With its colorful Caribbean charm and UNESCO World Heritage status, Cartagena is one of the most alluring seaside cities in Colombia. But while Cartagena’s beach scene can be a bit crowded and dirty, there are other beaches just outside of the city that offer a true tropical paradise.
The nearby Rosario Islands are a must-see, while the gorgeous sugar sand beach of Baru is also worth a trip to see. But if you’re after a more secluded beach, head to Isla Bendita.
1. The Beach
The beach at Cartagena Private Beach is a great place to relax, enjoy the sun, and take in the views of the Caribbean Sea. The sandy beach is expansive, and the water is clean.
There is also a great pool area up around the main house that’s great to relax in with plenty of sun loungers to choose from. The property isn’t upscale where decor is concerned, but it has a nice vibe and is popular with tourists.
If you’re looking for something a little more laid back than Bocagrande, La Boquilla is your best bet. It is less crowded than the beaches in Bocagrande and there are usually fewer vendors here.
2. The Cabanas
One of the main draws of Cartagena is its beaches and nearby islands. You can easily spend an entire day soaking up the sun and drinking cocktails.
But if you’re looking for something a little more special, consider going to the nearby islands of the Rosario Islands. These small islands have beautiful stretches of sand and are just an hour boat ride away from Cartagena.
You can rent a private cabana at most of these beach resorts, or you can take advantage of their day tours. Most of these trips include transport, lunch, and access to the private beach and facilities.
3. The Food
There are a number of options for food at Cartagena Private Beach, including paella, ceviche and traditional Colombian fish and coconut rice. The menu changes regularly, and it’s easy to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
This secluded beach is located about 45 minutes south of Cartagena on Isla Grande, one of the Rosario Islands. It’s one of the best places in Cartagena to escape the city for a day, with beautiful clear waters, gorgeous sun loungers and butler service.
During the high season, it can get quite crowded. But on most other days, this secluded beach is a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet.
4. The Music
Playa Blanca is a popular Cartagena beach that has a lot to offer both tourists and locals. Its pristine turquoise waters and gorgeous white sand draw visitors from all over the world, but it also brings some mixed emotions for travelers.
Despite the beauty of the location, many past visitors complained that it was difficult to escape the persistent vendors and obnoxious rappers on the beach. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and have a truly beautiful beach experience, head over to Isla San Bernardo.
This secluded cove is home to a row of palm thatched roof huts that are a popular spot for yacht and speedboat parties. Guests can sip aguardiente shots, a local anise-flavored liqueur, and watch the sun go down while mingling with other patrons.
5. The Staff
Cartagena Private Beach has a staff that is very attentive and friendly. They are a diverse, BIPOC and queer group of people who work very hard to make you feel comfortable.
It is a bit secluded compared to other beaches in Cartagena, so it tends to attract a local crowd and doesn’t get too crowded. They also offer boat trips to the Rosario Islands for those who want to do a bit of snorkeling on a day trip.
While this isn’t the cheapest Beach Club in Cartagena, it does offer one of the best value for money. It’s very budget-friendly and they do not charge extra for the boat ride to the island, so it’s perfect if you want to get away from Cartagena for the day and spend time on the beach.