22 Best Beaches in Colombia For A Relaxing Getaway

Want to know where you can have your peaceful getaway? A destination with pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes? Visit Colombian beaches! We brought a list of the best beaches in Colombia just for you.

If you are planning to have a vacation this year, add this South American country to your list. Its vibrant city life, untouched natural wilderness, beautiful wildlife, and most importantly, the beautiful beaches are a sight to behold, waiting for you to explore their magnificence.

Let’s explore some of the most awesome beaches in Colombia and know how you can make the most out of your experience.

22 Best Beaches in Colombia

Colombia is famous for its exciting and picturesque beaches. Its two coastlines, the Caribbean and Pacific coastline, feature stunning beaches with beautiful views and offer many activities. 

Most of the beaches are easy to access, and you can find suitable accommodation and eatery options in most areas if you want an overnight stay. 

So, let’s get started and explore the best beaches of Colombia.

1. El Cabo San Juan at Tayrona National Park

El Cabo San Juan Beach is located in the Tayrona National Park in Santa Marta. It is the most popular beach in Colombia, featured on most Colombian beach postcards, and a tourist hotspot where you can explore the tropical forests and lagoons.

Marvel at the sights of the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains in addition to the jungles and lagoons. Many tourists consider the trip to Colombia incomplete without visiting the beautiful Cabo San Juan.

How to get there: You can take a boat from the fishing village Taganga; it takes one hour to get there. Take a cab or a bus from Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park and walk to Cabo San Juan.

Where to stay: Cabo San Juan is the most popular campsite in Tayrona. You can camp out in the area for roughly $30/night for a 2-person camp. You can also rent a hammock for $10 to $15 per night.

2. Playa Juan de Dios, a Secluded Beach in Bahía Málaga

Want a peaceful getaway to avoid the city rush? The Playa Juan De Dios is the beach you should visit. A secluded beach located in the Cauca Valley along the Pacific side of Colombia, this scenic natural reserve is within the Natural Park Sierpe in Malaga Bay.

Relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful water on one side and the jungle on the other. 

How to get there: Juan de Dios is located 1 hour from the tourist pier in Buenaventura. To reach the beach, you first need to get to Cali and take a 3-hour trip to Buenaventura.

You can book a boat service to Juan de Dios from the pier. Take note that boat services have a predefined schedule, so you might have to check that.

Where to stay: Playa Juan de Dios is ideal only for a day trip. You can stay in one of the nearby hotels like the Cosmos Pacifico Hotel or the Hotel Reserve Aguamarina. 

3. Nuqui Beach 

If you are traveling along the Pacific coast in the region of El Choco, you must visit the Nuqui beach, situated around 184 km away from Quibdo, El Choco’s capital. It is ideal for tourists, having just the right blend of adventure and serenity. 

You can surf in the beautiful waters, watch humpback whales, explore the great jungles, and enjoy the delicious cuisine the place has to offer. All in all, you will get the experience of a lifetime at Nuqui Beach.

How to get there: Nuqui is accessible via Medellin through a 50-minute flight. Alternatively, you can opt for a 3-hour boat journey from Bahia Solano.

Where to stay: Nuqui offers lodging in hotels and cabanas, which lack the basic amenities but offer scenic views of the beach. So, if you want to stay near the beach, it will be a trade-off. If you want to stay in a hotel, you may need to travel on a speed boat for 30 to 60 minutes from Nuqui.

4. Playa Blanca

The beautiful Playa Blanca is located close to Cartagena on the island of Baru. The beach is quite popular for its beautiful, serene sights and proximity to the city. It is quite cheap compared to other options, which adds to its appeal to tourists. 

The white, sandy beach with pristine waters is a very popular tourist spot and can get quite crowded in the tourist season. You can relax on the beach or opt for activities like snorkeling or rafting. 

How to get there: Playa Blanca is located at a distance of 40 minutes from the southwest of Cartagena. The ideal way to access it is through boat services. You can also opt for a taxi service or private transportation.

Where to stay: If you want to stay the night and enjoy the sunset or the beach in the early morning, you can consider staying in local options around Playa Blanca, but they are quite basic and lack basic amenities.

Alternatively, you can consider staying in Cartagena and making a day trip to Playa Blanca. Some good hotel options include Hotel Las Islas and Hotel Isla Del Encanto.

5. Ladrilleros y La Barra

Ladrilleros and La Barra are, perhaps, the most reachable beaches on the Pacific Coast. 

Expect to see the beaches pretty crowded during mid-July, stretching to September as it is humpback whale season, and tourists tend to rush to the beaches to get sight of some action.

How to get there: Ladrilleros & La Barra are located almost four hours away from Cali. If you want to get to the beaches, you can use boat commuting services from Buenaventura and Juan Chaco.

It takes 3 hours to get to Buenaventura and Juan Chaco from Cali and then a one-hour boat ride to the beaches.

Where to stay: While the beaches are beautiful, lodging options are limited. You can consider hostel options in La Barra and Bahia Malaga like the Casa Azul and Hotel Pacifico.

6. Termales and Arusi

If you are interested in visiting El Choco (the waterfall region) but want to avoid the crowd, you can visit Termales and Arusi. 

These two areas are popular with the tourist community looking for some fun water-related activities. Arusi features the only PADI dive center in the vicinity, while Termales, a small village, is popular for surfing and its hot springs.

How to get there: To get to Arusi, you need to board a flight to Nuqui from Medellin, which takes around 20 mins. You need to take a one-hour boat ride to the beach from thereon.

Where to stay: You can consider Casa Colibri Nuqui or Casa Cielito for suitable lodging options.

7. Guachalito

Looking for a romantic getaway? Consider Guachalito, one of the most popular beaches in El Choco. Situated in the Gulf of Tribuga, Guachalito is located at a distance of 30-45 minutes from Nuqui if you travel by boat.

You can easily plan a 3 to 4-day getaway with your partner to explore the beautiful beaches and mountains alongside the beach.

How to get there: You first need to catch a flight from Medellin to Nuqui (around 20 minutes). From there, it takes almost 45 minutes in a boat to get to Nuqui.

Where to stay: Guachalito is famous for its beautiful ecolodges located across the beach opposite the sea. You may find the accommodation expensive, but the experience is worth the money. You can check out the Mar Y Rio ecolodge in Nuqui. 

8. Playas de Providencia

Providencia is one of the three main islands in the San Andres archipelago. The other islands are Santa Catalina and San Andres. The area of Providencia is famous among tourists for snorkeling and diving, as the conditions are quite ideal. 

Playa de Providencia is also popular for its beautiful beaches like the Playa Manzanillo. The scenic views and local hospitality will surely make your stay very comfortable.

How to get there: Getting to the Playas de Providencia can be a little tricky. You first need to reach San Andres by air and then Providencia by ferry or another flight.

Where to stay: Providencia offers some very nice options, such as the Posada del Mar and Sirius Hotel and Dive Center.

9. Playas de Palomino

Palomino is an old-fashioned town with beautiful beaches located along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. 

In recent years, there have been welcome attempts at modernization of Palomino, with the introduction of bars, restaurants, and hostel accommodations.

However, it has managed to retain its old-world charm and casual and calming environment, which is a huge plus for tourists seeking relaxation.

When you go there, you can stay on the mainland and venture out to explore the surroundings during the day. In addition to the pristine beaches, you will also get to explore the magnificent Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains.

How to get there: You can reach Palomino through private transportation, buses, or charter vans from Cartagena or Santa Marta.

Where to stay: Palomino has very good hotel options; for instance, the Palomino Sunrise Hotel, among many others.

10. Playa Cuevita

Situated near the Posada Mama Orbe, Playa Cuevita is a famous beach in El Choco. 

Its main stand-out feature is the Mama Orbe, an eco-friendly farm. You will have the unique experience of watching turtles and their eggs along the beach if you visit during the nesting season. You can also participate in rescuing little turtles.

 Other tourist attractions include the sight of the serene waters and walking on the soft sand.

How to get there: Playa Cuevita is situated northwest of the town of El Valle. It takes 40 minutes to walk from the town to Cuevita.

Where to stay: If you are looking for hotels, you can find basic room options at Mama Orbe.

11. Playa Mexicana

Playa Mexicana is one of the few beaches on the Pacific coast that offers multiple lodging options. 

It is accessible from Bahia Solano by boat. You can explore the tropical rain forests; rent a boat for fishing or explorations. There is also a botanical garden in Playa Mexicana that you can visit while you are there.

How to get there: You can reach the Playa Mexicana by boat from Bahia Solano. It takes 10 minutes to get there.

Where to stay: As suggested earlier, Playa Mexicana offers very nice lodging options. One such option is the Playa Mecana Kirita in Bahia Solano.

12. Playa El Almejal

If you are interested in surfing along the Pacific coast, the most suitable option would be the Playa El Almejal in El Valle. It is also a good spot for swimming or fishing. 

The beach stretches to a distance of 1.2 miles along the sea, and once you are done surfing or swimming, you can relax on the sandy beach and listen to the soothing waves or watch the sunset.

How to get there: Playa El Almejal is easily accessible from El Valle: only around 15 minutes by foot.

Where to stay: A great lodging option is the El Almejal, only a few steps away from the beach.

