Among the most attractive beaches in the continental Caribbean region, the relaxed and less frequented ones near San Onofre are an exceptional option if you're looking to escape the urban hustle.
Even though you may prefer to spend your stay lying on the soft sands and swimming in the turquoise waters, you should know there is much more you can do in this place, as long as you’re willing to leave your lounge chair by the sea.
The area features sections covered by mangroves and tropical dry forests that you can explore. On the other hand, there are many coastal towns where you can delight in the local cuisine and, in the surroundings of Rincón del Mar, you can take advantage of the coral reef to snorkel and dive. At night, the waters are covered by phosphorescent algae, and you can swim amidst what looks like an avant-garde work of art.
San Onofre is also the starting point to visit the islands of the San Bernardo archipelago, which include Múcura Island with its opulent hotels and the unique Islote, an artificial island that is the most densely populated on the planet.
Sights and attractions
Rincón del Mar
Proud home to the silkiest sands and the brightest waters in the region, Rincón is the kind of place that will fascinate you to the point of making you cancel your plans just to stay there a few more days. It has a wide variety of hotels and restaurants, and it is a destination that, despite having everything a tourist needs, remains remote and unspoiled.
Beach
Santa Cruz del Islote
Seen from the air, this island gives the impression of being a piece of a city that broke away and was left drifting in the greenish waters of the Caribbean, because its buildings are so close together that there isn't a single visible patch of land. Islote emerged when local fishermen realized that by building their homes away from the area’s lushly vegetated islands, they could avoid the invasion of flies and mosquitoes that infested nearby towns.
Nowadays, its fame as the most densely populated artificial island in the world draws travelers from everywhere. Be sure to come see what life is like in this striking place.
Culture
Isla Múcura
Of all the islands in the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, Isla Múcura, which is increasingly popular among tourists, is undoubtedly the most beautiful and has nothing to envy from other more renowned Caribbean islands. Its soft white sands and clear waters where tropical fish can be spotted at a glance
Are worthy of appearing in any travel brochure, even though they still remain almost unknown.
Beach, Snorkeling
Practical details
Accommodation
There is little demand for lodging in San Onofre, as most travelers prefer to stay directly in Rincón del Mar or on one of the archipelago’s islands to be closer to the beach.
Getting there
The closest airport to San Onofre is the regional terminal in the coastal municipality of Tolú. It's located 30 minutes away and receives flights from Medellín. If you're looking for a greater range of national and international services, you can fly to Cartagena and arrive by car in about two hours.
Practical tip
Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear when exploring around San Onofre! You never know when you’ll come across a magical spot to dive in and appreciate the underwater wonders.
