What to do in Santa Marta

Activities, attractions and tours

Taganga Beach which includes a beach, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Taganga Beach which includes a beach, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Blanca Beach featuring a sandy beach
Rodadero Beach showing a coastal town, a skyscraper and general coastal views
Taganga Beach featuring swimming, a coastal town and a beach

Santa Marta Tourist Attractions & Activities

Coming up: Santa Marta! You're excited to chart a course in a different direction. Never one to shy away from unique ways to get inspired and broaden your horizons, you're prepared to check out new territory like the savvy traveller you are. Find and book your activities now, and all you'll have left to do is count the days until your escape and get excited, because Expedia Australia can hook you up with loads of things to do.

  • The activities in Santa Marta are not only perfect for you, but they won't break the bank. We have 151 things to do here, and you can reserve them starting at just AU$13. Get your favourite tours on Expedia Australia at an ideal price, and you'll still have money for a top hotel or luxurious dinner while you're travelling.
  • Santa Marta is popular among adventurers like you. In fact, a good percentage of travellers recommend the city's hotels and have been visiting to learn about local history and participate in the best activities. The top activities can grab the attention of even experienced travellers, and one look at our inventory explains why. Our inventory includes an impressive array of entertainment and thrills. From foodie tours to trips in the great outdoors, there are loads of selections to choose from when you check out the best tours and excursions here at Expedia Australia.

You'll want an expert itinerary to really get the most out of Santa Marta, particularly when you wish to pack in lots of local cuisine and entertainment. And we know you don't plan to sleep all day you're ready to get out and see what life is like for locals. You want to check off the most essential activities around, and an exploration of historic city neighbourhoods is what you love best. Our activities are the perfect way to organise your holiday. Book group tours on Expedia Australia, and there will be no need to worry about looking at a map.


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Top places to visit

1. Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park is famous for its paradise-like beaches, exotic wildlife and excellent scuba conditions. The 37,000-acre (15,000-hectare) area is often considered one of the most scenic parts of the world due to its exceptional landscape, formed by a blend of ecosystems and microclimates, with environments such as thorny scrubland and dry, rain and cloud forests. The dry forest of this protected area is one of the best preserved in the country. The park is popular for hiking and tent camping deep in the forest or on the beaches. Look for many types of exotic wildlife and plants as you explore the park.
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Idyllic tropical Caribbean beach in Tayrona National Park near Santa Marta, Colombia

2. Rodadero Beach

Rodadero Beach is a hub of sand, sun and surf on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. Enjoy a range of activities including diving, sailing and paddle boating. This beach is a more active and dynamic option than its nearby rival beach, Playa Blanca. Rodadero Beach has a more Colombian atmosphere with fewer international visitors. The beach first became popular in the 1950s. Now, it is one of the most visited parts of Colombia’s northern coast.
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Rodadero Beach which includes a beach, a skyscraper and boating

3. Taganga Beach

Several decades ago, Taganga was a sleepy fishing village. Now, it attracts travelers from Colombia and the rest of the world with its cool breezes, mountainous landscape and proximity to Tayrona National Park. The small area is nestled beside the cliffs of the Caribbean coast. The village is a hotspot for scuba diving and sunbathing and has an animated nightlife. Enjoy one of the many restaurants and bars in Taganga or find a company to arrange a tour of the national park.
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Taganga Beach showing a sunset, a bay or harbour and boating

4. Parque de los Novios

Parque de los Novios is a spacious plaza next to Santa Marta’s most historic monuments. It is a popular meeting point for couples. In fact, the name translates as the Park of Lovers. Travelers and locals gather in this plaza to watch the sun go down and enjoy a few drinks in the evening. It is a shining beacon of the city’s nightlife and has a relaxed and secure ambiance. Look for a statue surrounded by small fountains erupting from the plaza’s red-brick surface. Take a leisurely stroll around the pedestrianized park in the afternoon without worrying about traffic.
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Parque de Los Novios showing flowers and a park

5. Blanca Beach

Playa Blanca is a beautiful and tranquil beach nestled in the valley of mountains separating Santa Marta from El Rodadero. It is only accessible via a short boat journey, which means the area is particularly clean and safe. Enjoy the warm and crystal clear ocean water. Look for huts serving fresh seafood caught in the area and vendors offering coconut shell drinks.
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Blanca Beach showing landscape views, a bay or harbour and a sandy beach

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What to do in Santa Marta


Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Marta

Explore areas of Santa Marta

Rodadero Beach showing a sandy beach, a hotel and a coastal town

El Rodadero

3/5(1 area review)

El Rodadero is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Rodadero Beach and Mundo Marino Aquarium.

El Rodadero
Historic Center showing heritage elements, a city and street scenes

Historic Center

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Take a trip back in time as you explore the center of Colombia’s oldest surviving city, complete with colonial buildings and collections of indigenous gold and pottery.

Historic Center
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Bello Horizonte

If you're spending some time in Bello Horizonte, Bello Horizonte Beach and Zazue are top sights worth seeing.

Bello Horizonte
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Los Cocos

While there might not be top attractions in Los Cocos, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Marina Santa Marta and Parque de los Novios.

Los Cocos
Panorama view of the beach inTayrona National Park, Colombia

Bavaria

When in Bavaria, you can plan a visit to Parque de los Novios and Santa Marta Theater, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bavaria
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San Martín

While San Martín may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Parque de los Novios and Santa Marta Beach.

San Martín

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Santa Marta

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Marta worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor activities, there are plenty of fun things to do in Santa Marta. Be sure to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santa Marta?
Begin your day with a visit to Bello Horizonte Beach and Santa Marta Beach. Then, check out different areas of Santa Marta for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Marta?
Bello Horizonte Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Santa Marta and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Marta?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city sights, including Santa Marta Beach, Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum and Grande Beach. The average stay in Santa Marta is three days. If you have the urge to extend your holiday, Puerto de Gaira isn't far away.
Is Santa Marta a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Santa Marta is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Santa Marta Beach and Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum. Then take a stroll through Comuna 2, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Historic Centre, which is about 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Marta with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santa Marta with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Santa Marta for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Marta for adults including Mayorship of Santa Marta and Town Hall.
Are there free things to do in Santa Marta?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Santa Marta. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Santa Marta Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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