Can you imagine immersing yourself in the crystal clear waters of one of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia? Playa Cristal in Santa Marta, also known as Playa del Muerto, awaits you with dreamy landscapes and an ecotourism experience you won't forget.
In this article we will tell you what to do at Playa Cristal and how to get to the Tayrona National Park where this natural wonder is located. Join us!
Playa Cristal, located about 30 kilometers from the Historic enter of Santa Marta, is a natural jewel within the Tayrona National Park, on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. This beach is located in the bay of Neguanje, surrounded by an abundant tropical forest.
In the following map you will find the exact location of the beach, as well as the main access routes, so that you can plan your visit in the best possible way.
Did you know that Neguanje Bay was an important religious center for the ancestral cultures of the region? Due to its geographical location, archaeological excavations of archaeological settlements are still being carried out in this area.
If you don't know Playa Cristal yet, we invite you to discover the natural beauty that this place has to offer, which will undoubtedly amaze you.
Want to visit Playa Cristal but don't know how to get there? Don't worry! There are several ways to get there, and all of them will take you through beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. Here are the three best ways to get there:
If you want to enjoy an exciting tour around the bays of Santa Marta and Tayrona Park, then the boat trip is for you. From the north pier of El Rodadero you will board the boat that will take you directly to Playa Cristal.
The tour lasts about one hour and on the way you can visit places like Gaira Bay, Inca Inca Beach, Playa Blanca, Santa Marta Bay, Concha Bay, Taganga and Neguanje Bay.
This is the most common way to get to Playa Cristal. To start, take the Troncal del Caribe highway towards La Guajira until you reach the entrance to Neguanje, less than 1 kilometer from the toll station. From here, take the road that leads to Neguanje Beach (this road is also known as the road to Palangana) and in about 20 minutes you will arrive at the main checkpoint where you can pay the entrance fee and the Tayrona Park medical insurance.
Along the way you will find a viewpoint from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Playa 7 Olas, a magical place where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the coast. However, for safety reasons and to preserve the marine ecosystem, bathing is not allowed in this area.
Remember that the road from Troncal del Caribe to Neguanje is not paved, so it is important to drive carefully, especially if you visit the park during the rainy season.
Once in Neguanje, you can enjoy this beautiful place with fishermen and restaurants, where you can take the boat that will take you to Playa Cristal. The ride from here is short, about 8 minutes, in a completely sheltered bay, without waves and with a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills.
If you want to forget the hassle and just enjoy the trip, you can opt for a tour to Playa Cristal. With this plan you have everything included, from bus transportation to park entrance and other services, just relax and enjoy the ride!
If you are a lover of the sea and nature, Playa Cristal is the perfect place for you. Being a beach located in a National Park, you can find different things to do to spend a relaxing day in the sun and sea.
One of the most popular activities you can do at Playa Cristal is snorkeling, where you can explore the wonders of the coral reef and observe an impressive variety of fish, sponges and corals of different colors and sizes.
If you want to relax and enjoy the sea breeze, you can take your towel and throw it on the comfortable sand. You'll be able to relax with an invigorating sunbath. Playa Cristal also has areas with chairs and tents for rent where you can rest comfortably while admiring the landscapes.
And if you are hungry, do not worry, on the beach you will find several restaurants where you can taste delicious dishes of Caribbean cuisine.
For you to enjoy your vacations in Santa Marta and especially in your visit to Playa Cristal, we share with you our best recommendations:
Bring your identification (passport or ID), as it will be necessary for your entrance to the Tayrona National Park.
Do not forget your sunscreen, comfortable clothes and bring enough cash, because many places do not accept credit or debit cards.
Choose the dates of travel, being aware that December, January and Easter are the busiest months for tourists to this destination.
Respect local rules and keep the beach clean and free of garbage.
We also invite you to know our guide about the best beaches in Santa Marta and make a selection of the beaches you want to visit during your visit to the city.
After all we have just told you, it is time to get to know Playa Cristal! A natural paradise that offers a unique experience in contact with nature. With its crystal clear waters and white sand, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a day of sun and beach.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful treasure of the Tayrona National Park and live an unforgettable experience. For more information about this and other destinations, write to us at Visit Santa Marta, we will help you plan your next adventure!