Whether you want a relaxing day at the beach, a deeper dive into Colombia’s history or just a chance to see a little more of the area, you’ll find the perfect activity and destination for you in this guide to the best day trips from Cartagena!
Updated January 2024
Although Cartagena is a popular and beautiful city, people who arrive there in search of white sand beaches and Caribbean blue water are often a little surprised and disappointed. For, although there are a few beaches in Cartagena, they aren’t great, they aren’t picture-postcard worthy, and they aren’t what you’ll have been dreaming of when planning your South American adventure.
The great news is that there are some stunning beaches and authentic experiences just a few hours away from Cartagena, which can easily be reached on a day trip tour or independently! And whilst time constraints may mean that travelling around a lot of Colombia during your holiday is not a possibility, that doesn't mean that you have to be confined to the city for the duration of your stay.
From several Caribbean islands to a mud volcano and two unique villages, here are our pick of the best day trips from Cartagena.
San Basilio de Palenque
If your time in Colombia is short, a visit to San Basilio de Palenque - a village just over a one hour drive from Cartagena in the foothills of the Montes de María - is a fantastic way to gain an insight into day-to-day life and the history of the country.
Founded in the 16th century by former African slaves, it was one of the first free towns of the Americas, and is the village from which the famous fruit-selling and vibrantly dressed palanquera ladies of Cartagena have their name.
Now a thriving community of more than 3,500 residents, the traditions, language, and culture of the village remain strong (it was declared a site of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005), and it is renowned as the birthplace of several important musicians in Colombia.
Do it independently | Plaenque is located here on Google Maps, and whilst it’s is possible to get to the village turnoff by bus, but we feel you are best to take a guided visit to learn the important history of the village and the people who fought for their freedom.
Take a tour | This day tour is hosted by a local guide who was born and raised in Palenque. Learn about this important history of the village, the fight for freedom of the residents and the rich culture that exists there today. You’ll also experience Palenque music and dance and enjoy a traditional local meal. The tour includes pick up from your hotel in Cartagena.
Playa Blanca + Isla Baru
The classic Cartagena day trip.
Isla Baru is now connected to Cartagena by road, and many visitors to the city pair exploring its beautiful colonial streets with a morning and afternoon on the narrow white sand beach on this island. Playa Blanca’s water is a gorgeous blue, and though the beach does become very busy with locals and tourists on weekends and in high season, during the week it’s still a decent option if you want to enjoy a fresh fish lunch, sip on a cocktail or cold beer or two, top up the tan and have a dip in the ocean.
Do it independently | You can find instructions on how to reach Playa Blanca with public transport here. If going it alone, then consider leaving your bags back at the hostel in Cartagena and spending a night at one of the basic hostels on the beach so you can enjoy it after the crowds leave.
If you’d prefer to have the transport organised by a third party but explore Playa Blanca / Isla Baru independently, consider a booking a your spot on a shared shuttle or private transport option (like those available on Bookaway or Get Your Guide).
Take a tour | If you're short on time or just prefer someone else to deal with the logistics when there are plenty of tour options available:
For a VIP experience, this tour collects you early in the morning so you can enjoy a full day at the beach. You are picked up from Cartagena and taken to Isla Baru and hosted at Mambo Beach Club where you will be offered sun loungers and lockers, lunch is also included.
If you prefer to visit a few beaches and islands in one day then this boat tour is a great way to combine them. Travel by speedboat from Cartagena and stop at Isla Grande, Islas de Rosario and Isla Cholon, before finishing at Isla Baru. Snorkelling gear is also available for you to snorkel at Isla Grande.
Travel Tip // It took us bloody ages whist in Cartagena to work out that Playa Blanca is on Isla Baru, so they were one and the same! We thought we’d save you the confusion so, for complete clarity, a day trip to Playa Blanca from Cartagena is the same as a day trip to Isla Baru! Also, the beach does attract a lot of people but Colombians hate walking - just walk further on to find a more tranquil section of beach.
The Rosario Islands
If Playa Blanca doesn’t tempt you, then perhaps one of the other islands a little further from Cartagena will (however lots and lots of people also get mixed up and think that Playa Blanca is part of the Rosario Islands - it’s not).
The Rosario Islands archipelago was declared a national park in 1988, and its 28 islands are a mixture of those open to the public, those left to nature, and those owned by wealthy Colombians. However, the two largest islands - Isla Grande and Isla del Rosario - are arrival and jump-off points for tours and independent travellers. As well as being home to a few resorts and hotels, these verdant palm-tree islands in the Caribbean Sea are perfect for snorkelling in the clear blue, a more secluded peaceful beach experience than on Playa Blanca, and a slice of nature.
Isla Grande
Isla Grande is the most frequently visited of the Rosario Islands, and the the most accessible from Cartagena.
Do it independently | Unlike Isla Baru, the only way to reach Isla Grande is by boat.
If you’re going for a day, it’s possible to book a place at various resorts which allow you to take their boat shuttle to/from Cartagena and use the facilities whilst on the island - however this seems to be something that’s more popular with Colombians. Alternatively you can arrange your own transport and pay to use them for the day.
The journey takes about 45-60min with the lancha rapida (speed boat) or an hour and a half with the slow boat. All boats leave from El Muelle La Bodeguita (not far from the Walled City’s clock tower, here on Google Maps), and your best bet is to arrive for a departure between 8 - 9 am. A one-way ticket from Cartagena to Isla Grande costs 50,000 COP + 18,500 COP for port fees. Make sure you tell them where you’re going on the islands so you get dropped off at the right point, and note that the last public boat leaves at 10 am.
There’s no discount for return journeys, so feel free to pick an alternative company to the one you head out with, that’s at the best time for you (although be aware that most head back in the mid-afternoon, and you’ll need to be on time as it’s not uncommon for boats to leave without people who have paid).
There will be many people at the Muelle trying to sell packages etc, or to offer you the boat ticket - whilst we’d normally recommend independent travellers avoid them, for day trippers having your return transport may be preferable.
If you have a longer trip in Colombia, then spending a few nights on Isla Grande allows you to visit hit the trails, visit harder to reach beaches and explore more of the island.
Hotel Islabela is a great option with beachside bungalows offering a quiet and idyllic for an escape from Cartagena, even if just for a night! Other hotel options to consider are Hotel Coralina Island and Rosario Eco Hotel.
Backpackers should make a beeline to the highly-rated Secreto Hostel.
Take a tour | Day tours involve a 45-minute morning boat ride to the Isla Grande from Cartagena before a return at 4 pm. Note that most tour prices do not include the 18,500 COP port fee. This full-day Rosario Islands Catamaran experience is a popular option.
Alternatively you can visit a few beaches and islands with this boat tour is a great way to see Isla Grande, Islas de Rosario, Isla Cholon and finish at Isla Baru. Snorkelling gear is also available for you if you wish to snorkel.
Isla Choron
Looking for the ultimate party experience? Then a day trip to Isla Choron - which has, in recent years, become known as ‘rumba island’ - should definitely be on your Cartagena itinerary.
The crystal clear waters and beachside cabanas are packed with tourists during the day as speedboats dock on the shores for celebrations, swimming and Caribbean music and dancing. Understandably, the weekends tend to be much busier so if you are looking for a daytime start before hitting the nightlife of Cartagena then this is the place to be.
It not really our cup fo tea any more, but for enthusiastic revellers it may prove to be perfect.
Do it independently | Unless you rent a private boat from the dockside in Cartagena you cannot reach these islands on your own. The better option is to join a group tour and join the party spirit as a larger group.
Take a tour | There are a few options and you can find groups to join from the docks in Cartagena. A better option is to organise one in advance so you don´t have to haggle on the day.
This popular full day tour provides lunch and two beers, and you are welcome to bring your own extra drinks and food.
If you prefer not to concern yourself with the logistics of food and drinks however, this highly-rated tour has an open bar and serves a huge fish lunch to help soak up the rum. It isn´t the most budget-friendly but is a great option if you plan to get your money's worth…
La Boquilla
Much like San Basilio Palenque that we mentioned earlier, the village of La Boquilla (known for its network of beautiful mangrove forests) was founded by free slaves, and despite being relatively close to Cartagena still retains a unique cultural identity with strong Afro-Caribbean influences - something that is visible in the styles of dress, food, music and language.
Since its creation, the residents of La Boquilla have relied heavily upon fishing for sustenance, and this is a practice that remains an integral part of the lives of the rural communities that reside here. For visitors with an interest in angling this makes the village a unique place to try for a catch (you can try for everything from sea bass to sea bream, mullet, and shrimp in the two lagoons), but for all tourists, a few hours in La Boquilla provides a unique insight into the day to day lives of a fishing village that retains much of its culture.
Additionally, those with a passion for nature will find a kayak trip along the village’s mangrove swamps fascinating.
Note that the general area of La Boquilla has had increased levels of development over the last few years and the with a number of hotels opening up, particularly at the southern end and focussed around Playa Azul. However, once you reach La Boquilla proper, the roads become two-lane, the buildings one-storey and a the vibe much more relaxed; Play La Boquilla still remain relatively untouched and significantly cleaner than others similarly close to Cartagena.
Do it independently | The small fishing village is only 20 minutes away from Cartagena by taxi (expect to pay between $10,000 - $15,000 COP) and is easy to reach independently. There is apparently a bus, but we’re unable to confirm departure point or price - if you know, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!
