Cartagena: 5 Islands Boat Tour With Lunch, Snorkeling, & Bar

Cartagena’s stunning islands beckon adventurers with its 5 Islands Boat Tour. This captivating 11.5-hour excursion whisks travelers to breathtaking locales, from the historic Bocachica Island to the renowned Isla Grande, home to Pablo Escobar’s former mansion. Savor a shrimp cocktail welcome and indulge in grilled chicken or fried fish for lunch. Snorkel the crystalline waters, then marvel at the mesmerizing bioluminescent plankton display. With provided gear and transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable day on the Caribbean. Yet, the true allure lies in the chance to uncover Cartagena’s island secrets and decide if this excursion is the perfect addition to your Colombian adventure.

Key Points

• The tour offers a full-day experience visiting 5 different islands around Cartagena, including activities like snorkeling and a bioluminescent plankton show.
• Pricing is $149 per person and includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a bilingual guide, a welcome shrimp cocktail, and lunch options.
• Snorkeling gear and life vests are provided, and the tour operates rain or shine with transportation from Bocagrande and El Laguito.
• Customer feedback is mixed, with some noting transportation issues and timing challenges, though guides are generally praised for their knowledge.
• The tour has a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund, and booking is available online or through direct contact with the provider.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cartagena Islands Boat Tour offers a comprehensive experience, exploring five picturesque islands off the coast of Cartagena.

Priced at $149 per person, the tour lasts 11.5 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, a welcome shrimp cocktail, and a lunch of grilled chicken, fried fish, or vegetarian options.

Snorkeling gear and life vests are also provided. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those over 95 years old.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now and pay later.

Itinerary and Experience

A captivating voyage through the Cartagena Islands awaits visitors on this boat tour. The itinerary includes sailing around Bocachica Island, visiting Isla Grande (Pablo Escobar’s former mansion), snorkeling at San Martín de Pajarales, enjoying a lunch at Cholón Island, and witnessing the breathtaking bioluminescent plankton show. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, a welcome shrimp cocktail, lunch options (grilled chicken, fried fish, or vegetarian), and snorkeling gear with life vests. The tour operates rain or shine and is not suitable for pregnant women or those over 95 years old.

Activity	Location
Sail around Bocachica Island	–
Visit Isla Grande (Pablo Escobar’s mansion)	–
Snorkel at San Martín de Pajarales	–
Lunch at Cholón Island	–
Witness bioluminescent plankton show	Agua Azul Island

Included Activities and Amenities

This Cartagena Islands boat tour provides an array of included activities and amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Guests will enjoy a welcome shrimp cocktail upon boarding, followed by a delicious lunch featuring grilled chicken, fried fish, or a vegetarian option.

To enhance the aquatic exploration, the tour includes snorkeling gear and life vests for a safe and immersive underwater experience.

Key highlights of the tour include:

1. Sailing around Bocachica Island and visiting Isla Grande, the former mansion of Pablo Escobar.
2. Snorkeling at the pristine San Martín de Pajarales.
3. Witnessing the mesmerizing bioluminescent plankton show at Agua Azul Island.

Transportation and Logistics

To get to the islands, guests board a bus or coach that provides 20-minute transportation from the pickup locations in Bocagrande and El Laguito.

The tour operates rain or shine, and there are two drop-off points upon return – El Laguito and Bocagrande.

Luggage and large bags aren’t allowed on the tour. This ensures a smooth and efficient transportation experience for all participants.

Travelers should keep in mind the long duration of the tour, especially if they plan to attend the bioluminescent plankton show, and ensure they’ve a clear understanding of the tour schedule to avoid any delays for their flights or other plans.

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Customer Feedback and Reviews

The overall customer rating for the Cartagena Islands Boat Tour is 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on 35 reviews.

The transportation rating is 3.4/5, while the value for money rating is 3.3/5.

Feedback from travelers has been mixed, with some enjoying the tour, while others noted issues with timing and communication:

1. Some customers found the bus transportation unsatisfactory, citing poor organization and delays.

2. Others described the tour as an enjoyable experience, highlighting the variety of activities and the knowledgeable guides.

3. However, certain travelers expressed concerns about the tour’s schedule, stating that it could be challenging to fit in all the planned activities, especially the bioluminescent plankton show.

Traveler Tips and Recommendations

Travelers should be prepared for the lengthy nature of the Cartagena Islands Boat Tour, especially if they plan to attend the bioluminescent plankton show.

The tour provides snorkeling gear, but only goggles are included, so visitors may want to bring their own equipment.

The last island visit may include flies, so travelers should consider their food options carefully.

It’s crucial to ensure a clear understanding of the tour schedule to avoid delays that could impact flights or other plans.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers can book the Cartagena Islands Boat Tour in advance through the tour provider’s website or by contacting them directly. The booking process is straightforward, and customers have the flexibility to reserve their spot and pay later.

Plus, the tour offers a free cancellation policy, allowing customers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The booking and cancellation policy includes:

1. Reserving now and paying later: Customers can book their spot without paying upfront.
2. Free cancellation: Customers can cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
3. Availability check: Customers can check the tour’s availability and starting times before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

According to the tour details, participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment if preferred. However, the tour provides snorkeling gear, including goggles, for those who don’t have their own.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

The tour includes a lunch of grilled chicken, fried fish, or a vegetarian option. Customers with any dietary restrictions should inform the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs are accommodated.

Can I Leave the Tour Early if I Choose?

Participants can leave the tour early, but they may not receive a refund. The tour operates rain or shine, and has strict policies regarding luggage and timing. Customers should carefully review the schedule to ensure they can complete the full itinerary.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

No, there doesn’t appear to be a minimum number of participants required for this tour. The information provided doesn’t mention any specific minimum group size, so it’s likely that the tour operates regardless of how many people sign up.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

The tour can be booked for a private group, though the price may vary. Customers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about availability, pricing, and any additional requirements for a private tour.

Recap

The 5 Islands Boat Tour in Cartagena is an exceptional way to experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. Offering a full day of exploration, activities, and dining, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure on the water. From snorkeling and visiting Escobar’s mansion to enjoying a bioluminescent plankton show, it’s a comprehensive and captivating experience that’s sure to create lasting memories.

You can check if your dates are available here: