Santa Marta Beach refers to the main urban beaches located along the waterfront of Santa Marta, one of the oldest cities in South America and the capital of Colombia’s Magdalena Department. The city sits on the Caribbean coast and is a major hub for tourism, with coastal access, a colonial city center, and close proximity to Tayrona National Natural Park, Minca, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The beaches in the central urban area of Santa Marta, including those near the Camellón de la Bahía and the Marina Internacional, offer views of blue Caribbean waters, often framed by anchored sailboats and distant hills. However, these beaches are not ideal for swimming. Despite their scenic appearance, the lack of effective pollution controls and wastewater infrastructure in the urban area means that water quality can be poor, particularly near the port and high-density residential zones. Urban beaches in Santa Marta—like many throughout Colombia—do not meet international standards for safe recreational swimming. For cleaner waters and better beach experiences, visitors are encouraged to head to Playa Blanca, Taganga, Bahía Concha, or beaches within Tayrona Park, all of which are accessible via boat or short drives from the city center.