Cartagena: LUMINOUS PLANKTON, Playa Blanca Barú and Lunch

Cartagena’s stunning natural wonders are a must-see for any traveler. This 12-hour tour promises an enchanting experience, blending the luminous beauty of plankton with the idyllic Playa Blanca. Guests can relax on the sandy shores, indulge in a delicious lunch, and then venture into the glowing waters of Cienaga de Portonaito for a magical nighttime swim. While the food quality may be mixed, the plankton experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. Discover the mesmerizing intersection of nature, culture, and adventure in this unique Cartagena excursion.

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

Key Points

• The tour offers an opportunity to experience Cartagena’s luminous plankton and relax on the sandy shores of Playa Blanca in Baru.
• The 12-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, lunch at Baru, and access to beach facilities.
• The tour’s highlight is the nighttime plankton experience at Cienaga de Portonaito, where visitors can swim and observe the bioluminescent glow.
• While the food quality at Playa Blanca has received mixed reviews, the beach relaxation is a highlight of the tour.
• The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour provides travelers with an opportunity to enjoy the natural wonder of Cartagena’s luminous plankton and the serene beauty of Playa Blanca beach.

The 12-hour experience includes round-trip transportation, a lunch at Baru, and the use of beach facilities. Guests can enjoy swimming in the glowing plankton and relaxing on the white sandy shores of Playa Blanca.

The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and a "reserve now, pay later" option to secure a spot.

With a mixed customer review average, the tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Cartagena’s natural attractions.

Pickup Locations

Hotels in Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillogrande, Marbella, and Cabrero offer pickup at their lobby locations.

For those staying in central areas, the meeting point is Café Juan Valdez, near the convention center.

The tour provides:

• Pickup around 8:30 AM.
• Roundtrip transportation by bus/coach to Barú.
• Telephone assistance throughout the tour.

This convenient pickup service ensures a seamless start to the luminous plankton and Playa Blanca experience.

Tour Itinerary

The tour departs Cartagena around 08:30 AM and travels by bus/coach to the coastal town of Barú, a journey of approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival, guests will enjoy lunch at Playa Blanca from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Afterwards, the group will transfer to Tranquila Beach for sunset viewing around 2:00 PM.

The highlight of the tour is the nighttime plankton experience at Cienaga de Portonaito, lasting approximately 2 hours.

The tour then returns to Cartagena by 8:00 PM, allowing ample time for the luminous plankton swim and Playa Blanca relaxation.

Plankton Swim Experience

The highlight of the tour is the mesmerizing nighttime plankton experience at Cienaga de Portonaito, where guests can enjoy the bioluminescent glow of the plankton.

This unique natural phenomenon creates a magical atmosphere, as the plankton light up in the water, responding to movement.

Guests can:

• Swim and float in the glowing waters, marveling at the captivating display.
• Observe the plankton up close, witnessing the fascinating bioluminescent effects.
• Capture stunning photographs to commemorate this unforgettable experience.

Refreshments are provided during this 2-hour activity, allowing guests to fully enjoy the enchanting plankton swim.

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Lunch and Relaxation

After the plankton swim, the tour takes guests to Playa Blanca in Barú for a leisurely lunch.

Here, visitors can enjoy a selection of fish, chicken, or vegetarian meals while relaxing on the beach. The tour includes the use of beach facilities such as chairs, sunbeds, and awnings, allowing guests to soak up the sun and scenery.

Refreshments are also provided during the plankton activity.

While feedback on the food quality has been mixed, the opportunity to unwind and experience the pristine Playa Blanca beach is a highlight of the tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

One of the key inclusions of this tour is round-trip transportation, ensuring a seamless journey to and from the plankton swim and Playa Blanca beach.

Lunch at Baru, use of beach facilities, and refreshments during the plankton activity are also covered.

However, there are some additional costs to be aware of, such as:

• Aquarium entrance and taxes
• Extra drinks, including beer, cocktails, and seafood
• Optional activities not specified in the tour plan

While the tour offers a unique experience, it’s essential to factor in these additional expenses to have a clear understanding of the total cost.

Important Guidelines

Arriving at the pickup location about an hour before the scheduled activity (8:20 AM) is crucial.

Be attentive to WhatsApp or call for any updates on the pickup time.

During the tour, it’s important to follow the guide’s instructions, especially during the luminous plankton experience.

Bringing a waterproof phone case or camera is recommended to capture the mesmerizing glow.

Remember to pack a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes for the beach activities.

Adhering to the schedule and being punctual will ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the day.

Customer Feedback

The tour has received mixed reviews from previous customers. While some have reported positive experiences, others have voiced concerns about the quality of the food and the overall cleanliness of the facilities.

According to the reviews:

• Customers have complained about the poor quality of the lunch provided during the Playa Blanca visit.

• Certain individuals have expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of the beach and the surrounding areas.

• However, the luminous plankton experience at Cienaga de Portonaito has been widely praised as a highlight of the tour.

Recap

This 12-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonder of bioluminescent plankton in Cartagena. With round-trip transportation, a delicious lunch, and a day spent relaxing on the beautiful Playa Blanca, this tour promises an adventure immersed in the region’s natural beauty. Despite mixed reviews on food quality, the plankton swim experience is consistently praised, making this tour a must-try for those seeking an enchanting and unforgettable journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: