Playa Grande Taganga
Vibrant cove with clear waters for snorkeling, accessible by boat or scenic hike, offering local eateries and stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Playa Grande Taganga
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant cove with clear waters for snorkeling, accessible by boat or scenic hike, offering local eateries and stunning coastal views.
"A very nice beach alternative to the one on the Taganga waterfront."
🚢 Boat Ride Caution
Be prepared for a potentially rough boat ride from Taganga to Playa Grande.
🚶♀️ Hike for Free Views
Consider the scenic hike instead of a boat for great views and to save money.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Main beach area
Enjoy the vibrant turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling in this beautiful cove.
Cliffside Views
Trail to Playa Grande
The hike to the beach offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Taganga bay and the Caribbean coastline.
Local Eateries
Beachfront
Savor fresh seafood and local dishes at the various restaurants lining the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Getting There: Boat or Hike?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Boat Ride Caution
Be prepared for a potentially rough boat ride from Taganga to Playa Grande.
🚶♀️ Hike for Free Views
Consider the scenic hike instead of a boat for great views and to save money.
💰 Avoid Price Gouging
Be wary of inflated prices for chairs and food; negotiate or find alternative vendors.
☀️ Early Bird Gets the Spot
Arrive by 8-9 AM to secure a good spot before the beach fills up.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Boat Ride Caution
Be prepared for a potentially rough boat ride from Taganga to Playa Grande.
🚶♀️ Hike for Free Views
Consider the scenic hike instead of a boat for great views and to save money.
💰 Avoid Price Gouging
Be wary of inflated prices for chairs and food; negotiate or find alternative vendors.
☀️ Early Bird Gets the Spot
Arrive by 8-9 AM to secure a good spot before the beach fills up.
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful beach clean by taking all your waste with you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Grande offers a lively beach experience with clear waters suitable for swimming and snorkeling, and scenic views from the hiking trail. However, it can become very crowded and some visitors report overpriced food and chair rentals, leading to a 'tourist trap' feel for some.
"a place for families and friends, bars, meals, water attractions on site. possibility of getting a place with chairs in the shade. This is not a place for those who love peace and quiet, but a few steps from the Grande beach there are wild and peaceful beaches."
RAdoslaw Dąbrowski mail prywatny
"A very nice beach alternative to the one on the Taganga waterfront. If you dislike crowds, you'll have to get there very early (8 or 9 am) if you want most of the beach to yourself. But the crowds start coming in earnest as the morning progresses, so if you don't want to be in a crowd of people you'll be looking to leave by noon at the latest. In the pictures I provide you'll see Playa Grande when there are masses of people, and when it is early in the morning for comparison.
Check out my blog post on how to get here (see URL in photos), as well as other beaches, in the Taganga area without having to pay for a boat shuttle! It is a nice hike."
Mark Sugalski
"Overcrowded and Overpriced
Playa Grande is anything but relaxing. The beach is completely overcrowded, making it impossible to enjoy any peace and quiet. The restaurants are overpriced and don’t offer much value for the money. There are no proper sunbeds—just cheap plastic chairs that are uncomfortable and don’t add to the experience at all. Overall, it feels like a tourist trap with nothing to justify the cost or the hype. Definitely wouldn’t recommend!"
Rudy El Kholti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Playa Grande from Taganga by taking a boat shuttle, which is a popular option. Alternatively, there's a scenic hike along the cliffs that offers stunning views and is a free way to get there. +1
Yes, some travelers report that the boat ride can be quite rough. It's advisable to be prepared for this, especially if you are prone to seasickness.
Yes, there is a nice, short walk or hike from Taganga to Playa Grande that offers beautiful views of the coastline. This is a great option if you want to avoid the boat or save money.
Several tour operators in Santa Marta offer day trips that include visits to Playa Grande and other nearby beaches. These can be a convenient way to explore the area.
For budget travelers, hiking to Playa Grande is the most economical option. You can also find affordable boat rides if you negotiate prices or go with a group. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Grande itself does not have an entrance fee, making it a free beach to access. However, you will pay for boat transportation if you choose that option.
No, there are no specific tickets required to enter Playa Grande. Access to the beach is free.
Playa Grande is generally accessible throughout the day. However, it's recommended to leave by 4:30 PM if you plan to return by boat, as services may wind down.
While the beach is free, be aware that restaurants and chair rentals can be overpriced. Some vendors may attempt to charge exorbitant prices, so it's wise to confirm costs beforehand.
Yes, several tour operators and hotels offer 'pasadía' (day pass) packages that often include boat transport, lunch, and activities like snorkeling at Playa Grande.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Playa Grande offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. Some packages include kayaking and other water activities.
Yes, the calm and clear waters of Playa Grande make it a good spot for snorkeling, allowing you to see marine life.
There are several restaurants and eateries along the beach offering local dishes, particularly seafood. However, prices can be high.
Yes, you can rent chairs, and some places offer shaded spots. Be sure to confirm the price beforehand, as it can vary and some vendors may try to overcharge.
Playa Grande can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday is recommended for a less crowded experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The cliffside trail leading to Playa Grande offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for capturing the bay. The beach itself provides beautiful shots of the turquoise water and coastline.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset can also provide beautiful lighting.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's best to check local rules and be respectful of other visitors' privacy before flying a drone.
Expect vibrant photos of the Caribbean Sea, sandy beaches, local boats, and the surrounding lush green hills.
The trail leading to the beach provides excellent elevated viewpoints. Look for spots along the path that offer unobstructed views of the bay.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you're looking for a more adventurous way to get there, the hike offers a chance for kids to explore, but ensure they are comfortable with walking. The boat ride can be bumpy, so gauge your children's tolerance for that.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be prepared to negotiate prices for any services like chair rentals, as some vendors may try to overcharge.
+1couples
For a more intimate experience, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving very early to avoid the peak crowds. The hike to the beach provides a romantic opportunity to enjoy scenic views together. While the beach can be lively, you can find quieter spots nearby if you venture a little further.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Playa Grande: Boat vs. Hike
The alternative is a scenic hike along the cliffside. This offers stunning panoramic views of the Taganga bay and the Caribbean coastline, making the journey itself a highlight.
For those seeking a guided experience, various tours from Santa Marta can include transportation to Playa Grande, often as part of a larger itinerary covering multiple beaches.
+1The Playa Grande Experience: Beyond the Beach
However, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.
For those craving tranquility, the good news is that just a short distance from Playa Grande, you can find wilder, more peaceful beaches accessible via the same trails.
Budgeting Your Trip to Playa Grande
Food and drinks at the beachfront restaurants can be on the pricier side, with some reports of price-fixing among vendors.
Several 'pasadía' (day pass) options are available, which can offer good value by bundling transport, meals, and activities. These packages can range from around $95,000 to $100,000 COP per person or couple, depending on inclusions.
+1
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