Cartagena’s top shore excursions deliver authentic Colombian experiences without the tourist traps.
The City Shore Excursion hits all the must-see spots efficiently, including the historic walled city and San Felipe fortress.
For better value and local insights, book the Full Day Tour, which adds colonial neighborhoods and gives you time to explore the craft markets.
I love the Private City Tour because your guide adjusts the pace and sites to match your interests – perfect for photographers and history buffs.
The Mangroves Tour reveals a peaceful side of Cartagena that most visitors miss, while the City Tour with Local Lunch offers the best authentic food stops.
Let’s explore these standout tours in detail.
Key Points
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The Shore Excursion PRIVATE City Tour offers a tailored 5-star experience with air-conditioned transport, knowledgeable guides, and visits to top sites like the Monastery of La Candelaria.
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The Cartagena City Shore Excursion provides a comprehensive 3.5-hour tour covering the city’s history and culture, including highlights like La Popa Monastery and San Felipe Fort.
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The Cartagena Shore Excursion Full Day Tour offers excellent value, with a 6-hour itinerary exploring the city’s rich history and culture, including the Gold Museum and Castillo de San Felipe.
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The Murcia and Cartagena Shore Excursion Private Tour offers a captivating exploration of the cultural highlights of both cities, led by a local professional guide.
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The Shore Excursion: Cartagena City Tour and Local Lunch combines a comprehensive city tour with a local lunch experience, providing an immersive cultural encounter.
City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Shore Excursion
The City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Shore Excursion allows you to explore the historic city at your own pace.
The 90-minute loop takes you to 14 stops across 10 points of interest, including the iconic San Felipe de Barajas Fort and the charming Old Town.
While the tour provides flexibility, keep in mind that past customers have reported issues with transportation and customer service.
To avoid hassle, consider taking a taxi to Old Town instead of relying on the hop-on hop-off system, especially during peak times.
Read our full review: City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Shore Excursion Review
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Shore Excursion PRIVATE City Tour
For those looking to explore Cartagena’s historic sights in a personalized manner, the Shore Excursion PRIVATE City Tour offers a compelling alternative to the hop-on hop-off bus.
Boasting 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this 5-star rated tour provides a tailored experience in an air-conditioned SUV. With English and Spanish-speaking guides, you’ll visit the Monastery of La Candelaria and Saint Pedro Claver Church, while enjoying complimentary bottled water.
While the pickup process could be improved, the tour’s hallmarks are its knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and accommodation for mobility needs.
For a stress-free, informative, and culturally immersive shore excursion, this private tour is highly recommended.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion PRIVATE City Tour Review
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Cartagena City Shore Excursion
When visiting Cartagena on a cruise, the Cartagena City Shore Excursion offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
This private tour covers the highlights, including the panoramic views from La Popa Monastery, the impressive San Felipe Fort, and the charming Old Town.
You’ll travel in air-conditioned comfort, with a knowledgeable local guide to provide context. Along the way, you’ll stop for a brief shopping visit and drive through the modern Bocagrande area.
With port pickup and drop-off, this 3.5-hour tour is ideal for visitors with limited time. Priced from $100 per person, it’s a great value for the personalized experience.
Read our full review: Cartagena City Shore Excursion Review
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Cartagena City Tour: 4-Hour Cruise Excursion
This 4-hour shore excursion offers an engaging introduction to Cartagena’s rich history and vibrant culture.
You’ll explore Moorish and Republican architecture, visit the impressive San Felipe Fort, and browse traditional handicrafts.
The highlight is the walking tour of the old city, culminating in a visit to the Church of St. Peter Claver.
Along the way, you’ll learn about Colombian emeralds and enjoy stunning views of the bay.
With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and flexible scheduling, this tour provides an excellent way to make the most of your time in Cartagena.
Priced at $37.15 per person, it’s a great value for the experience.
Read our full review: Cartagena City Tour: 4-Hour Cruise Excursion Review
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Cartagena Shore Excursion Full Day Tour
Explore Cartagena’s rich history and vibrant culture on this comprehensive full-day shore excursion.
You’ll start with a walking tour of the old city, discovering landmarks like the iconic Torre del Reloj and Plaza de la Aduana.
Venture into the charming streets of Getsemaní, then visit key sites like Plaza De Bolívar, the Gold Museum, and the Palace of Inquisition.
Enjoy panoramic city views from the Castillo de San Felipe’s tunnel system before ending at Las Bóvedas for Colombian handicrafts.
With private transportation, an expert guide, and included admission tickets, this small-group tour provides an immersive experience.
At just $55 per person for 6 hours, it’s an excellent value and safe way to make the most of your time in Cartagena.
Read our full review: Cartagena Shore Excursion Full Day Tour Review
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Murcia and Cartagena Shore Excursion Private Tour
Set out on a captivating private tour that showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Murcia and Cartagena.
This shore excursion offers a personalized exploration of these enchanting Spanish cities, led by a local professional guide.
Admire the Punic Wall and Royal Casino, savor local delicacies like meat pies and Asiático coffee, and learn about the region’s history and architecture.
With convenient port or hotel pickup and drop-off, along with included admission fees and gratuities, this tour provides an effortless and engaging experience.
Suitable for most travelers, this 5-star rated excursion promises an unforgettable journey through Murcia and Cartagena’s captivating sights and flavors.
Read our full review: Murcia and Cartagena Shore Excursion Private Tour Review
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Shore Excursion Mangroves Tour
Immersing yourself in the captivating mangrove ecosystem is a highlight of this shore excursion. Priced at $106 per person, the Shore Excursion Mangroves Tour offers a maximum capacity of 140 travelers.
Operated by Guianza Express S.A.S in Cartagena, the tour boasts a 4.5-rating based on 3 reviews. You’ll enjoy bottled water, a professional local guide, and port pickup and drop-off.
To join, meet the guide holding a sign with your name at the port’s Zone 1, a short 500-foot walk from the pier. Moderate physical fitness is required, and smart casual attire is recommended.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this excursion provides a convenient and immersive experience exploring Cartagena’s mangroves.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion Mangroves Tour Review
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Shore Excursion: Cartagena City Tour and Local Lunch.
This shore excursion offers a comprehensive city tour of Cartagena, culminating in a delectable local lunch.
Explore the highest point in the city, La Popa, and the most important military construction from Spain in America. The tour includes bottled water, lunch, and optional alcoholic drinks.
You’ll travel by air-conditioned minivan with hotel, airport, or cruise port pickup options.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, one customer reported issues with the itinerary and communication.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion: Cartagena City Tour and Local Lunch. Review
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The Sum Up
Cartagena offers a wealth of shore excursion options to suit all interests. Whether you prefer a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a private city exploration, or a mangrove adventure, there’s something for all. With so many diverse and engaging experiences, you’re sure to find the perfect way to maximize your time in this vibrant Colombian city.