8 Best Beaches in Colombia

Playa De Bocagrande’s long stretch of sand spreads across Cartagena’s urban peninsula, where locals and travelers brush shoulders while enjoying the lively seaside atmosphere.

Visitors flock to the beach to find a comfortable spot beneath umbrellas or stroll along the promenade in search of trendy bars and restaurants. While a far cry from Colombia’s remote Caribbean beaches, Playa De Bocagrande has an undeniably exciting energy for travelers embracing the luxuries and conveniences of resort-style amenities.

Playa De Bocagrande is a welcoming introduction to Colombia’s vibrant spirit. The beach and its promenade hum with activity day and night.

Best for: A lively city atmosphere along the bustling coast.

Playa San Luis is popular among locals and travelers. Its rural and remote charm draws visitors from all over to escape the bustle of Colombia’s cities and enjoy San Andrés island’s laidback atmosphere.

Palm trees fringe the white-sand shores around the corner from the quaint town of San Francisco, and San Luis’ beautiful turquoise waters invite you to swim in the warm Caribbean Sea. You can snorkel among coral reefs teeming with marine life or rent a kayak to discover the nearby cays and mangrove forests.

In San Andrés, step away from the busy city energy and embrace a slice of paradise that shares breathtaking nature and a gentle rhythm.

Best for: Stunning natural beauty and pristine beaches.

Playa Principal Capurgana’s idyllic golden shores are fringed by swaying palm trees and lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea in northwest Colombia, near the border with Panama.

Its unspoiled natural beauty and seclusion from the tourist crowds make it an enticing option away from Colombia’s busy cities. Whether relaxing and soaking up the warm sunshine or snorkeling to see the coral formations, Playa Principal Capurgana is a welcome escape to paradise.

Between the stunning natural scenery, incredible underwater worlds, rainforest adventures, and cultural immersion, Playa Principal Capurgana provides the complete Colombian beach getaway experience.

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path snorkeling and hiking adventures.

Nestled within the lush tropical forests of Tayrona National Park on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Playa Chengue is a true hidden gem.

Encircled by rocky headlands and towering palm trees, Playa Chengue feels a world away from civilization. Its soft golden sands give way to calm waves in varying shades of blue and green that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and simply whiling away the hours under the warm Colombian sun.

Tayrona National Park protects a vast stretch of coastal rainforest and is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Hiking the lush forest trails, you may see a kaleidoscope of exotic wildlife and birds.

Best for: Nature lovers seeking coastal seclusion far from the crowds.

Playa del Pilón de Azúcar is a hidden oasis along the Colombian coast that’s enwreathed by the desert dunes and rock formations blanketing La Guajira.

The contrast of golden sands, azure waters, and rust-colored rock formations creates a striking visual backdrop. Its isolation inspires adventure and its rugged landscape presents many picture-perfect moments to share, with few other travelers in sight. With calm and refreshing waves lapping the shores, you can enjoy a vitalizing swim and relish the picturesque scenes.

For adventurous travelers, this beach and its surrounding lands provide the complete Colombian experience – natural wonders, cultural immersion, and a true sense of getting off the beaten path.

Best for: Capturing dramatic coastal photography unlike anywhere else in Colombia.

Isla Múcura is a tropical island paradise fringed by gleaming white-sand beaches and nodding palm trees. The island is circled by shimmering turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the Caribbean sunshine.

With vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, Isla Múcura is a snorkeling paradise where travelers can spot angelfish, parrotfish, rays, and other endemic marine life. The beaches invite relaxation after a day of watersports, allowing you to unwind and appreciate the rustic charms of the seaside village.

Boasting a laidback atmosphere far from the stresses of everyday life, Múcura makes for a rejuvenating stay as it blends stunning scenery with aquatic adventures and escapism.

Best for: A tranquil island escape along Colombia's Caribbean coast.

Nuquí’s remote charm along Colombia’s Pacific coast is a welcome reward for making the journey away from the popular tourist trails in search of breathtaking beach escapes.

The lush and wild corner of Chocó showcases Colombia’s wild natural beauty, with endless expanses of golden sand wrapped in lush rainforest. Unexpected and secluded coves and bays invite you to explore the coastline, with powerful swells drawing surfers from around the world.

Simply strolling the shores, you can encounter an array of wildlife and marine creatures that call this biodiverse region home. Nuquí offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in unspoiled wilderness.

Best for: An immersive seaside and wilderness experience.

Providencia is a far-flung Colombian island with beautiful beaches on which to spend days soaking up the sunshine or wallowing in the warm Caribbean waters.

The beach is characterized by powdery white sand and dazzling teal waters that embody all the magic of a tropical daydream. Backed by lush coastal vegetation and lofty palms, this idyllic cove offers a sense of complete seclusion. The soft coral sands give way to gentle shallows perfect for wading and swimming, while further offshore, vibrant reefs teem with marine life, beckoning snorkelers and divers.

Manchineel Beach is a tranquil retreat with an unhurried island pace. You can spend entire mornings and afternoons gently swaying in a beachside hammock or taking strolls down the powder-soft shoreline.

Best for: Secluded and tranquil white-sand retreat along tropical shores.

Whether you seek the thrill of world-class diving and snorkeling, the serenity of swaying in an oceanside hammock, or opportunities for cultural immersion, Colombia has a sun-drenched shoreline to match your preferences.

To start planning your unforgettable escape to Colombia’s best beaches, explore our featured Colombia tours or find more inspiration in our Colombia travel guide.