Cartagena: Basic tour of the islands, visit the aquarium and lunch in Baru

Cartagena: Basic Tour of the Islands, Visit the Aquarium and Lunch in Baru
Location: Bolívar, Colombia
Country: Colombia
Rating: 3.5/5 (11 reviews)
Price: $49 per person
Duration: 7 hours
Supplier: NOMADAS DMC

A Practical Look at a Budget-Friendly Caribbean Escape

If you’re looking to enjoy Cartagena’s islands without breaking the bank, this tour offers a straightforward way to see the Rosario Islands and Baru’s beaches. For around $49, you get a full day’s adventure—including a scenic boat ride, a chance to peek at the marine life in the oceanarium, and a hearty coastal lunch in Baru. It’s an option especially appealing to families, groups, or anyone who wants a balanced mix of nature, marine life, and local flavor without high costs or complicated arrangements.

What we appreciate about this tour is its flexibility and simplicity. The two transportation options—either a land journey with a local boat or a direct speedboat ride from Cartagena—allow you to tailor your experience. Plus, the lunch, with its delicious fish or chicken, is a highlight. It’s a way to enjoy genuine coastal flavors, with plenty of options for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions.

However, there are some considerations. Several reviews mention that timings can feel rushed, and the boat rides might not be suitable for everyone—especially those who get seasick or prefer comfort over adventure. Also, note that entry to the oceanarium is optional and not included in the price, so if marine life is a top priority, plan to add that on.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy affordable, no-fuss experiences. It’s ideal for those who want to see the highlights of the Rosario and Baru Islands without spending hours planning or paying for high-end tours. If you value delicious local food and a quick glimpse into Caribbean marine life, this trip might be just right.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: Offers great value at $49 for a 7-hour experience.
• Flexible Transport: Choose between land and sea routes, depending on your comfort and schedule.
• Marine & Beach Combo: Visit the oceanarium and relax on Baru’s beaches all in one day.
• Local Flavors: Enjoy a typical coastal lunch—fish or chicken, with vegetarian options available.
• Group Size & Capacity: Boats hold around 22-26 people, making it a relatively intimate experience.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers found the experience rushed or late, highlighting the importance of managing expectations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Breakdown: What to Expect From This Tour

The Beginning: Convenient Pickups and Early Starts

We start the day with hotel pickups in Cartagena’s main neighborhoods—Bocagrande, Castillogrande, and Marbella, among others. This makes life easier and spares you the need to navigate public transport early in the morning. The tour begins with a bus or van ride of about an hour to the boat departure point, giving you a chance to see a bit of the city’s outskirts and get into the island vibe.

The Boat Ride Options: Land and Sea Adventures

Once at the dock, you choose your mode of arrival:
– The land route involves a van or bus to Baru followed by a local boat to the oceanarium.
– The sea route whisks you directly from Cartagena by speedboat, offering a scenic tour of the Rosario Islands before arriving at your first stop.

Both options include a panoramic view of the islands, but the speedboat ride is faster and arguably more picturesque. Be aware, though, that the boat has a capacity of around 22–26 passengers, which keeps the experience fairly intimate.

Exploring the Rosario Islands and Baru

While the tour is labeled as a “basic” one, it does include a visit to the Oceanarium, where you can see sharks, turtles, and tropical fish. One traveler mentioned, “All explanations are clear and pertinent,” which suggests the guides keep the group engaged and informed. Keep in mind, entry tickets are not included, so if marine life is your focus, consider adding that on.

The beach time in Baru is quite flexible—about four hours allocated for you to relax, walk, take photos, or just soak up the sun. Baru’s beaches are popular among locals and travelers alike, offering lively scenes with vendors and local flavor. Some reviews note that timing can feel rushed, so plan your beach time accordingly.

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Lunch: Simple, Tasty, and Authentic

The midday meal is a highlight—locally inspired coastal fare consisting of rice with coconut, plantains (patacones), and a salad, with your choice of grilled fish or chicken breast. Vegetarian options are available, which is a thoughtful touch. The quality of the food is generally praised, with some travelers saying it’s “delicious,” and it’s a satisfying way to experience local cuisine without high-end prices.

Returning to Cartagena

After a relaxed afternoon, the group reconvenes for the return journey—either by boat back to the pier or by land to your hotel. The schedule can vary, and some reviews mention delays or late arrivals, so patience is key.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback from Travelers

While many travelers find this tour offers a solid introduction to the islands, some points are worth noting. A traveler described the experience as “rushed” and felt the boat ride was “extremely dangerous,” citing a leaking boat and a rough ride. Another noted the late pickups and the focus on the most crowded parts of Baru, suggesting that if you’re seeking solitude or more exclusive beaches, this might not be the ideal choice.

On the positive side, one reviewer appreciated that “all explanations are clear and pertinent,” making the marine aquarium visit both educational and fun. The delicious food was a standout for many, often praised as a true taste of coastal Colombia.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Bring essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof bag are must-haves, especially since you’ll be outdoors most of the day.
• Consider seasickness: if you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand, as the boat rides can be bumpy.
• Manage your expectations: this is a “basic” tour, not a luxury experience. It’s designed to be fun and affordable, with some compromises on timing and comfort.
• Book in advance: especially during peak seasons, spots fill quickly, and you want to ensure your preferred transportation mode.
• Add on the Oceanarium: if marine life is a priority, plan to purchase tickets separately and visit the aquarium at your pace.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families with kids, groups of friends on a budget, or travelers who want a quick, straightforward introduction to the islands. If you enjoy local flavors, scenic boat rides, and a day at the beach, it offers a solid value. However, if you’re seeking luxury, exclusivity, or a slow-paced tour, you might find this plan a bit rushed or basic.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those eager to see the Rosario and Baru Islands without overspending, this tour offers a practical and approachable option. The delicious local lunch and marine life viewing are strong points, especially considering the budget price. Yet, it’s fair to acknowledge that timing issues and the potential for rough boat rides have been noted by some travelers, so patience and flexibility will serve you well.

In all, this tour works best for adventurous travelers willing to accept some imperfections in exchange for an authentic, affordable Caribbean experience. It’s not a luxury cruise, but if you want a fun, family-friendly day of beaches, marine life, and local food, this will serve you well.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and either a land transfer to Baru and the oceanarium or a direct speedboat ride from Cartagena.

Can I choose between transport options?
Yes. You can opt for land + boat or a direct speedboat journey, depending on your preference for scenery or convenience.

Is the oceanarium visit included in the price?
No, entry tickets to the aquarium are not included but can be purchased separately at the site.

How long do we stay at Baru?
You’ll have approximately four hours for beaches, walking, or resting, which is enough for a relaxed visit but may feel rushed for some.

What food options are available?
A typical coastal lunch includes fish or grilled chicken with rice, plantains, and salad. Vegetarian options are available if requested.

Will this tour suit seasick travelers?
If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s recommended to take medication before the boat rides, as they can be bumpy and unpredictable.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, beachwear, cash for extras, and a waterproof bag are essential for comfort and safety.

This basic tour of Cartagena’s islands offers a practical way to enjoy beautiful beaches, marine life, and local flavors—all for a reasonable price. While it’s not flawless, if you’re flexible and eager for an authentic Caribbean day, it’s likely to leave you with some memorable moments and a better sense of Colombia’s coastal charm.

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