{
  "id": 18724642,
  "title": "Santa Marta Extends Beach Hours for the End-of-Year Holiday Season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/santa-marta-extends-beach-hours-for-the-end-of-year-holiday-season",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T13:33:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colombia One",
    "slug": "colombia-one",
    "url": "https://colombiaone.com/2026/11/07/santa-marta-beach-hours-end-year-holiday-season/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Santa Marta will extend beach hours for the end-of-year holiday season, with varying restrictions across four main beaches. The city government granted longer access times to La Bahia, El Rodadero, Bello Horizonte, and Playa Dormida, allowing residents and visitors to continue recreational and commercial activities into the afternoon and evening. The extended hours aim to boost tourism and support businesses during the peak season, which typically sees an influx of travelers due to December and January holidays.\n\nThese changes were implemented through a decree issued by the district administration on October 29, temporarily altering the hours set since 2015. The expansion covers designated areas for rest and sand access, opening from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Beach kiosks will also operate from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., facilitating service during extended hours. Water sports, including non-motorized ones, will be permitted from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., while swimming will be allowed until 6:00 p.m. These schedules help maintain separate times for sand-based and water-based activities, particularly under low-visibility conditions.\n\nWhile the extended hours benefit visitors, they do not permit swimming at night. Authorities will enforce restrictions on entering the sea, engaging in water sports, and operating businesses along the beaches. Safety, public order, and environmental protection rules, including a ban on single-use plastics, will remain in place. Inspections will ensure compliance, with violations potentially leading to confiscation of items used outside authorized hours. The new measure, valid until April 13, 2027, aims to accommodate tourists while upholding safety and environmental standards.",
  "summary": "Santa Marta is preparing for one of the busiest tourist periods of the year by changing the hours of access to some of its main beaches. The city government has authorized extended stays for residents and visitors at four beach destinations, a decision that will allow recreational and commercial activities to continue into the afternoon […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}