Things To Do
in Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is a charming colonial town located in the Colombian Caribbean coast. It is known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful architecture. The town is surrounded by lush green mountains and offers stunning views of the ocean.
Santa Catalina is a popular destination for tourists looking to relax, explore local culture, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo te va?" - How's it going?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along the beautiful beaches of Santa Catalina, enjoying the morning sun and waves. Stop by a local café for a fresh cup of Colombian coffee and a pastry.
Explore the vibrant markets to pick up some handmade crafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beachfront restaurant with fresh seafood and local dishes.
As the sun sets, take a walk along the coast and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Wind down with a casual dinner at a local eatery and experience the warmth of Colombian hospitality.
Get your adrenaline pumping with a snorkeling tour around the coral reefs surrounding the island. Witness the vibrant marine life as you dive into the clear waters.
After snorkeling, have lunch on a secluded beach and relax under the shade of palm trees. If you're adventurous, consider renting a kayak to explore nearby coves.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner. Enjoy a beach bonfire where you can mingle with other travelers and share stories under the stars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches with stunning Caribbean views
- Rich biodiversity and opportunities for snorkeling and diving
- Vibrant local culture and friendly community
- Less crowded compared to other tourist destinations
- Rich in history with colonial architecture
- Limited access to healthcare facilities
- Challenges with transportation infrastructure
- Potential for high humidity and tropical climate
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Availability of goods and services can be restricted
Best Activities in Santa Catalina
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life around Santa Catalina. Ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, the clear waters provide excellent visibility.
Discover the lush landscapes of the island by hiking through local trails. Enjoy scenic views and unique wildlife as you navigate the natural terrain.
Paddle through the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. Kayaking is a great way to explore secluded beaches and hidden coves.
Take diving lessons or join guided dives to experience the underwater beauty of the reefs. Plenty of dive sites cater to various skill levels.
Spend a day soaking up the sun on the island's beautiful beaches. Enjoy the warm Caribbean waters and relaxing atmosphere.
Engage with the local culture by touring traditional villages, tasting local cuisine, and learning about the island's history.
Observe the diverse wildlife, including birds and marine animals, in their natural habitat while hiking or walking along the coast.
Join local fishermen for a day of fishing. Whether you’re a novice or experienced angler, deep-sea fishing charters are available.
Tours
Uncover the best of Santa Catalina with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Santa Catalina
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning white sand beach known for its clear turquoise waters, Playa Blanca is an ideal spot for capturing beautiful sunset photos and vibrant beach scenes.
Offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding landscape, the lighthouse is a perfect spot for dramatic photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
A natural swimming pool surrounded by rocks and clear waters, this location provides a unique backdrop for photography, especially when capturing the vibrant marine life.
A small island with pristine beaches, Cayo Herradura offers a slice of paradise with breathtaking views and photo opportunities of its clear waters and coral reefs.
The colorful streets and colonial architecture of the old town hold great charm for photographers, with great opportunities to capture local culture and vibrancy.
A popular snorkeling spot with spectacular views of the underwater life, this location provides stunning imagery of fish-filled waters and beautiful rock formations.
A short boat ride away, this island offers breathtaking views of Santa Catalina, ideal for wide landscape shots and capturing the essence of Caribbean life.
Known for its vibrant coral reefs, El Coral is a perfect diving and snorkeling location that provides unique underwater photography opportunities.
The highest point on the island, Pico de Oro provides breathtaking views of both the land and sea, making it a perfect lookout point for stunning landscape photography.
Food in Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty chicken soup simmered with yuca, corn, and other vegetables, flavored with herbs and spices. Best enjoyed at local eateries like La Fonda Antioquena.
Must-Try!
A substantial platter featuring beans, rice, ground meat, chorizo, chicharrón, avocado, fried egg, and plantain. La Rinconada serves an authentic version of this iconic dish.
A deep-fried corn cake filled with a whole egg. Look for street vendors or try La Casa de Las Arepas for this popular snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional ingredients. Try empanadas, fresh fruits, and regional delicacies here.
A vibrant street known for its food stalls offering a variety of authentic Colombian street food such as arepas, tamales, and jugos naturales (fresh fruit juices).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Santa Catalina, it is customary to greet people with a friendly 'Hola' and often a handshake or a hug, especially among acquaintances. Always greet elders first as a sign of respect.
While the climate is warm, it is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or local homes. Wearing casual but respectful clothing shows awareness of local customs.
Engage with and show respect for local traditions and practices. Participate in community events and ask questions about cultural rituals to show your interest and appreciation for their way of life.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Catalina
Ensure a smooth experience
In Santa Catalina, Colombia, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small tip of around 10% in restaurants if the service is satisfactory. However, in more casual settings or smaller establishments, rounding up the bill is often considered sufficient.
Payment methods in Santa Catalina include cash and credit/debit cards. While larger establishments may accept cards, it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller businesses or local markets. The Colombian peso is the local currency, and it is important to note that ATMs may be limited in some areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Santa Catalina, as the weather is generally sunny and dry. Expect warm temperatures, ideal for beach activities, exploring the island, and enjoying outdoor adventures.
During this season, rain is more frequent, particularly in the afternoons. While it's less crowded and the landscape is lush and green, visitors should be prepared for occasional downpours. This is a good time for those who enjoy a quieter atmosphere and don't mind the rain.
This period coincides with holiday vacations and attracts many tourists. Expect higher prices for accommodation and services, as well as a bustling atmosphere with a variety of events and activities.
These months see fewer tourists and often feature lower rates for accommodations. While the weather may be wetter, it provides a peaceful experience for those looking to relax and explore without the crowds.
Santa Catalina at Night
Hiking in Santa Catalina
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and local flora.
A scenic trail leading to breathtaking coastal views, combined with unique rock formations.
A serene hiking path through lush vegetation, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
Though a bit further, this national park offers diverse trails ranging from coastal hikes to mountainous terrains.
A challenging hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views from the summit, including ocean views.
Aiports
How to reach Santa Catalina by plane.
The main airport serving Cartagena, located approximately 75 kilometers from Santa Catalina.
The airport serving Barranquilla, about 135 kilometers from Santa Catalina.
The airport serving Santa Marta, located about 175 kilometers from Santa Catalina.
Located in Palmira, this airport serves the Cali area and is approximately 460 kilometers from Santa Catalina.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily engaged in the cultivation and harvesting of coconuts, which is a significant part of the local economy.
Residents involved in fishing, utilizing the surrounding waters for livelihood and sustenance.
Individuals employed in the tourism sector, including hotel staff, tour guides, and service providers catering to visitors.
Entrepreneurs running local shops, food stalls, and services, contributing to the community's economic activity.
People engaged in farming various crops besides coconuts, such as fruits and vegetables, supporting local food supply.
Communities with historical roots in the region, maintaining traditional customs and practices.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Santa Catalina, with local teams and a passionate following among the residents.
Basketball enjoys a significant following, especially among the youth, with local courts available for play.
Baseball has a growing presence in the community, with schools and clubs encouraging its practice.
Volleyball is popular on the beaches of Santa Catalina, often played both formally and informally by locals and tourists alike.
Given its coastal location, surfing is a popular activity among both locals and visitors, attracting enthusiasts to the waves.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Catalina.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Colombian cuisine is meat-centric, many eateries in Santa Catalina now offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Look for restaurants like Sabor y Arte for flavorful plant-based dishes.
Visitors with gluten-free requirements can find accommodating options at various restaurants and cafes in Santa Catalina. La Canoa Restaurante is known for its gluten-free menu items.