Top 7 Beaches in Colombia

Colombia is a country known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture and history, and of course, its beautiful beaches. From the Caribbean coast to the Pacific coast, Colombia has a variety of beaches to suit every traveler's taste. 

Whether you're looking for a secluded spot to relax and unwind, or a lively beach town with plenty of activities, Colombia has it all. In this blog post, we'll be sharing our top 7 picks for the best beaches in Colombia. These beaches were chosen based on their natural beauty, crystal clear waters, and overall atmosphere. 

1. Which Coast has the Best Beaches in Colombia?

2. Playa Blanca, Isla Barú

3. Taganga, Santa Marta

4. Palomino, La Guajira

5. Cabo de la Vela, La Guajira

6. Playa Cristal, Tayrona National Park

7. Playa Concha, Isla de Providencia

8. Playa Guachalito, Gorgona Island

Which Coast has the Best Beaches in Colombia?

Colombia is a country that offers a wide variety of beaches, from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific coast, each coast has its own unique characteristics and attractions.

The Pacific coast of Colombia is known for its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and secluded beaches. This coast is home to some of the most remote and untouched beaches in the country, such as Palomino and Cabo de la Vela.

The Caribbean coast of Colombia is known for its lush vegetation, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. This coast is home to some of the most popular beaches in the country, such as Playa Blanca and Taganga.

Both coasts are great for beach lovers and offer different kinds of experiences, Caribbean coast is known for its vibrant atmosphere, lively nightlife, and plenty of activities to do, while the Pacific coast is known for its secluded and peaceful atmosphere and offer a glimpse of unspoiled nature. Both coasts are perfect for a beach vacation and offer a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, snorkeling, and birdwatching. It is important to note that the Caribbean coast is more accessible and has better infrastructure, while the Pacific coast is more remote and may be harder to reach.

The 7 Best Beaches in Colombia

Playa Blanca, Isla Barú: This white sandy beach is located on the Isla Barú and is known for its crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets. It is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a great spot for nature lovers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and iguanas. To get to Playa Blanca, you will need to take a boat from the mainland. The beach is relatively secluded, making it a great spot for those looking for a more secluded getaway. Closest major destination is Cartagena, it takes about 2 hours by boat to reach the beach from there.

Taganga, Santa Marta: This small fishing village is located on the Caribbean coast and is home to a picturesque beach with a relaxed atmosphere. The village has a laid-back vibe, making it a great spot for those looking to relax and unwind. The beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. There are also a variety of restaurants and bars in the village, offering a range of cuisines and drinks. The village is also a great spot for those interested in culture, as it is home to a variety of traditional Colombian houses and architecture. Closest major destination is Santa Marta, it takes about 20 minutes by car or bus to reach the beach from there.

Palomino, La Guajira: This secluded beach is located on the Caribbean coast and is known for its long stretches of white sand and turquoise waters. The beach is relatively secluded, making it a great spot for those looking for a more secluded getaway. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and iguanas. The beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. To get to Palomino, you will need to take a boat or drive from the mainland. Closest major destination is Riohacha, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car or bus to reach the beach from there.

Cabo de la Vela, La Guajira: This remote beach is located in the desert of La Guajira and is known for its strong winds and kite-surfing opportunities. The beach is relatively secluded, making it a great spot for those looking for a more secluded getaway. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and iguanas. The beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. To get to Cabo de la Vela, you will need to take a boat or drive from the mainland. Closest major destination is Riohacha, it takes about 4 hours by car or bus to reach the beach from there.

Playa Cristal, Tayrona National Park: This beach is located within Tayrona National Park and is known for its clear waters and excellent snorkeling and swimming opportunities. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a great spot for nature lovers. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and iguanas. The beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. To get to Playa Cristal, you will need to take a boat or drive from the mainland. Closest major destination is Santa Marta, it takes about 1 hour by car or bus to reach the beach from there.

Playa Concha, Isla de Providencia: This beach is located on the island of Providencia and is known for its crystal clear waters and excellent diving opportunities. The beach is relatively secluded, making it a great spot for those looking for a more secluded getaway. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and iguanas. The beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. To get to Playa Concha, you will need to take a boat or drive from the mainland. Closest major destination is San Andres, it takes about 1 hour by boat or 20 minutes by plane to reach the beach from there.

Playa Guachalito, Gorgona Island: This beach is located on Gorgona Island and is known for its white sand and turquoise waters, as well as for being a great spot for diving and snorkeling. The island is part of a national park, which means that the area is protected and rich in biodiversity. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and iguanas. The beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. To get to Playa Guachalito, you will need to take a boat from the mainland. It is important to note that Gorgona Island is a former prison island, it was closed to the public but now it is open for tourism with a limited number of visitors, it is recommended to check the availability of the tours to the island and make a reservation in advance. Closest major destination is Buenaventura, it takes about 4-5 hours by boat to reach the beach from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any secluded beaches in Colombia? 

Yes, there are many secluded beaches in Colombia, particularly on the Pacific coast like Palomino and Cabo de la Vela. 

What are the best beaches for surfing in Colombia? 

The Pacific coast, specifically the region of Chocó, is known for its great waves and is a popular spot for surfers. Some of the best beaches for surfing in Colombia include El Valle, El Salero and La Punta, El Transito, and Teta.

Are there any beaches in Colombia with clear turquoise waters? 

Yes, there are a number of beaches in Colombia with clear turquoise waters. Some popular options include San Andres, Taroa and La Ribera.

What are the best beaches for snorkeling in Colombia? 

San Andres and Providencia are popular for snorkeling due to the clear waters and abundance of marine life.

Are there any beaches in Colombia with good nightlife? 

Yes, the Caribbean coast of Colombia is known for its lively nightlife. Popular destinations include Santa Marta, Cartagena, and Taganga.

What are the best beaches for wildlife watching in Colombia? 

Beaches like Gorgona and Malpelo Island are popular for wildlife watching due to the presence of various marine species such as dolphins, sharks and whales.

Are there any beaches in Colombia that are suitable for families? 

Yes, many beaches in Colombia such as San Andres, Taroa and La Ribera are suitable for families.

What are the best beaches for relaxation in Colombia? 

Many beaches in the Pacific coast like Palomino, Cabo de la Vela and the La Guajira region are popular for relaxation due to its secluded and peaceful atmosphere.