Part of our Colombia guide.
Colombia’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts hold dozens of beaches, from busy resort strips to quiet coves reachable only by boat. The six sections below cover the Rosario Islands, Palomino, Cartagena’s Old Town, a general best-beaches roundup, Tierra Bomba Island, and Costeño Beach.
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The Rosario Islands: What To See And Do
The Rosario Islands are an archipelago of 27 small islands and coral reefs off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, protected within the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant marine life make them a popular day trip from Cartagena. Snorkeling and diving are the main draws, with coral gardens visible just below the surface. Boats depart daily from Cartagena’s Muelle de la Bodeguita; the ride takes about one hour.
A Guide To Palomino - Colombia's Backpacker Beach Town
Palomino sits on the Caribbean coast near the border with Venezuela, a former fishing village that now draws backpackers with its laid-back vibe and river-tubing trips down the Palomino River. The beach itself is wide and relatively undeveloped, with basic hostels and hammock huts set back among the palm trees. Most visitors spend their days swimming, tubing, or hiking in the nearby Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The town has no ATM, so bring cash from Santa Marta or Riohacha.
Old Town Cartagena: The Queen Of Colombia's Coast
Cartagena’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a walled colonial city founded in the 16th century. Its cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and plazas lead to the city’s beaches: Bocagrande is the busiest strip, with high-rise hotels and restaurants, while Playa Blanca on the Barú Peninsula offers softer sand and clearer water (a45-minute boat ride or1.5-hour drive from the city). Within the walls, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress and the Palace of the Inquisition museum are the top historical sites.
Best Beaches
Colombia’s Caribbean coastline runs from the Gulf of Urabá to the Guajira Peninsula, and the Pacific coast stretches from the border with Panama to Ecuador. The most accessible white-sand beaches are near Cartagena and Santa Marta. For solitude, head to the Pacific: Nuquí and Bahía Solano offer dark-sand beaches and whale-watching from July to October. Tayrona National Park, east of Santa Marta, has a series of coves (Cabo San Juan, Arrecifes) where the jungle meets the sea; entry costs about 54,000 COP for foreigners (2024 price).
Secrets You Didn't Know About Visiting Tierra Bomba Island, Colombia
Tierra Bomba Island lies a 15-minute boat ride from Cartagena’s Muelle Turístico. The island’s main beach, Playa Linda, is lined with seafood restaurants serving fried fish and coconut rice. Fewer tourists come here than to the Rosario Islands, so the experience feels more local. You can visit the 18th-century Fort of San Fernando, which guarded Cartagena’s bay, or hike to the island’s highest point for views of the city skyline. Water taxis run from Cartagena throughout the day; a round trip costs about 20,000–30,000 COP per person (2024 prices).
A Short Guide To Costeño Beach
Costeño Beach is a quiet stretch of sand about20 minutes east of Palomino, near the town of Dibulla. The beach is backed by coconut palms and low-key eco-lodges; there are no large resorts. Surfing is the main activity here, with consistent waves from December to April. The beach also serves as a nesting site for sea turtles from May to November; local conservation groups lead night patrols that visitors can join. Bring your own food and water, as the few beachside stalls close by late afternoon.
