Hello! If you’re on the hunt for the best beaches in Colombia, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll showcase Colombia’s finest beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Get ready to discover paradise—tropical escapes brimming with nature and breathtaking scenery.
In this travel guide, drawn from our own experiences, we’ll not only showcase the top beaches in Colombia, South America, but also provide you with essential tips on how to reach them and useful recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.
Let’s dive in:
Top Beaches in Colombia:
1. Tayrona National Natural Park
Our list of the top beaches in Colombia begins with Tayrona National Natural Park, located just 45 minutes from the city of Santa Marta. This beach destination offers a perfect mix of wild nature, adventure, and stunning landscapes.
Tayrona offers a truly unique beach experience, but note that it has several entrances. The main entrance, called Zaino, provides access to popular beaches like Cabo San Juan, Arenilla, and La Piscinita. Another entry point, Palangana, leads to Playa Cristal, widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Colombia.
To reach Tayrona’s main entrance from Santa Marta, you can take a bus from the Public Market or book this tour with included transfers. Keep in mind that from Zaino, you’ll need to walk a couple of hours to reach the beaches. To get to Palangana and visit Playa Cristal, this day trip is a great option.
If you want to stay overnight in Tayrona, you can only do so in the Zaino sector, with accommodations like Hotel Jasayma, Camping Tequendama, Ecohabs Bamboo and Ecohabs Tequendama. Near the park entrance, options include Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs, Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge, The Journey Hostel and Origen Hostel.
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How to book the 1-day Tayrona tour with transportation from Santa Marta? Securing your visit to the park’s main beaches is very easy. Just click here now to see the detailed description of the plan, the price, what’s included, and reviews from other travelers. Then, select the desired date, the number of attendees, and click the "book" button to complete your details and proceed with the payment.
The advantage of booking any of these tours in Santa Marta is that, after making the payment, you get immediate confirmation. They also offer 24/7 customer service. If any issues arise or you need to cancel or reschedule the travel date, you can manage a 100% refund easily up to 48 hours before the activity with just a few clicks.
To see the price and more details of the Tayrona tour, click here!
2. Rincón del Mar: Hidden Beaches of Colombia
Rincón del Mar is a charming fishing village located just 2 hours from Cartagena de Indias. Here, you can immerse yourself in the authentic flavor of the Colombian Caribbean, discover Afro-Colombian traditions, and, of course, enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia.
In this little village, you’ll find the perfect destination to disconnect from the daily grind. You can watch the sunset from the beach, learn to dive, canoe through mangroves, hike in the dry tropical forest in search of sloths and birds, or simply unwind in a hammock.
To reach the Colombian beaches of Rincón del Mar, take a bus from Cartagena de Indias to the town of San Onofre, located in the Sucre department. The journey takes about 2 hours, followed by a 30-minute mototaxi ride.
If you want to experience the best beaches in Colombia, we recommend staying at least 3 nights in Rincón del Mar. Suggested accommodations include: Dos Aguas Lodge, Hostel Blue Sea, Hostel Beach House, Mamallena Beachside, Hostal Casa en la Ciénaga, Merakai Hostel, Hotel Casa Sattva, and Eco-Camping Mango Feliz.
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Tips for Booking Good, Cheap, and Cheerful Accommodation: If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best and most economical accommodations will already be booked, and you’ll have to settle for what is available.
Booking.com is our preferred website for booking accommodations without having to pay in advance. If you click here, you can get a discount of 15% or more. After entering your destination and travel date, you can filter by price, location, accommodation type, and read reviews from other travelers.
By frequently booking through Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no additional cost. This will help you secure more economical rates and additional benefits that will allow you to save on your trip.
Click here to book accommodation with a discount of 15% or more!
3. Nuquí, Chocó
Nuquí, located in the Chocó department, is a destination where ocean and jungle meet, offering a deep cultural and natural immersion. Here, you’ll enjoy delicious traditional cuisine, disconnect from the internet, and take in the beauty of some of Colombia’s best beaches.
This charming Pacific destination not only offers access to some of Colombia’s paradise beaches but is also a safe place to explore the biodiversity of one of the country’s most fascinating jungles. If you visit between July and October, you can witness the migration of humpback whales.
However, keep in mind that reaching Nuquí can be a bit challenging, as there are no land connections to the rest of the country. The only way to get there is by air from Bogotá and Medellín, but flights are available only on certain days of the week. You can inquire about organized trips here.
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.
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Travel Package: Total disconnection in Nuquí - 4 days / 3 nights
Discover the magic of Nuquí, a destination that invites you to completely disconnect while enjoying breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking for peaceful beaches, jungle adventures, and unique encounters with nature, this trip is for you.
It includes accommodation in a comfortable private room by the sea, full meals, a beach walk to the Cascada del Amor, and a relaxing soak in natural hot springs. Flights from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali are not included, but if you’d like, we can arrange them for you!
Price per person from: $1,484,000 COP
4. Rosario Islands: Colombian beaches near Cartagena
The Rosario Islands are part of an archipelago of over 30 islands that belong to the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park. These islands, located off the coast of Cartagena, are destinations in Colombia with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Of all the Rosario Islands, we recommend Isla Grande, Isla Múcura, and Tintipán. Isla Grande is 2 hours away by boat from Cartagena. There, you can explore the fascinating mangrove channels by kayak, visit the village of Orika, discover marine life, and enjoy some of the best beaches in Colombia.
Isla Múcura and Tintipán are beach destinations in Colombia perfect for relaxing and having a bit of adventure. You can go diving, walk through the dry forest, or see bioluminescent plankton. They are definitely a couple of islands to visit and disconnect from the routine.
To reach any of these islands, you can take a boat from the Bodeguita dock in Cartagena, or book this catamaran tour. On Isla Grande, you can spend the night at: Hotel Islabela, Isla del Sol Hotel, and El Hamaquero Hostel. On Isla Múcura: Múcura Club Hotel and Punta Faro Hotel. On Tintipán: Puntanorte Hotel.
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Recommended: Excursion to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena
How to book the catamaran tour of the Rosario Islands? It’s very easy and safe! You just need to click on this link to see the tour price, what’s included, and the details of the experience. Then, choose your desired date, the number of passengers, and confirm availability before paying online.
The catamaran tour of the Rosario Islands starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 5:00 p.m. The tour includes a welcome drink made with fresh fruit, beverages such as juices, lemonade, and mineral water, a mid-morning snack, lunch, snorkeling equipment rental, and entrance to the national park.
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5. La Guajira: Cabo de La Vela and Punta Gallinas
If you want to see the most beautiful beaches in Colombia, you definitely need to visit La Guajira, particularly Cabo de La Vela and Punta Gallinas, at the northern tip of South America. In these places, you’ll find stunning landscapes, learn about Wayuu culture, and of course, enjoy golden sandy beaches.
The department of La Guajira is home to many of Colombia’s beautiful beaches. Traveling to this destination offers a sensory journey of strong social contrasts, where you can enjoy breathtaking beaches, sand dunes, rocky cliffs, and one of the most fascinating indigenous cultures in the country.
To reach the best beaches of Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, you first need to get to the city of Riohacha. You can do this by plane from the major cities in the country or by land from Santa Marta, Cartagena de Indias, or Barranquilla.
From Riohacha, the safest and most comfortable way to visit La Guajira is to travel in a 4×4 vehicle and be accompanied by a local guide who knows the region and can take you to other must-see places like Taroa Dunes, Pilón de Azúcar, and the Manaure Salt Flats. Here you can request more info about available tours.
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Recommended Tour: La Guajira, Cabo de la Vela, and Punta Gallinas - 3 days / 2 nights
On this tour, you will visit Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, have time to swim at the beaches of Mayapo, Punta Arcoiris, and Pilón de Azúcar, explore the Taroa dunes desert, the lighthouses, and enjoy the viewpoints of Bahía Honda and Bahía Portete.
The trip starts in the city of Riohacha at 8 a.m. and the package includes transportation in a 4x4 vehicle, accommodation in a typical ranchería, full meals, activities, and travel insurance.
Trip available every day from Riohacha!
