Welcome to the best beaches in Barú, a charming peninsula of Cartagena that deserves all the attention possible — and here I’m going to tell you everything you need to know if you’re visiting this beautiful corner of the Heroic City.

Here at La Carta, we want to give you a complete guide so that on your next vacation you can enjoy white sand, crystal-clear waters, sunshine, and the best Caribbean cuisine — with all the essential information, especially the kind of planning you’ll need if you’re the type of person who likes to jot everything down before diving into any adventure.

Some know it as a peninsula, others as an island — but here we’ll simply talk about Barú, a stunning area located in the south of Cartagena, connected to the mainland by a bridge. That means you can visit by boat, bus, car, or moto-taxi.
In short, we always want to guide you — and today, I’ve got for you: the best beaches in Barú.

Here’s how you can get to the most central spot in Barú, Playa Blanca, and the current prices:

• By Land:
  If you want to reach Barú by land, you’ll need to take a bus headed to Pasacaballos, usually from the India Catalina monument area in La Matuna. Once there, you can take a motorcycle taxi or regular taxi to Playa Blanca.
  Approximate total cost: $4.90 USD
• By Sea – Speedboat:
  Boats depart from the La Bodeguita dock starting at 7:00 a.m. You’ll pay around $14.65 USD per person round trip, including port taxes, but excluding lunch or additional services.
  There are many day trip packages offered at the beach that include everything: transportation, lunch, drinks, access to common areas, and more. I’ll tell you more about those later.

Tips to keep in mind when visiting the best beaches in Barú, Cartagena

• My first piece of advice is to book a full tour to the best beaches in Barú. It’s the most convenient option, offering ease, comfort, and an all-inclusive service. You won’t have to worry about a thing!
• Keep in mind that many of Barú’s beaches are very crowded, and the public ones tend to have a lot of street vendors. So, I recommend bringing some patience—or simply opting for a private beach experience for more peace and quiet.
• Bring your own water, as tap water isn’t drinkable, and bottled water can be quite overpriced in the area.
• Also, pack some snacks in your bag if you’d like to save a bit of extra money.

Sabai Beach: A peaceful beach escape in Barú

This gem was an incredible discovery for me. At Playa Sabai, the experience begins the moment you arrive at the private marina (Todomar Bocagrande), where a bilingual host welcomes you to kick off a dreamy day. Your package covers transportation, lunch, water, towels, services, and access to the beautiful facilities.

Playa Sabai in Barú is also an ideal option if you’re looking for a day of total disconnection and breathtaking views. It’s a hidden sanctuary surrounded by mangroves, wildlife, white sand, and a first-class restaurant—the perfect touch for a well-deserved break.

1.Price: USD $107 for a day pass that includes:

• Round-trip transportation and port fee

• Onboard hydration

• Guided tour of Bocachica Fort and Cholón Lagoon

• Beach loungers

• Towel service

• À la carte lunch

• Water and coffee throughout the day

• Access to kayaks, volleyball, and board games

• Full access to the facilities: a private 200-meter beach and pool

2. Gastronomy: First-class restaurant offering traditional Caribbean cuisine

3. Crowds: As a private beach, you won’t find street vendors or large crowds—just peace and exclusivity.

Isla del Encanto Beach: A paradise just 45 minutes from Cartagena

Its name truly reflects how magical this beach is. At Playa Isla del Encanto, you can enjoy a perfect beach day at the Hotel Isla del Encanto, where you’ll have the chance to kayak, snorkel, take diving courses or mini-courses on the coral reefs, and even visit the Oceanario (Oceanarium). Located at the tip of the Barú Peninsula, it’s just about 50 minutes from Cartagena.

• Price: USD $100 per adult aprox
  Includes round-trip transportation, welcome drink, Caribbean-style lunch, and access to the hotel’s facilities.
• Amenities & Facilities:
  During your day trip, you’ll have access to kayaking and snorkeling gear, depending on availability. If you’re an adventure lover, you’re encouraged to bring your own full gear for an even richer experience.
• Gastronomy:
  Your day pass includes a typical Caribbean lunch—fish, salad, patacón (fried plantain), and a drink, with some variations. The hotel also offers several restaurant options, including a buffet-style restaurant where you can purchase extra dishes like ceviches, meats, fish, soups, salads, and more.

As a private beach and part of the Hotel Isla del Encanto, most visitors arrive through guided tours or by booking a stay at the hotel. It’s also a family-friendly and peaceful beach, thanks to its calm waters, which makes it ideal for spotting marine life during your water activities.

Sofitel Calablanca: Luxury and relaxation in one place

This is one of my favorite places in Cartagena—known for its stunning design, luxurious atmosphere, and outstanding service. At La Carta, we’ve recommended it before as one of the best hotels in Cartagena and also one with the most breathtaking ocean views.

It’s a beautiful resort perfect for families, couples, or friends. Even if you visit solo, you’ll feel right at home in this vibrant and welcoming space. The luxury facilities will make you want to stay the night, but even a day pass experience is unforgettable.

On this dreamy beach, you can enjoy fun activities for all ages—from kayaking and paddleboarding to arts and crafts for the little ones, along with access to gorgeous pools. It’s the perfect place for a day of total relaxation and disconnection.

1.Price:

• Adults: USD $85

• Children (ages 2 to 11): USD $42

• Amenities & Facilities: Access to private beach, pools, restaurant, kids’ villa, and daily programming including crafts, sports, and art for children. Also includes use of sun loungers, towels, restrooms, and equipment for kayaking and paddleboarding.

2. Gastronomy:
A refined mix of Mediterranean, Italian, and traditional Caribbean cuisine.

3. Crowds:
This is a fully private beach, meaning no street vendors or crowds—just comfort and exclusivity.

Agua Azul Beach: A place where time stands still

The magic of the waves becomes even more enchanting on this beautiful beach with white sand and crystal-blue waters. The sea blends with the sky, creating a breathtaking canvas before your eyes. Located on a small island in front of the Barú Peninsula, the only way to reach it is by boat. I highly recommend booking the Hotel Resort Agua Azul tour—you’ll fall in love with the pristine white sand in this little corner of the island.

Although it’s possible to visit the island without booking through the resort, the experience with Agua Azul is totally worth it for its private beach and excellent facilities.

On this same island, farther south, you’ll also find Cholón, home to one of the best beach parties around (but more on that below).

So, what can you expect from Hotel Resort Agua Azul?

• Price: USD $146
  Includes: round-trip boat transportation, buffet lunch, welcome drink, and full access to resort facilities.
• Amenities & Facilities:
  Enjoy a massage area, a beautiful pool, sun loungers, hammocks, and exclusive access to a private beach.
• Gastronomy:
  Delicious Caribbean cuisine, including fried fish, coconut rice, patacón (fried plantain), salad, and more.
• Crowds: You’ll love this part of Barú for its peaceful, secluded atmosphere. As a private beach, it’s rarely crowded—making it one of the top beach escapes in Barú.

Playa Puntilla: Serenity and adventure beach

Just a few meters beyond Playa Blanca and Playa Tranquila, you’ll find Playa Puntilla, a stunning stretch of coastline with white sand and even clearer waters. It’s a peaceful beach ideal for relaxing, but also great for adventure. Here you can enjoy water sports like snorkeling and surface diving to admire the beautiful tropical fish.

You’ll find several options for day passes or accommodations at this beach, but here’s my personal recommendation: Buda House Beach, an exclusive beach club. Let me tell you everything you need to know about this day experience at one of Barú’s best beaches.

• Price: USD $92 per person
  Includes: Caribbean-style lunch, welcome cocktail, and access to all facilities.
• Amenities & Facilities: Enjoy oceanfront spaces, including beach beds, lounge areas, showers, and relaxing ambient zones designed for full disconnection.
• Gastronomy: Traditional Caribbean dishes, including fresh fish, salads, coconut rice, and fried plantains (patacones).
• Crowds: Although Playa Puntilla is a public beach, Buda House Beach is a private beach hostel—so you’ll enjoy a more peaceful, exclusive atmosphere within its section, away from the crowds.

