Updated: November 3, 2026 · By Marta Fernández, founder of CABÚ Viajes, a local operator in Cartagena de Indias (RNT 215668).
In short: Cartagena's city beaches (Bocagrande, Castillogrande, La Boquilla) are fine for a walk and a sunset, but the white sand and clear turquoise water start on the islands: Tierra Bomba (10–15 minutes by boat), Playa Blanca on Barú (about 45 minutes by boat) and the Rosario Islands (about one hour by boat). The best beach day is a private boat that leaves early and skips the crowds.
Cartagena, Colombia beaches at a glance
| Beach | Where | How to get there | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bocagrande | In the city, next to the hotels | A few minutes by taxi from the Old City | Sunset walk, people-watching |
| Castillogrande | In the city, past Bocagrande | Taxi, or walk from Bocagrande | A calmer city beach |
| La Boquilla and the Morros area | North of the city, past the airport | About 15–20 minutes by car | Quiet resort beaches, mangrove canoe rides, fresh fish |
| Tierra Bomba (Punta Arena) | Island in front of Bocagrande | 10–15 minutes by boat from Castillogrande | A short half-day, beach clubs |
| Playa Blanca, Barú | South, on Barú island | About 45 minutes by boat, or 1–2 hours by road over the Barú bridge | White sand; go early, it fills up by late morning |
| Rosario Islands | About 45 km southwest, inside a national natural park | About one hour by boat | Clear water, snorkeling, the postcard |
| Cholón | A shallow lagoon off Barú | By boat, combined with the islands | The party day for groups |
The city beaches: Bocagrande, Castillogrande and La Boquilla
Bocagrande is the long beach in front of the high-rise hotels, a few minutes from the Old City. It is busy, has vendors and is best for an evening walk. Castillogrande, at the tip of the peninsula, is calmer. North of the airport, La Boquilla and the Morros area have quieter beaches by the resorts, about 15 to 20 minutes by car, and a fishing village where you can paddle through the mangroves and eat fried fish on the sand.
What none of them have is the white sand and turquoise water people picture. For that you go by boat.
Tierra Bomba: the closest island
Tierra Bomba sits right in front of Bocagrande, 10 to 15 minutes by boat. Punta Arena, on its north side, has beach clubs with sunbeds, food and calm water. It is the easiest beach escape if you only have half a day.
Playa Blanca on Barú
Playa Blanca is the famous white beach of Barú. By boat it takes about 45 minutes; by road, 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Its problem is its fame: from late morning it fills up with day-trippers and vendors. Arrive early, agree any price before you use a hammock or a service, and carry cash in pesos. On a private boat you can stop there first thing and move on before the crowds arrive.
The Rosario Islands: the best beaches near Cartagena
The Rosario Islands are part of the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park, about 45 km southwest of the city and about an hour by fast boat. This is where the water turns clear enough to snorkel. Shared tours visit with dozens of people per boat; a private boat lets you choose the islands, the beach club and the time you leave. See our Rosario Islands guide.
Beach clubs and Cholón
If you want a sunbed, a pool and lunch, a beach club on the islands or in Barú is the relaxed version of the day; compare them in our beach clubs guide. If you are a group that wants music, Cholón is the shallow lagoon where boats anchor side by side: Cholón boat tours.
How to do the beach day privately
The way to see the best beaches without the crowds is a private boat for your group. With CABÚ a full day costs 850 to 3,800 USD per boat, depending on size, from a speedboat to a yacht or catamaran. Food and drinks on board are included and there is no separate departure tax. The price is for the whole boat, so it is split among the group. See boat options and prices and yacht rental.
Want a private beach day? Tell us the date and how many you are, and within 24 hours we send boat options with the route and the price per person. Airport transfers and a concierge are included in every trip we plan.
Ask on WhatsApp (+1 754 201 9833) Request a quote onlineWhen to go
The sea is usually calmest and the sky clearest in the dry season, from December to April. From May to November there is more rain and choppier water, especially in September and October. Month by month details: best time to visit Cartagena. More ideas for your days: things to do in Cartagena, Colombia.
Cartagena beaches: frequently asked questions
Does Cartagena, Colombia have nice beaches?
The city beaches are pleasant for a walk but not the white-sand, turquoise kind. The beautiful beaches are on the islands nearby: Tierra Bomba, Playa Blanca on Barú and, above all, the Rosario Islands.
What is the best beach near Cartagena?
For clear water and snorkeling, the Rosario Islands, about an hour by boat. For white sand within an easy trip, Playa Blanca on Barú, if you arrive early.
How do you get to Playa Blanca from Cartagena?
By boat in about 45 minutes, or by road in 1 to 2 hours over the Barú bridge, depending on traffic.
How far are the Rosario Islands from Cartagena?
About 45 km southwest of the city, around one hour by fast boat.
How much is a private boat to the beaches?
With CABÚ, a full day costs 850 to 3,800 USD per boat depending on size, with food and drinks on board included and no separate departure tax.