Things To Do
in Tubará
Tubará is a small coastal municipality in Atlántico, Colombia, bordered by the Caribbean and lush rural landscapes. It offers a quiet break from busier coastal cities, with fishing villages, palm-lined roads, and pristine beaches nearby. The town is known for its warm, welcoming people and a slower pace that invites relaxed exploration.
The surrounding scenery—salt flats, mangroves, and coconut plantations—ensures scenic photography and authentic Caribbean experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café in Tubará, savoring traditional Colombian arepas. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets, admiring the colorful colonial architecture and local art. Stop by the local market to interact with friendly vendors and pick up some fresh tropical fruits.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby archaeological site of Pueblito Viejito, where you can learn about the indigenous cultures that once inhabited the region. Enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Afterward, head back to Tubará and relax at a local park, soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of this charming town.
As evening falls, find a cozy restaurant to enjoy some delicious seafood, freshly caught from the Caribbean Sea. After dinner, take a sunset walk along the beach, where the sky turns shades of pink and orange. End the day with a nightcap at a beach bar, listening to the sound of waves lapping against the shore.
Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast of huevos pericos and fresh coffee at a beachfront café. After breakfast, grab your sunscreen and head to the pristine beaches of Tubará, where you can relax on the soft sand or take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters. For the more adventurous, consider renting a paddleboard to explore the shoreline.
In the afternoon, join a local tour for some thrilling water sports, such as jet skiing or banana boating. Feel the adrenaline rush as you speed across the waves and enjoy the stunning coastal views. Afterward, unwind on the beach with a cold coconut drink and enjoy the sun while listening to the soothing sound of the ocean.
As the sun sets, indulge in a beachside seafood feast, where the catch of the day is grilled to perfection. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as local musicians play traditional Colombian music nearby. Spend the rest of the evening dancing on the beach under the stars, embracing the vibrant culture of Tubará.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🚎One-way local transport | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range) per night | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful Caribbean coastline and small-town charm
- Close to Barranquilla for day trips and amenities
- Fresh seafood and warm, welcoming locals
- Limited nightlife and amenities within Tubará itself
- Seasonal rainfall can affect road conditions
- Less English commonly spoken outside tourist spots
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hi, how are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ayuda" - Help
- "Estoy perdido/a" - I am lost
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Tubará
Visit one of these nice places.
A long wooden pier extending over turquoise water—ideal for silhouette shots and long exposures at dawn.
Mangrove-lined estuaries along the coast with reflections and birdlife; best during low tide for clear reflections.
Colorful boats, nets, and locals working the docks create vibrant, documentary-style images.
Straight roads flanked by tall coconut palms—great for golden-hour photography and sense of place.
Food in Tubará
Tubará Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A crispy corn cake stuffed with a fried egg, a popular beach snack and street-food staple along the coast.
Must-Try!
Fresh fried fish (mojarra) seasoned with lime and garlic, commonly served with patacones or arroz con coco.
Fragrant coconut rice that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes and is a hallmark of coastal cooking.
A creamy seafood stew with coconut milk, peppers, and herbs.
Fried plantains topped with hogao (tomato-onion sauce), a frequent side or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market near the coast offering fresh seafood, tropical fruits, arepas, and prepared snacks; great for a first taste of the region.
Street stalls and small eateries offering arepas, empanadas, fresh juice, and other casual coastal bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hola or buenos días is appreciated; handshakes are common, and close friends may greet with a cheek kiss.
Spanish is the primary language; use usted for strangers and elders as a sign of respect.
Dress modestly in churches and public spaces; beachwear is appropriate only at the beach or hotel areas.
Small gifts or sharing food is common in community settings; engage with locals in friendly, respectful conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Tubará
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5–10% is appreciated if service isn’t included; 10–15% for good service in more tourist-oriented spots.
Credit cards are common in larger establishments; many small family-run places prefer cash (COP) but may accept cards in tourist zones.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Bright sunny days with little rain; ideal for beach time and outdoor activities, though popular with visitors from nearby cities.
Humidity rises and sporadic showers occur; landscapes turn lush and green; plan for occasional rain breaks.
Frequent rain and higher humidity; some rural roads may be muddy—great for dramatic skies but require flexible plans.
Unpredictable weather with sporadic storms; good lighting for photography after rain and fewer tourists.
Tubará at Night
Hiking in Tubará
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat, scenic paths offering ocean views; best during the dry season.
Gentle trails through plantations; watch for uneven ground after rain.
Airports
How to reach Tubará by plane.
Barranquilla’s airport, the closest international gateway; connects to major Colombian cities and some international destinations; about 40–90 minutes from Tubará by car depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Communities reliant on fishing and seafood, with strong ties to coastal culture.
Rural families cultivating crops such as coconuts and sugarcane around the coast.
Diverse groups with Caribbean influences and growing regional amenities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Colombia; local games and informal matches are common in coastal towns.
Played on many beaches during dry season and weekends.
Baseball has presence in some communities; cycling is popular along coastal roads.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tubará.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options include plantain-based dishes, beans, rice, and fresh fruit; look for salas and salads and request substitutions where needed (e.g., no seafood stock).