Cartagena’s 4X1 Adventure offers an exhilarating day of exploration, blending natural wonders and cultural experiences. Visitors can discover the stunning Rosario Islands, bask in the lively atmosphere of Cholon Beach, and witness the mesmerizing glow of plankton at sunset. With a convenient hotel pickup, seafood lunch, and shrimp cocktail included, this tour provides a well-rounded adventure in the region’s breathtaking landscapes. But the real question remains – what secrets and surprises await those who embark on this captivating journey through Cartagena’s enchanting destinations?
Key Points

- A full-day excursion in Cartagena that visits Rosario Islands, Cholon Beach, Playa Tranquila, and includes a plankton bioluminescence experience for €58.36 per person.
- The tour provides hotel pickup, boat transport, shrimp cocktail, seafood lunch, beach chair, plankton talk, and a luminous night sea bath.
- Visitors can explore the protected Rosario Islands, relax on the turquoise waters of Cholon Beach, and witness the mesmerizing glow of plankton at sunset.
- The tour has received mixed reviews, with feedback suggesting potential for improvements in pacing and organization.
- Additional costs include port tax, Oceanarium admission, and snorkel service, so budgeting for supplementary expenses is recommended.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Inclusions
- Exclusions and Additional Costs
- Meeting Point and Logistics
- Customer Reviews
- Rosario Islands Exploration
- Cholon Beach Visit
- Plankton Bioluminescence Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
- What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
- Can I Extend the Tour Duration for Additional Activities?
- Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Plankton Experience?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cartagena
- More Tour Reviews in Cartagena
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cartagena we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing

The 4X1 Adventure tour in Cartagena offers a full-day excursion packed with a variety of activities.
Priced at €58.36 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and includes a visit to the Rosario Islands, Cholon Beach, Playa Tranquila, and a plankton experience.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.
The tour includes hotel pickup, boat transportation, a shrimp cocktail, a seafood or fish casserole lunch, a beach chair, a plankton talk, and a luminous night sea bath experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cartagena.
Itinerary and Inclusions

Pickup at the hotel in Bocagrande, Laguito, or Castillogrande areas kicks off the 4X1 Adventure tour. Guests depart from La Bodeguita Pier for boat transportation to the Rosario Islands. After touring the islands, they’ll spend 1 hour at Cholon Beach, where a shrimp cocktail is provided. Lunch at Playa Tranquila features seafood or fish casserole. The tour culminates with a sunset at Playa Blanca Baru, a 20-minute plankton talk, and a luminous night sea bath experience before returning to Cartagena by bus.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Boat transportation | Port tax |
| Tour of Rosario Islands | Admission to Oceanarium |
| 1 hour at Cholon Beach | Snorkel service |
| Shrimp cocktail | Plankton photos |
| Lunch at Playa Tranquila | Beers, chairs, tents, parasols, unspecified activities |
| Sunset at Playa Blanca Baru | |
| Plankton talk | |
| Luminous night sea bath | |
| Life jackets and certified guide |
Exclusions and Additional Costs

Aside from the included activities, travelers should account for several additional costs. The port tax is €20, admission to the Oceanarium is €30, and snorkel service is €40.
Those wishing to capture the plankton experience can expect to pay €35 for photos.
The tour also doesn’t cover the cost of beers, chairs, tents, parasols, and any other unspecified activities participants may wish to enjoy.
While the overall package provides a comprehensive 4X1 adventure, travelers should budget accordingly for these supplementary expenses to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience in Cartagena.
Meeting Point and Logistics

For this tour, a pickup from the specified hotel areas of Bocagrande, Laguito, and Castillogrande is included.
If your hotel is located further away, a central meeting point will be arranged instead. The driver will contact you prior to the tour departure to confirm the pickup location and schedule.
Guests are advised to be ready at the designated time to ensure a punctual start to the day’s activities.
With the transportation logistics taken care of, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to an exciting 4X1 adventure in Cartagena.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
According to the available customer reviews, the 4X1 Adventure tour in Cartagena has received a rather mixed response so far.
With an overall rating of 2 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, the tour seems to have divided opinions.
One reviewer from Chile, Antonieta, commented that the tour included too many places for a single day, leading to significant fatigue.
Meanwhile, a GetYourGuide traveler from Brazil provided no additional comments.
The feedback suggests that while the tour may offer a diverse range of activities, the pacing and organization could be improved to enhance the overall experience for participants.
Rosario Islands Exploration

The 4X1 Adventure tour offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning Rosario Islands, a protected archipelago located just off the coast of Cartagena.
These idyllic islands are known for their crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and diverse marine life.
During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to take in the islands’ natural beauty and learn about their rich history and ecosystem.
Boat transportation is included, allowing travelers to easily navigate the archipelago and discover hidden coves and secluded spots.
Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, the Rosario Islands excursion promises an unforgettable experience.
Cholon Beach Visit
After exploring the Rosario Islands, the tour moves on to Cholon Beach, a popular destination known for its stunning turquoise waters and lively atmosphere.
Guests will have the opportunity to spend an hour relaxing on the beach, taking in the vibrant energy of the local scene.
The tour includes a shrimp cocktail, providing a refreshing taste of the region’s renowned seafood.
With the beach chair provided, visitors can sit back, unwind, and soak up the sun before continuing on to the next stop of the adventure.
Plankton Bioluminescence Experience

As the sun begins to set, the tour takes an enchanting turn towards the Plankton Bioluminescence Experience.
Travelers are guided to a tranquil spot on the beach where they’ll witness the mesmerizing glow of plankton in the sea. During a 20-minute presentation, the guide explains the science behind this natural phenomenon, captivating guests with its beauty and wonder.
Immersed in the luminous waters, travelers can bathe in the bioluminescent glow, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
This unique experience cap-off a day filled with adventure and exploration, leaving participants with lasting memories of Cartagena’s natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour does not appear to have any age restrictions. The tour is suitable for all ages, though young children may require extra supervision during the more adventurous activities like the plankton experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a shrimp cocktail and seafood or fish casserole lunch are provided as part of the inclusions. Any additional snacks or beverages are at the guest’s expense.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The maximum group size for the tour is not explicitly stated in the provided details. However, the tour description indicates that it is a shared group experience, suggesting a reasonable group size to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outing for all participants.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration for Additional Activities?
The tour duration can be extended for additional activities, but it would come at an extra cost. Customers should inquire about customizing the itinerary and pricing with the tour provider prior to booking.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Plankton Experience?
No special equipment is needed for the plankton experience. The tour includes a 20-minute plankton talk, and you’ll have the chance to enjoy a luminous night sea bath experience as part of the excursion.
Cartagena: 4X1 ADVENTURE – ISLANDS, CHOLON, BEACH AND PLANKTON
“Though it was advertised as English and Spanish, only the plankton part of the tour had a bilingual guide. The plankton experience was great! The r…”
Recap
The Cartagena 4X1 Adventure offers an incredible opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of Cartagena. From the picturesque Rosario Islands to the vibrant Cholon Beach and the mesmerizing plankton bioluminescence, this full-day tour provides an unforgettable experience. With its reasonable price, convenient inclusions, and rave reviews, it’s a must-do activity for anyone seeking an adventure-filled day in Cartagena’s beautiful landscape.
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