Price per person from: $832,000 COP
6. Palomino: Best Beaches in Colombia
Palomino is another of the beach destinations in Colombia. It is a small Caribbean village located in the department of La Guajira, less than 2 hours from the city of Santa Marta. It is a charming destination where you can also enjoy many rivers and dreamy landscapes.
In addition to being home to some of the best beaches in Colombia, Palomino is an excellent destination for nature lovers. Located between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Caribbean Sea, it boasts enormous biodiversity.
Palomino offers a wide variety of activities. From the thrilling experience of tubing down the river to its mouth at the beach, exploring natural trails that lead to waterfalls, surfing, and interacting with the indigenous Kogui, Wiwa, or Arhuaco communities.
Getting to Palomino is very easy, as all the buses heading to Riohacha pass through there. You can take a bus from Santa Marta or even from Cartagena. We recommend spending at least 2 nights in Palomino. Consider staying at: Casa del Pavo Real Boutique Hostel, Palomino Sunrise, Tiki Hut Hostel, Makao Beach Hotel, and Finca Escondida.
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Recommended: Free tour of Santa Marta’s historic center
How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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7. National Natural Park Bahía Málaga
Bahía Málaga is one of the most impressive national parks in the country. It is located in the department of Valle del Cauca, just 4 hours from Cali and off the coast of Buenaventura. An essential destination for those wishing to enjoy the whale season and visit some of Colombia’s tourist beaches.
In this park, you will also be amazed by its immense biodiversity of flora and wildlife. You can explore the mangrove paths by kayak, swim in the natural pools of the waterfalls of La Sierpe, El Ostional, and Las Tres Marías, and visit the beautiful beaches of Juan de Dios, La Barra, and Ladrilleros.
Additionally, you can enjoy local cuisine and try typical drinks like arrechón, viche, and tumbacatre. Without a doubt, Bahía Málaga is much more than just one of the best beach destinations in Colombia; it is a perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities and immerse yourself in the flavors of the Afro-Colombian Pacific.
To reach the National Park Bahía Málaga, you first need to get to Buenaventura. You can do this by bus from Cali or Medellín, or by plane from Bogotá. Once in Buenaventura, head to the tourist dock, where you can take a boat that will take you to the park in about an hour.
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Recommended Tour: Adventure in Bahía Málaga - 4 Days / 3 Nights
Traveling to Bahía Málaga National Park is a sensory experience in the heart of the Colombian Pacific, perfect for couples or families seeking adventure while exploring one of the richest ecosystems in flora and fauna.
This 4-day plan includes round-trip transportation from Buenaventura pier, accommodation in a double room at a hotel with a pool and sea view, meals, an ecological tour through estuaries and mangroves, and medical assistance insurance.
Price per person: $976,000 COP
8. San Andrés: Top beaches in Colombia
If you are coming from abroad and looking for beaches in Colombia to visit, you have surely heard about San Andrés Island, home to some of the most famous beaches in the country. This small island is located in the middle of the Caribbean, in fact, much closer to Nicaragua than to South America.
When planning your trip to San Andrés Island, keep in mind that the commercial area and beautiful beaches are located in the north of the island. To the east, in the San Luis neighborhood, you will find less crowded but equally charming beaches. The southwest offers wilder landscapes, with few places to swim but many to dive.
San Andrés is one of the best beach destinations in Colombia because it also offers you the chance to stroll through the cays of Johnny Cay, El Acuario, and Haynes Cay. Additionally, a must-do activity is to circle the island in a golf cart, motorcycle, or bicycle, discovering small secluded beaches along the way.
How to get there and where to stay: You can only get to San Andrés by plane. Upon arrival, it is mandatory to pay a tourism tax. Accommodations near the main beach: Hotel Casablanca, Caribbean Island Hotel, Hostal Marlyn, and Villa San Miguel. On San Luis beaches: Zippy’s Sea View and Apartamentos Sound Bay.
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Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
GuruWalk: Exclusively for free walking tours worldwide. Civitatis: Offers a wide variety of tours, guided visits, and excursions in hundreds of destinations. Denomades: Specializes in nature and adventure activities in Latin America.
On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
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Book the best tours in Latin America on Denomades
9. Bahía Solano, Chocó
Chocó is one of the coastal areas in Colombia that hosts a huge number of secret beaches. An example of this is the beaches of the municipality of Bahía Solano, located between the humid tropical rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. This region is home to thousands of migratory species, such as humpback whales, whale sharks, and sea turtles.
Bahía Solano is a safe tourist destination where you can discover some of the beautiful beaches in Colombia. Among the most notable are the beaches of Huina, El Valle, and those in the Natural National Park of Ensenada de Utría, where you can also enjoy activities like whale watching and releasing sea turtles.
To reach the beautiful beaches of Bahía Solano, you need to take a flight from Medellín. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, but it is not a very commercial route, so flights are scarce and tend to sell out or increase in price quickly. Here you can inquire about whale watching trips.
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Recommended: Turtle release in Bahía Solano, Chocó - 4 Days / 3 Nights
In this unforgettable trip to Bahía Solano, you will enjoy a natural and cultural environment that offers you the chance to discover the rich diversity of the Chocó Pacific and participate in the exciting activity of sea turtle release.
This package includes accommodation in a comfortable double room by the beach, meals, a hike through the tropical rainforest to Los Deseos Beach and the Riachuelos de Juná, as well as an excursion to El Valle for the turtle release. Flights are not included, but we can arrange them for you.
Price per person starting at $1,787,000 COP
10. Capurganá: Secret Beaches in Colombia
Capurganá is one of the beach destinations in Colombia that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Located in the department of Chocó, it is one of the few places in the Pacific region that geographically faces the Atlantic Ocean.
In this remote and unexplored paradise, you will find some of the best beaches to visit in Colombia, enjoying a charming contrast between a small Caribbean island and the dense rainforest. Additionally, it is a perfect destination for diving and exploring the richness of its coral reefs.
When thinking about visiting beaches in Colombia, Capurganá should be on your list. There you will find ideal beaches for relaxation and disconnection. Other places you cannot miss include the fishing village of Sapzurro, the natural reserves of La Coquerita and El Cielo, and the neighboring town of La Miel in Panama.
The fastest, most comfortable, and safest way to visit Capurganá is by taking a flight from Medellín. Another option is to travel by land to Necoclí and then take a boat that takes approximately 2 hours to reach the beautiful beaches of Capurganá. By the way, here you can learn about 5 must-visit destinations in the Colombian Pacific.
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Are you planning to travel abroad? When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we forget that we can get sick, have an accident, be robbed, or need to return home earlier than expected due to a family member’s hospitalization.
If you want to travel with peace of mind and avoid worrying about excessive medical expenses or unexpected logistical issues, it’s essential to purchase international travel insurance. Moreover, in many Latin American and European countries, having travel insurance is mandatory to enter.
With this international insurance, you’ll have extensive coverage and 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp. To purchase the insurance, click here, choose the start date of your trip and its duration. The insurance is valid for any destination and can be purchased up to 72 hours before the departure date.
Click here to purchase the insurance and get a 5% discount!
Some travel packages that may interest you:
Package: Cultural and Natural Immersion in Gorgona - 4 days / 3 nights
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Colombian Pacific! Discover Gorgona Island, a natural paradise with pristine beaches and fascinating marine life, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Guapi.
This plan includes accommodation in a private room for couples in Guapi, meals, a hike to Yundigua Beach on Gorgona Island, a tour of the old prison, and a cultural tour featuring an artisan and marimba workshop. Flights are not included, but we can arrange them for you if desired.
Price per person from: $2,944,000 COP
Recommended tour: Ciudad Perdida from Santa Marta - 4 days / 3 nights
This 4-day trip to Ciudad Perdida includes 4x4 transportation from Santa Marta. We can pick you up in the historic center, El Rodadero, Taganga, or downtown Minca, and drop you off at the entrance of Tayrona on the way back.
The tour also includes accommodation in local campesino and indigenous camps, all meals, hydration, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), a guided tour, entrance fees, and medical assistance insurance.
Guaranteed departures every day!
Discounted price per person: $1,800,000 COP
Sale valid for travel until December 31, 2024. After that, the regular rate will be $2,150,000 COP.
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