Bahia Neguange is a beautiful bay located down the road from Gairaca. There is good snorkelling here (more coral than Gairaca, but still a lot of damage, beautiful fish).
You can walk here from Gairaca (1 1/2 hours) or visit by car from Gairaca or Santa Marta (see below). The walk is beautiful. The bay is divided into 2 sections. The first you'll come to has a beautiful deserted beach and waves rolling in. A nice place to hang out for awhile.
First bay in Neguange
As you continue walking you will come to a lookout for cars where you will have your first view of the populated area of Neguange. Look for a footpath at the end of the turnout and take this down to the beach and then walk the beach - it's much shorter than taking the road. It seems you can camp at this beach but there are no facilities (bathrooms, showers).
Neguange Beach
Coral outcrops in the bay
You can snorkel all along the eastern side of the bay. Most people go to Playa del Muerto. Boats charge 15,000 pesos for round trip, but there is a path you can walk in 20 minutes (just ask for directions). If you walk you'll probably be guided by 2 dogs (one black and one white) who guide everyone along the path - a little loving is all the payment they need.
Playa del Muerto
At Playa del Muerto there are vendors selling drinks and snacks as well as snorkel equipment for rent. There are also some vendors on the main beach.
GOING BY CAR: From Santa Marta: From road in front of Beach in Santa Marta take Buseta marked "Almendros" to corner of Calle 10 and Carrera 11 (just down from Record Super Market). Ask for collectivo to Gairaca/Neguange. It leaves between 6:30 & 7 a.m. and costs \\$1.00 - 2000 pesos. You may have to pay 6000 peso park entrance fee...we didn't. Return collectivo is the same price and leaves Neguange around 4 p.m. From Gairaca: You can catch the collectivo from Santa Marta on the main road at about 7:45 a.m. It only drives into the beach at Gairaca if there are passengers that wish to go there so it's safest to wait on the main road. Collectivos return to Santa Marta (passing Gairaca) at 4 p.m.
