Cartagena: Visit 4 Destinations by Boat with Lunch — a full-day tour that takes you through some of the most picturesque spots near Cartagena, Colombia. For $65 per person and about 7 hours of adventure, you’ll explore San Martin Island for snorkeling, hang out on the lively Cholon island, relax at Agua Azul’s tranquil beach, and enjoy a leisurely lunch on Baru Island at Playa Tranquila.

What We Like
We appreciate the variety packed into this tour — it offers a little bit of everything: vibrant marine life, festive island atmospheres, and peaceful, scenic beaches. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and chairs at key stops makes it easy to relax and enjoy each location without extra hassle. Also, the lunch of your choice on Baru Island adds a personal touch, allowing you to satisfy your palate amidst stunning surroundings.

One Consideration
A heads-up for potential travelers: some reviews mention disorganized timing and overcrowded beaches with persistent vendors. If you prefer quiet, less commercialized beaches and a more structured experience, this may not be your ideal trip. Make sure you’re comfortable with a lively, bustling environment.

Who This Tour Suits Best
This experience is perfect for travelers eager to see a diverse range of sights in a single day, especially if you enjoy snorkeling, beach parties, and relaxing on beautiful sands. It’s well-suited for those who don’t mind a busy, energetic atmosphere and are looking for great value and memorable photo opportunities.

Key Points

Diverse Destinations: Visit four varied locations — snorkel in Rosario Islands, party in Cholon, relax at Agua Azul, and enjoy lunch at Baru Island.
All-Inclusive Feel: Snorkel gear, deck chairs, and lunch are included, simplifying your day and reducing extra costs.
Local Flavor and Fun: Cholon is known for its vibrant party vibe, adding a lively cultural element to your trip.
Breathtaking Views: Expect stunning vistas, especially at Playa Tranquila and Agua Azul, perfect for unwinding or snapping photos.
Some Downsides: Be prepared for crowded beaches, vendors, and possible disorganization, based on traveler reviews.
Great for Active & Social Travelers: If you love mixing relaxation with some lively social scenes, this tour offers both.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Cartagena Boat Tour

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The Itinerary: What makes each stop special?

San Martin Island – Snorkeling Paradise
Our journey begins at San Martin Island in the Rosario Islands, a highlight for marine enthusiasts. The tour includes snorkeling gear so you can dive into the clear, inviting waters. Here, you’ll see a variety of colorful corals and marine life, a real treat for nature lovers. The water’s clarity makes it ideal for snorkeling, and the experience of floating above coral reefs is genuinely memorable.

Yet, some reviews suggest that the boat ride can be a bit turbulent — one traveler mentioned the water was “so wild I was terrified the entire trip.” If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calmer waters, keep that in mind.

Cholon – The Island of Vibes
Next, the party island of Cholon is famous for its lively atmosphere. Known as a “party island,” it’s the place to see and be seen, with crowds, vendors, and a festive energy. You’ll have some free time to relax on the sand, explore, or sample local snacks. It’s quite different from the peaceful coral reefs — some travelers report the beaches are crowded and bustling with vendors trying to sell souvenirs and food at inflated prices.

One reviewer was quite disappointed, describing the experience as “a crowd of vendors around, with no place to sit,” and warning that the water looks murky due to the number of boats and visitors. If you prefer a quieter beach experience, Cholon’s lively environment might be a bit overwhelming.

Agua Azul – A Calm Break
After the high energy of Cholon, we head to Agua Azul, a quieter spot with comfortable chairs and stunning views. It’s a good place to rest, soak in the scenery, and maybe enjoy a drink or just lay back with the sea breeze. This stop offers a calming contrast to the previous lively island, perfect for recharging before the last destination.

Baru Island – Relax and Dine
The final stop is Playa Tranquila on Baru Island, where the tour provides chairs for sunbathing and relaxation. Here, you can unwind on soft sands while enjoying a lunch of your choice from several selections. The setting is idyllic, with less crowding than Cholon, and the calm waters make it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Dynamics

The trip lasts around 7 hours, with the tour starting at a flexible time — check the availability for specific starting hours. You’ll travel on a boat with a guide who speaks Spanish and English, making it accessible for most travelers. Transportation to and from the meeting point is included, but be sure to arrive on time, as reviews note some delays and disorganization.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour includes snorkeling gear, lunch, deck chairs at Agua Azul and Playa Tranquila, and a guide. However, some costs like harbor fees, additional drinks, or unmentioned items are extra, and this can feel frustrating if you’re expecting everything to be covered.

One reviewer clarified that they were asked to pay for harbor fees and snorkeling separately, despite these being advertised as included. It’s always wise to confirm what’s covered before departing.

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Authentic Experiences & Authenticity

Throughout the day, you get a taste of local Caribbean life and the natural beauty of the Rosario Islands. While some beaches are crowded and vendors persistent, this reflects the lively, authentic side of Caribbean island life. If you’re seeking a genuine local atmosphere mixed with scenic beauty, this tour offers that in spades — especially compared to more sanitized, tourist-only experiences.

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The Value Proposition

At $65, this tour offers a full day of diverse activities and visits to four well-loved locations. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment, chairs, and lunch significantly boosts its value, especially if you want to sample different environments in one trip. However, be aware that some aspects, like crowds and disorganization, might detract from the experience depending on your preferences.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to explore multiple sites in a single day without worrying about logistical details. It’s ideal if you enjoy snorkeling, beach outings, and lively island atmospheres. It also offers good value for those wanting a varied itinerary that combines active, relaxing, and social elements.

Travelers who prefer peace and quiet or are sensitive to crowds and vendor clutter might want to consider other options or visit less crowded beaches directly.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those looking for a full day of fun, with snorkeling, beach relaxation, and a taste of local Caribbean life, this tour offers a lively, reasonably priced way to see some of the highlights near Cartagena. The stops at Rosario Islands, Cholon, Agua Azul, and Baru provide a balanced mix of adventure and downtime, making it suitable for active families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a taste of island life.

While some reviews warn of disorganization and overcrowding, many travelers appreciate the scenic views, delicious lunch options, and the chance to explore multiple locations in one day. If you’re flexible, open to some chaos, and eager to experience a variety of beaches and island vibes, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your Cartagena trip.

However, if quiet, well-organized beaches are your priority, or if you dislike crowded, vendor-heavy environments, you might want to research alternative trips. Always verify what’s included and be prepared for a lively, sometimes bustling experience — but one that showcases the vibrant spirit of the Colombian Caribbean.

FAQ

Is snorkeling gear included in the tour?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, allowing you to explore the underwater world at San Martin Island.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, with specific start times depending on availability.

Are chairs provided at the beaches?
Yes, chairs are provided at Agua Azul and Playa Tranquila, so you can relax comfortably on the sands.

What kind of lunch is available?
You can choose from three different lunch options, each prepared to satisfy different tastes — a nice touch of personalization.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While specific details aren’t provided, the inclusion of snorkeling and beach stops suggests it’s family-friendly, but check if your children are comfortable with boat rides and crowds.

Are drinks or additional meals included?
No, additional drinks or meals outside the included lunch are not covered, and extra costs may apply.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, beachwear, and any personal items. Be aware that weapons or sharp objects are not allowed onboard.

This tour offers a well-rounded, lively introduction to the waters and islands near Cartagena. Whether you’re after colorful coral reefs, beach parties, or peaceful sands, it provides a diverse and fun-filled day — perfect for travelers eager to absorb the Caribbean vibe on a budget.