Best beaches in Colombia | Our top picks

Colombia beaches aren’t all sunshine and palm trees, though you’ll find plenty of that too. From the Caribbean’s white-sand hotspots to the Pacific’s wild, wave-crashed shores, Colombia offers a seriously diverse beach scene. Some are easy day trips. Others take a bit of effort to reach, but that’s half the fun. Whether you want to surf, snorkel, hike through the jungle, or just do nothing at all, these 15 beaches are the best places to start.

#1 Playa Blanca, Isla Barú

Playa Blanca is one of the busiest beaches in Colombia, but it still earns its spot for easy access and that classic Caribbean look. The sand is fine and white, the water warm and shallow, and you’ll find plenty of places to eat or rent a sunbed. The downside is the daily flood of tourists. Speedboats from Cartagena dump crowds on the beach by mid-morning, and loud music quickly takes over. Your best bet is to avoid the center altogether. Walk further south where it gets quieter, or spend the night to enjoy early mornings and calmer evenings.

Don’t expect pristine nature or luxury, but if you want to swim, sip a beer, and get back to Cartagena before dinner, this beach does the job. Better yet, stay overnight. The beach clears out after 4 pm, and you’ll get calm evenings and a chance to enjoy the place before it turns into party central again the next day. One of the best Colombia travel tips here is to avoid weekends and aim for early mornings or overnight stays to get the best experience.

How to get to Playa Blanca

Boat from Cartagena (45 minutes) or by road via Pasacaballos, plus a moto-taxi.

When to visit Playa Blanca

Best from December to March. Go on weekdays and early in the day.

#2 Playa Cristal, Tayrona National Park

Playa Cristal is one of the most peaceful and well-kept beaches in Tayrona. Visitor numbers are limited, which means the water stays clean and the atmosphere is laid-back. Unlike many other Tayrona beaches, you can swim here without risking your life. The sea is calm and clear, and there’s decent snorkeling near the coral reef just offshore. It’s not a large beach, but that works in its favor.

You’ll find simple huts selling fish and drinks, plus a few shaded areas. No hiking is required either, which makes it accessible for anyone not up for long walks in the heat. That also makes it a great option if you're visiting Colombia with kids. It’s not completely quiet, but it never feels overrun. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach inside Tayrona without the crowds or physical effort, this is it. Book a tour or go early to get a spot.

How to get to Playa Cristal

Boat from Taganga or enter Tayrona at El Zaino and arrange a park shuttle and boat.

When to visit Playa Cristal

December to March or July to August for the best weather and visibility.

#3 Cabo San Juan, Tayrona

Cabo San Juan is the most iconic beach in Tayrona, with twin bays separated by a rocky viewpoint topped with hammocks. It’s easily one of the best beaches in Colombia, though it doesn’t come easily. You’ll need to hike around two hours through forest trails to get here. The beach gets busy, especially in the middle of the day, but there’s still room to relax. One bay is good for swimming, while the other has stronger waves.

You’ll find a restaurant, bathrooms, and options to rent tents or hammocks if you want to stay overnight. That’s the best way to experience the place without the crowds. Wake up early, and you’ll have the beach nearly to yourself. It’s not remote or quiet, but the setting is spectacular, and it’s worth the hike if you want that classic jungle-meets-sea experience. Cabo San Juan is one of the best places to visit in Colombia if you want that postcard-perfect beach with dramatic views and tropical forest right behind you.

How to get to Cabo San Juan

Hike from the El Zaino entrance (about two hours). Horse rentals are available.

When to visit Cabo San Juan

Visit in the dry season from December to March. Arrive early to get a place to sleep.

#4 Playa Arrecifes, Tayrona National Park

Playa Arrecifes isn’t for swimming. Strong currents make the water dangerous, and signs warn you to stay out. But it still deserves a spot on this list because of its wild setting and quiet atmosphere. This is where you go to escape the crowds and take a breath. The long stretch of beach feels remote, backed by forest and with big waves pounding the shore. It's ideal for walking, reading, or just zoning out under a palm tree.

There are a few eco-lodges and campsites nearby, so you can stay overnight and enjoy the sound of the surf without the chaos of more popular spots. It’s also a good stop on your way to Cabo San Juan if you’re hiking through the park. You won’t get the picture-perfect swim here, but you will get space, shade, and silence.

How to get to Playa Arrecifes

Enter Tayrona at El Zaino and walk for around 45 minutes on a flat trail.

When to visit Playa Arrecifes

Visit from December to March for the best weather and easier hiking.

#5 Palomino

Palomino is more about the vibe than the beach itself. The waves are rough and swimming can be risky, but that doesn’t stop people from coming. If you’re backpacking in Colombia, this is one of the essential coastal stops, thanks to its cheap hostels, yoga decks, and tubing adventures. The big draw is river tubing. You take a motorbike and a short hike into the hills, then float back down the jungle-lined Palomino River all the way to the sea.

The beach is wide, backed by palm trees, and rarely crowded. If you want to surf, there are a few rental spots on the beach. If you want to do nothing, that’s fine too. Just bring cash, there’s only one ATM, and it doesn’t always work. Palomino is laid-back, cheap, and rough around the edges, but that’s the appeal.

How to get to Palomino

Bus from Santa Marta toward Riohacha. It takes about two hours. Walk 15 minutes from the main road. 

When to visit Palomino

Best from December to March. May to October is wetter and less reliable.

#6 Costeño Beach

Costeño Beach is the low-key alternative to Palomino. It’s just down the road but has a quieter, surf-focused crowd. The beach is wide, wild, and almost always has waves. This isn’t a place for luxury resorts or cocktails in coconuts. Most of the places to stay are simple bungalows or dorm-style hostels, often with hammocks strung between the trees.

Expect long walks on the beach, loud waves at night, and a few cold beers at the bar. There’s not much else to do, which is kind of the point. If you want Tayrona’s natural setting without the crowds, this is a solid pick. The sea can be too rough for casual swimmers, but surfers will find decent breaks. It’s easy to reach and hard to leave, especially if you’re happy with just sand, sun, and sleep.

How to get to Costeño Beach

Take a bus from Santa Marta toward Palomino. Ask the driver to stop at Costeño. Walk or take a motor-taxi from the road.

When to visit Costeño Beach

Best from December to April. Surf season peaks around September to November.

#7 Isla Múcura, San Bernardo Islands

Isla Múcura is one of the more peaceful islands off Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and there’s a laid-back, no-shoes-needed vibe. It’s part of the San Bernardo archipelago, but it’s far less chaotic than Isla Barú or the Rosario Islands. You’ll find small eco-resorts, hammocks by the sea, and quiet spots for snorkeling or kayaking. It’s not completely untouched, some areas have been built up, but it still feels like a proper escape.

There’s no nightlife and very little Wi-Fi, which is exactly the point. Some beaches are reserved for hotel guests, so public access can be limited, but it’s easy enough to find your own patch of sand. If you want a slower pace and clearer water without the Cartagena crowds, Múcura is a strong option.

How to get to Isla Múcura

Boat from Tolú (90 minutes) or Cartagena (about 2 hours). Sea conditions can be rough.

When to visit Isla Múcura

December to April is dry and sunny. Avoid weekends for a quieter stay.

#8 Isla Grande, Rosario Islands

Isla Grande is the biggest of the Rosario Islands and one of the easiest island getaways from Cartagena. It’s not a single stretch of sand, but a collection of small beaches, coves, and mangrove channels. Snorkeling and paddleboarding are popular, and some spots offer coral reef access right off the shore. It’s more rustic than polished, with sandy trails, simple guesthouses, and limited power at night.

Some beaches are part of private resorts, so check before wandering in. The island can feel busy on weekends, but if you stay overnight, you'll see a different side: quiet mornings, glowing sunsets, and star-filled skies. It’s not luxury, and service can be hit or miss, but the laid-back feel is what makes it work. Bring mosquito spray, cash, and patience.

How to get to Isla Grande

Daily boats from Cartagena’s Muelle de la Bodeguita. Travel time is around 45 minutes.

When to visit Isla Grande

Visit from January to March for the best sea conditions. Avoid public holidays.

#9 Capurganá

Capurganá sits on Colombia’s far northwest coast, near the border with Panama. There are no roads in or out, just jungle, boats, and trails, which gives it a remote, end-of-the-line feel. The main beach is a mix of sand and rocks, with clear, swimmable water and a few low-key beach bars. Hike inland and you’ll find natural pools and waterfalls. It’s a great spot if you're looking to mix beach time with other things to do in Colombia, from jungle treks to cross-border hikes into Panama.

The town itself is small and laid-back, with no big resorts and little nightlife beyond a few reggae bars. If you want a Colombia beaches experience far from the usual tourist routes, Capurganá delivers. It’s rustic, humid, and harder to reach, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

How to get to Capurganá

Fly from Medellín to Acandí, then take a boat. Or take a boat directly from Turbo or Necoclí.

When to visit Capurganá

December to April is the driest. September and October bring heavy rain.

#10 Sapzurro

Sapzurro is even quieter than Capurganá, just a 20-minute boat ride away, but with a totally different pace. This sleepy village sits in a bay shaped like a half-moon, with calm water, soft sand, and lush green hills behind it. There are no cars, just sandy footpaths, boats, and a handful of guesthouses and cafes. You can walk to La Miel, a beach on the Panama side, by following a short trail over the hill. It’s a fun border crossing, complete with passport checks and a cold beer on the other side. Snorkeling is decent near the rocks, and boats can take you to nearby coves.

There’s not much to do here except relax, eat fresh fish, and swim. That’s the charm. If you’re already in Capurganá, staying an extra day or two in Sapzurro is an easy decision.

