Playa Blanca is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Santa Marta, located near El Rodadero. This spectacular beach is characterized by its white sand and crystal clear waters, making it the perfect place to relax, enjoy the sun and practice water sports.
Playa Blanca is the ideal place to get away from the city and enjoy nature. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Playa Blanca, from how to get there, to the activities you can do, and some practical tips on how to enjoy this unmissable experience. Read on for all the details!
To get to Playa Blanca you have to take a bus or a taxi from the Historic Center of Santa Marta. The bus route that will take you to Rodadero has a cost of $2,600 COP ($0.65 USD) and you will identify it because the sign includes “Rodadero”. Once you have arrived to ‘El Rodadero’ you have to walk west to the beach, this could take you a maximum of 10 minutes. Additionally, you can reach El Rodadero (from downtown) in a 20-minute taxi ride.
Once you arrive in El Rodadero, the next step to get to Playa Blanca is securing the transportation that will take you there, you have two options: the Taxi Marino company and the local motor boat owners.
In the case of Taxi Marino, the schedule of this vehicle is from 8:30 am in the high season, departing every 30 minutes until 14:00 pm. To return to the point of origin, the tours are from 15:30 to 16:30. Approximately the round-trip transportation has a cost of $25,000 COP.
For the motor boats that transport tourists in El Rodadero, the approximate value is $10,000 COP each way.
Since prices depend on the season and the activities you want to do, we share with you an updated estimation so you can have the most precise budget in your trip to Playa Blanca:
Boat: $10,000 COP (2.50 USD) one way
Taximarino: $25,000 COP (6.26 USD) round trip
Lunch: from $35,000 COP (8.76USD)
There are other things you can do in Playa Blanca, like having some beers, or other beverages, doing canopy ($40,000 to $50,000 COP / 9 to 12.52 USD), visiting the aquarium ($45,000 COP / 11.2 USD), or renting a tent ($50,000 COP / 12.52 USD), among others, so you would have to add these costs to your budget*.
There are tour packages that include these services or more others that make it easier for you to visit Playa Blanca. Let us guide you through the process to create the best experience for you in this great destination.
*USD prices at the time of posting this article.
Remember that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the season and other factors.
In Playa Blanca you can do a wide variety of activities, such as swimming in its crystal clear waters, practicing water sports like kayaking, snorkeling or just sunbathing. We share with you the must-do's in Playa Blanca so you can add them to your list:
The Rodadero Aquarium is home to more than 150 marine species, including seahorses, octopuses, starfish, dolphins, and several species of fish.
During your visit, you can feed sharks or fishes and the experience lasts approximately 45 minutes. You will also find appropriate scenarios where the habitat of marine animals and species is simulated, ensuring that your visit is also a learning experience. This activity is ideal for children.
The entrance fee to the Rodadero Aquarium is approximately $45,000 COP per person.
Can you imagine a canopy over the sea? In Playa Blanca, jumping from a zip line or canopy is a plan full of adventure that cannot be missed, for those risky people who are looking for the best fun. So, if you are an adventurous traveler, don't hesitate!
This activity has a cost of $40.000 COP one way and $50.000 COP for both ways.
In Playa Blanca, snorkeling is a spectacular activity due to the variety of fish that can be observed in the area. Another beach where you can snorkel and observe a greater variety of marine life, including corals and other fish species, is Bahía Concha (Concha Bay), located in the Tayrona National Park, a very good recommendation to make your visit to Santa Marta even more special.
Also in Playa Blanca it is easy to find the staff dedicated to providing the necessary equipment for snorkeling and offering to take pictures with the fish so you can have the best souvenir.
You can also do this water activity in Playa Blanca! Kayaking is one of the favorite activities of many travelers because they can get in touch with nature while paddling and relaxing.
You might be interested in: Combo VIP Playa Blanca, a plan where you can get to know Playa Blanca in a complete adventure:
Roundtrip transportation
Travel Insurance
Canopy tour to Playa Blanca (1 way)
Entrance ticket to the Aquarium (partial guide)
Typical lunch at the restaurant La Pikua
Playa Blanca has several restaurants and bars that offer a wide variety of food and drinks. If you are looking for authentic typical food of Santa Marta, we suggest you try ceviche or coconut rice with fried fish. You can also enjoy fresh drinks like lemonade or passion fruit juice.
To enjoy a pleasant experience in Playa Blanca, we recommend you:
Wear sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes and carry enough cash, as many places do not accept credit or debit cards.
Note that during December, January and Easter occur the highest peak of tourist visits.
Respect local rules and keep the beach clean and free of garbage.
Unlike the bustling El Rodadero beach, Playa Blanca has a more limited access, resulting in some more space and comfort for visitors.
To have better control in the protection of the environment, pets are not allowed in Playa Blanca.
By hiking up the hill in Playa Blanca you reach a viewpoint from where you can have a panoramic view of the whole beach and its surroundings.
Playa Blanca proudly boasts a Blue Flag certification, indicating it meets international standards of sustainability and quality.
Rodadero Aquarium.
At the Rodadero Aquarium you can swim with dolphins.
The crystal clear waters of Playa Blanca.
View of Playa Blanca.
Canopy in Playa Blanca.
With this complete guide to get to know this incredible beach in Santa Marta, we hope you enjoy your stay in Playa Blanca, a must-see destination in this area of the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
We invite you to discover fascinating places in Santa Marta! Remember that we can help you organize your next adventure, contact us for more information through reservas@visitsantamarta.com.