When it comes to boat tours in Baru, Colombia, you’ll find straightforward, quality options launching from Cartagena’s harbor. My favorite excursions include the private yacht tours, which give you the flexibility to design your day and avoid the crowds. The all-day boat cruises are a particularly good value, combining swimming and snorkeling with a pleasant resort visit.
For the best overall experience, consider the Rosario Islands tours. They blend island-hopping adventures with a stop at pristine Playa Blanca and include a satisfying local lunch. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the sports boat options, which offer sunset views and nighttime bioluminescence viewing at reasonable prices.
Let’s explore the standout boat tours worth your time and money in Baru.
Key Points
- Private yacht tours from Club Náutico De Cartagena offer 7-hour excursions with photo stops, sightseeing, and optional visits to Playa Blanca and Baru Island.
- All-day private boat cruises for up to 12 people include swimming, snorkeling, and a resort visit on Isla Naval, with stops at various islands.
- Playa Blanca & Rosario Islands Tour provides a 7-hour boat tour with hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a 2-hour lunch at Playa Tranquila.
- Sport Boat Tours offer a 12.5-hour excursion exploring Rosario Islands, Baru, and Cholon, with snorkeling gear, private island lunch, and sunset/bioluminescence activities.
- Luxury Boat Experiences provide a customizable full-day private tour for up to 15 participants, with stops at Rosario Islands, Cholon, and Barú, and exceptional service from bilingual hosts.
Cartagena: PRIVATE TOUR to the Rosario Islands by Yacht
For a private tour to the Rosario Islands by yacht, travelers can embark from the Club Náutico De Cartagena.
The 7-hour tour includes yacht travel time of 1 hour to the Rosario Islands, 1 hour to Cholón, and 1 hour for the return. Activities include photo stops, sightseeing, and free time, with optional stops at Playa Blanca, Baru Island, and Barú for an additional fee.
The 29-foot boat features a bathroom, shower, refrigerator, and sound system with Bluetooth. Included are the private boat, taxes, captain, assistant, and fuel, while meals, drinks, and other items are excluded.
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Cartagena: PRIVATE TOUR to the Rosario Islands by Yacht Review
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Private All-Day 5-Island Boat Cruise W/ Snorkeling & Resort
Travelers seeking an all-encompassing adventure can embark on a private, full-day boat cruise that explores five picturesque islands off the coast of Cartagena.
The tour, priced at $599 for up to 12 people, includes a range of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and visiting a resort on Isla Naval.
Highlights include stops at Batería del Ángel San Rafael, Isla Mulata, Cholón, and Playa Blanca.
The cruise provides snorkeling equipment, a restroom, and bottled water, while lunch and alcoholic beverages are available for an additional cost.
Certain age and health restrictions apply, and participants should come prepared with recommended items like sunscreen and cash.
Read our full review: Private All-Day 5-Island Boat Cruise W/ Snorkeling & Resort Review
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Cartagena: Playa Blanca Barú & Rosario Islands by Boat/Lunch
Cartagena: Playa Blanca Barú & Rosario Islands by Boat/Lunch is a 7-hour activity that takes visitors on a boat journey to the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Barú.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation by speedboat, and a 2-hour lunch at Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú.
Travelers can also visit the Oceanarium for an additional fee. The tour is priced at $35.97 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While the tour offers the opportunity to explore the islands and enjoy the beach, some travelers have noted the relatively short time spent on the island.
Guests should expect to get wet during the maritime transportation.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Playa Blanca Barú & Rosario Islands by Boat/Lunch Review
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Sport Boat: Rosario Island, Private Island, Cholon & Baru
This 12.5-hour boat tour takes visitors on an exploration of the Rosario Islands, Baru, and Cholon from Cartagena. Priced from $112 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a panoramic tour of the Rosario Islands, snorkeling gear, and a private island lunch.
Participants can discover the natural beauty of the islands, snorkel in the coral reef, and visit Cholon for its lively parties and fresh seafood. The tour also includes a stop at Playa Tranquila Baru to enjoy the sunset and a bioluminescence activity.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this comprehensive tour provides an excellent way to experience the highlights of the Baru peninsula.
Read our full review: Sport Boat: Rosario Island, Private Island, Cholon & Baru Review
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Cartagena: Private Boat for Rosario and Baru Islands
Exploring the Rosario and Baru Islands from Cartagena has never been easier with a private boat tour.
Starting at the Club Náutico De Cartagena, this tour takes you on a scenic 50-minute transfer to the Rosario Islands, where you’ll have 5 hours of free time to explore.
The private boat comes with all necessary permits and insurance, a cooler for drinks, and optional snorkeling equipment.
After the island visit, you’ll enjoy a 1-hour return transfer back to the club.
At just $280 for up to 6 participants, this tour offers great value and flexibility, with positive reviews highlighting the crew’s helpfulness and the ability to choose your own adventure.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Private Boat for Rosario and Baru Islands Review
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Cartagena: Full-Day Boat Trip to 5 Rosario Islands
Visitors seeking a comprehensive exploration of the Rosario Islands can embark on an 8-hour full-day boat trip departing from the Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande in Cartagena.
This tour covers five enchanting islands, including Boca Chica, Isla Grande, Cholon, Barú Beach, and the Rosario Islands. Snorkeling, guided tours, and scenic vistas are included, along with a lunch credit and port tax.
Travelers can expect a mixed group dynamic, with the tour best suited for ages 18-35. Although children may not find the pace and ambiance suitable, the experience offers exceptional value, with prices starting at $71.50 per person.
Guests should plan for additional expenses at each stop and choose their travel days wisely for a lively atmosphere.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Full-Day Boat Trip to 5 Rosario Islands Review
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SKY BOAT: Private Full Day Luxury Boats
For travelers seeking a more exclusive and luxurious experience beyond the group tours, the SKY BOAT private full-day luxury boat excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the Rosario Islands at your own pace.
Priced at $846.40 per group of up to 15 participants, this 7-hour experience departs from the Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande, with a customizable itinerary that includes stops at Rosario Islands, Cholon, and Barú.
The luxurious boat is equipped with a high-quality sound system, towels, and ice for refreshing drinks. While lunch isn’t included, the crew provides restaurant recommendations.
Exceptional service from English and Spanish-speaking hosts has earned the SKY BOAT tour a perfect 5-star rating from customers.
Read our full review: SKY BOAT: Private Full Day Luxury Boats Review
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Cartagena: Day Trip Aviary and Lunch in Baru by Boat
Cartagena’s Baru peninsula offers a captivating day trip that combines a visit to Latin America’s largest aviary with a relaxing beach experience.
Priced at $69 per person, this 7-hour tour provides transportation by bus and speedboat, allowing visitors to explore the Aviario Nacional de Colombia for 2 hours and enjoy 3 hours of beach time and a Caribbean lunch.
The tour includes bilingual guides, entrance fees, and insurance.
Travelers should bring their passport or ID, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear, while avoiding luggage and feeding/touching the animals.
Recent customer reviews suggest some coordination issues, so ensuring clear communication with the guide is advised.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Day Trip Aviary and Lunch in Baru by Boat Review
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Recap
Baru offers a variety of boat tours and cruises from Cartagena. These range from private yacht trips to the Rosario Islands to full-day excursions exploring multiple islands and beaches. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, relaxing at a resort, and even visiting an aviary. With so many options, there’s a boat tour to suit every traveler’s interests and budget.