Cartagena: 5 Islands Premium Tour With Lunch and Snorkeling

Cartagena’s stunning archipelago beckons with the allure of the 5 Islands Premium Tour. This full-day excursion promises a captivating blend of natural beauty, culture, and aquatic adventures. Guests embark on a scenic journey, whisked away from their hotels to explore vibrant marine life, indulge in a delectable lunch, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches. But the true highlight? The experience that awaits, sure to leave a lasting impression and kindle a desire to uncover more of Cartagena’s enchanting wonders.

Key Points

• The 5 Islands Premium Tour in Cartagena includes a 1-hour snorkeling experience, a visit to the Oceanarium, and a 2-hour beach time with lunch at Playa Tranquila.
• The tour duration is 8 hours and offers complimentary pickup from designated locations in tourist areas, such as El Cabrero, Castillogrande, and Bocagrande.
• The tour includes a 30-minute bus ride and a 15-minute speedboat journey to reach Tierra Bomba Island, the main location for the activities.
• Past guests have reported issues with communication and the quality of the snorkeling equipment, which may affect the overall experience.
• The tour has an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on 10 reviews, with concerns about miscommunication, cleanliness, and the recreational nature of the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Cartagena: 5 Islands Premium Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling provides an exciting opportunity to explore the stunning Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.

Priced from COP 1,886 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and is available in both English and Spanish. Pickup is included from most hotels in the tourist areas, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary includes snorkeling, visits to islands like Cholón and Playa Tranquila, and an optional Oceanarium visit. Participants will enjoy lunch, transportation, and snorkeling equipment during the tour.

However, some past guests have noted issues with communication and the quality of the snorkeling experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with pickups from several locations across Cartagena’s tourist areas, including El Cabrero, Castillogrande, El Laguito, Cielo Mar, Marbella, La Boquilla, Bocagrande, and Barrio de Crespo.

After a 30-minute bus ride, guests board a speedboat for a 15-minute journey to Tierra Bomba Island.

The highlights of the tour include:

• Snorkeling for 1 hour and an optional visit to the Oceanarium in the Rosario Islands.
• Exploring Cholón, the party island, followed by a visit to Playa Agua Azul.
• Enjoying a 2-hour lunch and beach time at Playa Tranquila.
• An optional activity to observe plankton at 7:00 pm in Barú.

The tour ends around 4:00 pm at the Bodeguita Dock.

Pickup Locations

Pickup locations for the Cartagena: 5 Islands Premium Tour span several tourist areas across the city.

The tour offers pickup from El Cabrero, Castillogrande, El Laguito, Cielo Mar, Marbella, La Boquilla, Bocagrande, and Barrio de Crespo. Guests can conveniently board the coach or bus from their hotel in these popular neighborhoods.

For those not staying in the designated pickup zones, the meeting point is at Babylon Dg Restaurant in El Centro, the historic heart of Cartagena.

From there, the tour transports participants by bus and speedboat to the first stop, Tierra Bomba Island, where the excursion to the Rosario Islands begins.

Transportation

To reach the islands, the tour utilizes a combination of transportation methods.

First, participants board a bus or coach for a 30-minute ride to the speedboat launch. The speedboat then takes guests on a 15-minute journey to Tierra Bomba Island, which is another 5-minute transfer by boat.

This multi-modal approach allows the tour to efficiently access the remote Rosario Islands and other destinations. The transportation is designed to provide a seamless experience, ensuring guests can focus on the activities and sights rather than the logistics.

• Efficient
• Convenient
• Accessible
• Streamlined
• Comfortable

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Activities

After the efficient transportation, visitors can look forward to the diverse activities offered on the tour.

The highlight is snorkeling for an hour in the Rosario Islands, where they can explore the vibrant marine life. An optional visit to the Oceanarium provides a chance to learn more about the local aquatic ecosystem.

The party island of Cholón and the tranquil Playa Agua Azul follow, allowing guests to relax on the beach.

Lunch is served around 1:30 PM at Playa Tranquila, before the tour wraps up with an optional plankton viewing experience in Barú.

Inclusions

The Cartagena Islands Tour includes a comprehensive package of services to enhance the overall experience.

Guests enjoy a complimentary pickup service, snorkeling gear, a delectable lunch, and comfortable sundeck chairs.

On top of that, the tour includes the entrance fee to the Oceanarium, providing visitors an opportunity to explore the marine ecosystem.

Plus, transportation back to hotels from the Muelle de los Pegazos ensures a seamless end to the day’s adventure.

The inclusions of this tour are designed to create a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all participants.

• Pickup service
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch
• Sundeck chairs
• Oceanarium entrance

Important Information

Sunglasses, sunscreen, beachwear, sandals, and a towel are essential items guests should bring along for the Cartagena Islands Tour.

The tour ends around 4:00 pm at the Bodeguita Dock.

Snorkeling is included, but only goggles are provided – there’s no breathing tube.

While the tour offers many activities, customers have noted that the snorkeling experience can be lacking due to the limited equipment.

Plus, some have expressed concerns about the cleanliness at Chol??n, one of the islands visited.

Customer Feedback

Based on the 10 reviews available, the Cartagena Islands Tour has an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5.

Some common complaints from customers include:

• Miscommunication regarding meeting point and pickup times, leading to confusion and frustration.

• The tour being perceived as more recreational than party-oriented, not meeting some guests’ expectations.

• Quality of the snorkeling experience noted as lacking due to equipment limitations, disappointing those seeking a more immersive underwater adventure.

• Concerns about the cleanliness at Cholón, one of the visited islands, detracting from the overall experience.

• Potential improvements in communication, equipment, and island upkeep could enhance customer satisfaction for future tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring for the Trip?

It’s recommended to bring additional spending money for optional activities, souvenirs, and personal expenses. The amount will vary based on individual preferences, but around $20-$50 USD is generally sufficient for the tour’s optional offerings.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour itinerary does not mention an option to extend the duration. However, customers can inquire with the tour operator about the possibility of adding extra time or activities for an additional fee.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Snorkeling Activity?

There are no age restrictions for the snorkeling activity on this tour. Participants of all ages can take part in the snorkeling experience, as long as they’re comfortable swimming and using the provided snorkeling equipment.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear Instead?

According to the tour details, guests are welcome to bring their own snorkeling gear if they prefer. The tour only provides snorkeling goggles, not full snorkel sets, so using personal equipment may enhance the snorkeling experience.

What Types of Food Are Typically Served for the Lunch?

The typical lunch provided on the tour includes local Caribbean dishes like grilled seafood, rice and beans, plantains, fresh tropical fruits, and refreshing beverages. The menu aims to offer a representative sample of the regional cuisine.

Recap

The 5 Islands Premium Tour offers a delightful day of adventure and relaxation in Cartagena. Highlights include snorkeling among vibrant marine life, lounging on Playa Tranquila’s beautiful beaches, and savoring a delicious lunch. With convenient hotel pickups and a scenic journey by bus and speedboat, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable experience for visitors to Cartagena.

You can check if your dates are available here: