The ‘Mangata Island Kayak and Lunch’ activity offers a delightful full-day getaway from Cartagena. Guests can enjoy a round-trip speedboat ride to the idyllic island, where they’ll have the chance to kayak, snorkel, and indulge in a delectable à la carte lunch. With a focus on attentive service and a stunning Caribbean setting, this private experience caters to families seeking to unwind and explore the region’s natural beauty. From diverse meal options to ample accessibility, every aspect of the activity has been designed to ensure a memorable day. But what truly sets this adventure apart is the opportunity to discover a side of the coast that few visitors ever get to experience.
This experience made our list of the 20 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cartagena.
Key Points
- A full-day private activity called ‘Mangata Island Kayak and Lunch’ operated by COSTENA TRAVEL with a 5.0 out of 5 rating.
- The activity includes round-trip speedboat transportation from Cartagena, access to kayaks, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards, and a lunch menu with diverse options.
- Positive reviews highlight the attentive staff, beautiful location, and delicious food, with the breaded fish and coconut rice being a recommended dish.
- The activity is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues due to the kayaking and snorkeling components, but it is accessible for most travelers.
- While Wi-Fi is limited to the bar area and hammocks, the remote island setting promotes a tranquil and disconnected experience.
Overview of the Activity
The full-day private activity ‘Mangata Island Kayak and Lunch‘ allows participants to explore the scenic Mangata Island off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.
Operated by COSTENA TRAVEL, this activity has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 from 9 reviewers.
Priced from $120, the activity can accommodate up to 40 guests and includes round-trip speedboat transportation from Cartagena, as well as amenities like freshwater showers, welcome drinks, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards.
The experience starts at 7 am and provides an opportunity for travelers to enjoy the island’s natural beauty while enjoying a delicious a la carte lunch with various menu options.
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Experience Details
The full-day private activity ‘Mangata Island Kayak and Lunch‘ starts at 07:00 am, with round-trip speedboat transportation from Cartagena to the island.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities on Mangata Island, including freshwater showers, welcome drinks (champagne or natural juice), as well as access to kayaks, snorkeling masks, and paddleboards.
The meeting point for the activity is Puerta No 4 – Muelle de La Bodeguita in Cartagena.
Participants can look forward to a day of exploring the beautiful island, paddling through the clear waters, and discovering the marine life through snorkeling.
The experience is suitable for most travelers, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Meal Options
For lunch, guests can choose from an à la carte menu with 8 different options, including breaded fish fillet, fried fish, grilled chicken breast, risotto, vegetarian pasta, Bolognese pasta, chicken nuggets, and pizza. The dock tax fee of $23,000 COP is included in the cost of the experience.
The menu offers a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences:
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The breaded fish fillet and fried fish provide classic seafood options.
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The grilled chicken breast and risotto offer lighter, healthier choices.
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The vegetarian pasta and Bolognese pasta cater to those looking for heartier, protein-rich meals.
Guest Feedback
Overwhelmingly positive guest reviews have praised the attentive staff, beautiful location, delicious food, and engaging activities like kayaking and snorkeling. Reviewers particularly recommended the breaded fish with coconut rice, highlighting the great service from staff members Janis, Luisa, and Laura.
Guests described the experience as relaxing and tranquil, making it an ideal outing for families looking to capture unique moments.
One four-star review noted the limited Wi-Fi availability, which is only accessible near the bar area and hammocks, not around the cabana beds.
Accessibility and Cancellation
While the activity may not be wheelchair accessible, most travelers can still participate and enjoy the experience. The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the activity, providing flexibility for guests.
There are a few key things to note:
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The activity isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, as it involves activities like kayaking and snorkeling.
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However, the majority of travelers can comfortably take part in the excursion and explore the beautiful Mangata Island.
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The generous cancellation policy ensures guests can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can make changes if needed up to a day in advance.
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Internet Availability
Wi-Fi is available near the bar area and hammocks, but not around the cabana beds on Mangata Island. This limited internet access may be a drawback for some guests who need to stay connected during their visit.
However, the remote and tranquil nature of the island is part of its charm, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Those looking to share photos or update social media will need to wait until they return to the mainland, as the spotty Wi-Fi coverage is unlikely to support steady internet access throughout the entire island.
Round Trip Speedboat
The Mangata Island experience includes round-trip transportation via speedboat from Cartagena, conveniently picking up guests at the Puerta No 4 – Muelle de La Bodeguita dock.
The 25-minute boat ride offers stunning views of the Caribbean coastline and the lush mangrove forests surrounding the island. Once arrived, the speedboat provides an efficient and comfortable way to move between the mainland and the island throughout the day’s activities.
The speedboat transportation offers several advantages:
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It’s a quick and reliable way to access the remote island location.
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The boats are well-maintained and operated by experienced captains.
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The ride itself is an enjoyable part of the overall Mangata Island experience.
Attentive Staff and Delicious Food
Providing attentive service and delicious meals are hallmarks of the Mangata Island experience, as evidenced by guests’ enthusiastic feedback.
The staff, including Janis, Luisa, and Laura, are praised for their exceptional care and attention to detail. Whether it’s serving up the recommended breaded fish with coconut rice or ensuring guests’ needs are met, the team goes above and beyond to create a truly memorable experience.
Diners rave about the variety of meal options, from grilled chicken to vegetarian pasta, all expertly prepared and presented.
The tranquil setting and delectable cuisine combine to make Mangata Island a relaxing, yet indulgent, destination for families and friends alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Typical Weather Like During the Activity?
The weather is typically warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging around 30°C. Tropical conditions are common, with occasional breezes providing relief from the heat. Guests should expect a comfortable, pleasant climate that’s well-suited for outdoor activities.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks to the activity. The activity provides a catered lunch with several meal options, as well as welcome drinks. Bringing outside food and drinks is typically not allowed for organized tours and activities.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Activity?
The activity has no age restrictions and is suitable for participants of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The operator does not provide specific age minimums or maximums for participation.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Activity?
The activity doesn’t explicitly offer options to extend the duration. However, travelers can likely arrange for a longer stay or additional activities on the island by directly contacting the tour operator prior to the scheduled trip.
Can the Meal Options Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?
The meal options can likely be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions, like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, if requested in advance. The operator may be able to provide alternative menu items or make substitutions to meet guests’ needs.
Recap
The ‘Mangata Island Kayak and Lunch‘ activity offers a perfect day of adventure and relaxation.
Guests can enjoy round-trip speedboat transportation, water activities, and a delicious à la carte lunch with diverse options.
With attentive service and a beautiful island setting, this experience is ideal for families seeking to explore the stunning Caribbean coastline.
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