Best beaches in Santa Marta

Choosing which are the best beaches in Santa Marta can be a difficult task, because this beautiful city offers a wide range of beaches for all tastes, from quiet bays to lively tourist areas.
You may also be interested in: The best 5 diving sites in Santa Marta.
However, on this occasion we have selected at our discretion the 5 best beaches in Santa Marta, and we hope that this selection serves as a guide to plan your next visit to the beaches in Santa Marta:
One of the best beaches in Santa Marta: Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is one of the most famous beaches in Santa Marta, known for its crystal clear waters and fine white sand.

Located in Gaira Bay, about 6 kilometers south of the city center, it offers a quiet and relaxing environment, perfect for enjoying the sun and the sea in a natural environment.
It is also ideal for snorkeling, as its waters are home to a large number of tropical fish and colorful corals. In addition, it has several restaurants and bars along the beach, where you can taste delicious local dishes and refresh yourself with a cold drink.


The Rodadero
It is one of the most popular tourist areas of Santa Marta, it is perfect for those looking for a more active and lively environment, with a wide variety of water activities available, such as water skiing, banana boat rides and jet skis.
In El Rodadero you will find numerous hotels, restaurants and shops, making it an ideal location for those who wish to be close to all the amenities and entertainment that Santa Marta has to offer.
Taganga Beach
Taganga’s main beach is a beautiful bay surrounded by green hills and colorful houses, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy authentic Colombian coastal life.

In Taganga, you can also enjoy delicious fresh fish dishes in its many restaurants and try diving in its crystal-clear waters, as it is one of the main starting points for exploring the dive sites in the area.
Cristal Beach
Another of the best beaches in Santa Marta: Playa Cristal

Playa Cristal is a beautiful beach located within the Tayrona National Natural Park, about 34 kilometers east of Santa Marta.
This beach is famous for its turquoise waters and pristine environment, making it an ideal choice for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature in its purest state.
To get to Playa Cristal, you will need to take a shuttle from the park and then walk for approximately 1 hour along a path surrounded by tropical vegetation
It is perfect for snorkeling and enjoying marine life, as well as relaxing and sunbathing on its soft sands. Please note that due to its location within the park, it is necessary to pay an entrance fee to access Playa Cristal.
To get to Playa Cristal, you will need to take a shuttle from the park and then walk for approximately 1 hour along a path surrounded by tropical vegetation
Bahía Concha
We finish our selection of the best beaches in Santa Marta with Bahía Concha. Another stunning beach located on the coast of Santa Marta, about 16 kilometers east of the city center.
This wide bay with calm, crystal-clear waters is surrounded by hills covered with vegetation, giving it a secluded and peaceful atmosphere.
It is ideal to enjoy a day at the beach with family or friends, as it has several facilities such as restaurants, bathrooms and rental of chairs and umbrellas.
In Bahía Concha it is possible to snorkel in its shallow waters and explore the coral reefs that are home to a great diversity of marine life.