Beaches Tayrona National Park

What are the most beautiful beaches in Tayrona National Park? Can you swim at all the beaches? Can you stay overnight at the beaches and what are the facilities? Information on the best beaches in Tayrona National Park can be found here.

Tayrona National Park stretches across much of the coast and has many beautiful beaches, but due to strong currents, not all beaches are suitable for swimming. Therefore, keep a close eye on the warning signs and flags at the beaches. Here is an overview of the beaches and facilities from El Zaino, Calabazo and the Neguanje entrance.

BEACHES – ZAINO ENTRANCE

Cañaveral

• At the beginning of the trail
• 1e beach after entrance Zaino
• Accessible by shuttle (10 min.) or walking from the main entrance (Zaino)
• Camping and eco-habs
• Swimming not allowed

Next to Cañaveral is “Playa Piscinita”, where swimming is allowed. This beach with parasols and sun beds belongs to Hotel Ecohabs Tayrona.

Castilletes

• A few minutes’ walk from Cañaveral
• Swimming not allowed
• Camping on a large finca. There are also a few private rooms
• Restaurant

Playa Arrecife

• Location between the Zaino entrance and Cabo San Juan: 50-60 min. walk from trailhead and 50-60 min. from Cabo San Juan
• Swimming not allowed
• Campsites
• Ecohabs Arrecifes
• Restaurant

Playa Arenilla

• Small beach with calm water
• 10 min. from Arrecife
• Swimming allowed
• No facilities

Playa la Piscina

• Small, quiet beach 20 minutes from Arrecife
• Between Arrecife and Cabo San Juan
• Swimming allowed
• Snorkeling
• No facilities

Cabo San Juan del Guía

• Most popular and busiest beach 30 minutes from Playa la Piscina. A photo of this famous beach, you will find in almost every article about Tayrona
• Accessible: on foot from Zaino, (1.45-2 hours) Playa Brava (2.5-3 hours) or by boat from Tatanga (approx. 1 hour)
• Swimming allowed
• Snorkeling
• Campsite and few private cabañas (private cabañas are currently closed, (Jan. 17, 2024)
• Restaurant

Playa Nudista

• Quiet beach 10 minutes from Cabo San Juan del Guía
• No facilities
• Swimming is allowed when the sea is calm, keep an eye on the warning signs
• Boca del Saco is a quiet beach 10 minutes from Playa Nudista

BEACHES – CALABAZO ENTRANCE

Playa Brava

• A secluded beach about a 3-hour walk from the Calabazo entrance
• Swimming is allowed
• Restaurant available
• Private cabanas at ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke. There are also glamping options and you can sleep in a hammock or tent (bring your own)

BEACHES – NEGUANJE ENTRANCE

Beautiful beaches in another part of the park are Playa Cristal and Playa Cinto, accessible through the Neguanje entrance. Bahía Concha is the beach in Tayrona, which is the closest to Santa Marta, 35 minutes away. These beaches are accessible by car, bus or moto-taxi or by boat or sailing trip .