13. Aguacate Beach 

Suppose you want to explore a place that offers the adventures of the dense tropical rainforests and the serenity of the beautiful beach and water. In that case, you need to check out Aguacate Beach at Capurgana. The beach is located along the Colombian border that it shares with Panama. 

You can explore the waters and enjoy diving and snorkeling. The site also features beautiful, wondrous hidden coves.

How to get there: Capurgana is easily accessible via a boat ride or flight, and a trip to the Aguacate is definitely one to add to the itinerary.

Where to stay: While the Aguacate beach is suitable for a day excursion, you can consider lodging at Hostal Capurgana. 

14. La Miel 

La Miel is a beautiful small beach next to the northern end of the quaint village of Sapzurro. 

The village itself is located on the Caribbean border beside Panama. It is a small, secluded place untouched by modernization, and you will not even find cars in the area. It may be a nice change of pace for the tourists looking for relaxation and peace of mind. 

Some interesting activities to do while there include snorkeling in the coral reefs, boating along the Necocli, and hiking across the forest.

How to get there: To get to La Miel, you first need to get to Sapzurro, which you can do via bus or ferry. Then, you can take the stairs behind the church to get to La Miel from Sapzurro. Be sure to keep your passport with you to show to the Panama authorities.

15. Rosario Islands

Our next recommendation is the Rosario Islands. They are a cluster of 27 islands located in a national park off the Cartagena coast. The beaches here are a sight to behold with the calming, clear waters.

You can swim or snorkel to explore the beautiful coral reefs, watch the fishes, or just chill out on the soft white sand on the beach. These beautiful beaches offer you the perfect tropical experience that one expects from such a destination.

How to get there: Rosario Islands are easily accessible via boat from Cartagena.

Where to stay: You can plan a day trip to the islands or even stay for a few nights. One place we highly recommend is the Isla Bela at Isla Grande. It is an eco-hotel with a beach on one side and mangroves on the other.

16. Bahia Aguacate

Bahia Aguacate is a small sandy beach with some greenery located near Capurgana. If you are looking for peace and quiet, it is the perfect spot: secluded and not crowded. You can enjoy long calming walks on the beach or lounge on your towels at the beach to enjoy the soothing waves.

There are beautiful coral reefs to explore, so you can also consider that activity during your trip.

How to get there: There are two ways to get to Bahia Aguacate. If you want to go on a hike, you can take the one-hour-long hiking route or take a boat to get there.

Where to stay: You can consider hostel options in Capurgana, such as Kachikine or Doble Vista.

17. Playa Soledad

Another beach recommendation close to Capurgana is Playa Soledad. It is a small yet promising beach offering many exciting activities. You can swim or snorkel or simply soak in the sun while relaxing on the beach. 

How to get there: Playa Soledad is accessible via a 20-minute boat journey from Capurgana. You can hike to Playa Soledad if you are adventurous; however, it will take approximately  4 hours to get there. 

18. Cabo Tiburon

Like La Miel, Cabo Tiburon is another secluded beach near Sapzurro. It has not been discovered by many people yet, so it is the perfect spot for tourists looking for a peaceful getaway. You will be surprised to see the neat, clean beach and the clear pristine water, the reason why this beach is also called “the virgin beach.”

You may never get enough of the sight of the crystal clear water and the untouched, clean sandy beach. You can also swim in the waters or bring your snorkeling gear to explore the coral reefs.

How to get there: Cabo Tiburon is within a 20-minute walking distance from the charming village of Sapzurro.

19. Sapzurro Beach

The beautiful town of Sapzurro is located on the Colombia-Panama border and is famous for its old-world charm. The lodging options are economical, and the atmosphere is serene, so we’re sure you will have a peaceful and relaxing time there. 

How to get there: Sapzurro Beach is accessible via Capurgana through a 15-minute ride. You can also take the 1.5-hour hike to Sapzurro.

Where to stay: There are many lodging and delicious eatery options in Sapzurro. If you want to stay in a hotel, the Cabanas El Paraiso is a good option. You can also consider vacation rentals, including homes and cabins.

20. Isla Fuerte

If you want to taste the local life while enjoying time away in a secluded place on the beautiful beaches, the Isla Fuerte is a must-add to your itinerary. It is not as popular as others, but it’s a beautiful beach you can visit while in Colombia. 

This exotic piece of paradise is a small coral island located 20 minutes from the coast of Cordoba along the Caribbean. The island is currently not frequented by tourists and is mostly occupied by the locals.

How to get there: The Isla Fuerte is accessible via boat. It takes 20 mins to get there from Paso Nuevo.

Where to stay: The Isla Fuerte Ecolodge Diving Center or the Isla Fuerte Ecohouse are good lodging options. 

