Cartagena: Visit 4 islands in a speedboat + plankton!

Cartagena: Visit 4 Islands in a Speedboat + Plankton!
Location: Bolívar, Colombia
Country: Colombia
Price: $62 per person
Duration: 12 hours (check availability)
Rating: 3.1/5 from 7 reviews

This tour whisks you through some of Cartagena’s most popular islands, including Cholón, Playa Tranquila, and Playa Blanca, all in a single day. For about $62, you get a mix of boat rides, beach time, a delicious lunch, and a rare chance to see luminous plankton lighting up the sea at night.

What We Like:
– The speedboat ride itself is a highlight, offering a sense of adventure and scenic views of the islands that few other tours provide.
– The luminous plankton experience is genuinely special—an unforgettable natural light display that stays with you long after the tour ends.

What to Consider:
– The itinerary can feel rushed, with many stops packed into a 12-hour window, leaving little downtime.
– Some reviews mention disorganized logistics and communication issues, especially for non-Spanish speakers, which might impact your experience.

Who This Tour Suits:
Ideal for travelers eager to see multiple islands in a day, enjoy some beach relaxation, and experience the natural wonder of plankton. However, those seeking a relaxed, intimate experience or fluent Spanish communication may want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Multiple Islands: You visit four popular spots, making it a good overview of Cartagena’s coast.
• Natural Wonder: The luminous plankton bathing at night is a rare, mesmerizing experience.
• Full-Day Adventure: Beginning early and ending late, it’s perfect for active travelers wanting variety.
• Logistical Complexity: The itinerary’s busy nature means some may find it exhausting or rushed.
• Mixed Reviews: While some praise the scenery and guides, others report organizational issues and feeling pushed to buy extras.
• Value for Money: With inclusive meals, transportation, and activities, it offers a lot for the price but watch for extra costs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Cartagena 4 Islands + Plankton Tour

An Intro to the Experience

This tour promises a chance to explore Cartagena’s famed Rosario Islands, including four different islands, combined with an extraordinary luminous plankton experience at night. Starting early from your hotel in the northern part of Cartagena, you’ll spend roughly 12 hours immersed in a day packed with boat rides, beach visits, and cultural sights.

The cost is $62 per person, which covers transportation, meals, guides, and the main attractions. The tour is led primarily in Spanish, with some reviews indicating guides do their best to communicate, though language barriers might pose challenges for non-Spanish speakers.

The First Leg: Getting to the Islands

Your adventure begins with pickup at your hotel—either Bocagrande, El Laguito, Sibarita del Mar, or Los Morros—and a coach ride lasting about an hour to the port. This part is straightforward, but some travelers have noted that the organization can be a bit chaotic. For instance, one reviewer mentions being “crammed into separate boats,” which may affect comfort levels.

Once at Muelle de la Bodeguita, you’ll hop into a long-tail boat for the scenic ride across the sea—roughly an hour—toward the Rosario Islands. This boat trip offers panoramic views of the turquoise waters and scattered islands—a delight for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Exploring the Islands

The tour covers several stops, each with its own character and potential for fun or relaxation.

Cholón Beach: A lively spot famed for its party vibe, where you’ll enjoy about an hour of free time. The guide provides a quick overview of this vibrant island, but be mindful that some reviews describe this part as crowded and commercialized. You can grab a shrimp ceviche, which is included, but some travelers warn about overpriced water bottles—one reviewer mentions paying 150,000 COP for just three bottles!

Playa Tranquila: Known for its calm, pristine environment, this stop lets you unwind and enjoy the sun. The tour includes an hour here, with access to beach chairs and a provided lunch. The quality of the food is generally praised, with some noting it’s “good value” for a beachside meal.

Playa Blanca in Baru Island: The final stop before sunset is a highlight, with an hour of relaxing and spectacular views as the sun sets over the horizon. Afterward, a guided 90-minute walk offers insights into the area, though some reviews say guides make little effort with language, which could be frustrating if you don’t speak Spanish.

