
Best Summer Beach Destinations in Cartagena, Colombia
1. Playa Blanca
A pristine white-sand beach on Isla Barú, known for its clear turquoise waters and diverse marine life.
- Boat Ride: Requires a short boat ride to reach.
- Marine Life: Ideal for snorkeling and spotting corals, fish, and sea turtles.
- Beach Vendors: Offers beachside food and drink options.
2. Bocagrande Beach
Upscale beachfront in the city center known for its high-rise hotels, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
- City Convenience: Easily accessible within Cartagena's city limits.
- Upscale Amenities: Offers luxury services such as beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports rentals.
- Evening Atmosphere: Known for its stunning sunsets and lively nighttime atmosphere.
3. La Boquilla Beach
Traditional fishing village beach where visitors can learn about the Palenque culture and try their hand at kite surfing.
- Cultural Experience: Provides an authentic look into local traditions and customs.
- Kite Surfing: Offers kitesurfing lessons for adventure seekers.
- Palenque Cuisine: Enjoy local seafood dishes prepared by the fishermen themselves.
4. Playas de Rosario
A series of secluded beaches along a stretch of mangrove forests, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
- Seclusion: Offers a peaceful escape from crowded beach areas.
- Mangrove Forests: Adjacent to protected mangrove forests, ideal for birdwatching and nature photography.
- Beachside Seafood: Local seafood restaurants serve fresh catches right on the beach.
5. Playas del Once
A tranquil beach located on the Isla de Barú, popular for its calm waters and stunning sunsets.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for swimming, especially families with children.
- Sunset Views: Offers breathtaking sunset views.
- Beachside Picnics: Allows visitors to enjoy a beachside picnic with their own food and drinks.
6. La Playa de Laguito
A peaceful, secluded beach surrounded by lush vegetation and accessible only by boat.
- Seclusion: Offers a truly unique and remote beach experience.
- Boat Ride: Requires a short boat ride to reach, making it less crowded.
- Clear Waters: Known for its crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
7. La Playa de San Juan
A picturesque beach located in the historic district of Cartagena with a stunning lighthouse.
- City Accessibility: Located within walking distance from the city center.
- Historic Atmosphere: Surrounded by historic architecture and offers a unique blend of history and beach.
- Lighthouse Views: Features a beautiful lighthouse with panoramic views of the city and coastline.
8. El Fenix Beach
A quiet beach offering stunning views of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.
- Castillo Views: Offers a picturesque view of the famous fortress.
- Quiet Atmosphere: Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
- Beachside Food Stalls: Provides beachside food stalls serving local snacks and drinks.
9. La Playa del Manglar
A secluded, natural beach nestled between mangroves and protected by a coral reef.
- Seclusion: Offers a peaceful escape from crowded beaches.
- Coral Reef Protection: Protected by a coral reef, ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
- Mangrove Forests: Adjacent to mangrove forests, providing opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
10. La Playa de Pie de Lobo
A tranquil beach located on the Isla de Barú, known for its calm waters and stunning sunsets.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for swimming, especially families with children.
- Sunset Views: Offers breathtaking sunset views.
- Beachside Picnics: Allows visitors to enjoy a beachside picnic with their own food and drinks.
11. La Playa de Manzanillo del Mar
A quiet, less-crowded beach in the city center with a long pier perfect for fishing.
- City Accessibility: Located within walking distance from the city center.
- Quiet Atmosphere: Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
- Fishing Pier: Features a long pier ideal for fishing or simply enjoying the views.
12. La Playa de Perro
A dog-friendly beach where visitors can enjoy the sun and sea with their pets.
- Dog-Friendly: Permits dogs on the beach.
- Quiet Atmosphere: Ideal for those seeking a peaceful and quiet beach environment.
- Beachside Food Stalls: Provides beachside food stalls serving local snacks and drinks.
13. La Playa de Ensenada Honda
A secluded beach on the Caribbean coast known for its tranquil waters and stunning cliffs.
- Seclusion: Offers a peaceful escape from crowded beaches.
- Tranquil Waters: Ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Stunning Cliffs: Features breathtaking cliffs perfect for photography.
14. La Playa de La Bodeguita
A vibrant beach popular with locals and tourists alike, known for its food stalls and lively atmosphere.
- Local Atmosphere: Provides a lively and authentic local experience.
- Food Stalls: Offers a variety of food stalls serving delicious seafood dishes.
- Beach Volleyball: Features beach volleyball courts for friendly games and competitions.
15. La Playa del Once Del Sol
A secluded beach located on the Isla de Barú, known for its calm waters and stunning sunsets.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for swimming, especially families with children.
- Sunset Views: Offers breathtaking sunset views.
- Beachside Picnics: Allows visitors to enjoy a beachside picnic with their own food and drinks.