Castillogrande Beach
A convenient city beach in Cartagena, offering easy access but often marred by crowds, vendors, and water quality concerns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect weather, fewer crowds
Castillogrande Beach
Best Time
Perfect weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A convenient city beach in Cartagena, offering easy access but often marred by crowds, vendors, and water quality concerns.
"Reviews suggest it can be crowded, noisy, and sometimes dirty, with persistent vendors and potential scams."
Be Wary of Jet Ski Scams
Inspect jet skis carefully before renting and agree on terms to avoid being overcharged for pre-existing damage.
Firmly Decline Vendors
Vendors are plentiful. A polite but firm 'no, thank you' usually suffices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
City Beach Convenience
Boca Grande area
Easily accessible from the city, offering a place to relax without a long journey.
Sunset Views
Western edge
Enjoy the vibrant colors of the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.
Umbrella & Chair Rentals
Along the shore
Rent shade and seating for a more comfortable beach day, though prices vary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Castillogrande
Vendor & Rental Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beach to lay out at?
Be Wary of Jet Ski Scams
Inspect jet skis carefully before renting and agree on terms to avoid being overcharged for pre-existing damage.
Firmly Decline Vendors
Vendors are plentiful. A polite but firm 'no, thank you' usually suffices.
Beaches in Cartagena
Beaches Cartagena
Check Chair Prices
Umbrella and chair rentals can be expensive; confirm prices before committing.
Assess Water Quality
Reviews mention the water can be dirty with trash and petroleum smells.
Best beachfront location to stay in?
Tips
from all over the internet
Be Wary of Jet Ski Scams
Inspect jet skis carefully before renting and agree on terms to avoid being overcharged for pre-existing damage.
Firmly Decline Vendors
Vendors are plentiful. A polite but firm 'no, thank you' usually suffices.
Check Chair Prices
Umbrella and chair rentals can be expensive; confirm prices before committing.
Assess Water Quality
Reviews mention the water can be dirty with trash and petroleum smells.
Consider Island Beaches
For quieter, cleaner beaches, consider island tours like Rosario Islands.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Castillogrande Beach offers convenient city access but often falls short on cleanliness and tranquility. While some visitors enjoy the accessible location and sunset views, many are deterred by dirty water, persistent vendors, and the risk of scams, particularly with jet ski rentals. It's best visited with managed expectations, perhaps for a brief stop rather than a full day's escape.
"Beach was loud, dirty, and crowded. Umbrellas were falling apart. Chairs were just plastic upright chairs. It cost 50,000 to rent the cheapest ones. Totally not worth it. I came here after reading reviews that it was a quieter cleaner beach but that definitely is not the case. I didn’t try to go in the water as I was solo and didn’t want to leave my stuff unattended. There’s a few vendors on the beach that will try to sell you stuff but thankfully they leave you alone when you say no. I definitely won’t be coming back here."
Saraya Hyder
"Visited in April and it was beautiful. Weather is perfect and shelter for purchase. Good area. Recommend!"
Nicole Lynn Vilaca
"The beach and the water are very dirty, full of all kind of trash. There is also the smell of burnt petroleum from the nearby oil refinery. As a tourist you are constantly attacked by "vendors" trying to sell you water, sunglasses, water scooter ride, etc. (if on this beach it's better than hard to imagine how it looks on others). The only plus of this place is that it is less crowded. Still, not worth the visit."
Kasia Ch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castillogrande Beach is located in the Boca Grande area of Cartagena. You can easily reach it by taxi or a short bus ride from the historic Walled City. Many hotels in Boca Grande are within walking distance.
Yes, it's one of the most accessible beaches in Cartagena, situated right in the urban area. This makes it a convenient option for day-trippers and those staying nearby.
Taxis are readily available and a convenient option. Buses also run along the main road in Boca Grande, offering a more budget-friendly choice.
If you are staying in the Boca Grande neighborhood, walking to Castillogrande Beach is very feasible and a popular option.
Street parking can be challenging due to the popularity of the area. It's often easier to use public transport or a taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Castillogrande Beach is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access it. You only pay for rentals or services.
As a public beach, Castillogrande is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, services like chair rentals may have specific operating hours.
No advance booking is necessary for general access. You can rent umbrellas and chairs on-site, but it's wise to confirm prices.
Generally, there are no strict entry restrictions, but it's a public space. Be mindful of local customs and regulations.
Prices can vary, but reviews suggest renting the cheapest chairs can cost around 50,000 COP (approx. $13 USD). It's advisable to negotiate or confirm prices.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The sand at Castillogrande Beach is described as smooth.
Reviews indicate that Castillogrande Beach can be crowded, especially on weekends. Some find it less crowded than other city beaches, but it's still a popular spot.
Unfortunately, many reviews describe the water as very dirty, with trash and a smell of burnt petroleum from a nearby refinery.
Yes, there are numerous vendors on the beach selling various items and services. They can be persistent but generally leave you alone if you say no.
Given the reports of dirty water and potential hazards like fast-moving boats, swimming might not be advisable for everyone, especially families with young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are vendors selling snacks and drinks on the beach, dedicated restaurants are more likely to be found along the main street in Boca Grande.
Yes, numerous vendors circulate the beach selling water, snacks, and other refreshments.
Vendors typically offer bottled water, sodas, chips, and sometimes local snacks.
The Boca Grande area has many restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines, a short walk from the beach.
It's generally advisable to exercise caution with food from vendors, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Bottled drinks are usually a safer bet.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant sunsets over the Caribbean Sea, the bustling beach scene with vendors, and the distant city skyline.
While the beach itself might not be the most picturesque due to water quality, the sunsets and the urban beach vibe can offer interesting photographic subjects.
The golden hour before sunset offers beautiful lighting. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.
The skyline of Boca Grande provides a modern contrast to the beach. The nearby Castillo San Fernando de Bocachica (though a boat trip away) is a historical landmark.
Be mindful of your belongings, as beaches can attract pickpockets. Also, be respectful when photographing vendors or other beachgoers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
☀️ Sun Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Vendors and Rentals
When it comes to rentals, particularly jet skis, caution is advised. Several reviews highlight instances of tourists being scammed with faulty equipment and then charged for damages. It's crucial to thoroughly inspect any rental equipment before use and to clearly agree on the terms and condition of the rental, ideally in writing or with a witness, to avoid disputes. Chair and umbrella rentals are also available, but prices can be surprisingly high, so it's wise to inquire about the cost upfront.
Understanding Water Quality and Beach Conditions
While the sand itself is described as smooth, the environmental conditions can be a deterrent. If your priority is a clean and clear ocean experience, Castillogrande Beach might not meet your expectations. Many travelers recommend opting for island tours, such as those to the Rosario Islands, for a more enjoyable and cleaner beach environment.
Safety and Boat Awareness
A specific concern raised by visitors is the presence of boats that roam fast near the shore. This poses a potential danger, especially to children playing in the water. It's advisable to be vigilant and keep a close watch on children if they are in or near the water.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit