Cartagena's beaches range from the convenient but busy Playa de Bocagrande within the city, to the local-feeling Playa Marbella just north of the walls, to the excellent Playa Blanca on Isla Barú, which is the best beach within easy reach. The Islas del Rosario archipelago offers snorkelling and smaller, quieter beaches on coral islands 45km from the city.
La Boquilla, a fishing village north of the city, has a calmer beach than Bocagrande and good fish restaurants. The water around Bocagrande can be murky; for cleaner swimming go further from the city. Boat trips to the islands depart every morning from the Muelle Turistico near the old city.