Enjoy Your Summer Vacation at Sun and Beach Destinations in Colombia

Due to its privileged location, variety of colors and textures in the natural sand of its beaches, favorable climate year-round, and the wide range of complementary tourism experiences, these destinations are increasingly popular among tourists from countries with seasons. Here are some sun and beach destinations in Colombia to enjoy summer vacations all year round.

Sun and Beach in San Andrés and Providencia

The paradise beaches of the San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago are the favorite spot for travelers from around the world who arrive in the Colombian Caribbean in search of white sand, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets.

Thanks to the colorful waters that have earned it the name “the sea of seven colors,” along with the joy and kindness of its inhabitants, San Andrés is one of the most visited sun and beach tourist destinations in Colombia.

Although the archipelago has countless beaches, two in particular have won over tourists and received significant recognition, such as the Travelers Choice Beaches 2018 from Tripadvisor. One is Spratt Bight beach, located in the commercial northern part of San Andrés, with restaurants, shops, bars, and other businesses; and San Luis beach, known as Bahía Sonora or Sound Bay, preferred by those who wish to walk on deserted beaches, away from noise and crowds.

Of interest: What to eat in San Andrés

Meanwhile, Providencia Island is home to some of the most beautiful and tranquil white sand beaches in the country. This is because colonists have protected the island, preventing large constructions from invading its beaches, allowing palm trees and some restaurants built in the same architectural style as the homes of its residents to remain intact.

Among the numerous beaches of Providencia, Manzanillo beach stands out, one of the few beaches where you can enjoy the island's nightlife; Bahía Sur Oeste or South West Bay, considered the longest beach in Providencia; and Bahía Agua Dulce or Fresh Water Bay, where most of the restaurants and hotels of Providencia are located.

Playa Cristal, Santa Marta

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Colombian Caribbean is Playa Cristal, in Santa Marta. Also known as “the beach of the dead,” it is a place that invites rest and contact with nature, thanks to its white sands, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs.

Playa Cristal is located in the Tayrona National Natural Park, making it a must-stop for the thousands of tourists and “backpackers” who visit Tayrona each year in search of contact with Colombia's flora and fauna, as well as the ancestral cultures that have made this region of the country a mystical area.

Of interest: Enjoy the Gorgona National Natural Park

Santa Marta is also an ideal destination for sun and beach vacations with family. For the little ones, the city features an Aquarium and the Museum of the Sea, where they can learn more about the aquatic life of the Colombian Caribbean; and for adults, the city offers spaces for extreme sports and a wide hotel infrastructure. In this last aspect, the Hotel Zuana stands out, which was awarded second place, out of 25, in the “Family of Colombia” category of the 2019 Traveler’s Choice awards by the TripAdvisor portal.

Mayapo, a paradise in La Guajira

Just 20 minutes from Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira department, lies Mayapo beach, which, with its white sand and beautiful aquamarine sea, has become a weekend tourist destination among locals and a must-visit spot for the thousands of foreigners venturing to explore the northernmost part of the country.

The sea of this region of the Colombian Caribbean provides sustenance for the Wayúu communities who live from fishing, tourism, and selling handicrafts, among which the famous Wayúu bags stand out.

Due to its proximity to other tourist destinations in the region such as the Pilón de Azúcar, the Macuira Natural National Park, the Taroa Dunes, and Cabo de la Vela, Mayapo beaches are the perfect place to start or finish a journey through this beautiful department.

Of interest: Wayúu Cultural Festival: a traditional showcase in La Guajira

Barú, a place to experience the fauna and flora of the Colombian Caribbean

Just 45 minutes from Cartagena lies Barú, an island characterized by its white and pink sands, as well as its crystal-clear waters that allow you to see the beauty of its aquatic flora and fauna in all its splendor.

On this island, time seems to stand still: its beaches invite calm, enjoyment under the sun, delight in traditional Caribbean cuisine, and capturing stunning sunsets.

Some of the best-known beaches in Barú include Playa Blanca, Punta Iguana, Puerto Naito, Cholón, Playita de los Muertos, and Playa Bobo. Each has its unique charm and offers tourists the chance to engage in various activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and birdwatching.

Of interest: The always colorful, beautiful, and romantic Cartagena de Indias

Because of the beauty of its seas and beaches, the kindness of its inhabitants, its delicious and varied cuisine, and its landscapes ideal for all kinds of sports, the Colombian Caribbean is the perfect place to have an unforgettable sun and beach vacation. Feel encouraged to visit and see firsthand why Colombia is on the radar of tourists worldwide.