Cartagena: LUMINOUS Plankton, Playa Blanca, Lunch and Snack

Cartagena’s natural wonders captivate visitors with its luminous plankton, the jewel of Playa Blanca. This full-day excursion immerses guests in the stunning Caribbean scenery, where they’ll explore the tranquil waters, indulge in a delectable lunch, and witness the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescence. From the scenic bus ride to the enchanting speedboat tour, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience that engages the senses and leaves a lasting impression. But what truly sets this tour apart is the chance to unveil the secrets behind the glimmering plankton, a natural phenomenon that has intrigued scientists and travelers alike.

Key Points

• A 12-hour excursion to experience luminous plankton and explore Playa Blanca Barú, with ticket prices ranging from COP 1,040 to COP 1,182.
• Includes a 1-hour bus ride to Playa Blanca Barú, 2 hours of swimming and snorkeling, and a lunch with seafood and vegetarian options.
• Pickup from designated locations in Bocagrande, El Laguito, Castillogrande, El Cabrero, and Marbella, or from the Esquina Juan Valdez Getsemani Convention Center for guests outside those areas.
• Transportation provided by air-conditioned bus and speedboat, with life vests and assistance insurance for maritime activities.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a "Reserve now & pay later" option available.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers an experience to witness the luminous plankton and explore Playa Blanca Barú, providing savings of up to 12% on the ticket price, which ranges from Kč 1,182 to Kč 1,040 per person.

It’s a full-day excursion lasting 12 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, as no payment is required upfront.

The tour includes hotel pickup, a typical lunch, a beach chair for sunset viewing, a certified guide for the plankton talk, and life vest and assistance insurance.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with pickup locations in Bocagrande, El Laguito, Castillogrande, El Cabrero, and Marbella, with guests departing from the final point around 08:30 AM.

The first activity is a 1-hour bus ride to Playa Blanca Barú. Guests then enjoy 2 hours of swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing at Tranquila Beach.

Lunch options include seafood casserole, fried fish, deviled fish, chicken, or vegetarian, served between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

At 4:00 PM, there’s a sunset viewing and plankton talk, followed by a 15-20 minute speedboat ride to view the bioluminescence.

The tour concludes with a return to Cartagena by bus at 8:00 PM.

Pickup Locations and Timings

Pickup times are scheduled one hour before the activity start, meaning guests can expect to be collected between 07:00 – 08:20 AM or up to 20 minutes after the 08:00 AM start time.

The tour offers pickup from several locations:

1. Bocagrande
2. El Laguito
3. Castillogrande
4. El Cabrero
5. Marbella

Guests staying outside the designated pickup areas should meet at the Esquina Juan Valdez Getsemani Convention Center.

The transportation is provided by an air-conditioned bus and a speedboat, with a capacity of 15-20 passengers.

Transportation Details

On the tour, guests are provided with both air-conditioned bus and speedboat transportation.

The bus picks up participants from designated areas in Bocagrande, El Laguito, Castillogrande, El Cabrero, and Marbella. Pickup times are scheduled one hour before the 8:30 AM departure, with pickups occurring between 7:00-8:20 AM or up to 20 minutes after the start time.

For hotels outside the designated pickup zones, the meeting point is the Esquina Juan Valdez Getsemani Convention Center.

The bus has a capacity of 15-20 passengers, and the speedboat is used for the 15-20 minute bioluminescence viewing activity. Life vests and assistance insurance are provided for the maritime portion of the tour.

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Included and Additional Amenities

Along With the transportation provided, the tour includes several other amenities to enhance the experience. These include:

1. A typical lunch with options like seafood casserole, fried fish, deviled fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

2. A beach chair for the sunset viewing and plankton talk session.

3. A certified guide who’ll provide information about the bioluminescent plankton.

4. Life vest and assistance insurance for the aquatic activities.

However, the tour doesn’t include personal expenses such as photos, videos, beers, chairs, tents, parasols, and any unspecified activities.

Guests should also prepare for wet conditions during the maritime transport and consider bringing appropriate attire.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Although the tour offers a range of amenities, the overall customer feedback has been somewhat mixed.

Based on 4 reviews, the tour has an average rating of 2 out of 5 stars. Customers have reported issues with the visibility of plankton and problems with the photo service.

Plus, some have noted uncoordinated tour management and delays. The language barrier has also been a concern, as the tour is primarily conducted in Spanish.

Importantly, travelers should be prepared for wet conditions during the maritime transport and consider bringing jackets or sheets.

Wet Conditions and Preparation

The tour’s maritime transport means travelers should be prepared for wet conditions.

To ensure a comfortable experience, consider the following recommendations:

• Bring a light, water-resistant jacket or poncho to protect against sea spray during the speedboat ride.
• Wear quick-drying, lightweight clothing that can withstand getting damp.
• Opt for closed-toe, non-slip shoes that can get wet without causing discomfort.
• Pack a small towel or microfiber cloth to dry off after swimming and snorkeling activities.

Being mindful of the wet environment will help travelers fully enjoy the luminous plankton and beach day at Playa Blanca without letting the elements dampen the experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can conveniently book the Cartagena tour online and take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to receive a full refund.

Plus, the "Reserve now & pay later" option enables travelers to secure their spot without paying immediately. This allows for greater flexibility in planning and budgeting.

The tour’s duration is 12 hours, providing ample time to explore the luminous plankton, Playa Blanca, and enjoy the included lunch and snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a minimum group size. It appears to accommodate individual bookings, with transportation and activities organized for each party. The tour can accommodate 15-20 passengers per boat for the speedboat portion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Customers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The package includes a typical lunch, and any additional items like beers or chairs are not provided and must be purchased separately.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions or requirements. It’s suitable for all ages, though the tour operator recommends parental supervision for young children during the boat rides and water activities.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Version of This Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private or customized version of this tour. The tour operator offers flexible options to tailor the experience to individual needs and preferences, subject to availability and additional fees.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for This Tour?

The recommended attire for this tour is casual and comfortable. Guests should wear swimwear, beachwear, or lightweight clothing that can get wet. Closed-toe shoes are suggested for maritime activities, and a light jacket or sweater is advisable for cooler evenings.

Recap

The Cartagena tour promises an unforgettable experience of luminous plankton, swimming, and culinary delights along the Caribbean coast. Guests can relax on Playa Blanca, explore the underwater world through snorkeling, and enjoy a sunset viewing before witnessing the captivating glow of plankton on a speedboat ride. This adventure offers a perfect blend of nature, exploration, and local cuisine for a truly memorable day.

You can check if your dates are available here: