Playa Grande (Taganga)
Location
Taganga, Santa Marta
Distance
8 km
Difficulty
Easy access
Highlights
Snorkeling
Playa Grande is the hidden gem just over the hill from the fishing village of Taganga — a 20-minute walk (or 5-minute boat ride) from Taganga's main beach. Unlike Taganga's cluttered main bay, Playa Grande is genuinely beautiful: a long, wide stretch of Caribbean sand backed by mountainous jungle, with clear water good enough for snorkeling and kayaking. Several restaurants and beach bars operate here, making it a full day out. It's popular but far less overwhelming than Rodadero, and far more accessible than anything inside Tayrona.
To decide this beach properly today, combine live map + water temperature + Santa Marta facts.
Highlights
Interactive marine forecast
Dynamic coordinates: 11.2712, -74.1971
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Beach map
Nearby beaches
Plan your visit
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons; avoid holiday weekends
Entrance fee
Not specified
Closure dates
Not specified
Getting there
Take bus or taxi to Taganga (~15–20 min from Santa Marta center), then either walk over the hill trail (~20 min) or take a short boat ride from the Taganga dock (~5 min, ~6,000–16,000 COP depending on season).
Insider tip
The hill walk from Taganga offers excellent views of both bays. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent from beach restaurants. Calmer and cleaner water than Taganga's main beach.
Warnings
- Can get crowded on weekends with both tourists and locals
Keep planning your route
Suggested hotels near this area