Best Beach Houses in Marlinda, Cartagena: Your 2026 Guide

Why Marlinda Is Cartagena's Best-Kept Beach Secret

While most travelers flock to Bocagrande or the Rosario Islands, savvy visitors are discovering Marlinda — a quiet beachfront neighborhood in La Boquilla, north of Cartagena. Here you'll find spacious private beach houses with pools, direct ocean access, and the kind of peace you won't get in the city center.

Marlinda is only 15 minutes from Rafael Núñez Airport and 20 minutes from the historic center, making it the perfect base for groups who want both beach relaxation and easy access to Cartagena's attractions.

What Makes a Great Beach House in Marlinda?

The best Marlinda beach houses share several key features:

• Direct beach access — walk out the back door onto the sand
• Private pool — essential for cooling off without sand
• 5+ bedrooms — Marlinda houses are built for large groups
• Full kitchen — many include a housekeeper who cooks
• Outdoor terraces — for watching sunsets over the Caribbean

Our Top Pick: Beach House in Marlinda with Pool and Direct Beach Access

One of the standout properties in the area is this Beach House in Marlinda, Cartagena — a private beachfront villa with 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and capacity for up to 16 guests. It features a private pool, multiple terraces, and direct access to the beach from the house.

What sets it apart is the authentic La Boquilla experience: you're staying in a real beachfront neighborhood, not a hotel complex. Local seafood restaurants, mangrove tours, and kitesurfing are all within walking distance.

What to Do Near Marlinda

• Kitesurfing and windsurfing — La Boquilla's consistent winds make it one of Colombia's top spots
• Mangrove canoe tours — guided tours through the La Boquilla mangroves
• Local seafood — fresh fish, ceviche, and patacones at beachfront restaurants
• Cartagena's historic center — just 20 minutes south for colonial architecture, restaurants, and nightlife
• Rosario Islands day trip — boat tours depart from the city dock

Best Time to Visit Marlinda

The high season runs from December through March, with warm weather, calm seas, and the best beach conditions. This is also the most expensive period — book at least 2-3 months ahead for the best houses.

The shoulder season (June-July) offers good weather at lower prices, coinciding with Colombian school holidays. May, September, and October are the quietest months with occasional rain but significantly lower rates.

How to Get to Marlinda from the Airport

From Rafael Núñez Airport, Marlinda is a 15-minute drive north along the coastal road. Take a taxi or use ride apps like Uber or InDriver. The fare is typically 25,000-35,000 COP (-8 USD).

Ready to book? Check out this private beach house in Marlinda — one of the area's best beachfront villas for families and groups.