Playa Grande and Playa Cristal

Location:
Taganga, Colombia

Beach Types:
Beach

By Lorraine Caputo

If the beach in town gets too familiar, try one of the other stretches of sand nearby. The knoll on the right-hand-side of Taganga Bay shelters Playa Grande, an expanse of pale golden arena.

From the village, you can take a launch to Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona’s closest beach, Playa Cristal, formerly named Playa de Muerte.

During the week either of these beaches are tranquilly idyllic, though be wary of weekends and vacation times when Colombians come flocking for some sun and sea.

Getting There
To Playa Grande, walk up Taganga Beach to Hotel Bahía Taganga; the trail begins behind it (20 minutes). Alternatively, take a launch to the beach (10 minutes, $2.10-2.65 round trip). For Playa Cristal, take a launch.

Travel Tips: Restaurants out on Playa Grande are quite pricey. Be careful about walking out to Playa Grande, and of leaving your belongings on the beach.

Price Description: Free if walking.

Relative price: Very cheap

Open Hours from:Dawn

Open Hours to:Dusk

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Bring sunscreen (or suntan lotion), hat, swimwear, water, snacks.

Go scuba diving, snorkeling or fishing. Take in museums in near-by Santa Marta and El Rodadero. Visit Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona or hike to Ciudad Perdida.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso