Full Day 3 Private Islands

The Full Day 3 Private Islands tour in Cartagena, Colombia, offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty and rich history. Embarking on this excursion, visitors can expect a well-organized itinerary that takes them to three distinct islands, each with its own captivating features. From the historic Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica to the picturesque Isla Grande and the lively Cholón, this tour caters to a range of interests, providing a blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture. With comfortable transportation, engaging activities, and delectable dining options, the tour promises an unforgettable day in the stunning Caribbean setting. What awaits those who join this remarkable journey is a chance to uncover the hidden gems that make Cartagena’s private islands truly enchanting.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Cartagena.

Key Points

• Tour offers a full-day excursion to three private islands near Cartagena, Colombia, with activities like snorkeling, beach time, and limited open bar.
• Destinations include Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica, Isla Grande, and Cholón, with varying levels of historical interest and snorkeling quality.
• Snorkeling opportunities are available, but visibility may be limited, and coral is scarce, so managing expectations is advised.
• Cholón is known for crowded, unclean conditions and aggressive vendors, leading to many recommendations to skip this stop.
• The final beach stop offers scenic views but rocky terrain, and the option to see bioluminescent plankton may not be worth the tradeoffs.

Tour Overview and Details

This private islands tour in Cartagena, Colombia offers a full day of exploration, with a Badge of Excellence based on 536 reviews.

The tour starts at 8:00 am at the Babylon Restaurante Bar and ends at Sibarita del Mar. The maximum group size is 100 travelers, and the price starts from $110 with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, snorkel equipment, lunch options, and an open bar with limited drinks on the boat.

Guests can expect to visit Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica, Isla Grande, and Cholón, with opportunities for snorkeling and enjoying the scenic beaches.

Inclusions

The tour offers a comprehensive package that includes convenient air-conditioned transportation, essential snorkeling gear, and a variety of meal options to satisfy diverse dietary preferences.

Travelers can enjoy:

• Snorkel equipment, including masks, to explore the marine life around the islands.

• Lunch choices of chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes, providing flexible options.

• An open bar on the boat with a limited selection of beer, rum, and brandy, as well as a welcome drink on Ibizza Island.

Plus, guests will be served a light snack of an arepa with egg and juice while on Gigi Island, ensuring they’re well-nourished throughout the day’s activities.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with a drive-by of Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica, where the guide provides a brief history of the site.

Next, travelers enjoy approximately 45 minutes of snorkeling, though the visibility is limited, and no coral is present. Guests may want to bring their own snorkel equipment.

The tour then visits Isla Grande, where visitors can snorkel near Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane and enjoy lunch at the Kokomo resort.

The next stop is Cholón, a crowded and unclean party island with aggressive vendors, which many travelers recommend skipping.

The final beach stop offers scenic views, but it’s rocky, and there are vendors present. Some guests choose to stay for the bioluminescent plankton at night, though this isn’t a popular option among most.

Fuerte De San Fernando De Bocachica

The tour begins with a drive-by of Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica, where the guide provides a brief historical overview of the site. This 17th-century fort, located at the entrance of Cartagena’s bay, played a crucial role in the city’s defense against pirates and foreign invaders.

The guide highlights:

• The fort’s strategic positioning, guarding the only entrance to Cartagena’s harbor

• The impressive architectural features, including thick stone walls and cannon batteries

• The site’s historical significance, as it witnessed several important battles and sieges throughout its history

Though the stop is brief, the drive-by provides a glimpse into Cartagena’s rich colonial past and the pivotal role this fortress played in the city’s defense.

Snorkeling

After the brief stop at the historic fort, the tour takes guests to a nearby snorkeling site, where they’ll have approximately 45 minutes to explore the underwater environment.

However, the visibility in this area is limited, and there’s no coral present, so travelers may want to consider bringing their own snorkeling equipment for a more immersive experience. The tour only provides masks, so guests who want to use a snorkel will need to bring their own.

While the snorkeling may not be the highlight of the day, it’s still an opportunity to see some of the marine life in the region.

With the time constraint and limited visibility, it’s important for guests to manage their expectations for this portion of the tour.

Isla Grande

From the limited snorkeling experience, the tour heads to Isla Grande, where guests can enjoy a more immersive activity – snorkeling near the famous sunken plane of Pablo Escobar.

Lunch is provided at the Kokomo resort on the island, giving travelers a chance to relax and refuel before continuing their exploration of the private islands.

The snorkeling experience on Isla Grande offers a unique opportunity to witness this historical artifact up close.

However, guests should note that:

• The visibility may be slightly limited due to the depth and location of the plane.

• The snorkeling isn’t suitable for those with advanced skill levels.

• Guests are advised to bring their own snorkeling gear for a more comfortable experience.

Chol??n

Continuing the tour, travelers venture to Chol??n, a party island known for its crowded and unclean conditions, as well as its aggressive vendors that aggressively market their wares to visitors.

Many guests express disappointment with this island, finding the high-pressure sales tactics overwhelming. The island’s popularity appears to be primarily driven by its reputation as a lively party destination, but several travelers caution that the experience may not align with expectations.

Some note that the island’s cleanliness and overall atmosphere leave much to be desired. While the party atmosphere may appeal to some, many recommend skipping Chol??n in favor of the tour’s other island stops, which seem to offer a more enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Final Beach Stop

The tour concludes at a scenic but rocky final beach stop, where vendors linger to offer their wares to guests.

Travelers have the option to stay and witness the bioluminescent plankton that light up the waters at night, though this particular feature isn’t highly regarded among previous participants.

While the beach itself is visually appealing, the presence of vendors and the rockiness of the shore detract from the overall experience for some.

Guests should be prepared for a less than ideal final stop, and consider whether staying for the bioluminescent plankton is worth the tradeoffs.

Some key considerations include:

• Aggressive vendors and crowded conditions

• Uneven, rocky terrain along the shoreline

• Questionable popularity of the bioluminescent plankton viewing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes snacks and an open bar on the boat, so bringing your own may not be necessary. It’s best to check with the tour company about any restrictions.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There does not appear to be a specified minimum age requirement for this tour. The tour information does not mention any age restrictions. However, participants should ensure the activities are suitable for any children in their party.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included?

There is no information provided about any additional fees or taxes not included in the tour price. The booking details only mention the base price starting from $110.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Islands After the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow guests to extend their stay on the islands after the scheduled tour ends. The tour has a fixed itinerary and timeline that must be adhered to.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

According to the tour details, there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. Refunds are available if the tour is cancelled by the operator, but specific refund terms are not provided.

Recap

The Full Day 3 Private Islands tour in Cartagena offers a well-rounded experience, blending history, outdoor activities, and leisure.

Visitors can explore the Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica, snorkel in the Caribbean waters, and unwind on the beaches of Isla Grande and Cholón.

With comfortable transportation, meals, and a limited open bar, this tour caters to various interests, providing a memorable day in Colombia’s stunning coastal setting.