Islas del Rosario Playa Blanca, a splendid beach: officially Corales del Rosario National Natural Park, Islas Rosario is a chain of islands located off the Colombian coast, about 100 kilometers from Cartagena. This archipelago is one of the 46 national natural parks in the country, with coral reefs, mangroves and a remarkable variety of marine life.
Playa Blanca is a magnificent white sand beach on the island of Barú, often considered part of the Rosario Islands, but technically separate. Playa Blanca is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Cartagena for its pristine beauty, crystal clear turquoise waters, and idyllic Caribbean setting.
To do a Rosario Islands Tour
What is the best time to visit Playa Blanca?
Being Colombia close to the equator, the country enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year, which means that there are no great variations in temperature between seasons. However, there are times of the year when it is more likely to rain, and this can affect your visit to Playa Blanca.
In general, the best time to visit Playa Blanca is during the dry season, which runs from December to March, when the rains are less frequent and the weather is usually sunny. Another popular period is from July to August, which is a shorter period of dry weather.
That being said, it is important to keep in mind that these months are also the busiest for tourists. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting the city outside of these periods and be prepared for the occasional downpour.
Also read: cholon rosario islands
What kind of activities can tourists do in Playa Blanca?
Playa Blanca, with its beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear waters, offers a wide variety of activities for visitors. Here are just some of the activities you might consider:
- Swimming and Sunbathing: Enjoy the clear blue water and pristine white sand. The water is usually calm, making it an ideal place to relax and swim.
- Scuba Diving – Bring your own scuba gear and explore the shallow waters teeming with colorful fish and coral.
- Water Sports: Some local businesses offer water sports such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
- Seafood Tasting: Taste the local cuisine, especially fresh seafood. Beach vendors often offer dishes such as grilled fish, prawns, and lobsters.
- Sunset Cruises: Some local companies organize sunset cruises, which allow you to enjoy the beauty of the area from the water.
- Accommodation: Although Playa Blanca is popular for day trips, staying overnight can be a unique experience. There are cabins available for rent.
- Walking along the beach: The beach has a considerable extension, so walking along the coast can be a quiet activity.
- Observe marine life: In addition to snorkeling, you may have the opportunity to observe other forms of marine life, such as the different species of birds and perhaps even dolphins that are nearby.
Also read: Rosario and San Bernardo Coral Islands Natural National Park
How is the quality of the water and the beach in Playa Blanca?
Playa Blanca is famous for its immaculate white sand beach and crystal clear waters, which are among the most beautiful in Colombia. The beach is famous for its cleanliness and its natural environment.
The water in Playa Blanca is usually clear and turquoise, making it an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. Of course, the quality of the water can vary according to the weather conditions and the season of the year. During the rainy season, for example, the water can be a little cloudier.
It is important to note that the beach can get quite crowded during the high tourist season, which can affect the cleanliness of the beach and water. However, in general, efforts are made to keep the beach clean and welcoming to visitors.
How do I get to Playa Blanca from Cartagena?
There are several ways to get to Playa Blanca from Cartagena:
- By Boat: Many Cartagena tour operators offer day trips to Playa Blanca. The boats usually leave the port of Cartagena in the morning and return in the afternoon. Some of these excursions may also include stops on other islands of the Rosario archipelago.
- By bus: You can take a bus from the Cartagena bus terminal to the town of Pasacaballos, then a ferry across the Canal del Dique, followed by another bus or mototaxi to Playa Blanca. It is the cheapest option, but also the longest.
- By taxi or private car: You can also hire a taxi or a private car to take you to Playa Blanca. It is the fastest and most comfortable option, but also the most expensive. It normally takes about an hour to get to Playa Blanca from Cartagena.
Also read: Islas del Rosario shopping center
