Thing to do
Getsemaní
The historic barrio just outside the walls where Cartagena's independence movement began, now known for murals, the Plaza de la Trinidad and lively evenings.
Playa Blanca and Barú
The Barú peninsula south of Cartagena, home to Playa Blanca's long stretch of pale sand, the boat-only Cholón and the Aviario Nacional bird park.
At a glance
- Type
- Beach day trip
- Area
- Barú, Cartagena, Colombia
Good to know
- Beach restaurants
- Day packages
- Snorkelling
- Aviary nearby
Why we recommend it
Barú is where many Cartagena visitors go for a proper beach day. Although it is often called an island, Colombia's official tourism board describes it as a peninsula, bounded by Cartagena Bay, the Canal del Dique and the Caribbean Sea, with white and pink sand and water clear enough to see the seabed. Mangrove channels and reefs lie close by.
Playa Blanca is the largest and best-known beach, with pale sand, turquoise water and a wide choice of restaurants. Other beaches suit different moods: Agua Azul and Agua Tranquila are quieter, good for a lounger and a book, while Cholón, reached only by boat, is a sociable spot where boats anchor, music plays and people meet; the tourism board advises asking prices before ordering food or drinks there. Snorkelling is easy, and divers can arrange courses with authorised operators. Kitesurfing, water-skiing and guided fishing are also available.
On the road to Playa Blanca is the Aviario Nacional de Colombia, a bird park covering seven hectares with rainforest, coastal and desert habitats and around 1,700 birds of some 170 species, according to the tourism board; a visit takes about two hours. From Barú it is also around 30 minutes by boat to the Oceanario on Isla San Martín de Pajarales in the Rosario Islands.
There are two ways to get there. By road, Barú is about 30 km from Cartagena, which the tourism board describes as the cheaper option; El Universal puts Playa Blanca about 40 minutes from the city. By sea, you can rent a private boat with a captain and crew, as offered by operators such as Bendita Beach, or take a seat on a shared launch. Day packages known as pasadías usually bundle transport, a beach tent, food and drinks, and the tourism board recommends them in high season to secure a good spot.
Take sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water, and agree prices for loungers, food and boat rides in advance. If you want more than a day, Barú has hotels with spas and water activities, as well as houses for rent. Allow a full day for a trip from Cartagena, or stay a night to enjoy the beach once the day visitors leave.
Playa Blanca and Barú FAQs
Is Barú an island?
No. Colombia's tourism board describes it as a peninsula bounded by Cartagena Bay, the Canal del Dique and the Caribbean Sea.
How far is Playa Blanca from Cartagena?
Barú is about 30 km by road, and El Universal puts Playa Blanca about 40 minutes from the city.
Can I go by boat?
Yes. You can rent a private boat with a crew or take a shared launch across the bay.
What is a pasadía?
A day package that usually includes transport, a beach tent, food and drinks. The tourism board recommends them in high season.
What is Cholón?
A small boat-only beach where boats anchor and people gather with music. Ask prices before ordering.
What else is there to see on Barú?
The Aviario Nacional bird park, with around 1,700 birds, and quieter beaches such as Agua Azul and Agua Tranquila.
What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water, and agree prices in advance for services on the beach.