Published on April 20, 2022, this article unveils the allure of Cartagena’s beaches, while also acknowledging the challenges brought about by increased tourism. Cartagena, Colombia, holds the potential for a dreamy beach vacation, characterized by soft, inviting sands, clear waters shimmering with blue-green hues, the refreshing taste of coconut liquor, and lively boat parties dancing on the waves. However, the burgeoning popularity of Cartagena’s beaches has led to overcrowding, increased debris, and inflated prices, requiring careful planning to discover the true gems.
While a spontaneous trip to the first beach you encounter outside the Old City might be tempting, the most breathtaking beaches often require venturing further afield, usually involving a boat trip. To truly appreciate the tranquility and beauty, planning your visit during the week is highly recommended, allowing you to avoid the weekend crowds. Let’s explore some of the most enchanting coastal destinations in and around Cartagena, offering a guide to where and when to go for an unforgettable getaway to The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cartagena, Colombia.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca, a 40-minute journey from Cartagena on Isla Barú, is renowned for its pristine white sands and mesmerizing turquoise waters. The paving of the road to the beach has dramatically increased tourism, resulting in significant crowding and an influx of beach vendors. To escape the hustle and bustle, a weekday visit is highly recommended, especially an overnight stay.
Consider renting a basic cabaña for an authentic experience, indulging in a glamping adventure, or enjoying the comforts of the Decameron Resort. An overnight stay allows you to savor the beach in the tranquil mornings before the tour groups arrive and witness the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton at night.
Beyond relaxation, Playa Blanca offers an array of activities. Rent a jet ski for an adrenaline rush, get pulled along on a banana boat with friends, or explore the underwater world through snorkeling. Embark on a tour of the mangroves, a unique ecosystem teeming with life, or visit the nearby Colombian National Aviary, a haven for bird enthusiasts. Access Playa Blanca from Cartagena by bus, taxi, or boat, each offering a different perspective of the scenic coastline.
Address: Playa Blanca, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, 130017, Colombia
Playa Las Mantas
Located on Isla Grande, part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, Playa Las Mantas, also known as "Playa Libre," presents a delightful option for budget-conscious travelers. While Isla Grande boasts several exceptional beaches with soft sands and calm waters, most are affiliated with private beach clubs. Playa Las Mantas stands out as a public beach, offering an accessible escape.
Given the boat schedules that can limit your time on the island, a one- or two-night stay is recommended to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. Isla Grande, one of the 27 coral islands in the Rosario Archipelago, is a haven for marine life, making it a prime location for snorkeling adventures.
While a boat trip from Cartagena is possible, the most direct route is to book a taxi service through one of the hotels on Isla Grande or charter a private boat for a more personalized experience. Playa Las Mantas offers a slice of paradise within reach, perfect for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility in The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cartagena, Colombia.
Address: Isla grande, Sector Las Mantas, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, 130001, Colombia
Phone: +57 313 5740280
Isla Tierra Bomba
A mere 10-minute boat ride from the Bocagrande Peninsula transports you to Isla Tierra Bomba, a destination offering less crowded beaches compared to Cartagena’s mainland. While the beaches may not be as visually striking as those on the more distant islands, you can still discover stretches of shoreline in Punta Arena with inviting blue waters and impressive views of the Cartagena skyline in the distance.
To reach Isla Tierra Bomba, catch a boat outside of Bocagrande Hospital in Castillogrande. To save on costs, consider packing a picnic lunch. Alternatively, purchase a day pass at a beach club to access one of the island’s private, cleaner beaches. Palmarito Beach Hotel offers well-priced packages, potent drinks, and an entertaining daily dance competition. For a more exclusive experience, Hotel Fenix Beach Cartagena features luxurious day beds and a private pool. Isla Tierra Bomba provides a convenient escape with options to suit various budgets and preferences.
Address: Tierra Bomba Island, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, 130018, Colombia
Playa Castillogrande
Playa Castillogrande, the most upscale of the beaches directly in Cartagena, is free to the public. Situated on the Bocagrande peninsula, it offers a more secluded atmosphere compared to other mainland beaches, with cleaner water and fewer vendors. The dark sands and calm waters provide a picturesque setting, framed by gleaming white high-rise apartment buildings and prestigious hotels.
An extensive shoreline path beckons runners, bikers, and rollerbladers, while other beachgoers relax on the shore, enjoying an ideal vantage point for breathtaking Cartagena sunsets. Swimming is also a popular activity here, thanks to an underground seawall (originally constructed to deter pirates) that effectively reduces currents and waves. For a more serene experience, find a spot near the naval club, where fewer vendors tend to venture. Playa Castillogrande is a haven of tranquility within the city limits.
Address: Carrera 7, Distrito turístico y cultural, Club Cartagena #5, Castillogrande, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, 130001, Colombia
Manzanillo del Mar
Venture 35 minutes by taxi to the town of Manzanillo del Mar, where you’ll discover wide expanses of dark sand beaches and a relatively small number of tourists. The sparse crowds make this one of the best beaches for capturing stunning photographs without unwanted intrusions.
Relax in a beachside hammock, embark on a horseback riding adventure, or try your hand at kitesurfing. Indulge in a fried fish plate at the popular Restaurante Doña Lola or enjoy dinner and cocktail specials at Stamp Hostel, which also hosts lively sunset parties with a live DJ. If you prefer not to rent a chair or umbrella, be sure to bring a thick towel and sturdy flip-flops to protect your feet from the dark sand. Manzanillo del Mar provides a tranquil escape and an opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cartagena, Colombia.
Address: Manzanillo del Mar, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Isla Cholón
Isla Cholón, often referred to as Cartagena’s "party island," is a vibrant destination where party boats converge on a small white sand beach, anchoring in the clear seafoam green waters for a day of revelry. Located at the tip of Isla Barú, it’s a 40-minute journey by private boat, with optional stops at the Rosario Islands.
Spend your time dancing on the boat to the rhythm of your personal DJ or take a refreshing dip in the surrounding waters. When lunchtime arrives, wade over to the partially submerged tables at the sandbar and dine under the shade of palm leaf-thatched huts. Remember to bring plenty of water and cash for snacks, and pace your drinking to fully enjoy your time on this lively island.
Address: 587J+Q8 Centro comercial getsemani, local 1a126, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, 130001, Colombia
Phone: +57 310 7344058
Playa Isla del Encanto
Playa Isla del Encanto, part of the private beach club Isla del Encanto on Isla Barú, offers calm, clear Caribbean-teal water with minimal waves, pristine white sand beaches, and comfortable day beds. Although smaller than some other Cartagena beaches, measuring just under 1,000 feet in length, it provides a peaceful retreat free from the disturbance of vendors, allowing for unparalleled relaxation.
Book a night at the hotel or purchase a day pass, both of which include transportation to and from Cartagena’s Bodeguita pier, a significant perk as most area beach clubs do not include transportation. A buffet lunch is also included. When you’re not lounging on the beach, engage in activities such as SUP boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, wakeboarding, or swimming in the pool. Playa Isla del Encanto is an oasis of tranquility and luxury.
Islas San Bernardo
For a truly pristine beach experience, take a two-hour speedboat ride from Cartagena to the Islas San Bernardo. This archipelago of 10 islands, part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, boasts beaches with clean, clear water, few people, and no vendors.
Bask in the soft, white sand on the largest beach in the islands at Isla Tintipán, then savor a delicious lobster plate for lunch. Spend a romantic night at one of the many hotels on Isla Múcura, the most popular of the islands, and stroll along the shore to witness the shimmering bioluminescent plankton in the moonlight. Enjoy cocktails at the Casa en el Agua Hotel, perched on a lone ocean reef, before catching the boat back to Cartagena the next day. This is The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cartagena, Colombia for serenity.
Address: Isla San Bernardo, Colombia
In conclusion, while Cartagena’s beaches have seen an increase in tourism, careful planning can still lead to a blissful beach experience. By venturing beyond the immediate vicinity of the Old City and considering factors such as weekday visits and overnight stays, you can discover the true beauty and tranquility that The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cartagena, Colombia have to offer.
