Colombia Travel Guide
Rincon del Mar
Colombia
An endless white sand beach and colorful houses make Rincón del Mar one of the most pleasant villages on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Its access via an unpaved, rough road helps preserve this paradise. You can relax here or arrange activities with locals, such as snorkeling, observing bioluminescent plankton, and taking a tour of the San Bernardo Islands.
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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT Rincon del Mar, Colombia
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
A hidden piece of paradise.
Rincón del Mar is a small fishing village in the Sucre department, whose capital is Sincelejo.
Located on the western part of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, it’s about 3 hours from Cartagena. It is the closest mainland locality to the San Bernardo Archipelago.
The village has a population of 4,000, and the residents are called rincomarenses.
There are no written records of Rincón del Mar’s history, only oral accounts passed down by the elders.
Once inhabited by indigenous people, the peninsula where the village is located was occupied by Spaniards who established coconut plantations. In the 18th century, descendants of black slaves settled on these Caribbean lands, forming “palenques.” The mix of African, Spanish, and Creole origins gave birth to the Afro-American Rinconeros ethnicity, from which the village takes its name.
Rincón del Mar’s recent past is marked by years of violence related to drug trafficking. Since then, the village has regained its calm and become a tourist attraction. Its difficult access still preserves its authenticity.
Most people come to Rincón del Mar to relax on its vast white sand beach with palm trees.
The great news is that there are plenty of activities to make your mornings enjoyable: explore the mangroves and dry forest where various bird species and sloths live, swim at night among bioluminescent plankton, snorkel or dive around the coral reefs, tour the San Bernardo Islands, or organize a fishing trip with locals.
You can also partake in workshops, such as a cooking class to make arepas or a drumming class, which offer an ideal way to discover local culture in a paradisiacal setting.
I love recommending Rincón del Mar as a perfect end-of-vacation destination, to fully relax before heading home.
The climate in Rincón del Mar is warm and semi-arid. The average annual temperature is 28°C, rarely dropping below 20°C. The hottest months are from late January to mid-April, and the rainy season extends from May to November, though it is not very pronounced.
From a climate perspective, you can visit Rincón del Mar year-round. However, I recommend avoiding the high season as Colombians love this destination (mid-December to mid-January, Holy Week, and the June school holidays). Also, avoid long weekends with public holidays, as locals love to play loud music on these days.
Time seems to pause in Rincón del Mar, and to fully appreciate this peaceful and relaxing moment, I suggest staying for three nights.
This will give you ample time to relax on the beach, get to know the friendly locals, and participate in one or two activities.
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Things to do in rincon
Between relaxation and nature.
Thanks to its proximity to the protected natural park of the San Bernardo Islands, Rincón del Mar is a great starting point for scuba diving enthusiasts eager to explore the fauna and flora of Colombia’s Caribbean waters. Many sites are easily accessible for beginners—Steffi and Giovanni from Rincon Dive Center are delightful.
You can also snorkel around the coral reefs near the Mucura and Tintipan islands.
If you enjoy fishing, you can join a local fisherman on his boat. You can wait patiently for a bite on your fishing line or watch him spearfishing if you’re good at freediving. The fishermen of Rincón del Mar are renowned for their expertise in this technique.
The sea is calm in the early mornings, and the sun isn’t too strong yet. It’s the best time to paddle along the beach with a paddleboard.
The Dos Aguas Ecolodge promotes local initiatives by offering different cultural activities such as cooking classes. It’s a fun way to learn how to prepare typical dishes like arepas e huevos, made with corn flour.
You can also learn to wear an Afro turban or be introduced to Cumbia and other Caribbean rhythms.
The GuardaBosques Rincon del Mar association cares for the mangroves and offers excursions into the dry tropical forest.
Start early (6:00 AM) to avoid the heat and observe the animals. After passing through the mangroves, you’ll arrive at a peaceful clearing with majestic Ceiba trees and a giant fig tree or “walking tree,” a magical place for the locals.
You can spot sloths, toucans, macaws, and other birds.
Plan for a 3-hour tour.
I loved this experience. Jalimer, my guide and founder of GuardaBosques, shared his knowledge about the ecosystem and told stories about the population’s resilience against drug trafficking violence.
Canoe tours in the mangroves are also available.
Here, the main activity is doing nothing. And trust me, the beach at Rincón del Mar, with its laid-back atmosphere, is perfect for that.
Walk along the water’s edge in the morning sunlight, swim, read under the shade of a coconut tree or a thatched hut, sip a delicious fruit juice, enjoy freshly caught lobster with your bare feet in the sand, take a little nap, and in the evening, enjoy the sea breeze while sitting in a beach chair and sipping a cocktail.
