The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cartagena, Colombia

Playa Las Mantas

Courtesy of the Eco Hotel Luxury Islas del Rosario

While the whole of Isla Grande has several excellent beaches with soft sand and calm waters, most of them are attached to beach clubs—except Playa Las Mantas (also known as "Playa Libre"), making it a good option for a budget day trip. It is generally recommended to spend one or two nights here, since boat schedules can heavily cut into your time laying on the white sands or wandering the island’s walking trails. Part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, Isla Grande is one of the 27 coral islands in the Rosario Archipelago, an area bursting with marine life and prime for snorkeling. While you can take a boat from Cartagena, the most direct way is to book a taxi service through one of the hotels there or charter a private boat.

 

ADDRESS
Isla grande, Sector Las Mantas, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, 130001, Colombia
PHONE +57 313 5740280

Isla Tierra Bomba

gustavo ramirez / Getty Images

Only a 10 minute boat ride away from Bocagrande Peninsula, Isla Tierra Bomba provides slightly less crowed beaches than those on Cartagena’s mainland. Though not as picturesque as the beaches on the farther flung islands, you can still find stretches of shoreline in Punta Arena with blue water and impressive views of the Cartagena skyline in the distance. Catch a boat outside of Bocagrande Hospital in Castillogrande and take a picnic lunch to save money, or book a day pass at a beach club for access to one of the island’s private, cleaner beaches. Palmarito Beach Hotel has well-priced packages, strong drinks, and a daily dance competition, while Hotel Fenix Beach Cartagena’s day beds and private pool count among one of the more exclusive experiences on the island.

ADDRESS
Tierra Bomba Island, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, 130018, Colombia