Nena Beach

Exploring Nena Beach in Baru Island: A Practical Guide for Relaxed Beach Lovers

If you’re dreaming of a day lounging on white sands and swimming in crystal-clear waters, the Nena Beach tour in Baru Island might just be your ideal escape. For $85 per person, you’ll get a 7-hour experience that includes speedboat transportation, access to a charming beach club, and a chance to unwind at your own pace.

What we love about this tour is the well-rounded experience it offers—comfortable round-trip transfers from Cartagena, a scenic boat ride, and a variety of amenities at Nena Beach, including a restaurant, cocktail bar, and water activities. Plus, the lunch included is a major plus, saving you time and money while giving you a taste of local flavors.

However, it’s worth noting that the full-day length might feel a bit long if you’re short on time or prefer a more active, adventure-packed day. This tour is best suited for travelers who want to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a leisurely day at a beautiful beach, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or friends.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: Speedboat rides between Cartagena and Baru Island ease travel fatigue.
• All-in-one experience: Includes lunch, drinks, and access to amenities like showers, lockers, and a swimming pool.
• Multiple activities: Options for kayaking, paddleboarding, and lounging make it versatile.
• Relaxed atmosphere: Perfect for those seeking a chill day rather than high-energy tours.
• Family-friendly: Pricing for children is flexible, making it accessible for families.
• Authentic setting: Enjoy a local beach club with a genuine Caribbean vibe.

Detailed Review of the Nena Beach Tour: Authentic Relaxation on Baru Island

Setting the Scene

This tour begins in Cartagena’s bustling Calle de La Sierpe, a convenient starting point for most travelers. From there, you’ll hop aboard a speedboat for about an hour, enjoying views of the water and coastline. The boat ride itself is a highlight—quick, smooth, and offering a chance to stretch your legs after a busy morning. The journey sets the tone for a day dedicated to relaxation and escape from city life.

Why We Love the Transport

The speedboat transportation is a practical choice, cutting down travel time and giving you more hours to enjoy the beach. It’s efficient, relatively comfortable, and adds a splash of adventure to your day. Plus, the return trip is equally smooth, returning you to Cartagena with time to spare.

Nena Beach & Hotel: The Heart of the Experience

Once you arrive at Nena Beach & Hotel, a cozy beach club, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a laid-back Caribbean ambiance. The five-hour stay allows for ample time to explore, relax, and indulge. The setting is picturesque: white sands, gently lapping waves, and a well-maintained club with stylish beach beds, lounge areas, and water sport rentals such as kayaks and paddleboards.

What Makes Nena Beach Special

We loved the attention to details here—comfortable changing rooms, lockers for valuables, and freshwater showers to rinse off after swimming. The cocktail bar serves up refreshing drinks, including the signature welcome cocktail that sets a festive tone. The restaurant offers a menu featuring delicious local and international dishes, with a standout being the famous handmade pizza—a real treat for pizza lovers.

Activities and Free Time

While some may opt for water sports, others simply want to sunbathe and sip on their favorite drink. The beach chairs and luxury glamping options add a touch of elegance if you want to indulge a little more. Watching the sunset over the horizon is a perfect way to cap your day, and many reviews mention how peaceful and beautiful the setting is—”The best of my entire stay, don’t hesitate to go there,” as one traveler put it.

Additional Comforts

The inclusion of Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and luggage storage makes this experience more convenient. It allows travelers to relax without worrying about their belongings or staying connected.

Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is the length of time—a full 7-hour tour. While most find it relaxing and worthwhile, those with limited time or looking for a more action-packed day might find it too slow. Also, note that bar activities and water sports are not included in the price, so additional expenses could arise if you want to rent gear or have drinks at the bar.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for couples seeking romance, families wanting a safe and friendly environment, or groups of friends eager for a chilled day out. If you love the idea of crystal waters, white beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Breakdown of the Itinerary: What to Expect

Start at Calle de La Sierpe — The meet-up point is convenient for most travelers staying in Cartagena. From there, the one-hour speedboat ride whisks you away from the city’s hustle to the tranquil shores of Baru Island. The boat rides on both legs are smooth and quick, giving you beautiful views and a sense of adventure.

Nena Beach & Hotel — Upon arrival, your break time includes photo opportunities and welcome refreshments. You’ll have about five hours of free time, which is plenty to relax, take a walk along the beach, enjoy lunch, or join water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. You also have access to showers, dressing rooms, and lockers—practical for keeping your belongings safe and freshening up.

Return trip — The one-hour speedboat ride back is a mirror image of the trip out, allowing you to reflect on your day or simply enjoy the breeze and scenery.

Back at Calle de La Sierpe — The tour concludes at your starting point, ready to head back to your hotel or continue exploring Cartagena.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• Round-trip ground transportation
• Welcome cocktail to kick off your day
• Lunch at the beach club
• Use of freshwater showers, dressing rooms, and lockers
• Access to swimming pool and Wi-Fi
• Speedboat rides

Not included:

• Bar drinks beyond the welcome cocktail
• Additional water activities (like renting paddleboards or kayaks)
• Extras for children (cost varies based on age, with discounts for younger kids)

Tip: Since some activities are extra, consider bringing cash or cards if you want to rent gear or buy drinks at the bar.

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Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers looking for a relaxing day by the sea, Nena Beach offers an excellent value with comfortable transportation, inclusive lunch, and plenty of amenities. The crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches are genuinely beautiful, making it a perfect spot for unwinding. The friendly staff, clean facilities, and leisure options make it an accessible choice for families, couples, or anyone wanting to escape the city for a day.

If your priority is to live at a slow pace, enjoy authentic beach vibes, and have all logistics handled for you, this tour delivers on that promise. It’s less about adventure and more about cherishing peaceful moments in a scenic setting.

On the flip side, if you prefer action-packed excursions or a shorter trip, you might find this tour a bit lengthy or passive. Still, for most, it strikes a nice balance of comfort and natural beauty.

FAQ: Your Questions About Nena Beach Tour

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Children from 0-4 pay only for food, children 5-9 pay half the price, and those 10 and older pay the full adult rate. It’s a family-friendly environment with plenty of space and amenities.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, including transport, beach time, and meals. The actual time at the beach is around five hours, which provides ample opportunity to relax or enjoy water activities.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. Cash or cards for extra drinks or activities are advisable. Also, consider bringing your camera for those memorable beach photos.

Are water activities included?
No, activities like kayaking and paddleboarding are available for an additional cost. The tour provides the equipment if you choose to rent.

Is the tour accessible if I have mobility issues?
The experience involves boat rides and walking around the beach club, which might be challenging for those with mobility concerns. Check with the provider if you need specific accommodations.

What languages are spoken?
The tour is offered in both English and Spanish, with staff able to assist in both languages.

Whether you’re craving a peaceful day on stunning sands or just want to unwind after exploring Cartagena, Nena Beach offers a straightforward, comfortable, and scenic escape. It’s a great way to enjoy Baru Island’s natural beauty without fuss, especially if you value good facilities, delicious food, and a flexible schedule.

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