It is important to note however that whilst it’s straightforward enough to reach La Boquilla, by visiting independently you may well miss the interactions with locals that make a stop here so interesting. There is a deep history here and the ecological importance of the mangroves is better understood from someone who lives and breathes it.
Take a tour | The tours majority of tours to La Boquilla are quite similar in price and what’s offered, but whichever you opt for make sure you book one that is hosted by a local who understands the area intrinsically.
This tour will pick you up from your hotel, whilst this one which arranges a central pick up point in Cartagena. Both tours take you on a canoe through the mangroves with your guide explaining the heritage of the area and the importance of the fishing practices that exist here, then after cruising through the lush swamps you are treated to an afro-caribbean lunch by the beach. Both are half-day duration.
El Totumo Mud Volcano
Located an hour north of Cartagena, El Totumo isn’t quite the typical South American volcano. Indeed, instead of fiery lava, this 15m tall conical mound (officially the smallest volcano in Colombia) is filled with something quite different - dense, slippery skin temperature mud that’s said to have all sorts of healing and therapeutic properties.
If you’re a fan of Suits, then you have to do this. After all, this day trip offers you the chance to “go mudding in Cartagena” just like Louis Litt!
It’s definitely not the most culturally-enriching experience on this list, but it sure is a popular, especially amongst backpackers who flock here in their masses, flip flop about in the mud inside the volcano and emerge looking like swamp monsters.
Travel Tip // Bring swimming stuff, a change of clothes, towel, and a bit of extra money in small notes - there are locals from the nearby community who make money from providing massages to tourists in the mud, taking your photo from the top of the volcano and washing you down in the nearby lake once you’re done. Expect to pay round $2 / 5,000 COP to each person, for each service. Leave the rest of your valuables back at the hostel (although there are lockers).
Do it independently | Whilst the Totumo Mud Volcano is much frequently visited with a tour, it is possible to reach it independently with a taxi. Expect to pay around $70 USD for the round-trip fare plus waiting time (sounds a lot but not too bad if you’re travelling with friends or you can put a group together). You’ll also need to cover the $5 / 20,000 COP entry fee.
Take a tour | You’ll find this tour everywhere in Cartagena, with the best value options being offered by hostels. However, if you’d prefer to book it in advance, this half-day tour is super popular and has excellent reviews.
There’s also this even more popular option on Viator, but whilst it has a stop at Manzanillo Beach, is quite a bit more expensive.
Alternatively, it’s worth noting that tour companies often combine Volcan Totumo with with nearby Galerazamba, also known as the pink sea of Cartagena (its colour due to the nearby salt flats). The scenery is stunning so if you have the time for a full day trip it’s well worth adding to your itinerary. Again, these tours are easily available from agencies in Cartagena, but this option can be booked online.
Note that it’s not recommended to visit during the wet months of March-April and October-November as the pink colour often disappears in the rain.
Tierra Bomba
One final island to visit on a day trip from Cartagena is Tierra Bomba. Formerly a key strategic defence point for the Spanish, it still retains several old forts and structures which were once used ward off pirates and other colonial invaders.
Now home to under 10,000 people, Tierra Bomba’s sandy white beach (Punta Arena) and local seafood lunches served in the sunshine are more inviting than those you see just across the water in the Bocagrande city beach, with the stretches of sand tending to be more peaceful, less party-based based and as a result much more picturesque.
However, it’s important to note that its close proximity to the city means you don't get the crystal clear turquoise waters you find at other islands but it is still nice nonetheless.
Do it independently | It is also really easy to reach the island by boat, simply hop on a water taxi from Bocagrande port. The journey time is just 10 minutes, and you can expect to pay between 20,000 and 25,000 round trip depending upon the number of passengers (some captains don’t like to set off until they have at least five people on board). The first boats leave at 9.30 am, and the final boat returns at 5.30pm.
It’s also possible to arrange return transport with a beach club on Tierra Bomba, but we have no information on whether this is cost-effective.
Take a tour | If you’d prefer to have all logistics sorted for you, consider joining this popular full-day tour instead. You’ll begin with a small walking tour of San Fernando Fort (which was used to defend against pirates and invaders during the colonial era) and then spend the afternoon at Morena Beach Club, with access to all the facilities and lunch included.
What About Tayrona?
The beaches of Tayrona National Park are famous for good reason, and have become the poster child for Colombia. Although we don’t think a day trip from Cartagena or even Santa Marta is the best way to experience them, we know that some of you may be keen to try and squeeze in a visit during your time in Colombia.
Do it independently | From Cartagena, it’s not possible or advisable to visit Tayrona on an independent day trip. If you’d like to know more about alternative options and how to reach Tayrona with public transport, read this guide.
Take a tour | This full-day Tayrona tour from Cartagena includes a very early morning departure but will bring you to the highlights of the national park.
