Best Beaches near Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia, known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife. With the Caribbean Sea at its doorstep, the city offers a range of beach options for all types of travelers, from serene coves to lively party beaches.

Here are the top 5 beaches near Cartagena that are worth a visit:

  1. Playa Blanca

Located just a 45-minute boat ride from Cartagena, Playa Blanca is a stunning white sand beach that stretches over 3 miles. This is the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the clear turquoise waters. Playa Blanca is also a great spot for snorkeling and water sports, and it’s surrounded by restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal.

  1. Isla Baru

Isla Baru is a small island located just a few miles from Cartagena and is a popular spot for day trips. The island has several stunning beaches, including Playa Cholón, Playa Blanca, and Playa Azul, which are known for their white sand and clear waters. Visitors can enjoy water sports, such as paddle-boarding and kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

  1. Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands are a group of 27 coral islands located a short boat ride from Cartagena. The islands are renowned for their stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life, making them a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can also explore the nearby Isla Grande, which is home to several tourist facilities, such as restaurants, bars, and hotels.

  1. Manzanillo Beach

Manzanillo Beach is located in the heart of the Rosario Islands and is known for its long white sand beach and turquoise waters. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is the perfect place to relax and escape the city. Visitors can enjoy water sports, such as kayaking and paddle-boarding, or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun.

  1. Playa Las Velas

Playa Las Velas is a string of beaches located just a short bus ride down the Cartagena peninsula and is a popular spot for day trips. Its home to several stunning beaches, and a surf shop where surf rentals are 60,000 COP, while this beach doesnt boast stunning blue water is does offer fewer tourists, fewer hawkers and a wide long beach with plenty of room.

Cartagena and the nearby islands offers a range of stunning beaches that are perfect for all types of travelers. From the serene coves of Playa Blanca to the lively party beaches of Isla Baru, there is something for everyone. So, whether you want to relax, enjoy water sports, or simply soak up the sun, Cartagena has you covered.