5 Islands Tour From Cartagena Including Snorkeling and Lunch

The 5 Islands Tour from Cartagena offers an exciting full-day adventure for those seeking to explore the picturesque Caribbean islands off the coast of the historic Colombian city. With private transportation, a delectable seafood lunch, and opportunities to snorkel in the azure waters, this tour promises a memorable experience. However, while the tour boasts an impressive average rating, some feedback suggests participants may encounter challenges with vendor interactions and equipment availability. Intrigued to learn more about the pros and cons of this tour? Let’s dive deeper into the details and uncover what makes it a standout option for those eager to discover the natural beauty of Cartagena’s surrounding islands.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Cartagena.

Key Points

• The tour offers a full-day excursion from Cartagena, departing at 7:30 AM and returning by 3 PM, with a capacity of 25 travelers.
• The tour includes private transportation, lunch, chairs, and access to an oceanarium, with an entrance fee of approximately $10.
• Snorkeling equipment is limited to masks, and travelers are advised to bring their own gear, sunscreen, and water.
• The tour has an average rating of 4.5 from 46 reviews, with mixed feedback on organization, snorkeling equipment, and vendor interactions.
• Accessibility is limited, as the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the trip.

Tour Overview

The 5 Islands Tour from Cartagena includes snorkeling and lunch, according to the overview. This full-day excursion departs from Cartagena, Colombia at 7:30 AM and returns around 3 PM.

The tour can accommodate up to 25 travelers and has received an average rating of 4.5 from 46 reviews, earning a Badge of Excellence.

The tour includes private transportation, lunch, and chairs, though snorkeling equipment is limited to masks only.

Customers will also visit an oceanarium, which has an entrance fee of approximately $10.

The meeting point is the Babylon Dg Restaurant, with pickup available from most hotels in the tourist areas of Cartagena.

Inclusions and Costs

The 5 Islands Tour from Cartagena includes private transportation, lunch, and chairs, though snorkeling equipment is limited to masks only.

Customers will also need to pay the 40,000 COP (approximately $10) entrance fee for the oceanarium. Plus, there may be additional costs for any unspecified consumption during the tour.

The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for customers.

While the inclusions cover the basics, travelers should be prepared to bring their own snorkeling gear, sunscreen, and water to enhance their experience.

Budgeting for any extra expenses is recommended, as vendors may potentially overcharge at certain locations.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup for the 5 Islands Tour from Cartagena is available at most hotels in the tourist areas. However, customers staying at Manzanillo del Mar hotels are excluded from this service.

The meeting point for the tour is Babylon Dg Restaurant, located in El Centro next to the clock tower. Travelers should arrive by 8:10 AM.

Pickup times vary based on the customer’s location but generally fall between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM. Those not staying in the pickup zone will need to make their own way to the meeting point.

The tour ensures a prompt start, so it’s crucial for participants to arrive on time to avoid missing the departure.

Accessibility and Fitness

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted. Infants must sit on laps during the trip.

Participants should possess a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the various activities. The tour involves walking, boarding boats, and snorkeling, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility.

Guests are advised to consider their physical capabilities before booking. While the operator aims to accommodate all travelers, the nature of the itinerary means certain guests may not be able to participate in all aspects of the tour.

Travelers with concerns are encouraged to discuss their needs with the operator in advance to ensure the best possible experience.

Recommended Gear and Expenses

Guests are recommended to bring their own snorkeling gear, sunscreen, and water to enhance their enjoyment of the tour and avoid any additional expenses.

The tour includes a snorkeling activity, but only masks are provided, not full snorkeling gear. Guests should pack a swimsuit and towel as well.

While the tour includes a lunch, any additional food or drinks not specified in the inclusions will incur extra costs.

Vendors at the tour sites may attempt to charge inflated prices, so travelers are advised to bring cash for any unspecified consumption or optional activities.

Travelers are encouraged to be prepared and budget accordingly to make the most of their 5 Islands Tour experience.

Customer Feedback

According to reviews, customers have provided mixed feedback about the 5 Islands Tour from Cartagena. Some travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the included lunch, while others have reported issues with tour timing, insufficient snorkeling equipment, and aggressive vendors at certain islands. The table below highlights the key customer feedback, both positive and negative, to help potential travelers make an informed decision.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Knowledgeable guides	Disorganized tour management
Quality of included lunch	Inadequate snorkeling equipment
Overall enjoyable experience	Aggressive vendors at Cholón Island
Attentive staff	Miscommunication about tour inclusions

While the tour has received generally positive reviews, the feedback suggests areas for improvement to enhance the overall customer experience.

Positive Experiences

Despite some negative experiences, many travelers have praised the 5 Islands Tour from Cartagena for its knowledgeable guides and the quality of the included lunch.

Several guests highlighted the attentiveness of the staff, noting how they went above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. Many also enjoyed the tour’s overall flow, appreciating how the guides smoothly navigated the day’s activities.

Plus, the lunch served on the islands received high marks, with diners commenting on the fresh, delicious seafood and local flavors.

While the tour isn’t perfect, these positive testimonials demonstrate that, for many, the 5 Islands experience delivers an engaging and enjoyable way to explore Cartagena’s beautiful coastal region.

Areas for Improvement

While the 5 Islands Tour from Cartagena offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s coastal wonders, several areas could use improvement to enhance the overall experience for travelers.

Notably, the organization and communication around the tour’s logistics seem to be a recurrent concern, with some guests reporting issues with timing and coordination.

Plus, the availability and quality of snorkeling equipment have been a point of contention, with many participants finding the gear provided to be insufficient or inadequate.

On top of that, some travelers have expressed frustration with aggressive vendors at certain stops, who may attempt to overcharge for goods and services.

Addressing these areas could help ensure a more seamless and enjoyable tour for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Islands Are Visited During the Tour?

The tour visits 5 islands during the excursion. This is stated explicitly in the "Tour Overview" section, which mentions the tour name as "5 Islands Tour from Cartagena Including Snorkeling and Lunch".

Is Snorkeling Equipment Provided or Do We Need to Bring Our Own?

The tour provides snorkeling masks, but does not include full snorkeling gear. Participants are recommended to bring their own snorkeling equipment for the best experience. Bringing your own gear ensures proper fit and familiarity.

Are There Any Opportunities to Purchase Souvenirs or Local Products?

While the tour doesn’t include dedicated souvenir shopping, visitors may have opportunities to purchase local products at some of the stops, such as Cholón Island. However, vendors may be aggressive, so it’s recommended to bring cash for any additional expenses.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

The tour company generally doesn’t offer customization of the itinerary or activities. However, customers can request adjustments prior to booking, and the company may accommodate certain requests if feasible and within the tour’s scope.

Is There Any Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour Participants?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it notes that infants must sit on laps, suggesting the tour may not be suitable for very young children. It’s best to check with the tour provider for their age policies.

Recap

The 5 Islands Tour from Cartagena offers an engaging full-day adventure with private transportation, fresh seafood lunch, and snorkeling at beautiful locations.

While the tour has an impressive average rating, some customers mention issues with vendor interactions and equipment availability.

Overall, it promises a memorable experience for travelers, though they’ll need to bring their own snorkeling gear beyond just masks.