Cartagena: Cholón, Rosario, Barú Islands & Luminous Plankton

Cartagena, Colombia’s coastal gem, beckons visitors to explore its captivating islands and natural wonders. This excursion promises an immersive experience, whisking guests through the stunning Cholón, Rosario, and Barú archipelagos. From dolphin sightings to a mesmerizing luminous plankton display, the tour offers a diverse array of activities that cater to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With a convenient hotel pickup, delectable lunch, and the guidance of a certified professional, this 12-hour journey invites you to uncover Cartagena’s hidden gems and create lasting memories. But the true allure lies in the untold tales that await, beckoning you to embark on this enchanting exploration.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Drinking Tours In Baru.

Key Points

• This 12-hour excursion offers a comprehensive experience exploring Cholón, Rosario, and Barú islands, including a luminous plankton viewing, priced at $58.66 per person.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, speedboat transportation, lunch, and a certified guide, with additional costs for port tax, Oceanarium admission, snorkeling, and plankton photos.
• Key activities include dolphin watching, snorkeling, swimming, local cuisine, and the highlight – a luminous plankton experience on Barú Island.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or children under 8 years old, and participants should expect to get wet.
• Customer reviews are mixed, with positive feedback on the scenic beauty and plankton experience, but disappointment regarding the snorkeling quality and beach conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

What does this Cartagena Islands tour offer?

It’s a 12-hour excursion that takes visitors to the Cholón, Rosario, and Barú islands, as well as a luminous plankton experience. Priced at $58.66 per person, this tour provides significant savings of up to 12%.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and reserve now, pay later options. The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation by speedboat, lunch, and a certified guide.

However, there are additional costs for port tax, Oceanarium admission, snorkeling, and plankton photos.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or children under 8 years old.

Itinerary and Activities

The Cartagena Islands tour kicks off with hotel pickups in the Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillogrande, Cabrero, and Marbella areas, while those meeting at the Muelle de la Bodeguita depart between 8:30 am to 9:00 am. The itinerary includes:

Activity	Duration
Rosario Islands (Dolphin watching, scenic views)	3 hours
Optional Oceanarium visit or snorkeling	1 hour
Cholón Island (Swimming, local snacks, cocktails)	1 hour
Barú Island (Lunch and beach time)	3 hours
Luminous Plankton experience	1 hour

Participants can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, and experiencing the mesmerizing luminous plankton.

Included Services

The tour package includes several services to enhance the experience.

Guests can enjoy hotel pickup, depending on their location, and transportation by speedboat to the various islands.

A tasty lunch is provided, with options like seafood casserole, fried fish, chicken, and vegetarian dishes.

A beach chair is available for sunset viewing, and a certified guide instructor is on hand to provide information and assistance.

Life vests and the luminous plankton activity are also included.

After the day’s adventures, guests will be transported back to Cartagena by bus.

Additional Costs and Optional Activities

Along With the included services, there are some additional costs and optional activities that visitors can choose from. The port tax is $26,500 per person and is subject to change. Guests can also opt for a visit to the Oceanarium for $40,000 or a snorkeling service for $50,000. Photos of the luminous plankton experience are available for an additional $35,000. Visitors should note that beers, chairs, tents, parasols, and any unspecified activities are not included in the tour price.

Additional Costs	Price
Port Tax	$26,500
Oceanarium	$40,000
Snorkeling	$50,000
Plankton Photos	$35,000
Excluded Items	Beers, chairs, tents, parasols, unspecified activities

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Suitability and Recommendations

This tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, including pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, and children under 8 years old.

Participants should expect to get wet and dress accordingly. The tour involves activities like swimming, snorkeling, and a plankton experience, which may not be suitable for those with specific needs or limitations.

However, for those who can partake, the tour offers a diverse range of experiences, from dolphin watching to beach time and the unique luminous plankton.

Customers have provided mixed reviews, with feedback on the quality of the snorkeling and beach conditions, so it’s essential to manage expectations.

Customer Reviews

Customers have provided mixed reviews for this Cartagena Islands and Luminous Plankton tour, with an overall rating of 2.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.

While some highlighted the breathtaking scenery and enjoyable plankton experience, others expressed disappointment with the snorkeling quality and beach conditions.

Several noted the tour didn’t fully meet their expectations, citing issues like crowded boats and long wait times.

Feedback also varied on the lunch options, with some praising the seafood casserole and others finding the meal subpar.

Pickup and Departure Details

The tour’s convenience begins with its pickup and departure arrangements.

Travelers can be picked up directly from their hotels in the Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillogrande, Cabrero, and Marbella areas. For those not staying in these neighborhoods, the meeting point is at the Muelle de la Bodeguita dock.

Pickup times range from 7:00 AM to 7:45 AM, with the boat departing between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. This flexibility ensures guests can start their island adventure at their preferred time.

The tour’s efficient transportation by speedboat and return by bus to Cartagena further enhance the overall convenience and seamless experience for participants.

Recap

This Cartagena excursion provides a chance to explore the stunning islands of Cholón, Rosario, and Barú, with opportunities to see dolphins, swim, and witness the magical glow of luminous plankton. Priced at $58.66 per person, the tour includes transportation, lunch, and a guide, making it an excellent value for those seeking an unforgettable experience in the region’s beautiful natural settings.

You can check if your dates are available here: