Cartagena de Indias has a privileged coastal geography: bays, islands, lagoons and beaches ranging from the busiest and most accessible to the most remote and crystal-clear in the Colombian Caribbean. This guide will help you choose which one to visit based on what you're looking for.
Bocagrande: the most central beach
Bocagrande is Cartagena's urban beach: it sits right inside the city, just 10 minutes by taxi from the Centro Histórico, and stretches for kilometers along a strip of hotels and restaurants. It's the most accessible and busiest beach.
The water in Bocagrande is clear but not comparable to the islands: there's sediment stirred up by the constant movement of swimmers. The beach is lively from 9 AM until sunset, with vendors walking up and down selling fruit, hats, massages and cocadas (coconut sweets).
Best for: A quick swim with no logistical hassle, families with kids (there are lifeguards), and tourists short on time. Not recommended for: Those seeking tranquility or crystal-clear water.
Castillogrande: the quieter version
Just a few minutes from Bocagrande but with far less tourist traffic, Castillogrande is Cartagena's upscale residential neighborhood. Its small beach is calmer, with fewer vendors and a more serene atmosphere. The water is similar to Bocagrande's but with fewer crowds.
Best for: Those who want a beach nearby but with smaller crowds. Ideal time: Weekday mornings.
La Boquilla: the most authentic
A 15-minute taxi ride north of the city, La Boquilla is Cartagena's traditional fishing village. Its beach is long, with brown sand and rougher waves than the beaches of Bocagrande. It's not the most photogenic beach, but it has something the others don't: authenticity.
In La Boquilla you'll find family-run seafood eateries right on the shore at local prices, fresh fish sold directly on the beach, and on weekends the local community dances mapalé and cumbia along the boardwalk. It's also Cartagena's main kitesurfing spot, thanks to the flat-water lagoon that forms behind the beach.
Best for: Kitesurfing, affordable local food and an authentic, no-frills experience. How to get there: Taxi ($12,000-$15,000 COP) or shared van ($3,000 COP).
Playa Blanca (Baru): Colombia's most famous beach
Playa Blanca on Isla de Baru has become Colombia's most photographed beach destination for a reason: its sand is a pure, fine white that contrasts with a turquoise water that looks almost unreal. It is aesthetically perfect.
The problem is its popularity. During high season (December-January and July-August) it can get extremely crowded, with vendors at every step and shuttle boats dropping off groups continuously. Outside of high season, or on a weekday, the experience changes completely.
Best for: The perfect photo of the Colombian Caribbean. Go on a weekday outside high season to truly enjoy it. How to get there: Boat from the Muelle de la Bodeguita (~$60,000 COP round trip) or on Nohemi's day-trip excursion.
Local tip: Arrive at Playa Blanca before 9 AM or stay until 4-5 PM, once the shuttle-boat groups have already left. The first and last hours of the day are the best.
Islas del Rosario: the best snorkeling in the Colombian Caribbean
The beaches of the Islas del Rosario aren't the longest in the Caribbean, but they have something no mainland beach can offer: living coral reefs just meters from the shore. Dipping your head underwater at a beach in the Rosario and seeing coral, tropical fish and starfish just two meters down is one of the most striking experiences any beach destination can offer.
Getting there requires a boat from Cartagena (45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the destination). The cost of transportation is the main difference compared to the city beaches. With Nohemi's Sunny Day excursion, transportation, snorkeling and lunch are all included in a single package.
Best for: Snorkeling, diving, underwater photography and the most spectacular experience the Colombian Caribbean has to offer. Go with: A private boat for greater scheduling flexibility.
Manzanillo del Mar: for kitesurfing and tranquility
20 kilometers north of Cartagena, Manzanillo del Mar is a coastal area with few tourist facilities but the most consistent wind in the region and a lagoon that's perfect for kitesurfing. Tourists who come here are looking specifically for the sport, or for the tranquility that's harder to find on the more commercialized beaches.
Best for: Kitesurfing (the region's best spot), windsurfing and those who want to step away from the main tourist circuit.
How to choose your beach based on your plans
- I want snorkeling and coral: Islas del Rosario, without a doubt.
- I want the most spectacular photo: Playa Blanca in Baru.
- I want a quiet beach without spending much: La Boquilla on a weekday.
- I want kitesurfing: Manzanillo del Mar or the La Boquilla lagoon.
- I want a beach without leaving the city: Bocagrande or Castillogrande.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best beach for tranquility?
Islas del Rosario by private boat, or La Boquilla on a weekday. Bocagrande is always busy.
Are there free beaches?
Yes: Bocagrande, Castillogrande and La Boquilla are public and free. The islands require the cost of the boat.
Is it safe to swim?
Bocagrande and Castillogrande have lifeguards. In open water, pay attention to currents and never swim alone.