Colombia, a country that is twice the size of France, hosts some of the most biodiverse landscapes on the planet. The lush green mountains dominate much of the landscape. While sitting by the pool in the valleys will make you want to swim, heading out into the hills that are an hour away will make you want to put on a jacket. Snow-capped volcanoes exist beside alpine lakes and desert plains. For those who enjoy the sand and beach, you will have the option of both the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts such as Playa Blanca and Ladrilleros. If you’re looking for a South American beach holiday, check out these best beach resorts in Colombia.
Travel advisory:
If you’re coming to Colombia for a beach vacation, you’ll be happy to know that the climate stays largely the same throughout the year because of the country’s location close to the equator. You’ll only have to time your trip based on the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season runs from December to January and July to August, while the rainy season spans April to May and October to November.
Tourists can get refunds for the value-added tax (VAT) they pay for all sorts of goods purchased in Colombia. These include local crafts, footwear, leather goods, jewelry, and more. VAT refunds can be done at various National Tax and Customs Department (DIAN) offices at ports of exit as long as you bring your receipts, original passport, a copy of your passport, and the required forms.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on December 21, 2024.
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Beach life in Colombia
Colombia is home to four Blue Flag beaches, which means that these beaches have achieved eco-certification after adhering to various criteria. Part of the requirements is clean bathing water. For the best beaches the country has to offer, visit Magüipi in Buenaventura, Johnny Cay in San Andrés, Playa Azul in Cartagena, and Bello Horizonte in Santa Marta.
In particular, Johnny Cay is an excellent option if you like to admire marine life, as it has an aquarium where you can swim among different kinds of fish. Meanwhile, Playa Azul is great for those who require wheelchair access and want to appreciate the stunning vistas of the Caribbean Sea.
Beach resorts in Colombia
1. Decameron Marazul - All Inclusive in San Andrés
If you are seeking a perfect vacation spot with numerous entertainment options, then Hotel Decameron Marazul in San Andres is the place to be. The hotel boasts a stunning swimming pool, perfect for soaking up the sun, a beach volleyball court, and a disco, ensuring that you have plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your stay.
The hotel also offers rooms that provide stunning views of the island while offering the utmost comfort and privacy. Each room features a cable TV, air conditioning, and a private balcony, allowing you to enjoy the views while basking in the comfort of your own space.
After a day of adventure and exploration, guests can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool or private beach area, enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar, and savor a delicious meal at one of the hotel’s three restaurants.
- Property highlights: This all-inclusive resort has several beach clubs where you can dine. It also has kayaks and sea bikes available to guests.
- Nearest beach: The beach is right in front of the property.
- Beach access: Private
- Suggested rooms/units: Book one of the Double or Twin Rooms here and ask for the one with an in-room bath for a more luxurious stay.
2. Quinta del Mar Crystal Beach in Tintipan Island (from USD 92)
Experience a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation at Quinta del Mar Crystal Beach, a stunning resort located on Tintipan Island, one of the best islands in Colombia. This resort offers a wide range of excellent amenities for a comfortable stay, including an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a bar.
The rooms feature modern amenities, such as a patio with a city view, a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, and air conditioning. I would also appreciate the flat-screen TV if I were staying here, as I love to watch movies during my downtime. Some rooms also feature a balcony, providing guests with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Start your day with a delicious American breakfast and enjoy an outdoor dining experience. Guests can also engage in various activities such as hiking and exploring the beautiful surroundings. The resort offers a restaurant, room service, and a 24-hour front desk, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
- Property highlights: Relax during your trip with a seaside massage or have adventures thanks to the on-site kayaks, plank rides, and stand-up paddleboards.
- Nearest beach: The beach is just on the edge of the resort.
- Beach access: Private
- Suggested rooms/units: The Deluxe Room 101 has plenty of windows that give you a panoramic view of the water.
3. Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros in Cartagena de Indias (from USD 117)
As one of the most luxurious hotels in the Morros area, Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros sits right on the beach, and it is only a 10-minute drive from the airport. The rooms here are elegantly designed, and they include a coffee maker, a TV, a desk, and a private bathroom with toiletries. If I were visiting, I would be happy to curl up and read on the comfy bed.
Check out the on-site restaurant and indulge in some fresh Colombian fruit or Mediterranean-inspired dishes. If a drink is what you’re looking for, the cocktail bar offers fine wines and tapas.
- Property highlights: While here, lounge on one of the sunbeds right next to the sandy shore.
- Nearest beach: The beach is just a short walk away.
- Suggested rooms/units: The King Room with Ocean View has a large tub and a balcony with seating.
4. Decameron Galeon - All Inclusive in Santa Marta (from USD 157)
Surrounded by palm trees and the sandy beach, Decameron Galeon is an all-inclusive resort that offers great amenities. It boasts two swimming pools as well as tennis courts and a disco.
If heading into the water is more for you, I think you would enjoy the snorkeling and kayaking tours. You can dine at one of the several restaurants on site that serve a variety of options, such as an Asian fusion, seafood specialties, and poolside snack bars.
- Property highlights: This resort will give you easy access to the beach, which has seating and facilities for beach volleyball.
- Nearest beach: The beach is a short stroll away.
- Suggested rooms/units: The One-Bedroom Villa has a balcony with a pool view so you can enjoy the fresh air.
5. Hotel San Pedro de Majagua in Isla Grande (from USD 201)
Varied dining options with good seafood, though some guests found the breakfast selection limited.
Reasonable pricing for a private island resort with two beaches and various water activities.
Secluded island location with beautiful, clear Caribbean waters and two private beaches.
Comfortable rooms, hammocks, snorkeling, and mangrove tours available.
Hotel San Pedro de Majagua is located on Isla Grande in the Caribbean. It is an hour from the mainland by boat. While it’s surrounded by nature, it still offers great, modern amenities for those who love to stream movies like me. You can simply access the free Wi-Fi, pool, beach, or bar or sign up for bird-watching trips and coral reef tours.
All guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, an LCD TV, free toiletries, and elegant bathrobes. Some rooms also include sea views or an interior courtyard. An American-style breakfast is served in the morning, alongside fresh Colombian fruit and coffee. The on-site restaurant specializes in seafood, which you can relish for dinner.
- Property highlights: Learn to dive at this resort's PADI diving center or borrow the property's kayaks or snorkeling equipment.
- Nearest beach: From here, you can descend down some steps that lead to the water.
- Suggested rooms/units: The Junior Suite has a terrace with a hammock and is right on the sand.
6. Decameron Barú - All Inclusive in Playa Blanca (from USD 252)
You’ll get to wake up to a fresh cup of Colombian coffee and head out to the beach in the morning. Decameron Barú is an all-inclusive luxury beach resort in Colombia that sits right on the beach and offers rooms with tropical decor, a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even its own after-hours disco.
You can access the fitness center or tennis courts and follow it up with a swim in the resort’s interconnected pool system.
- Property highlights: This resort offers a beach club and plenty of water activities, including snorkeling, canoeing, and windsurfing.
- Nearest beach: There's a white sandy beach at the end of the property.
- Suggested rooms/units: If you book the Standard Plus Room, you can enjoy a welcome fruit basket and views of the ocean.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "The beach is private and very safe, a few vendors in a designated area, very clear water and very calm, we enjoyed the beach a lot, sandy bottom, no need for beach shoes." - by Google Reviewer, Luis Labrada
7. Hotel Isla Del Pirata in Isla del Pirata (from USD 82)
With rooms designed with tropical decor and thatched roofs, Hotel Isla Del Pirata is located in the Rosario Islands, just off the city of Cartagena. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, and the beachfront location means snorkeling and kayaking are a must.
Guest rooms feature private bathrooms and showers, as well as fans.
- Property highlights: Surrounded by turquoise waters, this resort makes it easy to go snorkeling or diving on-site.
- Nearest beach: The property has stairs leading right into the water.
- Suggested rooms/units: Stay close to the water in the Junior Suite Bungalow, which has a terrace that opens directly to the water.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "We loved the small beach in the corner- access to the water is easy and there’s sand in the bottom. Great for snorkeling." - by Google Reviewer, Y R
8. Decameron Cartagena - All Inclusive in Cartagena de Indias
Decameron Cartagena, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Colombia, has everything for an amazing vacation. You can go for a swim in the ocean or stroll along the beach for a romantic evening.
Decorated in vibrant tropical colors, the rooms are gorgeous. Some of them include sea views that I would be happy to have as a backdrop if I were a guest here. A daily breakfast is provided, but there are several options for dining, with four a la carte restaurant options and one buffet.
- Property highlights: This resort is right in front of the sandy shore and also has an on-site pool in case you tire of swimming in saltwater.
- Nearest beach: Playas costa del sol is only a two-minute walk away.
- Beach access: Public
- Suggested rooms/units: The Double or Twin Room offers a compact space with ocean views.
9. Hilton Cartagena in Cartagena de Indias (from USD 171)
Located just outside of Cartagena, Hilton Cartagena is on an exclusive stretch of a private beach property, offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Each room is air-conditioned, and it features a marble-tiled bathroom, a mini bar, and a coffee machine.
You can hang out by the pool with a cocktail, swim in the ocean, or work out at the on-site fitness center. The pool area looks particularly refreshing as it even has hot tubs, which I think will make it a great place to rest for anyone looking to destress.
- Property highlights: The nearby beach has plenty of shaded seating.
- Nearest beach: The beach is right outside the resort.
- Suggested rooms/units: The spacious King Suite with Parlor City View has a large private terrace with loungers.
10. Sublime by Playa la Roca EcoHotel (from USD 47)
Near the town of Palomino, Sublime by Playa la Roca EcoHotel offers beautiful beachside accommodations with an eco-friendly twist. Rooms are decorated with a wooden motif, and they include sea views and hammocks.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, and spa treatments are available to book. But if you’d rather get some exercise, hikes to nearby mountains are also an option.
- Property highlights: If you're celebrating a special occasion, you can ask the staff here to help you organize a romantic beach dinner or picnic.
- Nearest beach: The property is right on the beach.
- Suggested rooms/units: Have a unique stay in the Beach front Family Suite with a palapa roof and a balcony with ocean views.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Very good place to rest away from the noise and vendors on the public beaches...the sea is a little strong" - by Google Reviewer, Pablo Medina
11. Hotel Isla del Encanto in Baru (from USD 355)
Facing a spectacular beach, Hotel Isla del Encanto is located at Rosario Islands National Park. It is about an hour from Cartagena by boat. When you arrive at the resort, you can expect a beautiful scenery and lush surroundings. Because of this, I think it would be the perfect place to say goodbye to daily stresses.
Book a snorkeling trip around the coral reefs or have a spa day and enjoy a massage and facial treatment. There are two pools on-site as well as a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guest rooms are equipped with a TV, air conditioning, and toiletries.
- Property highlights: This beachfront property offers boat rentals and the services of a pilot and co-pilot to take you to nearby islands.
- Nearest beach: The property is in front of a small beach area.
- Suggested rooms/units: The stylish Master Suite offers guests a dressing area and a balcony facing the sea.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Nice beach. Drink service. Other amenities as per usual (snorkeling, jet ski, massage)." - by Google Reviewer, Scott Kimbrough
Colombian holidays
Colombia is famous for many things and one of them is its beaches. With miles and miles of beach in the country and the option to go to either the Caribbean or the Pacific Coast, spending your holiday at one of these beachside resorts is a great way to discover Colombia.
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