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Rocky Cay

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks instead of buying them from vendors. I ended up spending way too much on overpriced food and drinks there.

Be cautious with the local taxis; they can charge more than usual. I used a rideshare app instead, and it saved me some bucks and hassle figuring out the prices.

I suggest checking out the nearby coral reefs for snorkeling! I thought it would be just a beach day, but the underwater sights were amazing and worth the little effort!

I think you should wear water shoes if you're planning to walk on the reef. I didn’t and ended up with some nasty cuts from the sharp corals – not fun!
Bocagrande Beach

The sunsets at Bocagrande are simply stunning. I suggest staying until about 6 PM to catch the beautiful colors over the water. Grab a spot on the sand and enjoy the view – it's well worth it!

Don't spend all your money on fancy beach clubs. I found that the local kiosks sell delicious food and drinks at half the price. My advice is to try the fresh ceviche – it's amazing!

I recommend visiting Bocagrande Beach early in the morning, around 8 AM. The sun is not too hot, and you can snag a great spot without the crowds. Trust me, it's much better than being there at noon!

Watch out for beach vendors! They can be a bit insistent. I think it's best to politely say 'no gracias' and keep walking if you're not interested. It’ll save you some time for enjoying the sand.
Castillo Grande Beach
My advice is to bring snacks and drinks, because beach vendors can be pricey. I ended up spending way more than I planned on food!

I recommend hitting the beach early, like around 8 am, to snag a good spot before it gets crowded. Plus, the sunrise views are stunning!
Spratt Bight

My advice is to skip the beach chair rentals unless you really need to lounge all day. The sand is so nice, we just laid our towels down and were super comfy!

I recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear to save some cash, renting can get pricey. The fish are amazing just off the beach, so you won't regret it.

I think visiting Spratt Bight in the late afternoon around 5 PM is the best! The sun sets beautifully and it’s way less crowded making it a chill experience.

I suggest checking out local food stalls nearby instead of the pricier restaurants for lunch. I found an awesome plate of fried fish and patacones for half the price!
Playa Blanca Baru

My advice is to pack some snacks and drinks. The beach eateries are kinda pricey and can take a while. Having your own stuff at hand made my day way better.

I suggest taking a water taxi from Cartagena to Playa Blanca instead of the road. It's more fun and you avoid the traffic. Plus, the views from the boat are gorgeous!
San Andres

Don’t skip out on the local food stands. The street food is delicious and super affordable. You can enjoy fresh seafood for a fraction of restaurant prices!

If you're into surfing, try to catch the waves at Rocky Cay. The vibe is relaxed, plus you can usually find a good instructor without breaking the bank!

Check out Sprat Bight beach in the morning, around 8 AM. The water is calm and perfect for a swim before the crowds jump in and it turns into a busy spot!
I suggest you bring your own snorkeling gear. Rentals can be pricey, and the best spots are usually just off the beach. You'll save money and can go whenever you want.
Charquitos Beach

My advice is to get there by 8 AM if you can. You'll beat the crowds and get the best spot on the beach! I went around 10 and struggled to find a good place to set up

Be sure to check the tide schedules before you go. The beach can disappear at high tide, which happened to us. We were bummed for a bit until we found a fun spot nearby.

I recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks. The beach bars can get a bit pricey, and having your own stuff allows you to chill without spending a ton. I did this and saved a lot.
Pianguita

When you book accommodations, look for places offering free breakfast. I stayed at a local guesthouse that served delicious traditional meals, which saved me some cash.

Check the tide schedules before you go. I didn’t and ended up with limited space to enjoy the beach. Visiting during low tide gives you more beach to explore.

I recommend visiting early in the morning, around 7 AM. It's much quieter, and you get the best views without the crowds. Perfect for those Instagram shots!
Cocoplum Beach

Don't skip on trying the local food from the small vendors! Super delicious and way cheaper than beachside restaurants. I wish I had found them earlier!

My advice is to grab a beach chair early in the day if you want to secure a good spot. They can fill up fast!
San Luis Beach

I suggest checking the weather in advance; it can rain unexpectedly! I got caught one day and it really put a damper on my plans. Bring a light raincoat just in case!

I think you should go for a swim early, like around 8 AM, when the beach is less crowded and the water is super calm. I missed that chance and it was packed by noon!

I recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks to save money on the beach, because the beach vendors can be kinda pricey. I brought a cooler and it was a game changer!

My advice is to rent a bike for the day to explore the area. It’s a fun way to see more than just the beach and the bike rentals are pretty affordable!