SANTA MARTA REAL ESTATE & RELOCATION GUIDE
Santa Marta Los Cocos Beachfront Real Estate
High-rise apartments on the sand, a short walk from the Centro Histórico, the marina and the waterfront promenade.
Living in Los Cocos
Los Cocos is the city’s main beach neighborhood. Residential towers stand right on the sand, so many apartments look straight out over the Caribbean with the Sierra Nevada behind.
Most buildings are gated, with a pool, a gym and security. The streets are quieter than the old town at night, but the restaurants and plazas of the Centro Histórico are a short walk away.
It suits people who want a sea view and space at home, with city life close enough to walk to for dinner.
The marina and the waterfront
The best part of living in Los Cocos is the waterfront. A seawall promenade runs along the bay toward the old town, and at sunset it fills with joggers, families and couples out for a stroll.
The Marina Internacional de Santa Marta is close by, with sailboats and yachts, and restaurants and bars facing the water. Taganga, a short drive over the hill, is the starting point for boat trips into Tayrona.
Along the beach, seafood restaurants and kiosks serve fresh fish, ceviche and cold drinks with a view of the water.
What you can buy in Los Cocos
The market here is mostly large apartments in towers built in the last 20 years. Units are bigger than in the old town, and the best ones face the sea.
Beachfront apartment for sale
- 182 m², 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2 parking spaces
- Front-row building with views of the sea and the Sierra Nevada
- Pool, gym, sports court and play area
- Listed at COP 970 million (about US$310,000), with a building fee of COP 964,000 (about US$305) a month
Beachfront apartment for rent
- 263 m², 3 bedrooms, a study and 4 bathrooms
- On the beach, a few minutes from the Centro Histórico
- Pool, gym, sauna, steam room and sports court
- Listed at COP 7 million (about US$2,200) a month
Examples from listings in October 2026. US dollar amounts use a rate of about 3,150 pesos to the dollar. Prices and exchange rates change, so treat them as a guide and ask us for current listings.
Los Cocos vs the southern beaches
Los Cocos is a city beach. It’s close to the port and the marina, so the water is less inviting for swimming than the beaches south of the city. If daily swimming matters most to you, compare it with these three areas, all 20 to 30 minutes away by car.
Choose Los Cocos if you want
- To walk to the old town, the marina and the promenade
- City restaurants, culture and nightlife close to home
- A large apartment with a sea view
- To swim at the southern beaches on weekends rather than every day
Choose the southern beaches if you want
- Clearer water for a swim every morning
- Newer buildings, many with tourist rental permits
- To be close to the airport
- A quieter, more residential beach town feel
Next door: the Centro Histórico
A short walk from Los Cocos, the colonial old town has the city’s best restaurants, galleries, plazas and nightlife. If you’d rather live in the middle of it, see our guide to buying in the historic center.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim at Los Cocos?
You can, but the water near the port and marina is less inviting than at the beaches south of the city. Many Los Cocos residents swim at El Rodadero, Playa Salguero, Taganga or Tayrona instead.
How far is Los Cocos from the old town?
It’s a short walk along the waterfront, or a few minutes by taxi.
Can foreigners buy property in Santa Marta?
Yes. Foreigners can buy property in Colombia with the same rights as Colombians. Our step-by-step guide walks through the process.
How do the beach areas compare?
Read our guide to the 10 beach areas for buying real estate, or join a tour and see them in person.
See Los Cocos in person
We’ll help you build a customized 2 to 7 day tour with a local English-speaking agent, comparing Los Cocos with the old town and the southern beaches.
