Playa Blanca Cartagena: Complete Guide and Private Tours

From Cartagena, we take you to Playa Blanca on a private boat. A private speedboat for up to 12 guests starts at USD 669 for the day, about USD 56 per person if you fill it. Private yachts start at USD 2,299. Both include a private captain and crew, fuel, and a cooler with ice and water. You also set the route, so you can add the Rosario Islands on the same day. If you prefer a beach club day pass on Barú Island, ours start at COP 252,000 per person (about USD 80).

Prices from our store and fleet as of October 25, 2026. Day pass prices are in Colombian pesos. See private boats and yachts ›

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, a towel and your passport, because the port authority requires it to clear the boat. The private boat also carries water and ice. If you want alcohol, you can bring your own.

Playa Blanca is the best-known white-sand beach near Cartagena. It sits on Barú Island, about 45 minutes to an hour by boat from the city. Its turquoise water is calm and shallow, so it is also one of the most popular beach trips in the Colombian Caribbean.

There are two ways to get there. First, you can go by sea on a private boat from the Cartagena docks, which is the most comfortable and fastest option. Second, you can go by land across to Barú Island, which takes about 1.5 hours.

For a day without lines or crowds, we recommend arriving by sea on a private charter. That way, you also skip the busiest hours on the road.

Expect white sand, clear water for swimming and a wide choice of beach clubs. However, Playa Blanca is very popular, and the public beach usually fills up around midday. So arriving early, or booking a private space, makes a real difference.

The dry season, from December to April, brings the clearest skies and the calmest sea. Still, early mornings are the quietest time all year, and they also have the best light for photos.

We plan private trips from Cartagena to Playa Blanca on our catamarans and yachts. You can also add the Rosario Islands on the same day, so you set the pace. To check dates and availability, just message us on WhatsApp.

Planning more days on the water? Then read our Rosario Islands guide, compare our day trips from Cartagena or explore Cholón, a sheltered bay in the same area of Barú.