- Playa Almejal (Pacific Coast): This legendary surf beach outside of Bahía Solano takes advantage of the strong currents and large swells of the Pacific Coast. There are also calmer waters for swimming, spotting whales, and just cooling off after a hike through the jungle.
- Cabo San Juan (Caribbean Coast): This is the most famous beach in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, a place known for its many beautiful beaches. Essentially two beaches split by a rocky point, where there’s good snorkeling off the reef and a trail that leads into the jungle to the ruins of El Pueblito.
- Playa Blanca (Caribbean Coast): Why settle for Cartagena’s municipal beaches when this long stretch of white sand is on nearby Isla de Barú? Come in the morning, lay down your towel, buy fresh fish and cold beer from the thatched beach shacks, then go back to the city in the afternoon.
- Rodadero (Caribbean Coast): For a straightforward and inexpensive all-inclusive vacation, this popular Santa Marta beach is your best bet. The water is nicer over in Tayrona, but if you have just a weekend to get away and don’t want to overthink it, come here.
- Johnny Cay (San Andrés & Providencia): The idyllic white-sand beach, backed by just enough coconut palms, is perhaps the best reason to leave the main island of San Andrés. The tiny islet, a regional park, has no population outside of a reggae band playing for day trippers.
- Cabo de la Vela (Caribbean Coast): Near the far tip of La Guajira, a desert peninsula that forms Colombia’s northeastern border, this remote cape adjacent to a fishing village is worth the effort. Just off the beach, American flamingos flock to the saline lagoons by the hundreds.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