A dream program!
At the end of the day, leave the beach by boat to visit Isla Pajaro, an island where thousands of seabirds come to feed and nest, with a stunning sunset as the backdrop.
The boat will then take you offshore to a lagoon surrounded by mangroves to observe the bioluminescent plankton. Don’t hesitate to get in the water; the phenomenon is visible only when the water is in motion.
Swimming in the dark amidst thousands of tiny lights filled me with wonder and gave me chills.
If possible, do this excursion on a new moon night, wear a white T-shirt, and don’t forget your mask and snorkel.
Also, bring a change of clothes and a towel, as I found the return trip a bit long once wet (about 1 hour).
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DAY TRIPS FROM RINCON DEL MAR
Where to go for a day’s adventure.
The San Bernardo Islands are known for their white sandy beaches and turquoise, crystal-clear waters.
This day trip from Rincón del Mar (about 6h) allows you to visit three islands: Mucura, Tintipan, and optionally Santa Cruz del Islote. Only transportation is included in the tour.
The boat departs from Rincón del Mar beach. Your first stop will be Mucura, where you can enjoy a delicious Piña Colada in a coconut, with water up to your waist. Then, you’ll head to Tintipan, where you can have lunch and swim before returning.
The setting is beautiful, and the water is as dreamy as you imagine, but it gets very crowded, especially on weekends. You won’t have much freedom to explore since the islands are largely private—in short, I’m not a fan of this day trip.
For a complete disconnect, visit the Sanguaré Nature Reserve south of Rincón del Mar, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving the peninsula’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems (dry forest, cienaga, mangroves).
The reserve offers a variety of activities, including educational tours, bird watching, and diving. You can stay at the eco-lodge within the reserve (11 rooms), a peaceful and cozy place with excellent food. It’s advisable to book in advance.
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WHERE TO STAY IN RINCON
The best hotels in Rincon del Mar.
A bridge across the river divides the village into two zones. The far end of the village, beyond the bridge, is the quietest part of Rincón del Mar. It also has the most beautiful beach, free of fishing boats and with a stunning view. However, the internet connection is very poor.
- Dos Aguas is the best eco-lodge in terms of high-quality services and harmony with nature.
- For a high-end option, Hotel Casa Sattva is a four-room guesthouse on the beach with a pool. Children are not allowed.
- In the same idyllic setting but more affordable, La Chalupa Beach House (Canto de Caracola) has a charming host who sings beautifully, and the food is excellent.
- Lastly, in the hostel category, Palenque Eco Hostel Beach House offers a warm atmosphere and delicious meals.
The beach is pleasant, with coconut trees, several bars and restaurants, and colorful fishing boats moored. It has a lot of character. The locals love to party on weekends, so it can get pretty noisy.
For hostels on the beach, you can choose between Merakai Hostel with its spacious, well-equipped shared spaces, and Hostel Beach House, known for its relaxed atmosphere and always fresh, well-priced beers. Another great option is Bamboodas B&B Hostel in the village (100 meters from the beach), which offers air-conditioned dorms and a fantastic breakfast.
Rincon del Frances, the first hostel to open in Rincón del Mar and one the cheapest, provides a cozy, family-like setting.
If you prefer an aparthotel, I recommend Mamallena for its comfortable rooms. The view from the top-floor terrace is amazing.
You’ll pay less, but you won’t have the beach, and depending on what you choose, you might be a bit far from everything. Remember that there are no street lights in Rincón del Mar. On the other hand, you’ll enjoy a more “local” atmosphere with far fewer tourists.
If you want to play Robinson Crusoe in the middle of nature, I recommend Mango Feliz. It’s a bit far from the village, but very cheap.
There are also a few nice airbnbs.
The San Bernardo Archipelago is ideal if you dream of staying on an island with turquoise waters—though you’ll have to pay the price. From Rincón del Mar, you can ask the boats running day trips to drop you off at your chosen island.
Isla Palma is the closest island to Rincón del Mar and is a true little paradise. However, the two hotels on the island do not offer great value for money. The beach at Hotel Isla Palma Reserva Natural is stunning, but the hotel is outdated. The other option is Mistica Island Hostel, which is more charming with its wooden and palm structures.
The most beautiful island is Isla Tintipan. There are some good hotels, but if you’re near the main beach, you might hear the noise from the day-trip boats.
My favorite is Hotel Puntanorte at the northern tip of the island. It’s charming with its thatched constructions and colorful rooms. You sleep to the sound of the waves, and the food is excellent. Another good value option is El Embrujo Tintipan. The best choice on Tintipan is the deluxe room at Sal Si Puedes.
On Isla Mucura, Hotel Punta Faro is a luxurious hotel offering full board with a minimum stay of 2 nights. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it if you want to indulge in a magical place with a beautiful beach. Hotel Isla Mucura is larger and less intimate.
© Tomplanmytrip
EATING AND DRINKING
The best restaurants in Rincon del Mar.
The best spots for sipping a cocktail on the beach at sunset are Dos Aguas on the other side of the bridge or near Mamallena on the main beach—where you’ll find little beach bars.
Dos Aguas provides excellent cuisine in a beautiful setting. Che Restaurante is another great option, with meals enjoyed under the glow of string lights.
For lunch, check out El Refugio De Petra, where you can enjoy tasty and plentiful fish dishes in the shade of a thatched hut. I particularly enjoyed the jugo de Mora.
If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll love Canto del Caracol.
For a classic menu del día at a very reasonable price, go to Cabaña Zambacaramba just after the bridge or to Restaurante Dubai in the village. Mar Blanco is also a good option.
If you’re craving pizza, Pizzería Délicat’jess will satisfy you. It’s simple, but the pizzas are good and the price is fair.
Kapito Harry, a Basque, serves good charcuterie and ricard for those who love French cuisine.
I also loved eating carimañolas on the street, right in front of the Mamallena Hotel.
In Rincón del Mar, you can enjoy a delicious freshly caught lobster, but remember to ask for a good-sized lobster. This helps ensure the fisherman respects the minimum size regulations.
Don’t hesitate to ask around.
After trying several restaurants, Mar Blanco won our contest for its excellent quality and value.
© Tomplanmytrip
HOW TO GET TO RINCON DEL MAR
And getting around.
Buses from Caribe Express to San Onofre leave the Cartagena terminal every hour between 7:45 AM and 6:45 PM, taking about 3 hours. After that, you’ll need to take a motorcycle or a taxi to Rincón del Mar (30 minutes).
Alternatively, you can take private transport, which takes around 2.5 hours from your hotel in the city center.
The simplest option is to ask a fisherman to take you by boat to Rincón del Mar, which takes about 40 minutes.
Alternatively, you can ask your hotel for assistance.
You must take an overnight bus from the North Terminal to San Onofre. Expreso Brasilia and Rápido Ochoa are the two companies that operate this route. Be sure to check the schedules. The trip takes about 11 hours. Once you arrive in San Onofre, you’ll need to take a motorcycle taxi or a regular taxi to reach Rincón del Mar (30 minutes).
Another (much more convenient) option is to take a Medellín-Tolu flight (1 hour with Satena) and then a taxi to Rincón del Mar (1 hour).
Coming from Necoclí, the simplest way is to take a bus to Montería (3 hours), then another bus to San Onofre and Rincón del Mar.
For Isla Fuerte, I recommend taking private transport to Sincelejo, then a bus to San Onofre.
You’ll be walking everywhere; the village is small, with just one main dirt road parallel to the beach.
There is no terminal in Rincón del Mar. Tell your motorcycle or regular taxi the name of your hotel, and they’ll drop you off right at the door.
When leaving Rincón del Mar, you must take a taxi to the Expreso Brasilia office in San Onofre (30 minutes).
© Tomplanmytrip
Is Rincon del mar safe?
I walked around Rincón del Mar day and night and never felt unsafe. Additionally, I found the people to be very kind. However, that’s not a reason to “dar papaya.”
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my last tips
My final tips for enjoying Rincón del Mar.
Remember to bring enough cash, as there are no ATMs in Rincón del Mar.
It’s a bit complicated for digital nomads due to the unstable (and slow) internet. I suggest getting a Claro SIM card to use your phone as a modem—though the signal isn’t very strong.
A few years back, Rincón del Mar didn’t have running water. Although outages are becoming less common, they can still occur. Always try to conserve water, as it’s a valuable resource!
© Tomplanmytrip
ITINERARIES
How to include Rincon del Mar in your trip to Colombia.
This is the most common itinerary. You can take private transport to the Cartagena airport for the return trip. I like to spend 2 to 3 nights in Cartagena and 3 nights in Rincón del Mar.
To avoid a back-and-forth from Cartagena, you can fly to Tolu from Medellín and take a taxi to Rincón del Mar. Afterward, continue your journey to Cartagena.
The ideal itinerary for a trip combining relaxation, adventure, and romance: after 3 nights in Rincón del Mar, embark on a 2-night stay on the San Bernardo Islands. Then, head to Cartagena via another boat trip (2 hours).
However, you’ll need to travel light (less than 8 kg of luggage per person).
© Tomplanmytrip
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