Punta Arena Beach Tierra Bomba
A beautiful island beach near Cartagena with white sands and clear waters, offering a relaxed vibe and beach bars.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Punta Arena Beach Tierra Bomba
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful island beach near Cartagena with white sands and clear waters, offering a relaxed vibe and beach bars.
"Nice beach just across from Cartagena. Not as crowded as Playa Blanca, less pesky vendors and much closer."
💰 Negotiate Boat Fare
Always agree on the boat price before boarding to avoid being overcharged. Aim for 10,000 COP pp. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Ignore Persistent Vendors
Politely ignore vendors; they usually move on if you're not interested. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine White Sands
Main beach area
Enjoy the soft white sand and clear blue waters, a perfect escape from the city bustle.

Relaxing Beach Bars
Along the shoreline
Sip on a refreshing coconut cocktail or local drink while soaking up the sun.

Tranquil Atmosphere
Quieter sections of the beach
Find a peaceful spot to unwind, away from the main crowds for a truly relaxing day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Ride Savvy
Vendor & Crowd Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beaches in Cartagena
💰 Negotiate Boat Fare
Always agree on the boat price before boarding to avoid being overcharged. Aim for 10,000 COP pp.
:moneybag:🚶♀️ Ignore Persistent Vendors
Politely ignore vendors; they usually move on if you're not interested.
:walking:Is it possible to go to Baru or Tierra bomba only a few hours?
Which beach to visit for a budget traveler in Cartagena?
🐶 Be Aware of Stray Dogs
You might encounter stray dogs on the beach; they are generally harmless.
:dog:💸 Lunch Prices
Food can be pricey; consider negotiating or bringing your own snacks.
:moneywithwings:Boats and islands??
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Negotiate Boat Fare
Always agree on the boat price before boarding to avoid being overcharged. Aim for 10,000 COP pp.
:moneybag:🚶♀️ Ignore Persistent Vendors
Politely ignore vendors; they usually move on if you're not interested.
:walking:🐶 Be Aware of Stray Dogs
You might encounter stray dogs on the beach; they are generally harmless.
:dog:💸 Lunch Prices
Food can be pricey; consider negotiating or bringing your own snacks.
:moneywithwings:☀️ Shade Access
Eating at a beach restaurant often grants you free access to shaded spots.
:sunwithface:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Punta Arena Beach is praised for its beautiful white sand and clear blue waters, offering a more tranquil escape than some mainland beaches. Visitors appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and the convenience of beach bars. However, be prepared for persistent vendors and potentially high food prices, though negotiation is often possible.
"We were asking some locals for a great and not too crowded beach and all referred to this place. Finally there we realized, that the beach is as beautiful as they told us, but there were more people than expected, even if it was not overcrowded. The place is perfect to relax as it's still quiet and the drinks at the bar we found did their job with the sun. White sand, blue water, and a coconut cocktail, it could not be better."
Verónica MORIN
"Nice beach just across from Cartagena. Not as crowded as Playa Blanca, less pesky vendors and much closer. Need a boat to cross."
Pierluigi
"For what it is I had a great time. There were stray dogs there, it wasn't very clean and you're still heckled to buy things by the occasional foot vendor.
It's still way better than the beach on the mainland."
Emmanuel Vizcaya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Punta Arena Beach is by taking a boat from Cartagena, typically from the La Bodeguita pier or near Bocagrande. Negotiate your round-trip fare with the boat captain beforehand, aiming for around 10,000 COP per person. The journey is short, usually only a few minutes.
Yes, boats are readily available, especially from popular departure points in Cartagena. Be prepared to negotiate prices, as they can vary significantly.
The boat ride is quick and offers scenic views of the Cartagena skyline and the surrounding islands. It's a short trip, making it convenient for a day visit.
Private boat options are available, but they will be significantly more expensive than shared boat services. Negotiate prices carefully if you opt for a private charter.
No, Punta Arena Beach is located on Tierra Bomba island, so a boat is the only practical way to access it from Cartagena.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee for Punta Arena Beach itself. However, you will need to pay for your boat transportation to the island.
While the beach is free to access, be mindful of potential costs for food, drinks, and chair rentals. Negotiating prices for food and drinks is advisable.
Punta Arena Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Boats typically run throughout the day, but it's best to confirm return times with your boat captain.
While you can often find boats on the spot, booking in advance might be possible through tour operators if you prefer a more structured arrangement. However, spontaneous trips are common.
Beach bars do not typically charge an entrance fee, but you are expected to purchase food or drinks if you use their seating or shade.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Punta Arena Beach features beautiful white sand and clear blue waters, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some mainland beaches. It's a great spot for sunbathing and swimming.
You will encounter vendors, but they are generally less aggressive than at other popular beaches. Polite but firm 'no thank yous' usually suffice.
There are beach bars offering food and drinks, and some may offer shaded seating if you purchase from them. Basic facilities like restrooms might be available at the bars.
It can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, but it's generally considered less crowded than Playa Blanca. Weekdays offer a more tranquil experience.
The primary activities are relaxing on the beach, swimming, and enjoying drinks and food at the beach bars. It's more about unwinding than organized tours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find fresh fish dishes, often served with coconut rice and patacones (fried plantains). Many beach bars offer seafood and typical Colombian coastal cuisine.
Food can be relatively expensive. A typical fish dish might cost around 30,000 COP, but prices are often negotiable.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's common practice to purchase from the beach bars. Bringing some snacks might be acceptable, but large coolers might not be.
Options might be limited, but you may find sides like coconut rice and salads. It's best to inquire at the beach bars about available choices.
Yes, prices for food, especially fish dishes, are often negotiable. Don't hesitate to politely ask for a better price.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the white sand, turquoise waters, and the silhouette of Cartagena in the distance. Beach bars and palm trees also make for great scenic photos.
While not as famous for sunsets as some other locations, the late afternoon light can be beautiful, casting a warm glow over the beach and water.
Morning light offers softer, less harsh conditions for photography. The midday sun can be intense, but it also makes the water appear a vibrant blue.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography. However, always be respectful of other beachgoers' privacy.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and sea. A polarizing filter can enhance the blue of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Boat Transfers and Costs
When discussing boat prices, remember that factors like your perceived tourist status (e.g., blond hair) might influence the initial quote. However, persistence and clear communication can lead to the standard rate. Some travelers suggest that if you're not getting the price you want, be prepared to walk away, as other boat operators might be more reasonable. This proactive approach to managing transportation costs ensures a smoother and more budget-friendly start to your beach day.
Understanding the Beach Vibe: Vendors, Crowds, and Comfort
The crowd levels at Punta Arena can vary. Weekdays tend to be significantly quieter, offering a more tranquil atmosphere for relaxation. Weekends and holidays can see an increase in visitors, but it's still often less crowded than other popular island destinations. Many visitors appreciate that the beach is still relatively quiet and perfect for unwinding. The presence of beach bars adds to the comfort, providing opportunities to purchase drinks and food. Some bars offer shaded seating, especially if you dine with them, which can be a welcome amenity on a sunny day.
Dining and Budgeting on Tierra Bomba
To manage your budget, consider bringing some of your own snacks and drinks. While purchasing from the beach bars is the norm, having some personal provisions can help cut down on expenses. If you choose to eat at one of the beach restaurants, you might gain access to shaded seating areas, which can be a valuable perk on a hot day. This strategy of balancing local purchases with personal supplies can make your day trip more affordable and enjoyable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit