Tayrona Beaches

Playas de Tayrona

Pristine sandy beaches within and near Tayrona National Park offering turquoise waters, palm trees, and minimal development. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a natural setting.

Things to do

• Swim at Playa Cristal — Wade into shallow turquoise waters at this protected beach within Tayrona National Park known for calm conditions and white sand.
• Snorkel at Playa Gairaca — Explore coral reefs and tropical fish in clear waters just offshore from this accessible beach near the park entrance.
• Hike to Lost City ruins — Trek inland from Tayrona to Ciudad Perdida, a multi-day journey to pre-Columbian ruins with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
• Kayak through mangrove creeks — Paddle through protected mangrove ecosystems to spot wildlife including herons, caimans, and manatees in their natural habitat.
• Visit Playa Arrecifes — Walk along rocky tide pools and shallow reefs at this picturesque cove ideal for spotting starfish and sea urchins.
• Camp at El Campamento beach — Stay overnight at this rustic beachfront camping area within the park to experience Tayrona's nocturnal soundscape and sunrise.

Food to try

• Ceviche de camarones — Fresh Caribbean shrimp cured in lime juice, mixed with tomato, cilantro, and coconut milk for a tangy local specialty.
• Arroz con coco — Rice cooked in coconut milk with fresh herbs, a staple Caribbean side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled fish.
• Huachinango a la sal — Whole red snapper baked in a salt crust, a traditional preparation that keeps the fish moist and flavorful, served with lime.
• Patacones con guacamole — Twice-fried green plantain slices served with fresh avocado dip, a satisfying snack found at beach food stalls.
• Fresh coconut water and tropical fruits — Vendors along the beach offer cold agua de coco straight from the shell plus mango, papaya, and passion fruit fresh from local trees.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect park boundaries and indigenous territories — Tayrona is sacred land to the Kogi, Arhuaco, and Wiwa indigenous groups; stay on marked trails and do not venture into restricted areas.
• Bring cash and plan ahead — ATMs are limited in Santa Marta and nonexistent near the beaches, so withdraw Colombian pesos before entering the park for food and camping fees.
• Protect against sun and insects — The Caribbean sun is intense and mosquitoes are prevalent at dawn and dusk; wear high-SPF sunscreen and bring insect repellent with DEET.
• Practice leave-no-trace beach ethics — Pack out all trash, avoid touching or standing on coral, and do not use reef-damaging sunscreen to help preserve this fragile ecosystem.