Welcome to our sun-seeker’s guide to the top beaches in Cartagena, Colombia. Cartagena, located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is known for its stunning beaches that attract tourists from all over the world. With crystal clear waters, soft sand, and a vibrant atmosphere, Cartagena’s beaches are truly a paradise for beach lovers.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day soaking up the sun or an adventurous day of water sports, Cartagena’s beaches have something for everyone. From the popular Playa Blanca to the lesser-known Isla del Encanto, we have compiled a list of the best beaches in Cartagena to help you plan your next beach vacation. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s explore the top beaches in Cartagena!
Discovering Cartagena’s Beaches
As sun-seekers, we know that Cartagena is famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere. We can’t wait to explore them all! Here’s what we’ve discovered about the beaches in Cartagena so far.
The Allure of the Caribbean Coast
Cartagena is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, which means it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The crystal-clear waters and white sand make for the perfect beach day. Whether you’re looking to relax or have some fun in the sun, Cartagena’s beaches have something for everyone.
Beach-Hopping in Cartagena
One of the best things about Cartagena’s beaches is that they’re all unique. We’ve been beach-hopping and discovered some of the best beaches in the area. Here are a few of our favorites:
| Beach Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Isla del Encanto | Rosario Islands | This is the best overall beach in Cartagena. It’s perfect for spending the night or doing a day pass. |
| IslaBela | Rosario Islands | This is the best chill beach in Cartagena. It’s perfect for spending the night or doing a day pass. |
| Bora Bora Beach Club | Cartagena | This is the hippest beach in Cartagena. It’s perfect for spending the night or doing a day pass. |
These are just a few of the many beaches in Cartagena. We can’t wait to explore more and find our new favorites.
Top Beaches in Cartagena
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Cartagena, you’re in luck! We’ve got a list of the top beaches that will satisfy all your sun-seeking needs. From the bustling Bocagrande Beach to the serene Rosario Islands Beaches, there’s something for everyone.
Bocagrande Beach
Bocagrande Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cartagena, and for good reason. With its crystal clear waters and soft sand, it’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. The beach is also surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great place to spend the day.
Playa Blanca on Barú Island
If you’re looking for a more secluded beach experience, head to Playa Blanca on Barú Island. This beach is known for its stunning white sand and turquoise waters. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging in the sun. There are also plenty of vendors selling food and drinks, so you won’t have to worry about packing a lunch.
Rosario Islands Beaches
For a truly unique beach experience, head to the Rosario Islands. This group of islands is located about an hour from Cartagena and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Each island has its own unique charm, so be sure to explore as many as possible. Some of our favorites include Isla del Sol and Isla Grande.
Overall, Cartagena has no shortage of beautiful beaches to explore. Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere or a secluded spot to relax, there’s something for everyone. So grab your sunscreen and head to the beach!
Activities and Experiences
Cartagena is famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day soaking up the sun or an adventure-packed experience, Cartagena’s beaches have something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite activities and experiences to enjoy on the beaches of Cartagena.
Water Sports and Adventure
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the beaches of Cartagena offer a variety of water sports and adventure activities. From jet skiing and parasailing to scuba diving and snorkeling, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the ocean. Take a boat trip to the nearby Rosario Islands for a day of snorkeling and swimming in crystal clear waters. Or, for the more adventurous, try your hand at kite surfing or windsurfing.
Relaxation and Sunset Views
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, Cartagena’s beaches have plenty of options for you too. Lounge on the soft sand with a good book, or take a refreshing dip in the calm waters. For the ultimate relaxation experience, head to one of the many beach clubs that line the coast. Many of these clubs offer comfortable lounge chairs, refreshing drinks, and stunning sunset views.
Cultural and Culinary Exploration
Cartagena is known for its vibrant culinary and art scene, and the beaches are no exception. Take a break from the sun and sand to explore the local food and drink offerings. Try some of the fresh seafood, ceviche, or local cocktails. Or, take a stroll down the beach to check out the local art vendors and galleries. You might just find a unique piece to take home as a souvenir.
No matter what your interests are, the beaches of Cartagena have something for everyone. So pack your sunscreen and flip flops, and join us for a day of sun, sand, and adventure!
Beach Amenities and Facilities
When it comes to amenities and facilities, Cartagena’s beaches have everything a sun-seeker could ask for. In this section, we’ll cover some of the key amenities and facilities you can expect to find at Cartagena’s best beaches.
Dining Options Near the Shore
One of the best things about Cartagena’s beaches is the variety of dining options available. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, you’ll find plenty of options near the shore. Many of the beachfront restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails, perfect for a hot day at the beach.
If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, you’ll find plenty of food vendors along the beach selling all kinds of snacks and drinks. From fresh fruit to empanadas, there’s something for everyone.
Beach Safety and Comfort
At Cartagena’s beaches, safety and comfort are top priorities. Most of the beaches have lifeguards on duty during peak hours, and many of them also offer beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. If you’re traveling with young children, you’ll be happy to know that many of the beaches have shallow areas perfect for little ones to play in.
It’s important to note that the sun in Cartagena can be intense, so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring a towel or beach mat to sit on, as the sand can get quite hot.
Overall, Cartagena’s beaches offer a great combination of amenities and facilities that make them perfect for travelers of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or a fun-filled adventure, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Cartagena.
Planning Your Beach Trip
When planning your beach trip to Cartagena, there are a few things you should consider to ensure that you have the best experience possible. In this section, we’ll cover the best time to visit, accommodation choices, and tour packages and offers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cartagena’s beaches is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, you can expect plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, making it perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting during the shoulder season, which runs from May to November. During this time, you’ll still get plenty of sunshine, but there will be fewer tourists, making it easier to find a spot on the beach.
Accommodation Choices
When it comes to accommodation choices, Cartagena has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, we recommend staying in the historic walled city. Here, you’ll find plenty of charming boutique hotels and guesthouses that offer a glimpse into Cartagena’s rich history.
Tour Packages and Offers
If you’re looking to explore Cartagena’s beaches, there are plenty of tour packages and offers to choose from. Whether you’re interested in a guided tour or a self-guided adventure, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs.
When booking a tour, we recommend looking for packages that offer free cancellation or a full refund in case of unexpected changes to your plans. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that you’re not out of pocket if something unexpected happens.
Overall, planning your beach trip to Cartagena is easy and straightforward. By considering the best time to visit, choosing the right accommodation, and booking a tour package that suits your needs, you’ll be able to enjoy everything that this beautiful city has to offer.
Travel Tips and Recommendations
When visiting Cartagena, it’s important to be aware of the local customs and language. Spanish is the official language in Colombia, so it’s helpful to know a few basic phrases to communicate with the locals. However, many people in the tourist areas speak English, so don’t worry if your Spanish is not perfect.
When it comes to safety and health precautions, it’s always a good idea to be cautious. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry. Keep your belongings close to you, especially in crowded areas. It’s also important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as the sun can be intense in Cartagena.
If you’re not familiar with the area, navigating Cartagena can be a bit overwhelming. We recommend using TripAdvisor to research the best beaches and attractions in the area. You can also read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect.
When it comes to beaches, we recommend checking out Isla del Encanto, Isla Bella, Bora Bora Beach Club, Palmarito in Tierra Bomba, and Playa Blanca. These beaches offer a variety of activities and amenities, from water sports to beachside restaurants.
Overall, Cartagena is a friendly and welcoming city, and we hope these tips will help you make the most of your visit.
Beyond the Beaches
When we’re not soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Cartagena, we love exploring the nearby attractions and day trips. Here are a few of our favorite options:
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
One of the most popular day trips from Cartagena is a visit to the Rosario Islands. These islands are home to some of the most pristine beaches in the area, and they’re just a short boat ride from the city. We highly recommend spending a day exploring the islands, snorkeling, and enjoying a fresh seafood lunch.
For those looking to explore more of Colombia’s natural beauty, Tayrona National Park is a must-visit destination. This park boasts stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. We recommend spending at least a few days in the park to fully experience all it has to offer.
If you’re interested in learning more about Colombia’s coffee culture, a visit to a coffee farm is a must. There are several coffee farms located near Cartagena, where you can learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the best coffee in the world.
Exploring Colombia’s Diverse Regions
Colombia is a diverse country with many different regions to explore. If you have the time, we highly recommend venturing beyond Cartagena to see more of what this beautiful country has to offer.
One region that we love is Santander, located in the northeast of the country. This region is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Chicamocha Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon. It’s also home to several charming colonial towns, including Barichara and Villa de Leyva.
Another region worth exploring is Guaviare, located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This region is home to incredible biodiversity, including jaguars, anacondas, and pink river dolphins. It’s also home to several indigenous communities, where you can learn about their traditional way of life.
Overall, there’s so much to see and do beyond the beaches of Cartagena. Whether you’re interested in exploring Colombia’s natural beauty or learning more about its diverse cultures, there’s something for everyone.
