Full-Day Tour Baru – National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton

Explore the vibrant coastal beauty of Cartagena, Colombia, on the Full-Day Tour Baru. This exciting adventure takes you on a journey through the National Aviary, where you’ll marvel at diverse bird species. Then, it’s off to the pristine sands of Playa Blanca for a relaxing beach day. But the real highlight? Witnessing the enchanting glow of bioluminescent plankton at night. With convenient inclusions like air-conditioned transport and a lunch voucher, this tour promises a memorable day in one of Colombia’s most captivating destinations. What secrets will this tour unveil?

Key Points

• The tour includes visits to the National Aviary, Playa Blanca, and a bioluminescent plankton experience in Cartagena, Colombia.
• The tour is rated 3.5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews and costs $136.00 for up to 15 travelers.
• Inclusions are air-conditioned transportation, travel insurance, lunch voucher, welcome drink, and a bilingual guide.
• Common issues reported include hotel pickup, vehicle size, beach club cleanliness, and limited lunch menu options.
• The tour is not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with serious medical conditions, or the elderly/disabled due to accessibility concerns.

Tour Overview

Although the Full-Day Tour Baru in Cartagena, Colombia offers a diverse range of activities, including a visit to the National Aviary, Playa Blanca, and a bioluminescent plankton experience, the tour has received a mixed response from travelers, with a rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews.

The full-day tour is priced from $136.00 and can accommodate up to 15 travelers. Inclusions cover an air-conditioned vehicle, travel insurance, a lunch voucher, a welcome drink, and a bilingual guide.

However, some travelers have reported issues with hotel pickup, vehicle size, and beach club accommodations, as well as limited menu options for lunch and concerns about the cleanliness of the facilities.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Full-Day Tour Baru includes a range of amenities and services to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers will enjoy air-conditioned transportation, travel insurance, and a lunch voucher with limited menu options. A welcome drink is provided, and entrance to the National Aviary is included.

The tour also features the bioluminescent plankton activity and a bilingual guide. Onboard WiFi is available, though alcoholic beverages, towels, showers, and Balinese beds come at an additional cost.

The tour starts with pickup from a designated meeting point, and participants are returned to the same location after the day’s activities.

Pickup and Meeting Details

Travelers can be picked up from their hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or the specified meeting point at Monumento Los Pegasos, Cl. 24, El Centro, Cartagena.

The tour starts at 9:30 am, though pickup times may vary due to traffic. After the full-day excursion, you will return to the original meeting point.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. While most travelers can participate, the operator doesn’t recommend the tour for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Health and Safety Considerations

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, but most travelers can participate. However, the company advises caution for elderly or disabled individuals due to the chaotic boarding conditions.

Health Consideration	Details
Wheelchair Accessibility	Not accessible
Infants	Must sit on laps
Pregnant Travelers	Not recommended
Serious Medical Conditions	Not recommended
Elderly/Disabled Travelers	Caution advised due to chaotic boarding
Most Travelers	Can participate

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Mixed reviews have been reported for this Full-Day Tour, according to the 11 reviews available.

While some travelers praised the quality of the water and service at Mambo Beach, others criticized the limited menu options for lunch and the lack of cleanliness at the beach club facilities.

Concerns were also raised about the chaotic boarding conditions, making the tour potentially unsuitable for elderly or disabled individuals.

Plus, issues were reported with hotel pickup, vehicle size, and guidance during the plankton activity.

National Aviary Experience

The National Aviary was a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to observe a diverse array of avian species in their natural habitats.

The guided experience provided an up-close look at the vibrant birds, showcasing their unique behaviors and adaptations.

Travelers were particularly fascinated by:

• The playful antics of the toucans, with their oversized, colorful beaks
• The majestic condors, with their impressive wingspans and dominant presence
• The graceful flamingos, standing tall on their long, slender legs
• The charismatic penguins, waddling and diving with delightful enthusiasm

The National Aviary offered a captivating glimpse into the world of Colombia’s rich birdlife, leaving a lasting impression on the tour participants.

Playa Blanca Beach Visit

After the insightful visit to the National Aviary, the tour transitioned to the beautiful Playa Blanca beach.

Travelers were eager to experience the renowned crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores. While the beach club facilities received some criticism for cleanliness, the quality of the water and service at Mambo Beach were highlighted as positive aspects.

However, some reviewers noted issues with the limited menu options for the provided lunch voucher.

Bioluminescent Plankton Activity

For the final segment of the tour, travelers were taken to a secluded area to witness the mesmerizing display of bioluminescent plankton.

This natural phenomenon is created by single-celled marine organisms that glow when disturbed, producing a captivating blue-green light.

The activity included:

• A guided walk to the designated plankton viewing spot
• Detailed explanations from the bilingual guide about the plankton’s behavior and ecological importance
• Opportunities for travelers to interact with the plankton by gently splashing the water
• Time for personal exploration and photography of the bioluminescent display

While some participants noted a lack of guidance during this portion of the tour, the chance to see the glowing plankton was described as a mesmerizing and memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, travelers are not explicitly permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a lunch voucher and indicates that alcoholic beverages can be purchased at an additional cost.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour provider does not offer the option to extend the tour duration. The full-day tour is fixed at a set length, and there are no add-ons or customizations available to lengthen the experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not advertise any discounts for students or seniors. However, travelers are encouraged to inquire about potential discounts directly with the tour operator, as they may offer special rates for certain groups.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

The tour provider allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary within the overall tour structure. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide and make adjustments to the schedule or activities, subject to availability and feasibility.

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Different Activities?

The recommended attire for the tour activities includes comfortable, lightweight clothing, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen, and swimwear with a cover-up for the beach and plankton activities.

Recap

The Full-Day Tour Baru offers a comprehensive Cartagena experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the city’s natural wonders. From the diverse avian life at the National Aviary to the serene beaches of Playa Blanca and the mesmerizing bioluminescent plankton display, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure. While some reviews mention logistical concerns, the tour’s inclusions and bilingual guide ensure a memorable day exploring Cartagena’s captivating highlights.