Islands and beaches of Cartagena
Cartagena’s good beaches are on the islands, a boat ride away. The ones in the city are for walking and watching the sunset; for clear water you have to go to Rosario, Barú or Tierra Bomba. Here they all are, from the closest to the farthest, with what you need to know before you get on the boat.
1Nature$$$$$All dayIslas del Rosario (Parque Nacional Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo)
An archipelago inside a marine national park southwest of Cartagena, with coral reefs and clear water. You get there by boat from La Bodeguita.
2NatureAll dayIsla Grande (Islas del Rosario)
The largest of the Rosario islands, with trails, mangroves and a lagoon with plankton that glows at night. Staying overnight is worth more than a day trip.
3Nature$$$$$All dayPlaya Blanca (Barú)
The public beach on the Barú peninsula, with white sand and turquoise water. You get there by road in an hour or by boat from La Bodeguita.
4Activities$$$$$All dayFénix Beach
Beach club at Punta Arena, Tierra Bomba, 10 minutes by boat from the Old City. Day pass with lounger, lunch and boat for COP 295,000.
5Nature$$$$$All dayIsla de Tierra Bomba (Punta Arena)
The closest island to Cartagena, 10 minutes by boat from Bocagrande. Easy beach clubs; the water isn't what you get in the Rosario.
6NatureFree0 to 2 hoursEl Cabrero and Marbella beaches
The city beaches running from El Cabrero to Marbella, a few minutes from the old town. Where locals go: no frills, with waves, and packed on weekends.
7NatureFree2 to 4 hoursBocagrande beach
Cartagena's city beach, in front of the Bocagrande towers. It's 10 minutes by taxi from the historic center and the easiest one for a quick visit.
8NatureFree2 to 4 hoursLa Boquilla beach
A fishing village beach north of the city, with a Blue Flag stretch, fried fish with coconut rice and kitesurfing from December to May.
9Tours$$$$$2 to 4 hoursLa Boquilla mangroves
A canoe ride through the mangrove tunnels of the Ciénaga de la Virgen with La Boquilla fishermen, 15 or 20 minutes north of the old town.
10Must-see$$$$$Over 4 hoursFuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica
A colonial fort at the entrance to the bay, on the island of Tierra Bomba. Well preserved and almost empty; you get there by boat.
11Tours$$$$$Over 4 hoursVolcán del Totumo
A mud cone north of Cartagena where you float in warm mud. Fun, but with a charge at every step; know what you're getting into.
