The beach at Bocagrande is Cartagena's main in-city swimming beach, a 3km stretch of sand running along the western side of the Bocagrande peninsula. It's backed by high-rise hotels and apartment blocks, so the setting is more Miami than Caribbean, but the water is warm, the waves are gentle, and it's easily reached from anywhere in the city. On weekends it becomes extremely busy.
The water quality is variable — it's better at the southern tip of the peninsula than near the centre. Vendors work the entire length of the beach selling fruit, fried fish, sunglasses, and massages. Sun loungers can be rented through the adjacent hotels or through independent vendors. For a better beach experience, the trips to Islas del Rosario or the beach at La Boquilla are worth the extra effort, but Bocagrande is perfectly adequate for a quick swim.