WHAT: A day at the beach at Playa Blanca, Cartagena's white beach WHERE: In the south of Cartagena, a 45-minute speed boat ride or three hour drive by bus or taxi HOW LONG: As long as you like to go beach bumming, but you need one day at least, or afternoon if you take a tour! HOW MUCH: You can go either by bus (50.000 pesos retour, 3 hours) or by speed boat boat (45 minutes, between 20.000 and 40.000 (that would depend on your bargaining skills) ex. harbour tax of 14.500 pesos). I'd recommend to go by boat, even though that a bit more pricy. But it adds to the experience and it's always nice to take a ride at sea. Most people go by tour boat on which you get a fish lunch, and taken to different islands (like Rosario) to aquariums and snorkelling. You will pay between $25,000-$45,000 Colombian Pesos (COP) for this option. All boats depart from the Muelle de la Bodeguita.
Perhaps some people wouldn’t recommend you to go to Playa Blanca if you’re looking for an ultimate breakaway beach day from the city of Cartagena. And let’s be fair; Playa Blanca ain’t for those who are looking for a tranquil, castaway experience. The beach is super crowded, the sea is packed with jetski’s and kids floating on inflatable flamingo’s and crocodiles, probably the majority of the grown ups is at least a bit tipsy, vendors are screaming for attention, pickpockets are looming and the fries are served lukewarm. And yet, because all of these irregularities, it’s an absolute pleasure to settle down in the sand, with your feet in the ocean and behold this circus on the beach.
Avoid the crowds by going on a weekday, avert eye-contact with the vendors (if you don’t want anything from them that is), take it slow and enjoy the local show.
