Cartagena: Raccoon Island Snorkel, Mangrove, Photos & Lunch

Cartagena: Raccoon Island Snorkel, Mangrove, Photos & Lunch offers a well-rounded day exploring some of Colombia’s most intriguing natural spots. For $40 per person, you’ll spend roughly 7 hours immersed in mangrove ecosystems, beach relaxation on Baru Island, and wildlife interactions — all with hotel pickup included. Guided by AV COL, the tour combines adventure with laid-back beach time, making it a popular choice for those who want a taste of both nature and local culture.

One feature many travelers appreciate is the interaction with raccoons in the mangroves — a truly memorable wildlife experience. The other highlight is the snorkeling in clear waters, giving you a chance to see colorful fish and marine life. We also like that the tour includes a typical Colombian lunch, with options to suit different tastes, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, a potential downside is that some visitors have found the snorkeling time quite limited, with only brief dips into the water. The long drive and busy boat rides can also be a challenge if you’re expecting a more relaxed snorkel session or a quieter environment. This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a full-day adventure combining wildlife encounters, scenic views, and cultural experiences — especially if you’re okay with some crowded boat rides and variable snorkeling.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters: Raccoons in the mangroves and colorful fish in the water.
• Beach time and relaxation: Baru Island offers a pristine white beach for lounging.
• Comprehensive experience: Mangrove tour, snorkel, wildlife, lunch, and scenic stops.
• Transportation included: Hotel pickup in Cartagena and boat rides to the islands.
• Cost-effective: At $40, it packs a lot into a 7-hour day.
• Mixed reviews: Some travelers love the wildlife and scenery, while others find parts of the experience rushed or less engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Look at the Tour Experience

Getting There and Logistics

The tour begins early, with pickup options from several key locations in Cartagena, including Marbella, Bocagrande, and the historic center. If your hotel is in these areas, you’ll likely be contacted via WhatsApp or phone to confirm your pickup time, generally between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. If you’re staying in the city center, you’ll need to meet at the CAFETERÍA JUAN VALDEZ, near the convention center, between 7:50 and 8:20 AM.

This setup allows for a smooth start, but be prepared for a roughly 1-hour bus ride to Baru Island, during which you’ll enjoy scenic views of the coast. The transportation is included, but keep in mind that the long drive and busy boat rides might be tiring, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness.

The Island and Mangrove Tour

Upon arrival, you’ll visit Baru Island, home to white sandy beaches and lush mangroves. The mangrove tour is a focal point. Here, guides lead you through narrow waterways teeming with birdlife and aquatic creatures. The highlight for many is the chance to interact with raccoons, which are surprisingly tame and eager to be fed bread or fruit. This moment is often described as “great” for wildlife lovers, although some reviews note that the raccoon experience is quick — about 10 minutes — and happens amid noisy boat traffic.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

Next, you’ll hop on a speedboat to snorkel in clear waters. Expect to be supplied with life vests and glass snorkel masks. While some travelers rave about the beautiful underwater scenery and the chance to see different species of fish, others have voiced disappointment. One review notes, “We only got a pair of goggles, no pipe,” and mentions that the snorkeling was brief — just about 5 minutes for a quick photo opportunity before heading back to land.

If snorkeling is your main goal, this tour might fall short, as some guests find the activity rushed or underwhelming. The water’s clarity and the variety of marine life can vary, and boat congestion with multiple boats can limit space and tranquility.

More Great Tours Nearby

Beach and Lunch

After snorkeling, you’ll enjoy free time at Playa Blanca on Baru Island, which is generally considered a beautiful sandy stretch perfect for relaxing, swimming, and taking photos. Lunch is included, with three options — fish, pork, or vegetarian. The food is described as “cold” and basic but satisfying, giving you a taste of local flavors.

Scenic Stops and Return

The tour wraps up with a few more stops, including a photo stop and brief visit at a “secret” location, adding a touch of adventure and photo opportunities. The return trip to Cartagena takes about an hour, and you’ll arrive back around 3 PM, completing a full but busy day.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

Many appreciate the value for money, highlighting the opportunity to see wildlife and enjoy the beaches for just $40. One traveler commented, “The beach and raccoons was great!” but added that they expected longer snorkeling. Conversely, some reviews express frustration with guide language barriers and small groups on boats, which can lead to a less enjoyable experience.

The long bus ride and crowded boat rides are recurring themes in less favorable reviews, with some feeling that the snorkeling component was disappointing or rushed. These mixed reviews remind us that while the tour offers a lot of highlights, it’s not perfect for those seeking tranquil, in-depth snorkeling or a silent wildlife encounter.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re eager to see raccoons in their natural habitat, enjoy scenic boat rides, and want a full-day adventure for a budget price, this tour could suit you well. It’s especially appealing if you like a mix of wildlife, beaches, and local flavors, and don’t mind a busy schedule.

However, if snorkeling is your main goal, or if you prefer a more relaxed pace with less boat congestion, you might want to explore other options. The limited snorkeling time and no underwater pipes could be a letdown for avid underwater enthusiasts. Also, those sensitive to long drives and crowds should weigh these factors.

All in all, this tour offers an authentic experience blending nature, wildlife, and culture at a fair price, but with some compromises on quietness and snorkeling depth.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is included in several areas around Cartagena, but you should confirm your pickup time, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. If you’re in the city center, you’ll need to meet at the designated café.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, starting early in the morning and returning by around 3 PM.

What can I expect at Baru Island?
You’ll enjoy white sandy beaches, a brief mangrove tour, wildlife interactions with raccoons, and free time for swimming and relaxing.

Is snorkeling worth it?
That depends. Some travelers love the underwater scenery, while others find the activity rushed and limited to a few minutes with basic gear. If snorkeling is your main priority, you may want to compare other tours.

Are lunch options vegetarian?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, along with fish and pork. The lunch is basic but typical, served cold.

Can I see wildlife in the mangroves?
Yes, raccoons are a highlight, and guides often point out birds and other animals. The raccoons are accustomed to visitors and can be fed with bread or fruit.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the provider for specific needs.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively, budget-friendly way to experience Cartagena’s natural beauty and wildlife. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full day of scenic boat rides, wildlife encounters, and beach time without fussing over every detail. If your main focus is snorkeling or a quiet wildlife experience, you might want to explore options with longer underwater time or fewer crowds. But for a fun, diverse, and reasonably priced adventure, this trip has plenty to offer.

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