Tayrona National Park Beaches
Almost every traveller heading to Colombia will make Tayrona National Park’s beaches one of their must-see destinations.
Colombia’s Caribbean coast features postcard-perfect crystal waters and beautiful sandy beaches set among pristine tropical forests. This beach paradise is easily accessible from nearby Santa Marta.
For many, a day visit is not enough. Luckily, sleeping in Tayrona National Park is possible, too. There are hotels, camping, and hammock options. Be careful, though; the lapping of the waves and breathtaking beaches may lull you into lounging around longer in that hammock than you originally planned.
This guide will highlight the best Tayrona National Park beaches and practical information about where to stay and where you can swim.
Introduction to Tayrona National Park Beaches
Tayrona National Park, formed in 1969, is located in the far northeast of Colombia, just east of Barranquilla and close to the Venezuela border. Its protected areas cover 12,000 hectares of land and 3,000 hectares of marine zones.
Most people fly to Barranquilla or Santa Marta to access Tayrona National Park or hike the nearby Lost City trek. Santa Marta lies around 25 miles (40km) from the park.
Four indigenous communities live within the park, the Kankuamo, Kogui, Wiwa and Arhuaco. Many of the walkways connecting the Tayrona National Park beaches are ancient paths. Visitors should remove rubbish — you cannot enter with plastic bags — and be respectful of the park’s cultural importance.
Swimming at Tayrona National Park Beaches
Colombia’s Caribbean beaches are not only famous for stunning sand and crystal waters. The coastline is riddled with treacherous and deadly currents that, despite the warnings, claim dozens of lives every year.
Be incredibly careful where you enter the sea at every Tayrona National Park beach you visit. People don’t heed the warning signs and underestimate the strength of the currents, with often tragic results. There are lifeguards in place to provide warnings on some beaches at some times of the year. Never bathe without knowing if it is safe, especially if you are not a strong or confident swimmer.
The Tayrona National Park Authorities give this outline advice for swimming. Always check locally and take into account weather and tidal conditions.
Swimming is possible in specific locations at these Tayrona National Park beaches:
- Bahia Neguanje (only at specific points like Playa Cristal)
- Cabo San Juan de Guia
- Bahia Concha
- La Piscina
- Bahia Gayraca (accessible only by boat)
Never enter the water at:
- Playa Cañaveral
- Arreciefes
- Almost every other beach you encounter
If in doubt, stay out.
The Best of Tayrona National Park’s Beaches
Here is a quick rundown of some of the best and most popular beaches in Tayrona National Park.
Zaino — Arrecife — La Piscina — Cabo San Juan — Playa Brava
Arrecife
Arrecife offers terrific views and the perfect balance of white sand, blue seas, and verdant green forest as a backdrop.
You cannot swim at Arrecife, but the beach offers beautiful sunrises and a variety of cheap sleeping options like camping and hammocks.
La Piscina (or Piscinitas)
Just before you arrive at Cabo San Juan, you’ll pass La Piscina (swimming pool). Boulders and reefs protect this beach from the notorious currents.
Swimming and snorkelling are possible, making La Piscina an excellent stop, particularly if you want to avoid the crowds. There are no facilities here, and it’s a 90–120 minute walk from the Zaino entrance.
Cabo San Juan, Tayrona’s Most Famous Beach
Most people head to Cabo San Juan for its fantastic, double-sided beach and plentiful accommodation options.
Rocks protect the coastline from the strongest currents, and people bathe in the crystal waters here. It does get busy, so avoid weekends and peak periods.
There’s a restaurant, toilets, showers, hammocks, and a small shop. You can reserve accommodation in advance online. Expect a 2–3 hour walk from the Zaino entrance or a 1-hour boat ride from Taganga.
Playa Brava
Playa Brava takes a bit of effort to get to — it’s a 2–3 hour walk from Cabo San Juan or a 3–4 hour hike from the Calabazo entrance.
Fewer people make it to this large, white-sand beach dotted with palm trees. Playa Brava offers hammocks, tents, cabins, and a restaurant.
Playa Concha
Playa Concha is close to Santa Marta and very popular with locals and visitors alike. The beach offers lovely views with a backdrop of mountains and a nearby river.
There is a camping and hammock zone, with many shaded areas along the shore.
Playa Cristal
Playa Cristal has white sand beaches and crystal-blue waters. Visitor numbers are limited, and weekdays are quieter.
Take a boat from Taganga or Bahia Neguanje, or travel by bus from Bonda. Swimming and snorkelling are possible, with plenty of colourful fish.
Advice on Sleeping in Tayrona National Park
An overnight stay in Tayrona National Park is recommended. Avoid the crowded 10am–3pm hours when day-trippers arrive from Santa Marta.
You cannot camp wherever you want and must use designated areas.
- Camping at Arrecife with nearby restaurants and cabins.
- Camping and hammocks at Bahia Concha.
- Camping and rooms at Bahia Castillete.
- Camping and cabins at Playa Brava with guided access only.
- Camping at Cañaveral or bungalows at Ecohabs.
Getting There: Access to Tayrona National Park
Colombia’s Route 90 (Troncal del Caribe) runs south of Tayrona National Park and serves as the main access road. Zaino is the most popular entrance.
Calabazo is another option and is closer to Cabo San Juan. All visitors should be prepared for long walks on humid, undulating paths.
Backpackers often stay in Taganga and take boats to nearby bays. Foreign visitors pay a higher entrance fee and should carry cash and identification.
What Wildlife Can I See at Tayrona National Park?
Tayrona National Park is home to more than 100 mammals, including puma, monkeys, deer, and bats.
You may spot howler or capuchin monkeys, condors, and white eagles. Dolphins and turtles are often seen offshore.
When to Visit Tayrona National Park and Its Beaches
- December 1 to January 31
- Holy Week (Easter)
- June 1 to July 31
- Holiday weekends
The park often closes in February. Rainy months are May, July, and September to October, while September to November are the quietest.
Visitors are asked to enter the park calmly and respectfully and to thank the territory when leaving.
