Playa Blanca boat from El Rodadero

Launches for Playa Blanca, a white-sand beach on the coast near El Rodadero, Santa Marta's southern beach suburb, leave from El Rodadero's north pier, so getting there is a boat ride rather than a drive. Most trips pair it with the aquarium and sea museum, where dolphins, turtles, sharks and sea lions are on show; meeting the dolphins costs extra. The rest of the day is for the sand, the sea and a late lunch, with food usually not part of the boat ticket. Trips are cancelled in bad weather, and children must be at least three.