Top 15 Santa Marta Beaches for Sun-Kissed Adventures

10 May 2025

Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, sits between the Caribbean Sea and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It’s a place where colonial charm, palm-lined beaches, and lush natural parks come together to create one of the country’s top travel destinations.

Are There Beaches in Santa Marta?

Santa Marta lies directly on the Caribbean Sea, with warm temperatures year-round averaging between 27°C and 32°C. Thanks to this prime coastal location, the city boasts over 15 beaches in and around its metropolitan area. These beaches are mostly free or low-cost, known for their safety, and offer a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, hiking, paddleboarding, and more. Most beaches are patrolled during high season and have services like food vendors, restrooms, and shaded areas.

When talking about beaches near Santa Marta, the variety is impressive — from vibrant urban beaches with bars and water sports to quiet natural bays only reachable by boat or jungle trek. In this article, we’ll explore 15 fantastic beaches in Santa Marta, each with its own character, and at the end, we’ll name the top 3 based on scenery, safety, accessibility, and available activities.

Before heading out, you can safely store your bags with a convenient luggage storage provider located across the city. Leave your suitcase behind and enjoy a full beach day, hands-free.

1. Playa El Rodadero

Only 10 minutes from the historic center, Playa El Rodadero is the closest beach to Santa Marta and also one of the busiest. It’s perfect for those looking for lively vibes, restaurants, and water activities.

Beach with white sand, clear water, palm trees, and buildings along the shore at Playa El Rodadero

The beach is free to enter, but there are paid loungers and umbrellas. Activities include banana boats, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Families will find clean bathrooms and shallow waters, while food lovers can enjoy fried fish, coconut rice, and local cocktails. Lifeguards and tourist police keep the beach safe and organized.

2. Playa Blanca

A short boat ride from El Rodadero brings you to Playa Blanca, a quieter and more scenic option. Surrounded by cliffs and featuring white sand, it’s perfect for relaxing or snorkeling.

Playa Blanca beach with white sand, turquoise waters, and blue umbrellas under a bright sky

Access requires a boat ticket (around $4–6 USD). Once there, you’ll find beach chairs, seafood stalls, and clear, calm waters ideal for swimming. It’s especially popular for day trips, and there are lifeguards on duty during weekends. It’s safer and cleaner than Taganga and great for families or couples.

3. Playa Taganga

Once a small fishing village, Taganga has become a budget travel hotspot. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, it’s a popular launching point for diving and snorkeling excursions.

Aerial view of Playa Taganga with clear blue water and hillside village

The beach has free access and is lined with casual restaurants, dive schools, and hostels. While not the cleanest for swimming, it’s a good place for sunsets and socializing. Tourists should be mindful of belongings, but the area is generally safe during the day. From Taganga, you can also catch boats to more remote beaches.

4. Playa Cristal

Inside Tayrona National Park, Playa Cristal lives up to its name with crystal-clear waters and white sands. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia.

Tropical beach with crystal clear water, palm trees, and a thatched hut on a small island

Visitors pay a park entry fee (approx. $15–20 USD) and either hike or take a boat from Neguanje. Snorkeling is a must here, and small eco-restaurants offer basic meals. The beach is quiet, clean, and safe, with limits on visitors per day to preserve its natural beauty.

5. Playa Neguanje

Also in Tayrona, Playa Neguanje is more spacious and less touristy than Playa Cristal. It’s popular for swimming, relaxing, and launching boats to other beaches.

Coastal view of Playa Neguanje with ocean waves, sandy beach, and lush green hills

Entry requires the Tayrona fee and a long but scenic drive. Facilities are basic — local vendors rent tents and sell meals. It’s family-friendly, calm, and has fewer crowds. Because it’s inside the park, security and cleanliness are priorities.

6. Playa Cinto

A hidden paradise, Playa Cinto is only accessible by boat from Taganga or Neguanje. It’s perfect for those seeking a quiet escape.

The picture shows a beautiful beach with palm trees, rocks, and clear blue water

Transport costs about $15–25 USD, and there are no facilities — so pack food and water. The beach has almost no waves, making it great for snorkeling or swimming. It’s remote, clean, and very safe due to low traffic. Bring sun protection, as there are few shaded areas.

7. Playa Cabo San Juan

Possibly the most famous beach in Tayrona, Cabo San Juan features two coves and a viewpoint with hammocks you can rent.

Sunset over Playa Cabo San Juan with palm trees and gentle waves, creating a tranquil atmosphere

To reach it, hike about 2–3 hours from the main park entrance, or take a boat from Taganga. Park entry costs apply. There are eco-huts, hammocks, and a basic restaurant. The beach is safe, lifeguarded, and packed with adventure. Great for campers, hikers, and backpackers.

8. Bahía Chengue

This wild beach is rarely visited and lies inside a protected part of Tayrona. It’s not officially open to tourists, but some guided tours go there.

Secluded beach with turquoise water and white sand, surrounded by green hills under a sunny blue sky

No entry fee is required, but you’ll need a boat and a guide. There are no services, and it’s mainly for photography and nature walks. Swimming is possible but without supervision. If you’re looking for solitude, this is one of the best beaches near Santa Marta.

9. Playa Los Ángeles

Located near the eastern edge of Tayrona, Playa Los Ángeles is perfect for a peaceful experience. It has strong waves and is less crowded.

Playa Los Ángeles with golden sand, palm trees, and a serene blue sky

Entry is free, and eco-lodges nearby provide food and restrooms. It’s not ideal for swimming, but you can sunbathe, walk, or do yoga by the sea. Visitors love the natural surroundings and birdwatching. It’s quiet, safe, and scenic — a hidden gem.

10. Playa Bello Horizonte

South of the airport and close to resorts, Bello Horizonte is clean, quiet, and spacious. It’s often chosen by travelers staying in upscale hotels.

Tropical beach with palm trees, white sand, clear turquoise water, and distant mountains under a blue sky

There’s free access, and the beach is perfect for jogging, paddleboarding, or beach soccer. Vendors sell drinks and snacks, and hotel restaurants are nearby. The beach is very safe due to private security and attracts both families and solo travelers.

11. Playa Blanca del Parque Tayrona

Not to be confused with the urban Playa Blanca, this hidden cove is deep inside Tayrona Park and only reachable on foot or by boat.

Tropical beach with clear water, white sand, palm trees, and lush green hills in Tayrona Park

It’s peaceful and free to enter, but you’ll need to carry your own food and water. Snorkeling is excellent, and the vibe is calm and spiritual. A few shaded areas exist, but no infrastructure is available. It’s best visited with a guide or in a small group.

12. Playa del Amor

Tucked between Taganga and Playa Grande, Playa del Amor is a tiny, romantic cove. Its name translates to “beach of love” for a reason.

A serene beach scene with two people walking along the shore, bordered by a rocky cliff

Accessible by a short hike or boat, this beach has no entrance fee. There are no shops or bathrooms, but it’s very quiet and intimate. Couples come here for privacy and sunset views. It’s safe during the day, and perfect for an hour of calm.

13. Playa Gairaca

Accessible by boat from Neguanje, Playa Gairaca is a snorkeler’s haven with little tourist development.

Tropical beach with clear water, white sand, and green hills, viewed from above

It requires a boat ride and park entry, but offers calm water, great marine life, and peace. It’s visited mostly by locals or tour groups. There are no permanent facilities, but seasonal vendors may appear. Bring your own snorkel gear and food. The beach is clean, quiet, and low-risk.

14. Playa Santa Catalina

Close to the old port and historical downtown, Playa Santa Catalina is more scenic than swimmable, offering views of colonial relics and the Museo del Oro.

Tropical beach with palm trees, hut, boat, and ocean waves under a clear blue sky

It’s free to visit, and while small and rocky, it’s a good spot for photos or an evening stroll. The location is central and safe, near shops and restaurants. It’s not for sunbathing, but worth seeing if you’re exploring the city on foot.

15. Playa Inca Inca

Hidden between El Rodadero and Playa Blanca, Inca Inca is a small cove with calm water and a relaxed, local vibe.

Panoramic view of Inca Inca beach with clear blue water, palm trees, and people enjoying the sun

To reach it, hike 20–30 minutes from Rodadero. There’s no fee to enter. Locals love it for swimming, snorkeling, and escaping the crowds. A few stalls sell drinks and snacks. It’s not lifeguarded, but very peaceful and generally safe. A great off-the-radar pick.

Best Beaches in Santa Marta

Qeepl’s experts selected the top 3 beaches in Santa Marta based on accessibility, safety, scenery, and activity variety:

Playa El Rodadero: The best mix of convenience, safety, and entertainment, located just minutes from the city center. With easy access, calm waters, lifeguards, and plenty of restaurants and water sports, it’s perfect for families, casual beachgoers, and first-time visitors looking for a lively yet secure experience.
Playa Cristal: A natural gem within Tayrona National Park, offering pristine white sand and crystal-clear water ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Its protected marine environment and limited daily visitors make it a top pick for those seeking tranquility, ecological beauty, and rich biodiversity.
Playa Cabo San Juan: The most iconic beach for hikers and nature lovers, featuring a scenic dual-bay layout with hammocks perched above the sea. Accessible via a jungle trek or boat, it’s the perfect destination for adventurers who want to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Tayrona, with options to camp overnight or spend the day exploring.

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