La Boquilla is a small fishing village about 8km north of Cartagena, built on a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean and the Ciénaga de la Virgen lagoon. It's a working village, not a resort, and the beach here is quieter and more local-feeling than anything in Bocagrande. The fish restaurants along the shore cook whatever came in that morning and are consistently good value.
The lagoon side of La Boquilla is particularly interesting — local fishermen offer kayak tours through the mangrove channels, which harbour birds and, on clear mornings, a meditative quiet entirely different from the city. It's a 30-minute bus or taxi ride from Cartagena. The village fills with locals on weekends but is calm on weekdays.