Cartagena is famous for its colorful colonial streets, Caribbean sunsets, and postcard-perfect islands — but not all beaches here are created equal. Some are lively and social, some peaceful and remote, and others are perfect for swimming or day trips.
If you’re wondering which beaches in Cartagena are worth visiting, this guide breaks down the best ones — both inside the city and on the nearby Caribbean islands.
Let’s dive into the sand and turquoise water.
⭐ Quick Overview: Best Beaches in Cartagena
| Beach | Best For | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bocagrande Beach | Easy access, families | In the city |
| Castillogrande Beach | Clean water, peaceful vibes | In the city |
| Laguito Beach | Local vibe, sunsets | In the city |
| Playa de Punta Arena (Tierra Bomba) | Clear water close to Cartagena | 10 min by boat |
| Playa Blanca (Barú) | Famous turquoise water | 45–60 min by boat/car |
| Rosario Islands | Paradise beaches | 45 min by speedboat |
| Bendita Beach | Calm, beautifully managed | 45 min by boat |
| Gente de Mar | Luxury island escape | 45 min by boat |
🏖️ 1. Bocagrande Beach — Best for Convenience
Bocagrande is Cartagena’s main city beach, lined with high-rise hotels and a long strip of sand.
Why People Love It
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Easy to reach (walk from most hotels)
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Lots of space for sunbathing
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Perfect for a quick beach day without leaving the city
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Great for families
Good to Know
Water isn’t as clear as the islands, but the beach is safe, lively, and convenient.
Perfect for: first-time visitors, families, short stays.
🏖️ 2. Castillogrande Beach — Clean, Calm & Local
Castillogrande is quieter and more upscale than Bocagrande. Locals love it for morning swims and evening walks.
Why People Love It
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Cleaner water
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Peaceful, residential vibe
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Good for swimming
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Less crowded than Bocagrande
Good to Know
There are fewer vendors and less pressure selling, which makes the experience calmer.
Perfect for: long-term travelers, families, people who want quiet beaches.
🏖️ 3. Laguito Beach — Relaxed Local Energy
Located near the Hilton and the lake, Laguito has a fun, easygoing atmosphere.
Why People Love It
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Calm water
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Great local food stalls
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Wonderful sunsets
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Affordable beach chairs
Good to Know
It’s a mix of locals and visitors. Expect music, vendors, and a relaxed Caribbean vibe.
Perfect for: budget travelers, social travelers, sunset lovers.
🌴 4. Playa de Punta Arena (Tierra Bomba) — Closest Clear Water to Cartagena
If you want crystal-clear Caribbean water without committing to a long day trip, Punta Arena is the closest island beach.
It’s just 10 minutes by boat from Cartagena.
Why People Love It
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Softer sand + clearer water than city beaches
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Beach clubs like Fénix Beach and Blue Apple Beach House
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Close enough for half-day trips
Good to Know
Vendors can be persistent on the public section. Beach clubs offer a much more relaxed experience with day passes.
Perfect for: couples, groups of friends, half-day escapes.
🐠 5. Playa Blanca (Barú) — Famous, Beautiful & Busy
Playa Blanca is Cartagena’s most famous turquoise-water beach on the mainland. It looks like the Caribbean dream, but it’s also very busy.
Why People Love It
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The bluest water near Cartagena
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Long stretch of white sand
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Many beach clubs & restaurants
Good to Know
It can get overcrowded, especially mid-day. Vendors are persistent.
The best experience is staying the night, when all day-trippers leave.
Perfect for: backpackers, couples, photography lovers, budget island vibes.
🌴 6. Rosario Islands — The Most Beautiful Beaches Near Cartagena
The Rosario Islands are Cartagena’s crown jewel: crystal-clear water, soft white sand, coral reefs, and tropical scenery.
They’re ideal if you want a picture-perfect day in paradise.
Why People Love Them
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Transparent turquoise water
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Snorkeling & diving
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Natural beauty
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Good beach clubs
Best Beaches in the Rosario Islands
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Isla Grande — beautiful water, beach resorts
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Bendita Beach — calm, peaceful
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Gente de Mar — luxury day pass
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Coralina Island — boutique island getaway
Good to Know
Most visitors go by speedboat (45–60 minutes). Tours vary greatly — choose quality operators to avoid crowded or rushed experiences.
Perfect for: honeymooners, couples, luxury travelers, photographers.
🛳️ 7. Bendita Beach — Quiet, Beautiful & Well-Managed
Bendita Beach is on a private island within the Rosario archipelago. It offers a calm, organized experience.
Why People Love It
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Clear water without crowds
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Good food included
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Comfortable loungers and cabanas
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No loud music
A great option for travelers who want the turquoise water without the chaos of Playa Blanca.
Perfect for: couples, chilled travelers, older visitors, families.
🌅 8. Gente de Mar — Luxury Island Escape
If you want a curated, relaxing, and stylish island experience, Gente de Mar is one of the best.
Why People Love It
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Luxury-level service
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Stunning beaches
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Excellent restaurant
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Snorkeling and paddleboarding
It’s one of the pricier day passes, but worth it if you want comfort and beauty.
Perfect for: couples, special occasions, travelers seeking quiet luxury.
⭐ How to Choose the Right Beach for You
For convenience:
Bocagrande, Laguito
For calm & clean water:
Castillogrande, Punta Arena
For the bluest water:
Playa Blanca, Rosario Islands
For luxury:
Gente de Mar, Coralina Island
For snorkeling:
Rosario Islands (Isla Grande)
For half-day trips:
Punta Arena (Tierra Bomba)
🧭 Tips for Visiting Cartagena’s Beaches
✔ Bring cash — many vendors don’t accept cards
✔ Always agree on prices for chairs and drinks beforehand
✔ Avoid the midday sun (11am–2pm) — it’s intense
✔ Use reef-safe sunscreen
✔ For Playa Blanca, go early or stay overnight
✔ Watch your belongings (especially on public beaches)
✔ Choose reputable speedboat operators for island trips
🌴 Final Thoughts: Cartagena’s Beaches Offer Something for Everyone
Cartagena has a surprisingly diverse beach scene. You can enjoy easy city beaches, quick escapes to Tierra Bomba, or full Caribbean paradise in the Rosario Islands. Whether you want convenience, beauty, nightlife, relaxation, or turquoise water, there’s a beach for you.
And the best part? All of these options are right at your fingertips.
Hey there! I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Colombia. I focus on places I know and love — mostly Colombia, Central America, and North America.
I’m all about discovering those hidden gems that don’t always make it into the guidebooks — think street food stalls, quiet little towns, underrated hiking trails, and the kind of real-life moments that truly capture what a place is all about.
Whether I’m wandering through vibrant markets in Guatemala, cruising across the deserts of the U.S., or hiking the Andes, I try to keep it real and useful — no fluff, just the good stuff.
When I’m not off exploring or writing about it, you’ll probably find me sipping too much coffee, editing photos, or dreaming up my next trip.
Let’s keep discovering and traveling smarter — one trip at a time.
