Cartagena, the vibrant coastal city of Colombia, beckons travelers with its captivating Rosario Islands and the alluring Playa Blanca. This tour promises to whisk you away on a 7-hour adventure, immersing you in the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From a traditional Caribbean lunch to a guided exploration of the islands, this experience offers a seamless blend of relaxation and discovery. Whether you’re seeking stunning vistas, vibrant local culture, or the chance to witness marine life up close, this tour has something to enchant every visitor. Uncover the secrets that await as you embark on this unforgettable journey through Cartagena‘s island paradise.
This experience made our list of the 9 Best Lunch Experiences In Baru.
Key Points
- The tour offers a 7-hour experience that includes hotel pickup, a guided tour of Playa Blanca and Rosario Islands, and a traditional Caribbean lunch.
- The tour is priced at £19.91 per person, offering a 12% discount off the regular price of £22.62.
- Activities include a bus ride to Playa Blanca, guided tour and swimming, and a speedboat ride to the Rosario Islands, with an optional visit to the Oceanarium.
- Customers have provided positive feedback on the boat crew, but expressed concerns about the quality and reliability of the transportation services.
- The tour features flexible cancellation policies, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required for reservations.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour "Cartagena: Rosario Islands Baru and Playa Blanca with Lunch" is priced from £19.91 per person, a savings of up to 12% off the regular price of £22.62.
The 7-hour tour includes hotel pickup and return, a traditional Caribbean lunch, a native guide, and a panoramic tour of the Rosario Islands. Guests can optionally visit the Oceanarium for an additional fee.
The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
While customer feedback highlights positive experiences with the boat crew, there are some concerns about the quality of transportation services and driver behavior.
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Itinerary Highlights
Pickup from the hotel is provided in areas including Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillogrande, Marbella, and Cabrero.
The approximate pickup time is communicated via WhatsApp, and guests are recommended to be ready between 7:00-7:40 AM.
For those meeting at a central Cartagena location, the designated meeting point is Cafeteria Juan Valdez, behind the monument and fountain, from 7:50-8:20 AM.
The tour’s activities include:
- Bus/coach to Playa Blanca, Baru Island (1 hour)
- Guided tour, swimming, and free time at Playa Blanca (1 hour)
- Speedboat to Rosario Islands (45 minutes)
- Optional visit to Oceanarium (45 minutes, extra fee)
The return journey includes a speedboat to Playa Blanca (30 minutes), a lunch break (1 hour), and a bus/coach back to Cartagena (1 hour).
Included Activities
The tour includes several activities that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca.
After pickup from the hotel, guests will take a bus or coach to Playa Blanca on the Baru Island, where they’ll have a guided tour, time for swimming, and free time to enjoy the beach.
Next, they’ll board a speedboat for a 45-minute ride to the Rosario Islands, where they can optionally visit the Oceanarium at an additional cost.
The tour then returns via speedboat to Playa Blanca for a 1-hour lunch break before the bus or coach ride back to Cartagena, providing a well-rounded experience of the region’s highlights.
What to Bring
For this excursion, visitors should bring along essential items such as sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear to fully enjoy the sun-drenched beaches.
Plus, packing a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and some cash is recommended. The towel will come in handy for drying off after swimming, while the camera allows you to capture the stunning vistas of the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca.
Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from the Caribbean sun, and having some cash on hand ensures you can purchase any desired souvenirs or refreshments during the trip.
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- Towel, camera, sunscreen, cash
Customer Feedback
Patron reviews of the Cartagena: Rosario Islands Baru and Playa Blanca tour offer a mixed assessment, with an overall rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars based on 31 evaluations.
Feedback highlights positive experiences with the boat crew but concerns about the quality of transportation services and driver behavior. The transportation rating sits at 2.7 out of 5, while the value for money rating is 2.9 out of 5.
Guests noted issues with the reliability and comfort of the vehicles used, as well as the driving style of the operators. Despite these concerns, many participants enjoyed the activities and scenery of the tour.
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Transportation and Pickup Details
Pickup arrangements for the Cartagena: Rosario Islands Baru and Playa Blanca tour are communicated to participants via WhatsApp, with an approximate pickup time provided.
Guests should be ready between 7:00-7:40 AM. The meeting point for those in central Cartagena is the Cafeteria Juan Valdez, behind the monument and fountain, from 7:50-8:20 AM.
The tour includes:
- Bus/coach transportation to Playa Blanca, Baru Island (1 hour).
- Guided tour, swimming, and free time at Playa Blanca (1 hour).
- Speedboat to the Rosario Islands (45 minutes).
- Optional visit to the Oceanarium (45 minutes, extra fee).
Lunch and Refreshment
The tour includes a traditional Caribbean lunch during the midday break.
After the morning activities, travelers will have approximately one hour to enjoy a locally-inspired meal. The lunch typically features a selection of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a protein such as fish or chicken.
Refreshing tropical fruits and juices may also be served. Lunch is provided at a restaurant or beach venue, allowing guests to rest and recharge before continuing the journey back to Cartagena.
The authentic cuisine and scenic lunch setting are designed to immerse participants in the vibrant culture and flavors of the region.
Reservation and Cancellation Policy
Travelers can book the Cartagena: Rosario Islands Baru and Playa Blanca tour online and pay later. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund.
Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment, making it convenient to plan their trip.
The tour highlights include:
- A pickup from selected hotels in the Cartagena area, with an approximate pick-up time communicated via WhatsApp.
- A guided tour, swimming, and free time at the beautiful Playa Blanca on Baru Island.
- A panoramic tour of the Rosario Islands, with an optional visit to the Oceanarium for an additional fee.
- A traditional Caribbean lunch included in the tour.
Recap
The Rosario Islands Baru and Playa Blanca With Lunch tour offers a stunning and immersive experience in the beauty of Cartagena. Guests can enjoy swimming, a traditional Caribbean lunch, and a guided tour of the Rosario Islands, all while taking in the vibrant local culture. With convenient transportation, free cancellation, and an optional Oceanarium visit, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable day in this picturesque coastal destination.
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