Playa Blanca Isla Barù

Escape to the beach from Cartagena

Isla Barù is a small island floating in the Caribbean and it´s Colombia´s island paradise. If you want some action head to Playa Blanca on the island. Here you find palm trees, bright blue Caribbean Sea, sandy beaches, fresh seafood, juices, music and drinks.

Playa Blanca is located one hour away from Cartagena by speedboat or by taxi. I do recommend the speedboat because the temperature is hot in Cartagena the whole year and the sea breeze feels so good.

Discover the vibrant Playa Blanca with its palm-lined beaches, turquoise waters, fresh seafood, and tropical drinks. Just an hour from Cartagena by speedboat, it's the perfect island escape.

You can visit Playa Blanca for a day to swim, relax, and soak up the sun on its beautiful sandy shores—exactly what I did for several days in a row. The beach's calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for a refreshing dip. If you're looking for a longer escape, you can spend the night in one of the charming, rustic beach huts, falling asleep to the sound of the waves. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the peaceful ambiance after the day-trippers leave, offering a more serene, laid-back experience on this tropical island paradise.

Spend a night in a colorful hut on the beach. Photo: Merete Moen

Playa Blanca has long been known as one of the most stunning beaches for a day trip from Cartagena. Picture-perfect powdery white sand? Check! Crystal-clear, cerulean waters? Check! Although located on Isla Barú, it's not actually an island but a peninsula, separated from the mainland in the 16th century when a canal was built. Fortunately, a land bridge added in 2014 now makes the beach easily accessible by road.

However, Playa Blanca's popularity has come at a cost. With easy access by car, bus, and boat, the beach has become crowded, and prices have soared. While it’s still as beautiful as ever, the daytime crowds and persistent vendors can make it difficult to fully relax. That said, if you go with realistic expectations, you can still enjoy your visit. To avoid the crowds, head farther north along the beach for snorkeling, visit during the week, or consider staying overnight in one of the rustic beachfront guesthouses for a more peaceful experience. I want the places I stay in to be of a certain standard especially with I travel solo, I did´t spend the night on the beach in Playa Blanca but I really enjoyed the beach, I went early in the morning and returned to the city in the afternoon by boat.

Simple yet charming huts on the beach. Photo: Merete Moen

For those looking to stay longer at Playa Blanca, the colorful beach huts offer a unique and charming accommodation option. These rustic, vibrant huts are scattered along the shoreline, painted in bright, tropical colors that reflect the lively spirit of the island. Though simple, they provide everything you need for a relaxing stay, including a cozy bed and a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea right at your doorstep. Staying in one of these huts gives you a true island vibe—waking up to the sound of the waves, stepping out onto the beach, and enjoying the tranquility of Playa Blanca after the day visitors have left. It's an unforgettable way to experience the island's natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.

Playa Blanca is a tropical paradise, with its long stretches of powdery white sand and the stunning turquoise waters. Photo: Merete Moen

Playa Blanca is a true tropical paradise, with its long stretches of powdery white sand and the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The sea here is a brilliant shade of blue-green, so clear that you can see right down to the sandy bottom. The gentle waves invite you to swim, float, or simply cool off under the warm sun. The beach seems to stretch endlessly, offering plenty of space to find your own peaceful spot to relax or take a long walk along the shoreline, with the sound of the waves lapping at your feet. Whether you're lounging on the sand or wading into the crystal-clear water, the beauty of Playa Blanca’s endless beach and vibrant sea creates a perfect setting for unwinding in paradise. For more inspiration and information I recommend you to read about day trips from Cartagena Lonely Planet Isla Baru