Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
50 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
930 m
Frequently asked questions
El Rodadero: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +27.0°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
El Rodadero: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
El Rodadero: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 50 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
El Rodadero: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 930 metres.
El Rodadero: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January. It ends in March, April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
El Rodadero: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
El Rodadero: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: . We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
El Rodadero: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
El Rodadero: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
El Rodadero: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Restaurante El Rodadero, Cevichería El Rodadero. Cuisines available: Local, European. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
El Rodadero: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, First aid kit.
El Rodadero: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for swimming is in the morning on weekdays, when there are fewer people. In the evening — beautiful sunsets and a lively atmosphere.
El Rodadero: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Keep the sand clean.
El Rodadero: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
El Rodadero: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children and tourists who want to be in the centre of events with developed infrastructure. Not suitable for lovers of silence and solitude.
El Rodadero: what makes this beach unique?
El Rodadero is the most visited beach in Santa Marta with over a million visitors per year. It got its name from a sand hill from which bathers rolled down to the water.
El Rodadero: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Wide sandy beach, Calm waters, Developed infrastructure, Many restaurants and hotels, Water sports, Suitable for families with children. Cons: Very crowded, Noisy, Possible thefts, High prices in season.
El Rodadero: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Aquarium and Sea Museum, Playa Blanca, Santa Marta. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
El Rodadero: how do I get to the city of Santa Marta?
The beach is located near the city of Santa Marta. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Santa Marta.