This white sand beach away from Cartagena makes you feel like you are on a Caribbean escape. The white powdery sand appears to be stretching over the Peninsula endlessly and the crystal-clear, almost unnaturally looking bright turquoise water is perfect for a dip. Trying to figure out how to get there and where to stay at Playa Blanca on Isla Barú? Read on to find out.
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WHAT TO DO
Once you have arrived at the car park and made your way past the busy market stalls and vendors trying to sell you stuff you will reach the powdery, white sand of Playa Blanca.
Here you can either swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea or engage in water sport activities. There are jet ski and tube rides to be made or take a boat out into the sea for snorkelling in the crystal-clear water with colourful tropical fish.
If you would rather relax on the beach than go nuts and order yourself a Coco Loco from the many vendors walking up and down the beach. It is a refreshing cocktail served inside a coconut. Do I need to say more?
Playa Blanca can also be used as a base to visit the nearby islands Isla Grande or any of the other Rosario Islands. There are also scuba dive trips that can be organised if you plan on staying on Isla Barú.
Swim With Plankton At Playa Blanca.
Although this bioluminescent natural phenomenon is visible right at the shore it isn’t advisable to wander around on the beach at night. Tour operators will take you on a 15-minute boat ride into the sea to swim with the plankton. The experience of swimming with these glow-in-the-dark single-celled organisms is unforgettable. The water illuminates with what appears like a thousand fireflies lighting up at the same time with the added crisp sound of burning wood.
The plankton tours bookable at Playa Blanca leave at 6.30 pm and cost COP 20,000. Make sure to arrange transport back to Cartagena in advance if you don’t want to get stuck at Playa Blanca on Isla Barú. Taxis can be pre-booked or book the shuttle busses organised by Mamallena returning at 8.30 pm.
There are tours that can be organised in advance including transport from and to Cartagena. Although, the prices for tours organised in advance are steeper and your time on Playa Blanca before sunset will be limited.
GOOD TO KNOW
The best time to visit Playa Blanca is during the week when the beach is less overcrowded with locals flocking in from surrounding areas. The later in the day the quieter the beach will be.
Be careful if you stay for sunset or wish to stick around to see the plankton. It can be dangerous on the beach once it’s dark, not only in Colombia but all South America.
There are no cashpoints on Isla Barú. Make sure to bring enough cash when leaving Cartagena since cards are not accepted everywhere.
Buy a good mosquito repellent for tropical climate since not all accommodations provide mosquito nets.
A QUICK GUIDE ON HOW TO GET TO PLAYA BLANCA ON ISLA BARÚ
This endless white sand beach is one hour by bus/ collectivo taxi, shuttle bus, or taxi.
The cheapest option is taking the bus to Pasacaballos (COP 2,200) followed by a collectivo or moto-taxi (COP 8,000) to the beach. The bus stop in Cartagena is located at Calle 30 and Carrera 17. Busses have signs with their destination in the corner of the windshield. Make sure to return by 4 pm. Otherwise, it can become tricky to find a taxi to return to Pasacaballos.
An easier alternative is taking a shuttle bus. Mamallena Hostel offers a shuttle service which costs COP 50,000 return.
The most expensive option is travelling by taxi for COP 100,000 one-way. We opted for taking a taxi since there were four of us and we only wanted to spend 1 – 2 hours on the beach. If you negotiate well, you can get the price down to COP 160,000 return and the driver will wait for you. Our driver was hilarious constantly imitating car sounds when accelerating and braking. He even came to the beach with us.
WHERE TO STAY
Would you rather relax in paradise than staying in the busy port city of Cartagena? There are many accommodations to choose from. Although, if you are limited for time, I suggest a multi-day trip to one of the nearby dreamy islands instead.
Hostal Playa Blanca.
This hostal has a shared kitchen and a bar. Plenty of activities can be organised through them such as diving, snorkelling, plankton tours, and trips to the nearby islands.
Nuestra Cabañita.
Another hostel located right on the beach is Nuestra Cabañita. They offer continental breakfast, pizzas, and have a bar.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
