Things To Do
in Manatí
Manatí is a small coastal town in Atlántico Department, Colombia, perched along the Caribbean shoreline with a warm, breezy climate. Its streets are quiet and friendly, with colorful houses and a rhythm of daily markets and fishing boats. The surrounding mangroves and rural scenery offer easy day trips to beaches, lagoons, and wildlife, making it a relaxing escape from larger cities.
Visitors are drawn by fresh seafood, authentic Caribbean hospitality, and a sense of timeless coastal living.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Manatí and settle into your chosen accommodation, absorbing the initial sights and sounds of this tranquil municipality. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Colombian arepas. Take a stroll around the town square to get a feel for the local culture and charm.
Explore the nearby coffee plantations, where you can learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. Take a guided tour, interact with the farmers, and savor fresh coffee directly from the source. Enjoy a light lunch at one of the plantation's cafés where you can taste homemade pastries.
As the sun sets, dine in a local restaurant specializing in coastal cuisine. Choose from fresh catches of the day or classic Colombian dishes while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. Finish your evening with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, soaking in the serene ambiance.
Visit the Manatí Museum to learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Engage with exhibits showcasing indigenous artifacts and colonial-era items. Spend time chatting with local artisans who often demonstrate their crafts in the museum.
Head to a nearby artisan market and indulge in some shopping for unique hand-made souvenirs. Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery, trying traditional dishes like bandeja paisa or sancocho. Afterward, participate in a local cooking class to learn how to prepare these culinary delights.
Attend a cultural dance performance or local music concert, immersing yourself in the rhythms and traditions of the region. Savor dinner at a vibrant restaurant filled with live music, where you can dance the night away. Reflect on the day’s experiences under the stars with new friends.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚕Taxi within town | $2-5 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1L) | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🛍️Small souvenir | $3-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and relaxed Caribbean vibe
- Accessible seafood and low travel costs
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Smaller scale of tourist services in some areas
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta esto?" - How much does this cost?
- "¡Muchas gracias!" - Thank you very much!
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Ayuda" - Help
Places to Visit in Manatí
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide seawall with golden hour views over the Caribbean and fishing boats returning to port.
Colorful market stalls and friendly vendors offering vibrant fruit and fish—great for candid street photography.
Boardwalks and marshy waterways where sunlight filters through mangrove roots; ideal for wildlife and reflection shots.
Stretch of sandy shore with palm trees; capture long-exposure waves and sunset silhouettes.
Food in Manatí
Manatí Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich seafood stew with coconut milk, peppers, and cilantro, best enjoyed at seaside restaurants or market stalls.
Must-Try!
Crispy arepa stuffed with a fried egg, a popular street snack near the main streets and markets.
Golden fried fish served with crunchy plantain chips, a seaside staple at grills along the shoreline.
Coconut rice often served as a side with seafood, commonly found in local eateries and beach shacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market where fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, and prepared snacks are available; a great place to try seasonal fruits and fried treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hola or buenos días; use polite language and please/thank you. Avoid loud discussions in sacred spaces and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Manatí
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is appreciated if service was good; in smaller eateries locals often round up the bill. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common but not mandatory.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days with lower humidity and calmer seas; ideal for beach outings and boat trips. Pack sunscreen and light clothing.
Higher humidity with afternoon showers; mornings are often clear. Bring a light rain jacket and quick-dry footwear.
Manatí at Night
Hiking in Manatí
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal rainforest and beach hikes near Santa Marta, offering spectacular sea views and jungle fauna.
Short, scenic trails through mangroves and along the shoreline, ideal for wildlife viewing.
Bird-watching trails in local marshes with opportunities to see wading birds and migratory species.
Airports
How to reach Manatí by plane.
Main gateway to the Atlántico region, located near Barranquilla; 60-100 minutes by road to Manatí depending on traffic.
Santa Marta’s airport; serves domestic and some international flights; about 3-4 hours by road to Manatí.
Cartagena’s airport; accessible via highway connections and longer drive; useful for multi-city itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant presence with distinct cultural expressions, music, and cuisine.
Residents from agricultural areas who travel to town for markets and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches and informal street games are common in the evenings.
Popular in certain communities and schools; local leagues hold weekend games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Manatí.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy fresh fruit, beans, plantains, rice, pastries, and veggie dishes at most eateries; request vegetable-based stews or salads and avoid fish-based sauces when needed.