Best Beaches In Colombia
From Tropical Towns to Sun-Kissed Waters
By Lissa Poirot | Published on July 3, 2025
Colombia is a country of incredible geographic diversity, from snow-capped mountains and Amazonian jungle to vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage. And, along its coastlines, Colombia beaches offer some of the most beautiful and varied seaside experiences in South America. From the Caribbean to the Pacific, Colombia offers visitors a mix of warm turquoise waters, tropical beach towns and remote jungle-fringed shorelines.
Many Colombia beaches are ideal for surfing and adventure, but there are also calm, scenic stretches of sand that make for perfect family vacations. You’ll find options ranging from Tayrona National Park beaches like Playa Cristal and Cabo San Juan to the calm Caribbean Cartagena beaches like Playa Blanca and Castillo Grande as well as the wilder Choco region on the Pacific coast. This guide to the best beaches in Colombia focuses on those that are safe, beautiful and well-suited to families traveling with children.
Understanding Colombia’s Beaches
Colombia is blessed with two very different coastlines:
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean coast features warm, calm waters and golden to white-sand beaches, making it the top choice for family beach vacations. These include Cartagena beaches and Tayrona National Park beaches, where most beaches are safe for swimming. Shallow waters like Playa Blanca, Spratt Bight and San Luis Beach are also ideal for little ones.
Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast, by contrast, is more remote and wild, with darker sands, stronger waves and fewer developed towns. It’s a great option for nature lovers and soft adventurers but not ideal for small children due to stronger surf.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Colombia
Colombia beaches range from Caribbean paradises to rugged Pacific retreats. Here are the 10 best family friendly beaches in Colombia.
Rodadero Beach (Santa Marta)
Rodadero Beach is a popular beach just minutes from downtown Santa Marta and offers calm waters, gentle waves and ample amenities. Families love this Colombia beach town for its easy access to restaurants, beach chairs and vendors. With nearby playgrounds and water sports rentals, Colombia beaches like this are ideal for first-time visitors with kids looking for both relaxation and convenience.
Playa Blanca (Isla Barú near Cartagena)
One of the best beaches in Colombia, Playa Blanca is a popular Cartagena beach, accessible by boat or car. With powdery white sand, shallow turquoise waters and palm-lined shores, it’s easy to spend an entire day here. The beach also has local vendors selling grilled seafood and shaded huts to rent, which adds comfort to your family beach vacation.
Spratt Bight Beach (San Andres)
Located on the Caribbean island of San Andres, Spratt Bight is wide, bustling and fun, with lifeguards stationed along the shore and a pedestrian walkway running parallel to the sand. Shallow waters make it safe for children, and its location near hotels, restaurants and ice cream shops makes it among the best beaches in South America for families. Kids can enjoy banana boat rides or play in the sand while parents unwind nearby.
San Luis Beach (San Andres)
Quieter and more residential than Spratt Bight, San Luis Beach offers a calm setting with shallow waters and fewer tourists. It’s great for families looking for a more peaceful environment. Just offshore is Rocky Cay, a small islet you can wade to during low tide, where kids can feel like adventurers crossing the sea. The area feels more local and laid-back with colorful wooden homes and casual eateries lining the road.
Castillo Grande (Cartagena)
For those looking to stay in lively Cartagena and still experience the beach, Castillo Grande is a more serene option compared to the busier nearby Bocagrande. The beach has soft sand, calm waves and fewer vendors, and is especially good for younger kids thanks to the gentle surf and nearby shaded areas, making it perfect for family beach vacations.
Playa Cristal (Tayrona National Park)
One of the top Tayrona National Park beaches, Playa Cristal is a protected cove with limited daily entry, ensuring a tranquil environment. The beach is framed by green hills and coral-rich waters that are perfect for snorkeling. For families with older children, exploring the underwater world here is a highlight.
Cabo San Juan (Tayrona National Park)
More adventurous families will love the scenic jungle hike (about 2 hours) to reach Cabo San Juan, one of Tayrona National Park’s beaches. The destination is worth it: golden sand, dramatic rock formations and a protected swimming area between two bays. Colombia beaches don’t get much more iconic than this.
Rosario Islands (near Cartagena)
Reachable by boat, the Rosario Islands are a group of small Caribbean islands known for quiet sands, coral reefs and shallow lagoons. These islands are among the top Cartagena beaches for locals and visitors alike. Popular day trips include snorkeling excursions and beach club access with kid-friendly facilities, making it an easy win for families looking for tropical Colombia beach town vibes.
Southwest Bay (Providencia)
Southwest Bay is Providencia’s largest beach and one of Colombia’s best beaches. Located on the far-flung island of Providencia (reachable from San Andres), this beach offers a wide sandy shore and calm waters for children. It’s more remote and provides a slower pace, with local beachfront restaurants offering traditional Caribbean fare and fresh juice.
Playa El Alemjal (near Bahia Solano)
Tucked into the Pacific coast near the remote town of Bahía Solano, Playa El Alemjal is one of the best beaches in South America for families looking to disconnect. Backed by jungle and frequented by sea turtles, the beach offers long stretches of walkable sand for wildlife sightings, including whales in season. This Colombia beach is not great for swimming due to rough surf, but families will still find it unforgettable.
Tips For Visiting Colombia’s Beaches With Kids
Traveling to Colombia beaches requires a bit of planning to enjoy a smooth and safe experience. Here are the top considerations:
Pack Smart
Start by packing the essentials:
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- Reusable water bottles.
- UV-protective clothing.
- Swimsuits.
- Water shoes and sturdy footwear.
- Backpacks.
Don’t forget bug spray, especially if you’re heading to beaches near the jungle, like Tayrona National Park beaches or Choco. For younger children, bring flotation devices or swim vests, and always have snacks, wipes and hats on hand for long beach days.
Time Your Trip
Time your beach visits with care. Early morning or late afternoon tends to be more comfortable in terms of temperature and crowds. If you’re visiting national parks like Tayrona, be aware that beaches such as Playa Cristal have limited daily entry and may require booking ahead or arriving very early. Some beaches require light hiking to access, so plan accordingly.
Book Now
Sail Stress-Free
One of the easiest ways to access Colombia beaches without worrying about domestic travel logistics is by cruise. A Royal Caribbean South American cruise, for example, lets families visit multiple destinations, including Cartagena and Santa Marta, with the added convenience of guided excursions. It’s a great way to explore several beaches while minimizing the stress of planning multiple hotel stays and transfers.
Visit Colombia’s Family-Friendly Beaches
From Rosario Islands to Playa Cristal and beyond, Colombia beaches offer more than sand and sea — they deliver a rich, memorable experience for families. Thanks to improvements in safety, infrastructure and tourism, more families are discovering how ideal this country is for warm-weather adventures.
Many of the best beaches in Colombia are easiest to access via cruise ports and organized excursions, with cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta popular ports of call.
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