Cartagena’s waterways offer excellent paddling opportunities that I thoroughly recommend exploring.
The standout experience is the La Boquilla mangrove tour – local fishermen share authentic insights while guiding you through pristine wetlands.
For photographers and romantics, the Sunset Kayak excursion captures the city’s best golden hour views.
I’m particularly fond of the half-day Punta Arena trip – it combines just the right amount of exercise with stunning island scenery.
The Mangata Island private tour, while pricier, delivers a more intimate experience with a lovely included lunch.
History buffs will appreciate seeing the colonial walls from water level on the Walled City tour.
Let’s explore these top water adventures in more detail.
Key Points
- La Boquilla Canoe Tours offer a unique opportunity to explore Cartagena’s mangrove forests, with knowledgeable local fishermen providing cultural insights.
- Eco-Friendly Leverage Canoe Tour showcases Cartagena’s lush mangrove forests and artisanal fishing, priced at $38 per person for a 4-hour experience.
- Karib Kayak & Paddle Center provides personalized kayaking experiences, including stunning views, birdwatching, and a peaceful atmosphere, with daily tours departing at 8 am, 10 am, and 4 pm.
- Punta Arena Excursion Kayak offers a half-day adventure between Cartagena and Tierra Bomba Island, featuring swimming, beach relaxation, and a small-group setting.
- Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour in Cartagena Bay provides a 1.5-hour experience, suitable for children aged 5 and older, with private or small group options and live guides.
Canoe Trip in the Mangrove Forest in La Boquilla
The canoe tour in the Cienaga de la Virgen mangrove forest offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the serene waterways and witness the vibrant wildlife of La Boquilla.
Paddling through the winding channels, you’ll admire the lush mangrove trees and keep an eye out for birds, fish, and other local flora and fauna.
Led by knowledgeable local fishermen, the tour provides insights into the traditional ways of life in this coastal community.
With a maximum group size of 10, the experience promises an intimate and immersive journey.
Rated 4.5 stars and recommended by 93% of travelers, this canoe adventure is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Cartagena.
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Cartagena In Kayak
Cartagena’s coastline offers more than just the tranquil mangrove forests. For a unique perspective, travelers can embark on a kayaking tour with Karib Kayak & Paddle Center.
This highly-rated provider offers personalized experiences for groups of up to 10 people. The tours depart daily at 8 am, 10 am, and 4 pm, with all necessary equipment included.
Participants can expect to enjoy stunning views of the city, birdwatching, and a peaceful atmosphere. While the tours aren’t accessible for wheelchair users or pregnant travelers, most people can participate.
With a 5.0 rating and 100% recommendation, this is an excellent way to explore Cartagena from the water.
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Punta Arena Excursion Kayak
For those seeking a unique and immersive way to explore Cartagena’s stunning coastline, the Punta Arena Excursion Kayak offers a half-day adventure that promises unforgettable memories.
This small-group tour allows for personalized attention as you paddle between Cartagena and Tierra Bomba Island. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to swim and relax on sandy beaches.
The tour is recommended by 100% of travelers and includes all necessary equipment, snacks, and insurance. With a minimum age of 18 and moderate fitness required, this excursion is suitable for moderately experienced kayakers.
Valued for its friendly staff and beautiful views, the Punta Arena Excursion Kayak is a must-try activity for anyone visiting Cartagena.
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Full Day Private Activity Mangata Island Kayak and Lunch
Embarking on a full-day private adventure, the Full Day Private Activity Mangata Island Kayak and Lunch in Cartagena, Colombia, offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning coastal landscapes.
Priced at $120 per person, this tour includes a private kayaking experience and a variety of lunch options. With an impressive 5.0 rating based on 9 reviews, the experience promises an intimate and personalized adventure.
Participants will meet at the designated meeting point in Cartagena’s historic center and enjoy a scenic kayaking tour around Mangata Island, followed by a delectable lunch of local specialties.
This tour is suitable for most travelers, making it an excellent choice for a day of outdoor exploration and culinary delight in the vibrant city of Cartagena.
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Sunset Cartagena In Kayak
Sunset Cartagena In Kayak offers an enchanting way to experience the city’s coastal charm. This 1.5-hour activity takes paddlers on a serene journey as they witness the sun dipping below the horizon.
Rated 5.0 out of 6 reviews, the experience includes a kayak, bottled water, guide, and basic instruction. The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere.
Participants meet at the Karib Kayak & Paddle Center and return to the same location. While not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems, most can participate.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, providing flexibility. This sunset kayak tour provides a unique perspective of Cartagena’s picturesque coastline.
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Canoeing & Birdwatching on the Mangrove Forest in La Virgen Swamp
One of the most captivating eco-adventures in Cartagena is the canoeing and birdwatching excursion through the serene La Virgen Swamp.
This private tour lasts 5 hours and costs $120 per person, operating daily from 7 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM. Guests will be guided by a local host and provided an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, and all necessary fees.
The experience showcases the area’s rich biodiversity, with opportunities to spot parrots, cranes, herons, and kingfishers amidst the mangrove forests.
Visitors can also interact with a local farmer and his livestock on an organic permaculture homestead.
With an average rating of 4.5 from 7 reviews, this tour offers an authentic cultural and natural immersion in Cartagena.
Read our full review: Canoeing & Birdwatching on the Mangrove Forest in La Virgen Swamp Review
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Ecological Route by Lever Canoe With Artisanal Fishing Show
Visitors can embark on an eco-friendly Leverage Canoe Tour that showcases Cartagena’s lush mangrove forests and an artisanal fishing show. Priced from $38 per person, this 4-hour experience departs at 8 AM and accommodates up to 100 travelers.