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The Nighttime Luminous Plankton Experience

One of the most unique parts of this tour is the 30-minute explanation about plankton followed by a nocturnal sea bathing in the glow of luminous plankton. The experience is simple but powerful—standing in the water as the tiny creatures light up around you, creating a shimmering, starry effect.

Despite the magic, some travelers report that the organization around this part can be lacking, with additional activities like snorkeling or aquarium visits offered at extra cost. One reviewer mentions being “pushed to consume” and feeling like the experience is somewhat commercialized.

Logistics and Overall Flow

The full-day schedule is tight. You’ll leave early and return late, with many moving parts—multiple stops, boat rides, meals, and the night swim. The return journey is by bus, and some mention that the bus driver may drop you off in the middle of the street instead of at your hotel, stressing the importance of confirming arrangements beforehand.

The tour’s popularity hinges on the combination of island hopping and the plankton spectacle, but it’s not without flaws. Several reviews note disorganization, language barriers, and feelings of being rushed or pressured into additional purchases.

What You Should Know Before Booking

• Transportation: Round-trip speedboat rides are fast-paced and can be crowded.
• Food: Included shrimp ceviche and lunch are generally good, but some travelers find prices for extras like water are high.
• Extras: Snorkeling, aquarium visits, and photos are optional and paid separately.
• Timing: The tour runs from 8 am to 8 pm, with pickup at specific locations.
• Language: Guides usually speak Spanish; non-Spanish speakers might find communication less smooth.
• Physical Suitability: Not recommended for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or those over 70.

Tips for a Better Experience

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat for daytime activities. Pack a refillable water bottle to avoid overpriced drinks. If you’re not fluent in Spanish, consider bringing a translation app or extra patience for guide interactions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for an active, full-day adventure with multiple island stops, this tour offers a lot of variety. The highlight is definitely the luminous plankton, which makes it worth considering for anyone eager to see this natural phenomenon. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, or if language barriers might frustrate you, alternative options might suit better.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a busy schedule, are comfortable with group tours, and are eager to see both scenic and natural highlights in one day. It also appeals to those curious about the local beaches and the eco-magic of plankton lighting up the night sea.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a lively, action-packed way to explore Cartagena’s islands, with the chance to see a rare natural light show. The value is solid, especially considering meals, transportation, and guided explanations included in the price, but keep your expectations realistic.

There are some logistical hiccups and organizational issues noted by previous travelers, so patience is key. For those who enjoy energetic group outings and are eager for a mix of beach, culture, and natural wonder, this tour can deliver a memorable day behind the wheel of a speedboat and under the glow of luminous plankton.

However, if you’re looking for peace and quiet or a more personal experience, you might want to explore other options or private tours. Still, for a first-time visitor wanting to tick off multiple highlights in one go, this adventure is a lively and affordable choice.

FAQ Section

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup times vary depending on your location—between 6:50 am and 8:15 am—so it’s best to confirm your exact time and be waiting at the designated spot.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. A refillable water bottle is recommended to avoid high prices for drinks.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes shrimp ceviche and a lunch at Playa Tranquila, both generally praised for their quality.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Not recommended for babies under 1 year, pregnant women, or those over 70 due to the physical nature of boat rides and activities.

What’s the main highlight?
The star feature is the luminous plankton at night, offering a stunning, surreal experience bathing in glowing water.

How many islands will we visit?
You’ll visit four main islands, each with its own vibe, including Cholón, Playa Tranquila, and Playa Blanca.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, snorkeling and aquarium visits are available at extras, but not included in the base price.

What about language barriers?
Guides primarily speak Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers might experience some communication issues.

Is there a time limit at each stop?
Yes, each stop is scheduled—around an hour for beaches, a guided walk, and other activities—so be prepared for a busy day.

What about the return transportation?
The bus ride back ends at Muelle de la Bodeguita, but some travelers report being dropped off elsewhere—plan accordingly.

This tour provides a lively, diverse look at Cartagena’s islands with the highlight of seeing glowing plankton. It’s a busy day full of travel, sights, and natural wonder—best suited for energetic travelers eager to pack in a lot in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby