Discover the exceptional beauty of Colombia’s Blue Flag beaches

It’s no secret that tourists and tourism businesses around the world are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of preserving the environment as well as their role in doing so. This translates into a better behavior towards nature and the willingness to choose destinations that not only captivate them, but also guarantee good conservation practices. The Blue Flag program reflects this.

Sustainable practices and the creation and implementation of initiatives aimed at safeguarding the beauty and quality of destinations in Colombia have been promoted with the support of regional governments and local communities. One of these is the European Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) Blue Flag program, which, since 1987, has awarded beaches and ports that meet a set of environmental criteria and facility requirements.

The program's jury includes various environmental and tourism organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), among others. The criteria for obtaining this certification are divided into four fundamental areas:

1. Bathing water quality: Referring to the requirements and standards for high-quality bathing waters.

2. Information and environmental education: Information regarding coastal ecosystems, sensitive natural areas, and protected species in the coastal zone should be available to the public.

3. Environmental management: The city must promote the use of sustainable transportation alternatives, such as cycling, walking, or public transportation to access the beach.

4. Safety, services, and facilities: The beach must have qualified lifeguards, first aid equipment, an easy and safe access to the beach areas, and local emergency plans to deal with accidents or ecological disasters.

Currently, more than 50 countries have sites that hold this certification, proving the good sustainability practices of at least 5,000 beaches around the world. Colombia offers the added value of being able to fully enjoy the beauty of these beaches in pleasant weather 365 days a year.

Blue Flags in Colombia

The great news is that by 2023, Colombia has joined this select club with eight beaches, and the aim is for this number to grow in the coming years. This represents greater international visibility, better care for the unique nature of the country, and increased income that can benefit these regions’ inhabitants and workers. Below, you’ll find Colombia’s finest beaches, deserving of this award, and their most outstanding features.

Johnny Cay, San Andrés

Although popularly known as Johnny Cay, its true name is Sucre Islet. This beautiful and small Colombian islet is located to the northeast of the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. A trip to it from San Andrés takes only about 10 minutes by boat, making it well worth visiting if you find yourself in this Caribbean archipelago.

With warm climate most of the year and refreshing breezes, Johnny Cay's white beach contrasts with the intense azure sea, while palm trees in the background frame the perfect spot for visitors to capture a postcard-like picture. Here, you mustn't miss out on the fresh seafood complemented by traditional Caribbean sounds in the background. These are some of the unique experiences you could enjoy here:

Embark on kayak and glass-bottom boat tours through the mangroves, allowing you to behold the hidden beauty beneath the sea.
Engage in aquatic gardening activities, where you can cultivate and care for corals, contributing to the proper preservation of the area and preventing erosion.
Delight in the wildlife of this paradisiacal place, brimming with palm trees and notably more than 800 iguanas that call this small cay their home.

Playa Azul, Cartagena

This 200-meter-long beach with fine dark sands is located right on the outskirts of Cartagena, along the road connecting the city to Barranquilla. Apart from the breathtaking view offered by the beach, this area has had significant investments that have provided it with infrastructure suitable for greeting all tourists, including those with disabilities or reduced mobility, who wish to enjoy the Caribbean breeze.

At Playa Azul, you can enjoy the sun under tents and parasols. For the adventurous kind, various beach and water sports are also available. Unique experiences you can enjoy in here include:

Take eco-tours, guided by the local community, through the nearby mangrove forests of La Boquilla.
Create traditional handcrafts with the local community, crafting memories and souvenirs for your loved ones.

Bello Horizonte, Santa Marta

Santa Marta's beaches have always been considered some of the most beautiful in the country, particularly for offering some of Colombia's finest sunsets. Bello Horizonte is one such gem. Aside from enjoying the incomparable view of the Caribbean Sea, it stands out for its tranquility and privacy, distinguishing it from other beaches in the bay area.

The beach boasts a significant advantage – it’s adjacent to some of the best resorts in the area. We recommend Zuana and Irotama, both of which offer excellent infrastructure and uniquely tailored experiences for the best stay. Some of the experiences we suggest in this beach are:

Enjoy the beach and its calm sea, accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
Engage in meaningful encounters with indigenous communities, allowing for a deeper connection with nature and the essence of being.
Practice nautical sports such as windsurfing, sailing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.

Playa Blanca, Santa Marta

This beach is also in Santa Marta and gets its name from the color of its sand. It’s widely renowned for its crystal-clear sea that looks azure from afar, peaceful environment, and stunning beauty. This destination, just a 20-minute boat ride from El Rodadero, is known for the stunning color of its sea and the tranquility and beauty that surrounds it. There you’ll find different spots to rest in hammocks while enjoying the sound of the waves, as well as excellent spots to try fresh seafood.

There are no hotels directly on this beach, so if you want to stay overnight, Santa Marta has a wide range of accommodations to suit all preferences. Some activities Playa Blanca offers are:

Engage in sea activities like surfing or kayaking, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
Experience a zip line ride that allows you to appreciate the beauty of the area from above.
Visit the aquarium where you can see dolphins and even swim with them.

Playa Segunda Ensenada, Coveñas

With its beautiful white sand, calm blue waters, and enough space to relax and take in the picturesque scenery, this beach has gained popularity for its unique feature: the fact that you can walk along the shore for several meters without sinking. This is one of the largest beaches in Coveñas and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, making it a must-visit destination in the country.

This destination is ideal for a well-deserved rest, savoring local gastronomy (fried plantain, coconut rice, fried fish, or fresh seafood stew), taking advantage of the shallow coast, and walking in tranquil crystal-clear waters while admiring the sunset. Segunda Ensenada is quieter than Primera Ensenada, which is more suitable for water sports like kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and flyboarding.

Playa Urbana sector #3, Riohacha

This part of the beach is located in Riohacha and offers a spacious coast, with a significant portion covered by palm trees that offer shade from the Caribbean sun. The sea in this area displays hues of blue and green thanks to marine vegetation and the presence of microorganisms. Additionally, the river merges with the sea here, creating a spectacular and unmissable visual effect.

In Riohacha, we recommed the following activities:

Take the opportunity to buy beautiful handcrafts made by Wayúu women, the indigenous community inhabiting the La Guajira Peninsula area. You can directly support their community and acquire beautiful presents as a part of your visit.
Visit Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, where you can observe the beautiful flamingos that the sanctuary is named after, an icon of this region.
Explore other beaches in the area, all known for their tranquility, surrounded by native flora and fauna, and enjoy the traditional coastal cuisine.

Playa de El Morro, Tumaco

This natural wonder of Tumaco is characterized by the striking rock formation in the middle of the sea known as Quesillo or Morro and the ancient Morro Arch, famous for protecting ships from pirate attacks. Besides being a peaceful place where you can enjoy the beautiful Colombian Pacific Ocean, this beach is the ideal setting for birdwatching and whale watching at certain times of the year.

In addition to enjoying nature, you can savor local cuisine in the area: sancocho (stew), crab encocado (crab and coconut stew), pusandao (a seafood dish), and fruits like guava, sapote, coconut, and mango are part of the menu. In this beach, we recommend the following activities:

Visit the ancestors’ cave, famous for its ancient pre-Hispanic engravings you’ll find during low tide.
Engage in water activities like windsurfing, kayaking, boat rides, and water floats.
Delight in the natural beauty of the area. The region has gained popularity for its birdwatching activities.

Playa Dorada, Buenaventura

Playa Dorada is one of the most charming destinations in Buenaventura, hidden amidst the dense and diverse jungle. The beach is just half an hour from Punta San Pedro, and is surrounded by a native forest that allows you to feel the gentle breeze of the Pacific while enjoying the green waters. The Maguipi hotel is home to this beautiful beach.

Here are some activities we recommend:

Take eco-friendly hikes along the paths around the beach and explore the natural beauty of the area.
Take a refreshing and rejuvenating dip in freshwater pools.
Immerse yourself in the marine environment while diving among the mangroves.

Nuevas certificaciones del programa Blue Flag en Colombia

In collaboration with the Colombian government and multiple local authorities, there is an ongoing plan to expand this list. It is expected that more than ten beaches will receive Blue Flag certification in the coming years. This demonstrates the country's commitment to offering visitors not only beautiful landscapes and sustainable tourist destinations, but also world-class practices aimed at providing environmentally conscious experiences.

We invite you not only to discover these eight certified Colombian beaches but also the numerous captivating coastal destinations that the country of beauty has to offer.