The tour includes transportation, a guided canoe ride through the mangroves, a live fishing demonstration, a water bottle, and lunch. Pick-up is available at select hotels, and the tour ends back at the meeting point in El Centro.
While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate activity level is suitable for most. Travelers should come prepared with water and sun protection.
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Artisanal Canoe Tour in the Mangrove With Afro-Caribbean Dance
Aboard artisanal canoes, travelers explore Cartagena’s lush mangrove forests in this immersive tour.
Departing at 8 AM, groups of up to 30 participants paddle through the tranquil waterways, surrounded by the vibrant greenery.
Along the way, they’ll witness an Afro-Caribbean dance performance, seeing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Reviewers have given it a 3.5/5 rating overall.
With free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior, travelers can flexibly book this experience starting from $86 per person.
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La Boquilla: 3-Hour Canoe Tour Through the Mangroves
Immersion into Cartagena’s lush mangrove habitats awaits travelers on the 3-Hour Canoe Tour Through the Mangroves in La Boquilla. Priced from $176 per person, the tour explores the Cienaga de la Virgen, taking visitors through channels and tunnels of dense mangrove forests.
Accompanied by local fishermen, participants hear their stories and enjoy a refreshing coconut water upon returning to the dock. The tour, limited to 8 participants, is available in Spanish and English, with round-trip hotel transfers included.
Despite some reviews noting language barriers and shorter canoe times, the tour boasts an overall rating of 4.7/5, with high marks for service and organization.
Read our full review: La Boquilla: 3-Hour Canoe Tour Through the Mangroves Review
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Cartagena: Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour
Those seeking a serene way to cap off their day in Cartagena can embark on the Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour. Priced from $49.62 per person, this 1.5-hour experience lets participants explore Cartagena Bay by kayak and enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the Caribbean Sea.
No prior kayaking experience is required, as the tour includes an instructional session and all necessary equipment. Suitable for children aged 5 and older, the tour offers private or small group options with live guides available in English and Spanish.
Flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this a convenient activity to plan. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and overall enjoyment of the tour.
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Cartagena: Canoe Tour Through Mangroves
Paddling through Cartagena’s lush mangrove forests, the Canoe Tour Through Mangroves offers a tranquil respite from the city’s bustling streets.
Lasting 2 hours, this activity allows travelers to observe wildlife while canoeing through mangrove tunnels, guided by a native who explains the ecosystem’s importance and community care.
Priced at $70.89 per person, the tour includes round-trip hotel pickup, a fishing sample, a ticket to Fisherman’s Island, and coconut water.
Suitable for individuals, couples, or groups, the tour can be booked with flexible participant and date selection.
Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.
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Cartagena: Walled City Kayak Tour
Cartagena’s historic coastal fortification sets the stage for the Walled City Kayak Tour, offering paddlers a unique vantage point from which to appreciate the city’s captivating architecture and natural surroundings.
This 1.5-hour excursion limits groups to 10 participants, providing an intimate experience as they explore the San Lázaro lagoon and the only section of the city wall that extends over the sea.
Along the way, guests can spot local wildlife and learn about Cartagena’s storied past from knowledgeable, bilingual guides.
With convenient hotel pickup, included equipment, and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides an accessible and well-rounded way to discover the city from the water.
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Mangrove Canoe Tour in La Boquilla German or Italian Guide
Exploring the lush mangrove forests surrounding Cartagena’s La Boquilla community, the Mangrove Canoe Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the local ecosystem.
Lasting 2.5 hours, the tour includes pickup from four locations in Cartagena and a 30-minute van ride to the launch site. Guided by a German or Italian-speaking expert, guests will paddle through the Cienaga de la Virgen and Cienaga de Juan Polo lagoons, observing wildlife and learning about traditional fishing villages.
After a 20-minute break, the tour returns to the original pickup spots. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this experience is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Cartagena.
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Cartagena: Sail in a Kayak Along the Beaches of Cartagena
Along the stunning beaches of Cartagena, visitors can embark on an exhilarating kayak adventure that offers a unique perspective of the city’s coastline.
The 1-hour activity allows paddlers to explore the area around Castillogrande, with the option of visiting a nearby island. No prior experience is necessary, and the rental package includes a kayak, oars, life jacket, and safety instructions.
Priced from $40.17 per group of up to 2 people, the activity features a reserve now and pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Participants can choose between single or double kayaks and have 30 minutes of free paddling time to enjoy the serene waters.
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Cartagena: Sail in the Mangrove in a Canoe GUIDE in ENGLISH
Visitors to Cartagena can embark on a captivating 1.5 to 2-hour canoe tour through the city’s mangrove forests. Priced between $19.76 and $22.45 per person, the tour offers the opportunity to sail in a fishing canoe through 3 mangrove tunnels and observe diverse flora and fauna.
A live English or Spanish guide accompanies the group, providing insight into the area’s natural wonders. The tour starts at the Beach and Mangrove of La Boquilla, with various drop-off locations available upon completion.
While hotel pickup is optional for an additional fee, the tour doesn’t include return transportation. This eco-adventure allows visitors to enjoy Cartagena’s tranquil mangrove ecosystems.
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The Sum Up
Cartagena offers a wide variety of canoe and kayak experiences, from exploring the mangrove forests to sailing along the beaches. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature trip or a guided tour of the city, there’s an excursion to suit your interests. With knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, these water-based activities are a great way to experience the beauty of Cartagena.