Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Parques Nacionales Naturales and Corpoturismo fees reported by El Universal (July 2026). Hero photo: Felipeortegag, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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At a glance
The best swimming is outside the city. Bocagrande is fine for a sunset. It is not the beach you flew for.
| Beach | Where | Sand and water | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bocagrande | City | Darker sand, open sea | Walk or taxi |
| La Boquilla | North of the airport | Long, local | Taxi |
| Playa Blanca | Barú | White sand, clear water | Road or boat |
| Rosario Islands | National park | Clear water, reefs | Boat |
Bocagrande
Fine for a swim and a sunset between lunch and a taxi. Vendors are persistent. A polite “no, gracias” is the whole technique.
La Boquilla
A fishing village. Beach restaurants, mangrove canoe trips, and a taxi back when you are done.
Playa Blanca
Barú’s famous beach is white and turquoise but gets crowded, especially at weekends and holidays. See Playa Blanca.
Rosario Islands
Part of the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park. See Rosario Islands from Cartagena.
Tips
- Agree prices for chairs, food and massages before you accept them.
- Carry cash.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen in the national park.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cartagena have nice beaches?
The city beaches are average; the islands and Barú are much nicer.
Can you swim in Bocagrande?
Yes, though the water is less clear than on the islands.
