Best things to do in San Andres
3. February 2025
Cartagena — a historic gem that left us disappointed
3. February 2025
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Where should you go in Colombia for beaches?
After exploring the beauty of the Colombian mountains, many people start wondering where to head next. Whether to stay on the mainland and visit the beaches around Cartagena, set out for an adventure in Tayrona National Park, or give in to the exotic charm of San Andrés Island. Besides the places already mentioned, there are also beautiful beaches around Rincón de Mar, but we didn’t make it there due to a lack of time.
For us the most beautiful beaches were definitely the ones on San Andrés, mainly because there were fewer tourists. Tayrona reminded us a lot of the beaches we had visited on the island of Tobago, only with a much larger number of visitors. As for the beaches around Cartagena, those we simply did not like at all.
The most beautiful beaches of Colombia in order
- 1. Playa San Luis: the wild beauty of San Andrés Island
- 2. Playa Cristal: the crystal‑clear gem of Tayrona
- 3. Cabo San Juan and La Piscina: the iconic duo of Tayrona
- 4. Playa Spratt Bight: the vibrant heart of central San Andrés
- 5. Playa Zarpada – a quiet corner of San Andrés
- 6. Bahia Concha – a local, laid‑back escape near Santa Marta
- Playa Charquitos: a small and peaceful beach
- 8. Playa Blanca: a stunning but unmistakable tourist trap
- 9. Aquario
- 9. Private beaches on Barú Island
- 10. Urban beaches in Cartagena
- Choosing the right beach also depends on your personal preferences
1. Playa San Luis: the wild beauty of San Andrés Island
If you are longing for a beach where you feel among locals rather than tourists, Playa San Luis on the eastern coast of San Andrés is the perfect choice. The sea was wilder here, with waves the children especially enjoyed, and the atmosphere felt much more relaxed than in the center. You can enjoy the beach to the fullest and there is nothing to complain about, except for the very limited selection of hotels and restaurants nearby. On the other hand, that is exactly what helps the beach keep its peaceful and untamed vibe.
2. Playa Cristal: the crystal‑clear gem of Tayrona
For lovers of untouched nature and peaceful scenery, Playa Cristal in Tayrona National Park is the right place to be. Its beautiful white sand and the surrounding greenery create an incredible Caribbean atmosphere. The water is crystal clear, although the underwater world is not extremely rich, since the fish and corals are rather modest.
Calmness is the first thing you notice here, and even though there are quite a few tourists, you can still find a quieter spot. What makes this place stand out is the scenery and the peaceful surroundings, which create a very pleasant vibe. On the downside, the higher entrance fee and the limited time you can stay may feel restrictive, since the boats have to take you back.
3. Cabo San Juan and La Piscina: the iconic duo of Tayrona
Cabo San Juan is one of the most iconic beaches in Tayrona. Two coves with soft sand, palm trees, and turquoise water create the classic Caribbean postcard scene. Rising in the middle is a rocky outcrop with a small lookout hut, offering a beautiful panoramic view. As stunning as the place is, we found it a bit too crowded for our taste.
What impressed us the most was the nearby beach La Piscina, where we managed to find a small stretch of sand just for ourselves and fully enjoy its beauty. Even more memorable than the beach itself was the walk leading to it. Stunning views and occasional encounters with wildlife turn the entire hike into an experience you won’t forget.
4. Playa Spratt Bight: the vibrant heart of central San Andrés
Playa Spratt Bight sits right in the heart of San Andrés town and blends everyday convenience with a touch of Caribbean charm. On our first day, the lively atmosphere with music and crowds took us by surprise. Yet the next afternoon we managed to find a quieter spot and enjoy a beautiful view of Johnny Cay.
One clear advantage of this beach is how convenient everything feels, and the shoreline itself is impressively clean. At the same time, the downside becomes obvious in the afternoon, when large crowds start to gather.
5. Playa Zarpada – a quiet corner of San Andrés
On Playa Zarpada we found a quiet corner of San Andrés, far from crowds and tourist noise. While the sand isn’t as soft as on other beaches, the overall setting feels more natural and authentic. Unfortunately, there were quite a lot of seaweed during our visit. Yet the beach still ranks among the prettier ones we came across.
