Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Frequently asked questions
Playa Blanca: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, 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.
Playa Blanca: 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.
Playa Blanca: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 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.
Playa Blanca: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 500 metres.
Playa Blanca: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Blanca: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Blanca: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish (seasonal). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Blanca: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, kids playground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Blanca: 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.
Playa Blanca: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Beach Restaurants. Cuisines available: Caribbean. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Blanca: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Headwear, Cash for sunbed rental.
Playa Blanca: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to swim is morning, when the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
Playa Blanca: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is recommended in designated areas. Keep the beach clean. Do not leave valuables unattended.
Playa Blanca: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa Blanca: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children thanks to calm water and gentle entry. Suitable for snorkelling and walks. Not suitable for surfers — there are almost no waves.
Playa Blanca: what makes this beach unique?
Playa Blanca in Santa Marta has received Blue Flag certification for water cleanliness and sustainable development. It is one of the few beaches in Colombia to receive this international award.
Playa Blanca: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: White sand and crystal-clear water, Calm water, ideal for swimming, Excellent snorkelling conditions, Well-developed infrastructure: restaurants, toilets, showers, Snorkelling equipment rental, Accessible by boat from Santa Marta, Blue Flag certification. Cons: Accessible only by boat, Can be crowded in high season, Limited natural shade, No lifeguards on most of the beach, Water can be murky after rain.
Playa Blanca: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta, Aquarium and Sea Museum. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Blanca: does the beach have a Blue Flag?
Yes, the beach holds the international "Blue Flag" certification. This means the beach meets high standards of water cleanliness, safety and infrastructure.
Playa Blanca: 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.