Information
Landmark: Playa BlancaCity: Cartagena
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America
Playa Blanca, Cartagena, Colombia, South America
Overview
Playa Blanca, on Barú Island, is a stretch of soft white sand and clear turquoise water that’s easily one of the most breathtaking beaches near Cartagena, Colombia.Playa Blanca, with its turquoise waters so clear you can see shells on the seafloor, soft white sand, and lively Caribbean vibe, draws both locals and travelers chasing the perfect tropical getaway.So, why head to Playa Blanca-the stretch of white sand where the water’s as clear as glass?✔ Turquoise Waters & White Sand – One of the clearest beaches in the region , offering a picture-perfect Caribbean setting.✔ Relaxing Beach Atmosphere – Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying fresh seafood by the water.✔ Snorkeling & Water Sports – Great for snorkeling, jet skiing, and boat rides to nearby coral reefs.✔ Easily Accessible from Cartagena – A short boat or car ride makes it an ideal day trip.✔ Budget-Friendly & Authentic Experience – Offers everything from rustic beach huts to eco-lodges , making it a more laid-back alternative to luxury resorts .Turquoise water laps at soft white sand, making this one of the clearest beaches around and a true picture of the Caribbean.A laid-back beach vibe-stretch out in the sun, take a cool swim, and savor fresh seafood with the sound of waves in the background.Snorkeling & Water Sports – Perfect for diving among bright coral, zipping across the waves on a jet ski, or taking a breezy boat ride to nearby reefs.It’s just a quick ride from Cartagena-ten minutes by boat with the warm wind in your face or a short drive down the coast-making it perfect for a day trip.Budget-friendly and full of local charm, it offers everything from sandy-floored beach huts to quiet eco-lodges, giving you a relaxed alternative to flashy resorts.Wondering how to get to Playa Blanca from Cartagena?You’ve got a few options-picture the salt on your skin as a boat cuts across the turquoise water.1.By boat, it’s about a 45‑minute ride, with tours setting off from the Muelle de la Bodeguita just steps from the Walled City.Plenty of tours swing by the Rosario Islands, where you can slip into the clear water for snorkeling.Speedboats can jolt and sway, but you’ll grin as spray hits your cheeks and the coastline rushes past.Two.By car or taxi, the trip from Cartagena to Barú takes roughly an hour-enough time to watch the coastline blur past your window.It’s a short walk from the parking lot-five to ten minutes or so-just enough to hear the waves before you see the water.It’s more flexible and far more comfortable than being stuck on a slow, swaying boat.Three.You can take a bus or shuttle-about a 90‑minute ride-and some companies run round-trip services straight from Cartagena.It costs less than a taxi, though you might spend a few extra minutes watching the streets roll by.Playa Blanca: start with a stroll along the soft white sand.Swimming and sunbathing feel perfect here-the water’s warm against your skin, calm as glass, and so clear you can count the pebbles on the bottom.Grab a beach chair and an umbrella to stretch out in the shade and relax in comfort.Step two is simple: keep the rhythm lively by mixing short bursts with longer, flowing sentences.You can snorkel or dive among nearby coral reefs, where bright fish flicker through the clear blue water.Some tours whisk you off to the Rosario Islands, where you can slip into clear blue water and swim past flashes of yellow and silver darting around you.Number three.If you’re craving a thrill, you can hop on a jet ski and skim across the waves or grab a spot on a banana boat for a bumpy, laughter-filled ride.Be ready to haggle if you want the best price-sometimes it starts with a smile and a firm counteroffer.Number four.After dark, head to a quiet lagoon near Playa Blanca, where the water shimmers with tiny blue sparks from bioluminescent plankton.Most tours kick off just after sunset and wrap up in about an hour, often as the air cools and the sky deepens to a deep blue.Five.Savor fresh seafood by the shore, where sizzling fish, sweet lobster, juicy shrimp, and fragrant coconut rice arrive at your table with the sound of waves in the background.Order the rich, fragrant Cazuela de Mariscos, a steaming seafood stew, or go for bright, zesty ceviche chilled with lime.Number six stood alone, small and sharp like a pencil tip on the page.Spend the night in a beachfront cabin, where Playa Blanca’s eco-lodges and weathered wood huts sit just steps from the surf.Perfect if you’re craving quiet and want to disappear where the only sound is the wind in the trees.✔ Beware of Vendors – Many vendors offer souvenirs, massages, and food.Where to Stay at Playa Blanca: Many people pop in for a quick day trip, but if you spend the night, you’ll catch the hush that settles over the beach once the crowds drift away and the waves turn soft and steady.✔ Bring Cash – Most places do not accept credit cards .Budget stay: hammocks and camping-plenty of hostels rent a hammock or a small tent for just a few bucks a night.✔ Stay Hydrated & Use Sunscreen – The sun is intense, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen .✔ Avoid Weekends & Holidays – The beach is much quieter on weekdays .✔ Be Cautious with Prices – Always ask for the price before ordering food or booking activities to avoid overcharging.Mid-Range: Eco-Lodges – Cozy wooden cabins right on the sand, with simple comforts and a view of waves rolling in.For a touch of luxury, stay at Hotel Isla del Encanto or Las Islas Barú, both upscale retreats just minutes from the white sands of Playa Blanca.Pro tip for Playa Blanca: get there early.By noon, the sand’s packed with towels and sunbathers, but in the morning you can still hear the waves without the chatter.
