11 Best Cartagena Colombia Beaches to Visit in 2025

After a night of samba dancing or a day exploring Cartagena’s colonial streets, the turquoise waters and white sands await. Time to hit the best Cartagena Colombia beaches! The stunning beaches—some of the best along the Caribbean coast—are the real highlight.

If you are looking for other things to do in Cartagena, the beaches along the city are exactly what you need. Grab your sunscreen and join us on a tour of Cartagena’s best beaches.

With tropical islands and scenic beaches, Cartagena attracts visitors from around the globe. The average temperature is a perfect 81.6°F (27.5°C) for beach weather. Cartagena has numerous beaches, including the Rosario Islands, so dive in and enjoy!

Best Cartagena Colombia Beaches 

Playa Blanca on Isla Baru

Playa Blanca is one of the top beaches near Cartagena, just a breezy 40-minute boat ride away on Isla Baru. This peninsula is part of the Corales de Rosario National Park—fancy, huh?

Playa Blanca is known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear blue water. Palm trees line the beach, offering shade for those who overestimated their sunscreen game. You can rent a beach chair, lounge on a towel, and relax like a pro.

Isla Baru is also a snorkeler’s paradise, with coral reefs just waiting to be explored. Just remember to come up for air!

Where to Stay in Playa Blanca:

• The Wizard & Bar BARU (Budget)
• Aura Hotel Barú (Mid-range)
• Hotel Isla del Encanto (Luxury)

Tintipan Island

Tintipan Island in San Bernardo is the largest in the archipelago, boasting diverse ecosystems from sandy beaches to tropical and rocky landscapes.

The beach is a real stunner with clear blue water, powdery white sand, and tall palm trees. And if that isn’t enough, the bioluminescent plankton will light up your night in the water.

While you’re fishing, you might spot these glowing critters. Fishing is just one of the many activities you can enjoy here. Tintipan Island is also famous for kayaking, diving, and snorkeling.

The island is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. You can spot crabs in the mangroves, iguanas, alligators (just don’t try to pet them), and various birds. Just hop on a ferry from La Bodeguita dock to get to the island.

Where to Stay in Tintipan Island:

• El Embrujo Tintipan (Budget)
• Casa Tinti Hotel Boutique (Mid-range)
• Quinta del Mar Crystal Beach (Luxury)

Castillogrande

Castillogrande is one of the easiest beaches to reach in Cartagena, right up there with Bocagrande. You’ll find it at the end of the Bocagrande peninsula.

Castillogrande Beach is a magnet for the rich and fancy, making it the VIP section of Cartagena’s beaches. Think luxurious hotels, gourmet restaurants, and swanky condominiums.

Besides its crystal-clear waters, the beach attracts tourists of all kinds, thanks to its peaceful and serene vibes. So, whether you’re a billionaire or just pretending to be one for the day, Castillogrande has something for everyone.

Where to Stay in Castillogrande:

• Hotel CastilloMar (Budget)
• Hotel Caribbean Cartagena (Mid-range)
• Casa Encanto Del Mar (Luxury)

Playa de Bocagrande

Now, The Playa de Bocagrande is not the most popular urban beach without a reason. It is the closest beach to the old town of Cartagena, and not only that, the beach is along the exclusive Bocagrande peninsula. High-rise buildings? Fancy hotels and restaurants? You can see it all here.

But wait, there’s more. The city has some of the best hotels and beautiful white-sand beaches. You can’t miss out on this place. Just make sure not to forget your camera to capture photos.

Where to Stay in Playa de Bocagrande:

• Hotel Amoek (Budget)
• Hotel Almirante Cartagena Colombia (Mid-range)
• Hyatt Regency Cartagena (Luxury)

Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands are a hot topic among travelers in Cartagena. This archipelago is just a 45-minute to one-hour boat ride from the city. Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel to arrange a tour for you. 

With stunning landscapes, coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and unique ecosystems, the Rosario Islands are a true tropical paradise. The marine life and colorful plants alone are worth the trip!

Hop on a boat tour to explore the 30 islands that make up the archipelago. Here are two of the most gorgeous beaches on the Rosario Islands (though, spoiler alert, every beach here is pretty much a stunner).

Where to Stay in Rosario Islands:

• Hotel Veleros Cartagena (Budget)
• Hotel Bantu (Mid-range)
• Hotel Punta Faro (Luxury)

Isla Grande

Isla Grande is the superstar of the Rosario Islands, boasting beaches like Isla del Sol, Gente de Mar, and San Pedro Majagua. It’s got everything you need for a perfect island getaway, including options for overnight stays at a few hotels.

Dive into activities like swimming, kayaking, diving, or snorkeling – basically, all the ways to get wet and wild!

The Isla Grande is the biggest island of Rosario and features numerous beaches, including Isla del Sol, Gente de Mar, and San Pedro Majagua. 

The island offers options for night stays and a few hotels you can choose from. You can do multiple enjoyable activities on the island, including swimming, kayaking, diving, or snorkeling. 

Isla Marina

Isla Marina may not have a public beach, but it does feature two eco-resorts where you can stay for the night or just visit for the day. These eco-resorts are designed to promote nature preservation and sustainable tourism. (So remember, no stealing seashells for your Instagram collection!)

You can swim in the relaxing waters or unwind on the powdery sands of Isabela Beach. Just be careful of the small rocks or coral while swimming—no one wants a stubbed toe on vacation.

Playa de Punta Arena

Punta Arena Beach lies on the island of Tierra Bomba, just a 10-minute boat ride from Cartagena. Enjoy impressive views of the Bocagrande skyscrapers while relaxing on the peaceful sandy beach alongside the crystal-clear water.

Where to Stay in Playa de Punta Arena:

• Hotel Dorado Plaza Punta Arena (Budget)
• Hotel Bantu (Mid-range)
• Hotel Casa San Agustin (Luxury)

San Bernardo Archipelago

San Bernardo archipelago is a lesser-known but beautiful collection of 10 islands, including 9 natural beauties and 1 artificial wonder (probably trying to blend in). To get there, just hop on a speedboat in Cartagena.

Where to Stay in San Bernardo Archipelago:

• Múcura Club Hotel (Budget)
• Hotel Isla Mucura (Mid-range)
• Hotel Punta Faro (Luxury)

La Boquilla

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Cartagena? La Boquilla is calling your name! This beach, east of Cartagena, is gradually becoming popular among tourists. Tourists are slowly discovering its charms and like to spend quiet time there. 

The overall ambiance of the beach is laid-back, with simple kiosks and open-air restaurants. You won’t find anything fancy but more shops and restaurants are slowly opening up. You can take boat tours to check out the mangroves in the vicinity or enjoy lounging on the beach in a hammock and enjoy your meal.

Where to Stay in La Boquilla:

• Casa de Playa Nativo (Budget)
• Hotel Las Américas (Mid-range)
• Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel (Luxury)

Tierra Bomba

Tierra Bomba is a peaceful island located 10 to 15 minutes away from Cartagena. If you need a break from the mainland’s hustle and bustle, Tierra Bomba is your go-to spot, and you won’t even need a travel guide to get there.

To reach the island, hop on a lancha, a local boat. While you’re trying to catch a ride, you’ll meet plenty of vendors selling food, cabanas, and transportation. But don’t worry; most tourists cut to the chase and deal directly with the Lancha captains.

Where to Stay in Tierra Bomba:

• Vista Mare Beach House (Budget)
• Marazao Beach Hotel & Spa (Mid-range)
• Blue Apple Beach (Luxury)

Manzanilla del Mar

If you are willing to move further out of Cartagena, you can check out Manzanilla del Mar, a small town located 35 minutes away from Cartagena. 

Compared to the beaches closer to the city, the beaches around Manzanilla del Mar are spacious and less crowded, as most tourists visit the beaches near the mainland.

Another stand-out feature of the beaches of Manzanilla is the color of the sand. While most beaches around Cartagena have white sand, the sand here is black. However, beware as it is hotter as well. Wear sandals, and do not lounge on the beach without a blanket or a towel.

Where to Stay in Manzanilla del Mar:

• Hotel Aixo Suites (Budget)
• Manzanillo Beach (Mid-range)
• Estelar Playa Manzanillo (Luxury)

Playa de Oro

Playa de Oro is a serene beach located north of Cartagena on the Manzanilla del Mar. It may not be as beautiful as other beaches, but it offers peace and quiet if you want a reprieve from the rush and crowds of the city. 

You can have a barbecue at the beach or enjoy a sumptuous seafood meal at one of the local restaurants. 

Where to Stay in Playa de Oro:

• Playa de Oro Lodge (Budget)
• Hotel Las Américas (Mid-range)
• Estelar Playa Manzanillo

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

Tips for Enjoying Cartagena Colombia Beaches

When planning your itinerary for a trip to Cartagena, make sure to do your homework and pick beaches that match your vibe. You don’t want to end up at a party beach if you’re looking for zen.

While Cartagena has some beautiful city beaches, the real gems are a bit of a trek. City beaches can be a jungle of tourists and vendors, so if you’re after some chill time, you might want to venture further out.

For example, Bocagrande and Castillogrande are super easy to get to but are often packed. For a more serene experience, hop over to Tierra Bomba—just a quick 15-minute boat ride away. Got some extra time? Escape to the Rosario Islands for some serious tranquility.

Even peaceful spots like Playa Blanca can become a sea of people on weekends or holidays, so plan ahead to avoid the crowds.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your trip:

• Avoid the Weekend Waves: Beaches get packed on weekends, vacations, and holidays. Aim for mid-week if you can.
• Sunblock & Shade: Pack sunscreen and a hat. Not all beaches come with palm trees, and nobody wants to end the day looking like a lobster.
• Hydration!: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Cash is Essential: Most beaches lack ATMs, and vendors usually accept cash only.
• Guard Your Belongings: While Colombia is generally safe, keep an eye on your stuff, especially when you’re off enjoying the water.

How To Stay Safe In Cartagena, Colombia?

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s safest cities. With plenty of police patrolling the tourist areas, you can enjoy your trip worry-free. For extra peace of mind, consider travel insurance like SafetyWing to cover any unexpected hiccups.

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) – Cartagena Colombia Beaches

When Is the Best Time to Go to Cartagena Colombia Beaches?

The temperature in Cartagena is a delightful 81.6°F year-round, so any time is beach time!

What Is the Best Beach in Cartagena, Colombia?

Cartagena is home to many beautiful beaches, both within the city and off the mainland. Top picks of best beaches include Bocagrande, Castillogrande, Playa Blanca, Rosario Islands, and Tintipan Island.

Is Cartagena Colombia Expensive?

Cartagena is quite affordable, especially considering the cost of food, accommodations, and transport. It’s a great destination for budget-friendly fun, with many public beaches and low-cost activities.

Conclusion – Cartagena Colombia Beaches

Every day is a beach day in Cartagena! Whether you’re a sun worshipper, a water baby, or just looking to relax, there’s a beach waiting for you. Enjoy the sun, sand, and maybe a cheeky cocktail or two!

Make sure to choose a beach that’s right for your taste. Remember the tips we provided in this post, especially about going far from the madding crowd of the packed beaches.

We hope you’ll be able to use this list of the most awesome Cartagena, Colombia, beaches and enjoy yourself. Safe travels, and have fun!

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For more beaches and other destinations all over Colombia, check out these related reads:

• Beaches in Colombia
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