Cartagena: Palmarito Beachclub with Pool, Kayak and paddle!

If you’re looking for a day away from the bustling streets of Cartagena, the Palmarito Beachclub offers a tempting escape. For around $62 per person, this 7-hour tour takes you to Tierra Bomba Island’s stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Expect a lively atmosphere with outdoor activities, a tasty buffet, and plenty of opportunities to relax or get active.

What we love about this experience is the easy boat transfer—a quick 15-minute speedboat ride from Bocagrande—and the variety of outdoor sports available, especially kayaking and paddleboarding, which add that extra fun factor to your day. Plus, you’ll appreciate the beachside buffet that’s included, letting you sample local flavors while enjoying the ocean views.

However, a couple of considerations are worth noting. Some reviews mention the beach’s cleanliness and noisy environment, which could impact your relaxation. Also, the lack of English-speaking staff and some logistical hiccups (like confusing pick-up points) might make things trickier if you don’t speak Spanish or plan carefully. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy vibrant, active beach days and are comfortable navigating some minor organizational quirks.

If you’re after a fun, lively day at the beach with good food and outdoor activities, and don’t mind some noise and crowds, this trip could be just right. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want a quick, affordable escape with plenty of options to keep busy.

Key Points

• Quick boat transfer makes for a hassle-free start to your day.
• The buffet lunch offers local flavors and a break from lounging.
• Outdoor activities like kayak and paddleboard are included, perfect for active types.
• Be prepared for some noisy and crowded environments, especially if you seek tranquility.
• The beach’s cleanliness might not meet the highest standards, as some reviews suggest.
• Suitable for travelers seeking a lively, all-day beach experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Palmarito Beachclub Experience

This tour transports you from Cartagena’s Bocagrande area to the famed Playa Palmarito on Tierra Bomba Island. The journey is swift—just about 20 minutes on a speedboat—giving you more time to enjoy the beach rather than sitting in transit.

Once you arrive, you’re welcomed with a cocktail—a nice touch to kick off the day—before settling into your spot on the beach. The setting is undeniably beautiful: white sand, palm trees, and clear waters that invite you to take a dip. It’s a vibrant scene, with plenty of vendors and watercraft, which gives it a lively feel but may lack the serenity some travelers seek.

The Beach and Facilities

You’re free to relax on sun loungers, sit under palm tree kiosks, or take a swim in the pool. The water quality gets a mixed review—some visitors found it dirty, citing more jet skis than people and loud music, which could make it feel more like a party zone than a quiet retreat. The beach’s cleanliness is a recurring concern, so if you’re particular about pristine environments, you might find this disappointing.

Activities and Food

Included in the tour are options to kayak and paddleboard, which are great ways to explore the bay and add some physical activity to your day. You can also enjoy billiards, swimming, and relaxation. The buffet lunch features typical island fare, and while some reviews find it mediocre, others appreciate the chance to sample local dishes without extra cost.

The Crowd and Atmosphere

Expect a bustling, lively atmosphere—not a place for solitude or quiet reflection. The reviews highlight loud music, many vendors, and a noisy environment. If your idea of a perfect day involves peace and quiet, this might not be the best choice. But if you thrive on vibrant, energetic beach scenes, you’ll likely enjoy the atmosphere.

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Logistical Considerations

The tour includes round-trip boat transport, and you’ll meet at Bocagrande Hospital. The organizers send a WhatsApp message a day before to confirm pick-up details, though some travelers noted confusion about pick-up points and lack of staff onsite. It’s advisable to arrive early and be prepared for some Spanish-only communication.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Bocagrande: You meet the guide, usually with a flag, at the hospital’s beach area, and thenboard the speedboat for the short voyage. During the 15-minute ride, you get a chance to enjoy the sea breeze and views of the coastline.

Arrival at Palmarito Beach: Upon arrival, you are welcomed with a cocktail and given time to settle into your spot. The beach offers plenty of loungers, kiosks, and a pool, so you can choose how to enjoy your time.

Lunch and Free Time: The buffet lunch is served around midday—local dishes, salads, and snacks—offering a decent variety. Afterward, there’s about five hours of free time for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, or just soaking up the atmosphere.

Return trip: The tour concludes with a 15-minute boat ride back to Bocagrande. Be sure to get your ticket from the counter before boarding, as this detail can be overlooked, leading to some confusion.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Perspectives

One traveler, Sara, gave a 2-star review, citing a dirty beach, loud music, and excessive jet skis that drowned out the tranquility. She quipped, “Zero relaxation,” highlighting that this beach is more about fun and activity than peace. She also found the buffet mediocre and left early, which underscores that expectations should be tempered if seeking a relaxing day.

Another reviewer, Nick, also rated 2 stars. He pointed out language barriers—no English spoken—and organizational issues like confusion over pick-up points and ticketing. His frustration about the additional costs and lack of staff presence is a reminder to plan ahead and possibly brush up on some Spanish phrases.

Despite these critiques, some appreciate the vibrant atmosphere, with the lively scene and outdoor activities. For many, the day’s highlight remains the beautiful views and the chance to try water sports at a reasonable price.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy active beach days with plenty of options for water sports, and don’t mind some noise and crowds, this tour offers good value. It’s ideal for those looking for a full day on the sand, with local food, and a sociable environment.

However, if your priority is peace, cleanliness, or a quiet escape, you might find Palmarito’s lively atmosphere less appealing. Also, since some reviews mention organizational hiccups and language barriers, this experience is best suited for travelers comfortable navigating some unpredictability and who speak some Spanish or are flexible with communication.

FAQs about Palmarito Beachclub Tour

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip boat transport, a welcome cocktail, a buffet-style lunch, and the use of facilities such as pools, billiards, and outdoor sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is about 7 hours, with approximately five hours of free time at the beach after the boat trip.

Where do we meet?
You start at Bocagrande Hospital, where guides display a green flag. Be aware that some reviews mention changing pick-up points, so arrive early and confirm details via WhatsApp.

Is the beach clean?
Some guests found the beach dirty and crowded, with more jet skis than swimmers. If cleanliness is a priority, keep this in mind.

Can I buy additional activities?
The tour includes kayaking and paddleboarding. Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the price.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen to protect yourself and the environment.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or people over 95. Always consult your doctor if unsure.

What language is the guide?
The guide operates in Spanish, so some familiarity with the language or patience with translation apps will make your experience smoother.

The Bottom Line

This tour offers an energetic, lively day at Palmarito Beach, perfect for travelers craving water sports, local flavors, and a fun, sociable atmosphere. While it may not satisfy those seeking tranquility or pristine conditions, it delivers a vibrant environment where you can soak up the sun, splash around, and enjoy a good buffet.

The quick boat transfer, combined with a variety of outdoor activities, makes this an appealing choice for travelers who value value for money and active days on the beach. Just be prepared for some noise, crowds, and the possibility of encountering less-than-spotless conditions.

If you’re after a full day of sun, sand, and sea with plenty to do, and you’re comfortable navigating minor organizational quirks, this tour can be a highlight of your Cartagena trip. For those seeking serenity or exclusivity, consider other options, but for lively, authentic beach fun, Palmarito offers a memorable experience.

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