Rincón del Mar is one of the most authentic destinations in the Colombian Caribbean, a hidden gem of white sand beaches and unique biodiversity reflected in its mangroves, forests, and coral reefs. In this travel guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to visit Rincón del Mar.
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Where is Rincón del Mar and how to get there
Rincón del Mar is a small town in the municipality of San Onofre, in the department of Sucre, located about 120 kilometers from Cartagena de Indias. It is one of the most charming destinations on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, known for its peaceful beaches and community-based tourism.
To get to Rincón del Mar from Cartagena, go to the bus terminal and take a bus to San Onofre. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Once there, you’ll need to take a motorcycle taxi that will take you to the town’s beaches in 30 minutes.
If you’re traveling from Medellín, Bogotá, or Cali, you can fly to Cartagena, the closest airport, and then continue your journey by road. There are also bus routes from Medellín or Bogotá to San Onofre, although the trip is quite long. Another option is to arrive from Tolú or Coveñas by boat.
Find cheap flights to Cartagena
Recommended hotels in Rincón del Mar
In Rincón del Mar, you’ll find several accommodation options, ranging from hostels and native inns to hotels and beachfront cabins. In our opinion, the best place to stay is Dos Aguas Lodge, a beautiful project built with regional materials by local artisans, located between the beach and the mangroves.
At Dos Aguas Lodge you can experience a sustainable travel experience. There you can explore mangroves, visit organic farms, participate in ancestral cooking workshops, and sail by boat to the islands of Múcura and Tintipán. You can also enjoy yoga classes and stand-up paddleboarding at sunrise.
Other accommodations that we also recommend in Rincón del Mar are: Hostel Beach House, Mamallena Beachside, Merakai Hostel, Casa en la Ciénaga, Hostel Blue Sea and Hotel Casa Sattva.
Tips for finding good, beautiful, and budget-friendly accommodation: The best way to get the best price on lodging is to book in advance. If you wait until the last minute, the most affordable and top-rated options may already be sold out, leaving you with fewer choices.
Our favorite platform for finding the best deals is Booking.com. Click here to save up to 15% on your stay. In many cases, you can book without a credit card, pay at the property, and cancel without penalty.
Additionally, if you book frequently, you’ll get exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, and room upgrades at no extra cost, helping you save even more on your trip.
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What to do in Rincón del Mar, Sucre
1. Enjoy the best beaches in San Onofre
Rincón del Mar is home to some of the best beaches in Colombia. This quiet stretch of white sand has managed to remain untouched by mass tourism, so along the coast you’ll find secluded spots ideal for laying out a towel and enjoying the sun, the gentle waves, and the Caribbean breeze.
Additionally, on Rincón del Mar beach, you’ll find small local bars and restaurants where you can enjoy cocktails, cold drinks, and dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. We recommend trying the delicious coconut cookies and fried fish, two authentic Caribbean specialties.
If you’re looking for a beachfront hotel, we recommend Dos Aguas Lodge. Its location is unbeatable: it’s literally right on the beach, and right behind it is the mangrove forest and a yoga area perfect for sun salutations at sunrise.
Recommendation: Discover Cartagena on a free walking tour
How to find last-minute cheap flights? Booking your tickets in advance is ideal, but we know that’s not always possible. If you’re looking for great fares and want to save money, Skyscanner is an excellent option.
This platform compares flights from multiple airlines to show you the best available fares. Just click here, enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates. In seconds, you’ll see a list of the cheapest options, which you can filter by price, schedule, and layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? Yes, but with caution. Skyscanner does not sell tickets directly; instead, it redirects you to airlines and travel agencies. For added security, we recommend purchasing your tickets through the link that takes you directly to the airline’s official website.
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2. Learn to dive in Rincón del Mar
Now that you know how to get to Rincón del Mar, you should know that this destination is also an excellent place to learn to dive. Off its coast is the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park, where you can explore the beauty of one of the most important coral reefs in the Colombian Caribbean.
If you are already a certified diver, you will find diving centers in the town that will help you plan your next dives. You will have the support of professional instructors who will provide you with all the necessary equipment to discover the fascinating marine life of the San Bernardo Archipelago.