A big advantage here is the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to enjoy the sea almost on your own. On the other hand, the weaker services and the less appealing access to the water make it less attractive compared to other beaches on the island.
6. Bahia Concha – a local, laid‑back escape near Santa Marta
Bahia Concha sits just outside Santa Marta and offers a completely different experience compared to the tourist‑heavy beaches of Tayrona or San Andrés. Because you can reach it by car, the area is more accessible and naturally a bit busier. The beach stretches long and sandy, framed by mountains and carrying a distinctly local vibe. You’ll see plenty of families spending their weekend here, which adds to its authentic atmosphere.
The water here feels pleasantly calm, making it suitable even for small children. Another advantage is the easy accessibility and the relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere. On the downside, the area tends to get noisier and lacks the more tropical feel you find on other beaches.
Playa Charquitos: a small and peaceful beach
Playa Charquitos lies on the western coast of San Andrés. The beach is wide and sandy, but rocks appear right at the shoreline. So you can enter the water safely only through a narrow strip of sand. The sea here feels calmer and almost lagoon‑like, giving the place a unique character. Its beautiful scenery and fewer tourists are definite advantages. While the limited swimming options count as the main downside.
8. Playa Blanca: a stunning but unmistakable tourist trap
Playa Blanca sits on Barú Island near Cartagena and at first glance looks like a true Caribbean paradise, with white sand and turquoise water. The soft sand and crystal‑clear sea create ideal conditions for relaxing, swimming, and taking photos. Toward the back of the beach, where fewer people wander, you’ll find a calmer atmosphere and quiet corners where you can enjoy the Caribbean vibe without the crowds.
But the beach also has its darker side. The vendors operate almost like one “family,” coordinating among themselves and trying to get money out of tourists from the moment they arrive. Open tabs at beach bars, massages, sunbed rentals, or boat transfers can all be risky. If you don’t agree on the price upfront and pay the exact amount, you might end up being scammed. We saw people being charged for meals they never ordered, and even we were short‑changed with money that was never returned.
9. Aquario
Aquario is a place where you suddenly find yourself surrounded by hundreds of fish swimming right beside you. Stunning turquoise and deep blue tones shift across the sea. And the tiny island feels wonderfully exotic thanks to its lush greenery and tall palm trees. Snorkeling in the crystal‑clear water is the main highlight, with fish that aren’t shy at all and make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a giant natural aquarium.
One downside of Aquario is that it gets very crowded as the day goes on. Which affects both the overall experience and the ability to snorkel. If you decide to visit, aim for early morning when there are far fewer people. And use that time for snorkeling and walking around the islet to enjoy its beauty to the fullest.
9. Private beaches on Barú Island
If you’re specifically planning to visit the beaches around Cartagena, whether on the Rosario Islands or Barú, a good alternative to the typical tourist traps is staying at a hotel with a private beach or buying a day pass for one. Some of these beaches are stunning, others less so, but you’ll enjoy peace, an undisturbed atmosphere. And most importantly, you won’t have to stay constantly on guard.
The main drawback is the very high price, starting at 100€ per person, which is simply too much for a family of four. Especially when you consider that beaches on San Andrés are free. That’s why we chose a more affordable resort with its own private beach. But the water had a brownish color and we were advised not to swim due to possible sediment.
10. Urban beaches in Cartagena
Beaches directly in the city of Cartagena feel more like a standard resort area. With water that isn’t particularly clear and constant noise all around. Easy accessibility is a plus, but the quality of the sea and the overall atmosphere make the experience far less appealing.
Choosing the right beach also depends on your personal preferences
If you’re looking for relaxation, privacy, and a safe environment, San Andrés is the ideal choice. While Tayrona National Park offers an unforgettable mix of nature, palm trees, and dramatic coastal scenery. Beaches around Cartagena can be beautiful, but tourist traps and heavy crowds often spoil the experience. So a private beach or a day pass is definitely worth considering.
Wherever you choose to go, Colombia rewards you with unforgettable views, turquoise water, and an atmosphere that stays with you long after you leave. It’s really just about picking what matters most to you. Peace and relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both. And giving yourself a few days to wander along the beaches and soak in the beauty of the Caribbean.