Playa Blanca and Playa Tranquila: The Most Iconic Beaches in Barú

I couldn’t finish this blog without mentioning these two traditional beaches in Barú. To be honest, I saved them for last because they wouldn’t be my first choice if you’re looking for rest and relaxation. Both are very crowded, and since they are public beaches, you’ll encounter a lot of street vendors.

That said, it doesn’t mean I don’t recommend visiting them at all—I just want to give you the full picture so you can choose based on what you’re really looking for: fun, partying, peace, rest, or adventure.

Playa Blanca is typically the first beach you’ll come across if you arrive by land—it’s a central point where many boats arrive or pass by. Here you’ll find a bit of everything: hostels and hotels offering day passes, cocktails, open bars, street vendors selling oysters and ceviche, beach chairs, loungers, and many other services.

Important tip: Always ask for prices before consuming or using any service.

If you decide to go, I recommend Mambo Beach Club, a spot full of Caribbean energy and good vibes.

If you decide to take a day pass, here’s what you can expect to pay and what’s included:

• Price: USD $37 per person aprox
  Includes round-trip land transportation, welcome drink, lunch credit (COP $30,000 consumable), beach chairs, lockers, and restrooms.
• Amenities & Facilities: Beach chairs with cushions so you can relax comfortably with your friends. Access to restrooms and showers.
• Gastronomy: A delicious Caribbean lunch by the sea. Your day pass includes a 8 USD credit to choose your meal.
• Crowds: As a public beach located at Playa Blanca, it can be quite busy. However, the venue staff do their best to keep street vendors from bothering guests.

Playa Tranquila is just a few meters from Playa Blanca but offers fewer crowds and less street vending. It’s a quieter beach for those who want to rest without being bothered by local vendors. That said, both beaches have become more popular in recent years, so if you want a more secluded experience, I recommend the other options I mentioned earlier.

At Playa Tranquila, I recommend the Sunset Beach day pass, a peaceful stretch with lodging, a restaurant, a bar, and all the services that will make your visit truly delightful.

If you decide to take a day pass, here’s approximately what you’ll pay and what’s included:

• Price: USD $27 per person 
  Includes round-trip transportation by bus and boat (about 3 minutes) from Playa Blanca to Sunset Beach, welcome drink, lunch with 3 protein options, beach chairs, and medical assistance insurance.
• Amenities & Facilities: Beautiful beach beds, common areas where you can enjoy stunning sunsets from a second-floor viewpoint, and restroom access.
• Gastronomy: Delicious Caribbean lunch by the sea, with both animal and vegetarian protein options.
• Crowds: As a public beach, it can be busy, but this particular area tends to have fewer people since it’s part of the establishment.

At La Carta, we love exploring our Caribbean from many perspectives to offer you plenty of options—all comfortable and tailored for you. We’re focused on giving you a unique experience in Cartagena and its surroundings, so don’t miss the valuable information we have to help you enjoy your dream vacation on the best beaches of Barú, Cartagena.

Whenever I visit Cartagena, I can’t help but take a full tour or day trip to a nearby beach or island. So here’s my top 3 best beaches in Barú:

• I loved spending my day watching the sunset and eating delicious food at Sunset Beach in Playa Tranquila.

• Sofitel Calablanca is definitely a must-visit—whether you go once in a lifetime or more—the blend of rest, luxury, and top-notch service is something you can’t miss.

• At Hotel Resort Agua Azul, you’ll simply lose track of time. The calm, the waves, and the stunning waters make the hours feel different—pure tranquility.

Thanks for joining me on this adventure discovering the best beaches of Barú. It’s always a pleasure to share my experiences and everything I uncover between the cobblestone streets of La Heroica and the fresh waves of the Colombian Caribbean Sea. You can click here for more amazing beaches in Barú and Islas del Rosario. 

La Carta: The best beaches in Barú, Cartagena