Cartagena: Cholon Island, Playa Blanca and Luminous Plankton

Cartagena: Cholon Island, Playa Blanca, and Luminous Plankton

If you’re looking at a day trip that promises sun, sea, and a touch of magic in Cartagena, this tour might catch your eye. For around $73 per person, you’ll spend about 12 hours exploring some of the most famous spots in the area—Cholon Island, Playa Blanca, and the luminous plankton experience. The journey includes boat rides, beach lounging, a typical Colombian lunch, and a nighttime bioluminescence show.

What’s great about this tour? First, we appreciate the variety of experiences packed into one day—beach time, marine life, and a natural glowing phenomenon. It’s a convenient way to tick off multiple highlights in a single trip. Second, the inclusion of lunch and transportation makes it a straightforward option for travelers wanting a worry-free adventure.

However, a possible drawback is the mixed quality of the islands’ scenery and activities. As some reviews point out, the islands aren’t always picture-perfect, and certain activities, like snorkeling, may not meet expectations. It’s also worth noting that some parts of the day are quite long—up to 4 hours at the beach—so if you’re craving pristine coral reefs or a more relaxed pace, this might not be your perfect match.

This tour suits those who want an active, all-in-one day experience—family groups, first-time visitors to Cartagena, or travelers interested in a mix of beaches, marine life, and nature phenomena. If you’re after a lush, untouched island escape, you might want to compare other options, but if you’d like a comprehensive day with plenty of sights, this could fit well.

Key Points

• Variety of stops: Includes Cholon Island, Playa Blanca, Rosario Islands, and a luminous plankton experience.
• All-in-one package: Transportation, lunch, guides, and activities are included, simplifying logistics.
• Sea and sand: Expect boat rides, beach lounging, swimming, and snorkeling options.
• Mixed reviews on scenery: Some visitors find the islands less beautiful or reef conditions disappointing.
• Timing is essential: Be prepared for a long, busy day that starts early and ends around 9 pm.
• Additional costs: Must pay port taxes and optional activity fees, which can add up.

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An In-depth Look at the Experience

Starting from Cartagena, the tour begins with hotel pickups in select neighborhoods—Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillogrande, Cabrero, and Marbella—making it fairly convenient for most travelers. If your hotel is outside those zones, you’ll need to meet at the Muelle de la Bodeguita dock by 8:00 am. The journey kicks off early, with the boat departure typically between 8:30 and 9:00 am, and the day unfolds through a carefully planned itinerary.

Transport and travel logistics are straightforward but essential to understand. You’ll switch from bus or coach to a speedboat, experiencing the open sea — expect some bumpiness, especially if the sea is choppy. The feel of the wind and spray is part of the adventure, though if you’re sensitive to motion or prone to seasickness, bring along remedies. The boat rides between islands vary from 15 to 30 minutes, offering scenic glimpses of the coast and marine environment.

Visiting the Rosario Islands and Oceanarium

Your first big stop is San Martín de Pajarales, home to what’s called the Oceanario — a small marine park where you can choose between entering the oceanarium or snorkeling (for an extra fee). The Oceanario is a contained space, but it does give you a chance to see local marine species up close without getting wet. Snorkeling, if chosen, takes place nearby and lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Keep in mind, as some reviews mention, the reef conditions may not be spectacular: “there is not even a single coral, only the dead ones on the beach,” as one traveler lamented.

This stop offers an up-close look at marine life, but the condition of the reef and the presence of boats might limit the snorkeling experience. Also, swimming in the ocean here isn’t allowed due to safety concerns, which could be a disappointment if you were hoping for a long swim.

The Beaches of Cholon Island and Playa Blanca

Around midday, you’ll head toward Cholon Island, famous for its lively party scene—yachts and boats anchor here for a boisterous sea-party vibe. It’s a popular spot for locals and travelers alike, especially those looking for a lively atmosphere. Expect about an hour here, which includes time for a shrimp cocktail and some beach fun. The water can be a little cloudy, and the scenery might not be as pristine as you’d hope—some travelers have expressed disappointment, describing the islands as “not beautiful at all.”

Next, the tour moves to Baru’s Playa Blanca, a long stretch of white sand—popular but crowded. Here, you’ll enjoy a relaxed beach moment, perhaps some swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the views with a cold drink. The beach chairs and sunset views make it one of the more scenic parts of the tour, though the beach itself can feel commercialized and crowded.

Lunch and Rest in Playa Blanca

A highlight is the included lunch at a seaside restaurant, offering choices of fish, chicken, vegetarian options, coconut rice, and patacones. The meal is straightforward but hearty—good fuel for the rest of the day. If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll appreciate the fresh fish, though don’t expect gourmet cuisine.

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The Evening Bioluminescence Experience

The final component is the luminous plankton tour, an enchanting 15-20 minute experience at Ciénaga de Portonaito. Here, a guide explains the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence—tiny organisms lighting up the water when disturbed. The boat trip to the lagoon is quick, and the spectacle is a rare, almost otherworldly sight, especially for those who’ve never experienced glowing waters before.

We loved the magical glow and the way the water flickers with life—it’s a genuine natural wonder and a highlight of the trip. Be aware, though, that capturing photos of the plankton requires a hefty fee — around $35,000 — and conditions depend on weather and moonlight, so it might not be as dazzling every night.

The tour wraps up around 9 pm with the return trip by bus to Cartagena’s historic center, making for a long but varied day.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Weather preparedness: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and rain gear. The boat rides can be bumpy, and you’ll get wet.
• Cost considerations: Additional fees include port taxes (~$26,500), oceanarium admission ($40,000), snorkeling ($50,000), and plankton photos ($35,000). Budget accordingly.
• Timing: The early start means long hours, so bring snacks and water to stay energized.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothes, and bring towels, especially if you want to swim.
• Expectations: Don’t anticipate a pristine reef or a peaceful island paradise based on reviews; some visitors found the islands underwhelming.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy a packed, active day with multiple stops, you’re likely to appreciate this tour. The mixture of boat rides, beaches, and the nighttime glow-waters makes it worthwhile for those seeking variety. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors eager to see a lot in one day without the hassle of organizing transport and meals.

But if your ideal is a quiet, untouched island or a snorkeling-focused experience with vibrant coral reefs, you might find this trip a bit disappointing. The reviews indicate that while the scenery is lively and fun, it’s not always picture-perfect.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a broad slice of Cartagena’s coastal attractions, perfect for travelers craving an energetic, all-inclusive experience. The highlight for many will be the luminous plankton, a natural spectacle that’s hard to find elsewhere. The convenience of included meals, transportation, and guides makes it attractive, especially for those pressed for time or new to the area.

However, be mindful that the island scenery and marine conditions may not match expectations if you’re after pristine beaches or thriving coral reefs. The long hours and some crowded spots require a flexible attitude.

In the end, this trip is best suited for those who want a lively, engaging day out with a mix of sea, sand, and nature magic—an adventure that’s more about the experience than perfect postcard views.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if your hotel is in the zones of Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillogrande, Cabrero, or Marbella. Otherwise, you’ll need to meet at the Muelle de la Bodeguita dock.

How long is the boat ride?
Boat rides between islands last from 15 to 30 minutes, offering scenic views of the coast and marine environment.

What activities are available at the Rosario Islands?
You can visit the Oceanarium or snorkel (extra fee). Snorkeling lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour, but reef conditions may vary.

Can I swim in the ocean at the islands?
Swimming in the ocean at the Oceanario is not permitted due to safety reasons. However, swimming is allowed at Cholon Island and Playa Blanca during your beach time.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, hotel pickup (if applicable), lunch, guides, boat rides, and the plankton night experience are included.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, port taxes (~$26,500), optional activity fees (oceanarium, snorkeling, photos), and souvenirs.

How is the lunch?
A typical Colombian seafood or chicken dish with coconut rice and patacones. It’s basic but filling and convenient.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, hats, rain gear, swimwear, towel, and cash for extras. Be prepared for getting wet during boat rides.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8, given the long day and boat rides.

What about photos of the plankton?
Photos cost around $35,000, so plan accordingly if you want to capture the glow.

Is the tour worth the price?
It offers a good mix of activities and transport, but the scenery and marine conditions may not be stunning everywhere. It’s a practical choice for variety over pristine landscapes.

Would I recommend this trip?
If you’re after a lively, full-day experience with accessible logistics and don’t mind some crowds, it’s a solid option. If your priority is unspoiled nature or coral reefs, you might want to explore other tours.

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