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3. Visit Isla Múcura and Tintipán
If the main goal of your vacation in Rincón del Mar is to enjoy paradisiacal beaches and the authentic flavor of the Caribbean, you’ll be happy to know that from this charming town you can take a boat to the Islas del Rosario, specifically to Isla Múcura, Tintipán, and Santa Cruz del Islote.
In our opinion, Múcura and Tintipán are among the most beautiful islands in Colombia. In addition to their white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxing, they offer a wide variety of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and bioluminescent plankton watching at night.
As if that weren’t enough, on the way to Múcura and Tintipán, most public boats stop at Santa Cruz del Islote, considered the most densely populated island in the world. This way, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know a unique place and understand a little more about the way of life of its inhabitants.
If you want to spend the night on one of these islands, here are some recommendations: In Múcura: Hotel Isla Mucura, Múcura Club Hotel and Dahlandia. In Tintipán: Santa Lova Eco-hostel, Hotel Puntanorte, Cabaña SalSiVamos, El Embrujo and Medusa Hostel.
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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4. Sail through the mangroves of Rincón del Mar
One of the best things to do in Rincón del Mar is to take a canoe ride through the mangrove channels that extend along the town’s swamp. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to spot birds and mollusks, and even walk through the tropical dry forest in search of sloths.
This experience is accompanied by guides from environmental associations. Over the years, these community organizations have played a key role in the cleanup and conservation of the swamp, finding ecotourism a valuable sustainability tool.
Do you want to continue exploring unique places in Colombia? In addition to Rincón del Mar, there are many other incredible destinations to discover. From charming colonial towns to stunning natural landscapes, Colombia is full of places that will leave you breathless. We recommend these travel guides:
This is the trek to Ciudad Perdida
Mompox, the Colonial Jewel of Colombia
Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
La Guajira: Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas
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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Check out available activities on Civitatis
Book the best tours in Latin America on Denomades
5. Enjoy the best sunsets in the Colombian Caribbean
It would be impossible to conclude this list of plans in Rincón del Mar without mentioning one of our favorite activities: witnessing the sunset. The beaches of this destination are perfect for this, as you can watch the sunset sitting on the sand, lying in a hammock, or simply walking barefoot along the shore.
Plus, if you feel a special connection with the sun, we recommend spending the night at Dos Aguas Lodge. Wake up early and head to the hotel’s observation deck to enjoy the sunrise while practicing yoga. Watching the first rays of light awaken the mangrove fauna is a magical experience.
If you’re wondering when is the best time to travel to Rincón del Mar, year-round is ideal! However, keep in mind that October is usually the rainiest month. If you plan to travel during the weekends, such as New Year’s Day or Holy Week, it’s very important to book your accommodation in advance.
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Tip: When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but often overlook unexpected events such as illnesses, accidents, thefts, or the need to return earlier than planned due to a family emergency.
To travel with peace of mind, it is essential to have insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, theft, baggage delays, and even civil liability. Moreover, in many countries, having insurance is a mandatory requirement for entry.
We recommend this travel insurance for its extensive coverage, 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp, and its excellent value for money, which has impressed us. The best part is that you can book it up to 72 hours before your trip.
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Tips for visiting Rincón del Mar in Colombia
The climate in Rincón del Mar, like much of the Colombian Caribbean coast, is warm and tropical year-round, with high humidity and temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. During your trip, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, light clothing, and dry bags to protect your devices from water and moisture.
Rincón is an authentic and vibrant destination that requires everyone’s commitment to maintain its essence and confront the negative impacts of mass tourism. It’s important to be aware of the potential abuses and irresponsible practices that the tourism industry can bring.
Therefore, during your stay, reduce water consumption, as it is a limited resource. Minimize waste generation and ensure proper disposal. Support the local economy by purchasing products and services directly from the communities. Respect local traditions and culture.
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Other experiences that may interest you:
La Guajira: 3-Day Tour to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas
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: $957,000 COP
Recommended: 4-Day Trek to Colombia’s Lost City from Santa Marta
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!
Price per person: $1.916.000 COP
🔥 (Take advantage of the 2025 rate to book your 2026 trip)
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