Whether you’re drawn to Colombia by its rich culture, high-altitude hiking, wildlife-rich rainforests, or energetic cities, you’ll want to linger to enjoy the country’s glorious beaches. With coasts on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Colombia boasts a plethora of untouched sands waiting for your beach towel. From healthy, fish-filled coral reefs to dramatic sand dunes and swaying palms, Colombia’s jungle-hemmed beaches are guaranteed to uplift your spirit.
Water temperatures are typically warm, enhancing experiences like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. Along the Pacific shoreline, rare leatherback and hawksbill turtles often appear, while the Caribbean coast features remarkably healthy coral reefs, housing vibrant schools of reef fish and rare shark species, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
Playa Blanca, Isla de Barú
Best beach for backpackers
Located beyond Cartagena’s city walls, the island of Barú offers 3km (1.9 miles) of sun-bleached white sand with mirror-calm waters. Many day tours from Cartagena bring visitors to Playa Blanca. To fully enjoy the calm, crystalline waters, consider renting a beach bed from one of the oceanfront beach clubs.
You can unwind on your beachside berth as vendors stroll by, offering snacks, drinks, and massages. Don’t miss the chance to try the local favorite, the coco loco cocktail (rum, vodka, tequila, and coconut cream). If you’re feeling adventurous, jet skiing or paragliding can also be arranged at the beach clubs.
As tours tend to arrive around noon and leave by 4pm, after this time, the beautiful beach clears, providing a tranquil atmosphere. Consider spending the night in a hammock or rustic cabin, then paddleboard at night to catch a glimpse of bioluminescent plankton—an extraordinary experience.
Bocagrande, Cartagena
Best city beach in Cartagena
If convenience tops your list, head to Cartagena’s Bocagrande, the city’s vibrant beach scene. The gray-sand beaches along this urban peninsula are the place to be seen on sunny days. When the weather is nice, local families gather for lively sunbathing and fun.
With numerous bars along the seafront and plenty of wandering vendors, you’ll easily find chilled drinks and tasty snacks. For a more relaxed day, consider renting umbrellas and sunbeds from one of the nearby hotels.
Playa San Luis, San Andrés
Best beach for escaping the crowds
San Andrés is a popular destination for locals seeking an escape from the cold Andean climate. Playa San Luis, located on the east coast, is ideal for those looking to unwind. Accessible via golf cart or scooter rental, Playa San Luis offers balmy waters year-round and excellent underwater visibility, perfect for snorkeling amidst tropical fish.
On land, nearby bars and restaurants offer fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails. To reach San Andrés, you can fly from major cities like Bogotá, Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, or Medellín.
Southwest Bay, Providencia
Best beach for scuba diving
Just 90km (56 miles) north of San Andrés, Providencia is smaller and noted for its stunning beauty. The longest beach on this emerald island, Southwest Bay, features gentle waters that conceal the third-largest coral reef globally, providing a brilliant display of marine life.
Part of the Seaflower Unesco Biosphere Reserve, the area is teeming with marine biodiversity, making it a fantastic place for snorkeling and scuba diving in warm waters filled with turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish.
Playa La Caleta, Capurganá
Best beach for snorkeling
At the very tip of Colombia, the village of Capurganá offers some of the country’s most breathtaking beaches. Playa La Caleta, located in a serene horseshoe bay, is known for its golden sands and is ideal for soaking up the sun.
The real jewel, however, lies beneath the crystalline waters, pristine for snorkeling. This area is home to an abundance of tropical fish and endangered turtles. To catch the birthing of turtles, visit between March and June.
Playa Taroa, La Guajira
Best beach for remote, pristine wilderness
If you seek a secluded escape, Playa Taroa at the northern edge of Colombia is unparalleled. The soft, orange-hued sand dunes dramatically slope into the clear, aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. Getting there requires effort—a seven-hour drive from Riohacha—yet it rewards travelers with almost solitude on this waterfront paradise.
Playa del Pilón, La Guajira
Best beach for dazzling ocean views
Cabo de la Vela offers stunning ocean views once you reach the top of Pilón de Azúcar, a sacred hill for indigenous Wayuu people. Descend to Playa del Pilón, where calm waters make for perfect swimming, thanks to the gentle waves.
Playa Terco, Nuquí
Best beach for surfing
Accessible only by boat, Playa Terco is renowned for its consistent surf, reaching swells of up to 2m (8ft). The nearby town of Nuquí can only be reached from Medellín via flight. This region is a hotspot for lucky travelers who might spot humpback whales during the breeding season.
La Piscina, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Best beach for swimming in paradise
Colombia’s Caribbean coast beckons adventurous tourists eager to enjoy pristine nature. La Piscina, renowned for its calm, inviting waters, is the ideal swimming oasis amid 8km (5 miles) of beautiful beaches within the national park.
Playa Cristal, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Best beach for a scenic backdrop
While visiting Tayrona National Park, don’t miss Playa Cristal, named for its clear waters. The beach, accessible by a 40-minute boat ride, has a stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, enhancing its natural beauty.
Isla Múcura, Islas de San Bernardo
Best beach for an overnight stay
Isla Múcura, part of the Islas de San Bernardo, offers palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious accommodations. This paradise is celebrated for excellent snorkeling and beautiful hotels overlooking serene beaches.
Playa La Barra, Parque Nacional Natural Uramba Bahía Málaga
Best beach for sunsets
With pristine rainforests surrounding Playa La Barra, visitors can enjoy peaceful solitude. As the sun sets, this beach promises stunning views, perfect for relaxing with a cold drink.