How to get to Sapzurro

Take a boat from Capurganá (20 minutes) or hike the forest trail between the two towns.

When to visit Sapzurro

Go from December to April for dry weather and smooth boat rides.

#11 Guachalito Beach, Nuquí

Guachalito is one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in Colombia. It’s part of the Pacific coast, so expect black volcanic sand, lush rainforest, and crashing surf. You won’t find resorts, bars, or crowds. Instead, there are a few eco-lodges scattered along the shore, most reachable only by boat. Waterfalls, hot springs, and jungle hikes are all nearby. The beach stretches for kilometers with barely anyone in sight.

Between July and October, humpback whales pass through the area, and some lodges offer boat tours to see them up close. The setting is raw and wild, and the experience is all about disconnecting. Electricity is limited, Wi-Fi is weak, and the focus is on nature. Guachalito isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for something remote and real, it doesn’t get much better.

How to get to Guachalito

Fly to Nuquí from Medellín. Then take a 30 to 45-minute boat south along the coast.

When to visit Guachalito

July to October for whales. January to March for drier, more reliable weather.

#12 El Valle, near Bahía Solano

El Valle is a quiet village on the Pacific coast, just south of Bahía Solano. It’s not polished, but that’s part of its appeal. The beach is wide, empty, and backed by thick rainforest. The waves are strong and constant, making it more suited to walking or surfing than swimming. You can hike to waterfalls, visit natural pools, or take a boat to nearby beaches like Huina.

From July to October, humpback whales pass close to shore and tours leave daily. The town itself is small, with a few hostels and simple restaurants. Life moves slowly here, and most travelers come to relax, watch wildlife, and explore nature without the crowds. If Guachalito is full or too remote, El Valle is a great alternative that’s easier to reach and just as wild.

How to get to El Valle

Fly to Bahía Solano from Medellín. Then take a jeep or taxi south to El Valle (around 40 minutes).

When to visit El Valle

Best from July to October for whales. January to March is drier and good for hiking.,

#13 Playa Cuevita, Nuquí

Playa Cuevita is one of the lesser-known beaches near Nuquí, and that’s exactly why it stands out. The beach is a sweeping curve of dark sand, backed by rainforest and usually empty except for a few locals or the occasional traveler. It’s not a place with restaurants or deck chairs. It’s raw and peaceful, with just the sound of waves and birds in the trees. The water is rough, so it’s not ideal for swimming, but the setting is perfect for long walks and sunsets.

Some eco-lodges in the area offer day trips or stays nearby. You can also spot whales offshore during the season. Bring mosquito spray, good shoes, and a willingness to go without a mobile signal. Cuevita isn’t a destination beach, but it’s a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the wild side of Colombia’s Pacific coast.

How to get to Playa Cuevita

Fly to Nuquí. Hire a boat or walk along the coast from town (about 40 minutes).

When to visit Playa Cuevita

July to October for whales. January to March for better hiking conditions.

#14 Punta Gallinas

Punta Gallinas is the northernmost point of South America, where golden sand dunes roll straight into the Caribbean Sea. It’s not your typical beach day. This is desert meets ocean, with strong wind, remote landscapes, and hardly any people. The beach near the Punta Gallinas lighthouse is windswept and surreal, great for photos and sunset views. Swimming is possible in calm spots, but the wind can whip up waves quickly.

Most people visit on guided multi-day tours from Riohacha or Uribia, sleeping in hammocks at rustic ranches run by the local Wayuu people. It’s more about the journey than the beach itself, but the combination of solitude, dramatic scenery, and cultural experience makes it worth it. Don’t expect comfort, but do expect a complete change of scenery from the rest of Colombia’s coastline.

How to get to Punta Gallinas

Join a 4x4 tour from Riohacha or Uribia. Travel is long and dusty, but part of the experience.

When to visit Punta Gallinas

Visit from December to May. Avoid July and August when winds are strongest.

#15 Playa Manzanillo, Providencia

Providencia is home to Colombia’s best-kept beach secrets, and Playa Manzanillo might be the best of the lot. This relaxed curve of white sand sits on the island’s east coast, with calm water, coconut palms, and barely anyone around. A single rustic beach shack plays reggae and serves fresh seafood, usually with a side of rum. The water is warm and impossibly clear, with a reef just offshore if you want to snorkel.

The island itself is part of Colombia but feels closer to the Caribbean islands of Nicaragua, both geographically and culturally. English Creole is widely spoken, reggae is the soundtrack, and time moves slower here. It’s not for people looking for nightlife or fast Wi-Fi. It’s for people who want hammocks, ocean breezes, and complete calm.

How to get to Playa Manzanillo

Fly to San Andrés, then take a small plane to Providencia (around 20 minutes). Hire a scooter or a taxi to reach the beach.

When to visit Playa Manzanillo

Best from January to May. October and November are the rainiest.