosario Islands Boat Tour
The Rosario Islands, quite close to Playa Blanca, is an archipelago consisting of 9 different islands where the waters are much more turquoise in color.
These island-hopping day trips include tours to 2 to 3 different tourist spots with a similar number of activities. Make sure you check the stops before opting in.
7. Mangroves Tour
The mangroves tour is a bit underrated, but it is worth experiencing at least once during your visit to Playa Blanca.
At the end of the beach, you will find many locals with their boats offering short tours to see the mangrove swamp nearby.
Best Things To Do in Playa Blanca – Foods
8. Fish Lunch
Fish is available at almost every island restaurant, but some offer live fish they cook on the spot. The dish is usually served with ice-cold beer, which perfectly combines with the island’s tropical views.
9. Ceviche
Ceviche is a South American special, but only some restaurants can maintain its quality.
The locals who own ceviche stands on the beach sell delicious langoustine or shrimp ceviche at a lower price than some restaurants.
10. Chicken With Arepas and Coconut Rice
You can try chicken with arepas, coconut rice, and other Colombian snacks if you are not into seafood. Apart from seafood dishes, these are the most locals love, which you can readily find besides fish, fruits, and ceviche.
How To Get to Playa Blanca?
There are 3 transportation facilities available in the city of Cartagena. You can travel by taxi, speedboat, or shuttle.
By Taxi
Traveling by road is the most expensive option of the 3 available, but it can match the prices of the other 2 options if you’re traveling with friends, splitting the cost.
Most taxi drivers ask for around 85,000 Colombian pesos (COP) or 18 US dollars one way. The prices are highly negotiable, and you can save a lot of money with your bargaining skills.
If you travel by taxi, it will take around 45 minutes to reach your destination.
By Speedboat
Most tourists prefer speedboats because of the beautiful views on the way. Many boats are available outside the walled city of Cartagena, ready to travel to Playa Blanca.
You don’t need to book tickets in advance. Just show up, and many speedboat owners will rush toward you to sell tickets.
A one-way speedboat ticket costs around 60,000 COP ($13), depending on how many people you are and whether you’re visiting in high season.
By Shuttle
The easiest option is to buy a shuttle ticket, but it requires you to be on board in time. The shuttle departs 3 times a day, so we recommend you use these services if traveling at night. These shuttles are air-conditioned with high safety.
As a public transport, the shuttle bus has an affordable ticket price. The return ticket costs only 50,000 COP ($11) and takes the same time (45 minutes) as the other 2 options.
Where To Stay in Playa Blanca, Colombia?
There are many lodging options in Playa Blanca and the nearby islands. Some of the best hotel accommodations in the area include:
Stay in Cartagena
Cartagena is the best option to stay while visiting Playa Blanca on day trips, allowing you to have much cheaper accommodation and stay within the main city.
Hotels on the Playa Blanca beach can be very expensive, so choosing to stay in Cartagena will save you a lot of money that you can later spend on activities on the beach.
Some of the value-for-money Cartagena beach hotels include:
Stay in Rosario Islands
The chain of Rosario Islands is quite close to Playa Blanca, so if you want to enjoy the scenic views and more amenities, head to Rosario Islands to spend your night. These islands are spread over 62 miles (100 km) to the southwest of Cartagena.
While staying here, you can easily visit Playa Blanca for day trips.
Some of the best hotels in the Rosario Islands include:
Isla Baru
Isla Baru is a great place to stay because of plenty of good accommodation options. You can choose between a wide variety of luxury hotels at a very reasonable price here.
The island of Baru is just 3.2 miles (5.1 km) away from Playa Blanca, so you can reach the place within 8 to 10 minutes.
Here are the best Isla Baru hotels where you can stay:
Hotels in Playa Blanca
You can also opt to stay at Playa Blanca, but there are many things that you need to consider.
First and most important are the amenities at the hotel. Some hotels ask for a very high price but do not provide basic facilities such as internet, electricity or water. The weather in Playa Blanca is hot, so always choose a hotel with active air conditioning.
To help you choose the right place, here are the hotels that got the best reviews:
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Tips For Enjoying Your Stay in Playa Blanca
To enjoy your Playa Blanca visit, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- People here quote very high prices at first but are always willing to negotiate. Make sure you do not accept their price too soon and negotiate for as long as possible.
- There is no electricity at most places in Playa Blanca, so charge your equipment before you arrive.
- Playa Blanca’s weather is sometimes hot and humid, but A/Cs are rare. Check the amenities before booking a hotel or staying in the hotels mentioned above.
- This area’s water supply is very limited, so showers are limited to no more than 5 minutes.
Tips On How To Stay Safe In Playa Blanca, Colombia
Staying safe in Playa Blanca, like in any popular tourist destination, involves a mix of common sense precautions, awareness of local laws and customs, and specific considerations unique to the area. Here’s a comprehensive list of safety tips for Playa Blanca:
- Beach Safety: Always swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present. Be cautious of strong currents, and do not swim alone at night.
- Sun Protection: The sun can be intense. Wear high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and stay hydrated.
- Valuables: Keep valuables, including travel documents and jewelry, in a safe place. Use hotel safes when available.
- Night Safety: Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less crowded or poorly lit areas. Use reputable taxi services for nighttime transportation.
- Hydration and Food Safety: Drink plenty of bottled water and be cautious with street food to avoid stomach illnesses.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.
Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Playa Blanca, Colombia
Is Playa Blanca Worth Visiting?
Playa Blanca is worth the trip if you enjoy pristine seascapes, scenic views, turquoise waters, and pearly white sand. Add to that some thrilling outdoor water activities, such as the plankton tour and water sports.
Getting a fill of the local cuisine is a delectable bonus.
Does Playa Blanca Have Good Nightlife?
Yes, after a laid-back, tranquil day at the beach, you can stroll to the nearby beach clubs after sunset and enjoy partying with the locals and other tourists in Playa Blanca.
What Is Playa Blanca Known For?
Playa Blanca is known for its beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, amazing beaches, and incredible snorkeling.
Conclusion – Playa Blanca, Colombia
Whether planning a short excursion or a long, restful beach vacation, add Playa Blanca to your Colombian itinerary. You will be satisfied with the relaxing beach experience, the thrilling water sports activities, and everything in between.
Plan your trip today and enjoy the best of paradise that is Playa Blanca, Colombia!
Fun Water Activities in Playa Blanca Colombia – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
Related reads on Colombian beaches:
- Unwind in Cartagena Colombia Beaches: 11 Best Places to Visit
- San Andres Colombia: Your Ultimate Guide To This Amazing Paradise
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.