Santa Marta, Colombia, offers everything you could want for a tropical adventure: calm turquoise waters, stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and unbeatable sunsets. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or lucky enough to stay longer, spending a full day paddle boarding and beach hopping is one of the best ways to experience the city’s magic.
Here’s a perfect full-day itinerary — from boards to beaches to beach bars.
8:00 AM – Start With Sunrise Paddle Boarding at Playa Los Cocos
Kick off your day early while the sea is at its calmest. Playa Los Cocos is one of the top spots for beginners and casual paddlers. Located close to downtown Santa Marta, it offers easy board rentals and gorgeous sunrise views over the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Tips for Paddle Boarding at Playa Los Cocos:
- Arrive by 7:30–8:00 AM for the best conditions
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen and bring a dry bag for your essentials
- Spend about 1.5–2 hours paddling along the calm coastline
You can also paddle toward nearby Playa Blanca if you’re feeling adventurous and confident with distance paddling.
10:30 AM – Breakfast or Light Snack by the Beach
After your paddle session, refuel with a tropical smoothie or a light breakfast. There are casual beachfront cafés near Playa Los Cocos where you can grab:
- Fresh fruit smoothies (try mango, guanabana, or passion fruit)
- Arepas with cheese
- A Colombian coffee overlooking the sea
Local tip: Keep your breakfast light — you’ll want room for a seafood feast later.
11:30 AM – Relax at Playa Blanca
After your snack, hop on a small boat to Playa Blanca, one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches near Santa Marta. Playa Blanca is perfect for chilling, swimming, and soaking up the Caribbean vibe.
- Rent a beach chair and umbrella
- Swim in the clear, calm water
- Try paddle boarding again if you’re feeling energetic — the views here are amazing
Optional: Bring a snorkel mask if you want to explore the rocky areas around the beach.
1:30 PM – Fresh Seafood Lunch at a Local Beach Shack
Nothing beats a fresh-caught lunch after a morning in the sun. At Playa Blanca, you’ll find small beach restaurants serving up traditional coastal Colombian dishes like:
- Pargo rojo frito (fried red snapper) with coconut rice and patacones
- Ceviche mixto
- Camarones al ajillo (garlic shrimp)
Tip: Order coconut lemonade (limonada de coco) — it’s the perfect cold drink for the beach.
Relax, enjoy your meal, and let the ocean breeze work its magic.
3:00 PM – Siesta or Chill Session at Playa Rodadero
After lunch, head over to Playa Rodadero, the liveliest beach zone near Santa Marta. It’s a great place to rest in the shade, people-watch, or sip a cold beer. If you still have energy, you can even rent another paddle board or take a banana boat ride for some fun.
Rodadero Highlights:
- Ice cream vendors and tropical fruit carts
- Music, dancing, and local flavor
- Easy access to taxis and transportation
Take it easy and let the afternoon roll by.
5:30 PM – Sunset Drinks at El Rodadero or Taganga
For a picture-perfect ending to your day, find a spot to watch the sunset. Two great options:
Rodadero Beach Bars:
Grab a seat at one of the waterfront bars. Order a mojito or a cold Club Colombia beer and toast the golden sun as it sinks into the Caribbean.
Taganga Viewpoints:
If you’re up for a quick ride, the fishing village of Taganga offers breathtaking sunset views from its cliffs and beachfront cafés.
Pro tip: Bring a light jacket or sarong — the breeze picks up once the sun goes down.
Final Thoughts: Your Dream Beach Day in Santa Marta
From the early morning paddle session at Playa Los Cocos to sunset drinks overlooking the sea, Santa Marta offers a dream itinerary for water lovers. Paddle boarding here is more than just an activity — it’s a way to connect with the natural beauty of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Plan ahead, start early, and leave the rest of the day to unfold naturally. Santa Marta will take care of the rest.
