14 Best Beaches in Cartagena You Must Visit

You can find Cartagena’s charming and vibrant city on the Caribbean Coast in Colombia. Indeed, you’ll never run out of things to do in this vibrant coastal city, from a historic walled town filled with cobblestone streets and towering fortresses. But visiting there is not complete without taking a dip into one of the best beaches in Cartagena. After all, you are in the Caribbean.

But which of the beautiful beaches in Cartagena is worthy of a visit? Keep reading to discover the best Cartagena beaches for your next beach vacation!

Tips When Visiting the Best Beaches in Cartagena

No trip is complete without some insider tips. So, here are a few pointers to help you make the most of your trip to Cartagena.

1. If you do not want to stay far away from the city or want to take a dip after exploring the humid city of Cartagena, go to one of the mainland beaches.

If you adore a white sand beach, Bocagrande Beach and Castillogrande Beach are perfect for you. These two beaches are the most accessible as they are located within the city. But be reminded that beach vendors flock here, so a completely relaxing day on these beaches is not guaranteed.

2. Remember to put on your sunblocks and stay hydrated, as the weather in Cartagena is very hot. Do not forget to bring your hat and cash, as some stalls that rent out beach chairs only accept cash payments.

3. Visiting the best beaches in Cartagena is not recommended during weekends and national holidays. All the beaches can get crowded, so you cannot fully enjoy a tranquil experience.

4. You must check out kitesurfing and stand-up paddle boarding on La Boquilla beach if you’re into water activities. La Boquilla beach is the perfect spot for these activities as the beach is extremely wide, and the wind is side shore.

5. Relaxing in one of the beach clubs in Tierra Bomba island is a must! It’s away from the city, so you’ll have a relaxing atmosphere while sipping your cocktails.

14 Best Beaches in Cartagena

Your getaway would not be complete without stopping by the best beaches in Cartagena. Here are a few must-sees for every beach lover!

1. Playa Blanca, Isla Barú

Splash into the blue waters, enjoy the soft sand and feel the sway of the palm trees on the tropical Playa Blanca in Isla Barú. Playa Blanca is one of Cartagena’s most famous white sand beaches and is a gem of Isla Barú.

You can reach Playa Blanca through a 40-minute boat ride away from Cartagena. Note that boat transportation is the fastest option if you want to visit the island of Barú.

While in Playa Blanca, visit a national park, the National Aviary of Colombia, to look at mangroves. You can also spend the day enjoying marine life by snorkeling and riding jet skis at Playa Blanca. To cap the night off, dine at one of Playa Blanca beach’s many beachfront upscale restaurants to have freshly caught pescado frito, a classic regional fried fish dish.

However, due to Playa Blanca beach’s growing popularity, tourists and local vendors flock to this beautiful natural island. The best time to avoid the crowd and enjoy its serene ambiance is by arriving before noon or after 3 pm. Just a little tip, Playa Blanca is best enjoyed when you stay overnight rather than just a quick day trip.

2. La Boquilla 

La Boquilla is a fishing village with Afro-Caribbean roots located on the periphery of Cartagena. Plus, the beach is the furthest from Cartagena de Indias city. It may not be aesthetically pleasing to the naked eye compared to the other Cartagena beaches, but this beautiful 200-meter-long beach is a local favorite spot.

Also, it is one of the loveliest beaches in Cartagena due to its unique and laid-back charm, making it stand out to tourists. La Boquilla is just a 20-minute drive away from the city center. Undoubtedly, this is the perfect destination for women over 50 who want to relax and enjoy a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

3. Punta Arena Beach

Punta Arena beach is found on Tierra Bomba island, a large island close to Cartagena. The Punta Arena beach is perfect if you want to escape the crowded beaches and have fewer vendors. To enjoy the quiet beach, you just take a 10-minute boat ride from Cartagena.

From November to March (the dry season), you will arrive at a broad public beach with clear blue water. It is preferable to reserve a day trip at a beach club so that you can enjoy the scenery better. Plus, most beach clubs include lunch and boat transportation.

You will love Punta Arena beach’s fine white sand beach. Also, you can see the city skyline of Bocagrande while enjoying your cocktail and a traditional Caribbean lunch!

Release your stress and boredom with the fun Punta Arena beach activities that you can do, such as volleyball, table tennis, and soccer. There’s just so much to do in Punta Arena.

4. Playa de Castillogrande

Experience a beach like no other in the largest island bay of Cartagena – Playa de Castillogrande, or known as Castlegrande. The beach is located on the peninsula of Bocagrande and is well-renowned by tourists. To reach the beach, go behind the Hospital of Bocagrande, right past Laguito.

Some say that Playa de Castillogrande is the go-to place of the elite and famous. This is primarily due to the more laid-back, peaceful atmosphere and many upscale hotels and beach clubs. If you’re a seafood lover, you can enjoy the tastiest selection of lobsters, shrimps, and fresh fish fillets served by restaurants near the beach.

You’ll enjoy its scenic views and cool breeze as you walk by this beach. Castillogrande is one of the best beaches in Cartagena for an early-evening picnic and a swim in the late afternoon. Also, you can rent a private boat for water activities. Certainly, Playa de Castillogrande is perfect for swimming because of its clean waters, and it’s not jam-packed with many tourists.

5. Manzanillo del Mar

Manzanillo del Mar is the furthest mainland beach in the urban area of Cartagena. Manzanillo del Mar is just a few kilometers away after La Boquilla.

Manzanillo del Mar is one of the farthest mainland beaches in Cartagena. It is a 45-minute drive away, but you can take a cab for a one-way day trip for about 15 USD. Unlike other beaches near the city, Manzanillo del Mar beach is ideal for tourists who want to escape the busy city and witness breathtaking scenery. 

Manzanillo del Mar beach is also known as one of the best beaches in Cartagena for horseback riding. Additionally, it is more tranquil than all the other beaches, and it is one of the dark sand beaches in Cartagena. But the sand can get hotter. If you want to lay on the beach, pack some thick towels or a blanket, and don’t forget your sandals.

6. Bocagrande Beach

Other than the Hollywood beach in Cartagena, Bocagrande is probably the nearest beach you can find when you land in the city. The beach is situated just within the city and is one of the main beaches in Cartagena.

Upscale hotels and restaurants surround Bocagrande Beach, so it is very accessible and perfect for tourists! The white sand beach is the ideal location if you’re into swimming and tanning. You can also stroll along the boardwalk, especially during sunset. Or you can go to beach clubs to enjoy Cartagena’s nightlife.

However, among the beaches in Cartagena, Bocagrande is usually swarmed by locals, foreign tourists, and vendors because it is in the city’s vicinity. So if you are someone who completely wants to relax and have peace of mind, try other beaches as this might not be the place for you.

7. Eteka Beach

Eteka Beach is a very accessible beach situated at Tierra Bomba islands. The private beach helps you connect and focus on nature. It offers an architectural space that is organic so that you can relax and focus on your well-being.

Eteka Beach’s space gives off a bohemian vibe from the hammocks to the pillows, perfect for those who love to take pictures. Beach-loving tourists can unwind in the cozy hammocks while sipping a cocktail and listening to the sound of the waves.

Eteka Beach has one of the amazing beach bars that offer the best cocktails and beverages. You can enjoy your drinks outside under the unmatched Caribbean sea and sky in a laid-back ambiance with chill-out music.

Also, the seafood and vegan foods here are exceptional and beautifully represented. But one thing you should note when visiting Eteka Beach is that it is closed every Tuesday. 

8. Rosario Islands

Going to the Rosario Islands is no short boat ride. The Rosario Islands are roughly an hour away from Cartagena. Fun fact, Rosario Islands are named after the rosary because the tiny islands look like rosary beads.

The islands (including Barú and San Bernardo) are part of a national park filled with coral reefs and marine life. Beautifully clean and blue waters surround Rosario islands, which also boast lovely surroundings.

You may find some of Colombia’s most expensive real estate on many of these tiny, privately owned island beaches. However, several of the beaches in Cartagena do contain some beach clubs and eco-resorts, and Rosario Islands unquestionably have some of the best beaches in Cartagena.

It’s advisable to bring along a decent pair of water shoes because all the beaches of Rosario Islands can occasionally be stony and shelly. And if you plan to stay the night in these coral islands, bug spray is a must because of the mosquitoes. Also, although you only get a bit of beach time, you can take a group or private boat tour around the islands.

9. Blue Apple Beach Club

One of the best Cartagena beach clubs is the Blue Apple Beach Club. You can find the beach club on the opposite side of Tierra Bomba, past Bocachica. The beach club was formerly a private holiday villa that has been transformed into a beach resort and club.

Blue Apple does provide both day trip passes and overnight accommodations. There are plenty of beach chairs throughout the property and several beds. The pool area there is also very excellent.

Its uniqueness comes from the fact that it is somewhat remote, thus making it one of the best beaches in Cartagena. And despite a few vacation homes close by, you will likely find the most beautiful beach in Cartagena with fewer tourists. 

10. Isla Grande

Although part of the Rosario Islands, Isla Grande is worthy of mentioning. Isla Grande is not only the largest of the Rosario islands but also seems to have a beautiful beach. There are lovely hostels as alternatives if you stay in the Rosario Islands, especially in Isla Grande.

Isla Grande is home to some of the beautiful beaches in Cartagena, Colombia. For example, Gente de Mar. Gente de Mar, located on the northeastern tip of Isla Grande, provides the best beach area with fantastic views of the adjacent islands.

Another beautiful beach in Isla Grande is Playa Las Mantas, sometimes referred to as “Playa Libre.” Playa Libre is the only public beach on the island and is well-liked by locals and tourists alike. Even though this beach is not very large, the surrounding area boasts some of the best coral reefs and scuba diving locations.

11. San Bernardo Islands

One of the top Cartagena islands, the San Bernardo islands have white sand, palm trees, and amazingly blue waters. You’ll need to ride a two-hour boat trip to reach this group of islands. But day trips from Cartagena are an option, so don’t forget to plan ahead.

Mucura Island is among the popular beaches to visit, even though it is made up of multiple islands. On the other hand, the busiest island in the world, Santa Cruz del Islote, is frequently visited by tourists.

12. Playa de Oro

Playa de Oro, conceivably one of Cartagena’s most popular beaches, is just a 40-minute drive away from the city. The beach is a fantastic alternative for those who don’t want to take a boat tour and wish to avoid crowded sandy beaches.

You’ll discover simple thatched-roof huts with hammocks and eateries selling the day’s catch—long stretches of serene dark sand beaches with few visitors.

Most visitors come to Playa de Oro to unwind and avoid crowds, but several activities are available. Activities include kitesurfing, horseback riding, and stand-up paddle boarding. You can also visit the dormant volcano next to the beach, El Totumo Lodo, where you can soak in the crater’s mineral-rich mud.

13. Bendita Beach

You can find the Caribbean island paradise you imagined in Cartagena on this private island. Explore the four most beautiful beaches on the eco-tourist island of Bendita Beach.

Depending on your beach day objectives, you can spend the day relaxing on a sunbed, snorkeling, playing volleyball, or kayaking. Unlike other beaches, there won’t be as many people on the beach because the number of tour participants is capped at 120 per day. But because of this, you must purchase tickets in advance. Still, its exclusivity makes it one of the best beaches in Cartagena.

14. Isla Cholón 

Cholón may be the most entertaining beach in Colombia, Cartagena. It is situated on a little patch of beach on a tiny, mangrove-covered island in a bay off the coast of Isla Barú. You can rent a private boat or join boat tours to go and enjoy Isla Cholón.

Dense mangroves and palm palms surround this tiny island. While there are some beaches, most people stay on private boats. Sometimes tourists wade into the greenish sea to mingle with others. 

The Best Beaches in Cartagena

This city is a gem, and so are its beautiful beaches. No wonder the remarkable white sand beaches and turquoise waters lure people worldwide. Certainly, Cartagena beaches are the perfect vacation destination, for they truly have a lot to offer. 

The pristine waters, the perfect variety of water sports, and an atmosphere of unparalleled warmth are what await you here in the vibrant city of Cartagena, Colombia. So, don’t forget to visit beaches in Cartagena while you’re there. What are you waiting for? Book a flight today!

---

Support the Team!

If we helped you plan your travels in any way and you want to support us, here are several companies we’re affiliated with. We receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you click on the links below so feel free to click away! 🙂