21. Rincon del Mar

If we were to name the best beach town in Colombia, it would be Rincón del Mar. Situated along the Caribbean coast, Rincon del Mar is a small and remote fishing town that offers many tourist attractions. 

The small town has one main street parallel to the Caribbean coastline. The streets are studded with yellow and blue bottle caps that add to the vibrancy of the small town. A stroll on the beach will show tourists lounging on the sand, boats along the water, and many hostels. 

You can explore the San Bernardo islands on a rental boat or join the locals to get a taste of diving in the waters or fishing. Remember to bring cash as the area has no ATM.

How to get there: Rincon del Mar is almost three hours away from Cartagena.

Where to stay: There are many hostels on the beach, but these hot and cramped ones lacking basic facilities may not be ideal for you. However, viable options are always there, like the Dos Aguas Lodge, an eco-hotel. 

22. Cabo de la Vela

Cabo de la Vela is located on the north end of the Caribbean coast. Unlike other Colombian beaches where you find palm trees and dense jungles or sand, Cabo de la Vela features a desert and no vegetation. 

Cabo de la Vela’s stand-out feature is the Punta Gallinas dunes. If you are looking for a quiet getaway to relax and soak in the sun, this is the place to be. 

Additionally, if you are a lobster lover, you will love eating the very cheap lobster offered there. You may also get a chance to immerse yourself in the Wayuu culture.

How to get there: You can take a bus from Santa Marta (3 hours), Barranquilla (5 hours), or Cartagena (7 hours) to Riohacha. Then, you can go in a jeep or car to Uribia and then in a 4×4 truck to Cabo de la Vela. 

Where to stay: You can use your tent to camp or a hammock. You can rent these too. Alternatively, you may find some economical lodging options in the area easily.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

4 Terrible Beaches in Colombia

Colombia is a culturally rich land with diverse landscapes and scenic views. While there are a lot of beautiful places to explore, there are also places that are unappealing to tourists.

Let’s also look at some of the worst beaches in the country. Take note that these are based on tourists’ reviews.

Pianguita Beach in Buenaventura

Pianguita is a terrible beach due to the amount of garbage and dirt on the place. The littered sand and water are very off-putting for the tourists. When you have such beautiful nature, it’s a pity that it isn’t taken care of properly.

Arrecife Beach in Tayrona

The Arrecife beach in Tayrona was added to the list of the worst beaches because it is a dangerous site for tourists. The hard rocks and strong waves make it hazardous for swimming, and over the years, numerous people have drowned there.

Marbella Beach in Cartagena

The beaches in Cartagena are notorious for garbage, tourist traps, and thefts. One example is Marbella Beach, where theft cases are very common. Every minute a local comes to you every minute, selling jewelry, drinks, clothes, or something similar, which makes it harder for a tourist to know whether it’s a bad person or not.

If you want to sunbathe in peace, definitely avoid this beach.

Arauca Beaches

Colombia was marred with terrorism, crimes, and violence in the past. 

While Colombia is comparatively safe now, there are areas where acts of violence and crimes are still prevalent. Arauca is one of them. If you are traveling to Colombia, make it a point to avoid the beaches there.

How To Stay Safe in Your Beach Travels in Colombia

When traveling to Colombia’s beaches, prioritize safety by researching your destination, opting for reputable accommodation, and staying informed about local news and potential risks.

Use reliable transportation, secure valuables, and be cautious with drinks to prevent tampering. Stay alert in crowded areas, respect local laws and customs, and be mindful of water safety.

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 – Best Beaches in Colombia

What Part of Colombia Has the Best Beaches?

The beaches on Colombia’s Caribbean coast are much better in terms of facilities and more organized than those on the Pacific coast. 

However, in recent years, the areas on the Pacific coast are also progressing.

Does Cartagena Have Nice Beaches?

Cartagena has some of the best beaches in Colombia, for instance, the Playa Blanca and the Rosario Islands.

Does Barranquilla Have a Beach?

Barranquilla has beautiful, mostly unknown beaches, including the Sabanilla beach, Playa Pradomar, and Villa Alcatraz beach. 

Conclusion – Best Beaches in Colombia

This review list aims to provide you with information and opinions about the beaches in Colombia: where to go for the best experiences and which ones to avoid for your pleasure and safety. 

Research if you must and weigh your options to have an awesome and memorable time swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, or simply lounging around and getting an even tan on the best beaches in Colombia. Have fun!

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Beach Hopping in 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:

If you want to know more about fun things to do in Colombia, check out our related posts:

• Cali Colombia Nightlife: 16 Best Bars And Clubs In The Salsa Capital
• 30 Best Things to Do in Medellin Colombia