La Boquilla beach

La Boquilla is at the northern end of Cartagena, between the sea and the Ciénaga de la Virgen. It's a fishing village with a wide beach and palm-thatched kiosks.

A stretch of about 200 meters received Blue Flag certification in late 2019, for clean water and safety. The community rents tents from 7:00 a.m., and there's a women's cooperative that gives massages. At the beachfront restaurants you eat the catch of the day with coconut rice and patacón (fried green plantain).

It's windy almost all year, and from December to May the strong breeze arrives, which is why there are kitesurf schools toward the north end. It pairs well with the canoe ride through the mangroves, and the sun sets over the sea.

What to see

• The Blue Flag stretch.
• Fried fish with coconut rice.
• Kitesurfing from December to May.
• Sunset over the sea.

Getting there

• Taxi from the old town or Bocagrande: 15 to 25 minutes along the Vía al Mar.
• Bus along the coast road, the cheapest option.

Tips

• When you arrive, tell the restaurant what you'll have for lunch and ask the price first.
• Agree on the price of tents and massages before accepting them.
• If you're not kitesurfing, swim away from the schools' area, because of the lines in the water.
• Plan your way back: the sun sets before 6:00 p.m.