Cartagena: 5 ISLANDS by speedboat with SNORKELING & LUNCH

Cartagena: 5 ISLANDS by speedboat with SNORKELING & LUNCH – Honest Review

If you’re thinking about booking a day trip around Cartagena’s stunning islands, you’ve probably come across this tour. It promises a fun-filled 7 hours exploring five beautiful islands, complete with snorkeling, a Caribbean lunch, and visits to some unique spots like a submerged Pablo Escobar plane. As someone who’s looked into a lot of Caribbean excursions, I can tell you this one offers a lot on paper — but as with most tours, the real experience can vary.

What we really like about this experience is the chance to see multiple islands in a single day—from the Rosario Islands to Cholón, and Playa Tranquila. Plus, the promise of snorkeling and enjoying fresh seafood sounds like a pretty good combo for a tropical day out. It’s also nice that they include photographs and a guide, which can really help make the day memorable.

However, a key consideration is that some reviews mention the tour being crowded and loud, which might not be ideal if you’re seeking a tranquil escape. Plus, the overall value seems a bit mixed—especially considering the tour’s marketing as “VIP” when some found it more on the standard side. Still, if you’re looking for a full-day adventure with varied stops and lively energy, this could work well.

This tour suits travelers who want to see a lot in one go and don’t mind a busy, energetic atmosphere. If you’re after complete peace or a luxurious, quiet experience, you might want to explore other options. But for those who want a lively, diverse day on the water with plenty of sights, keep reading for a detailed look.

Key Points

• Multiple island stops mean you get to see Rosario Islands, Cholón, Playa Tranquila, and more.
• Snorkeling and underwater sights, including a submerged plane connected to Pablo Escobar, add a unique twist.
• Lively atmosphere with loud music and energetic crowds is common, which could be a pro or con depending on your vibe.
• Food and drinks like Caribbean lunch and shrimp cocktails are included, offering good value for the price.
• The boat rides are fast and scenic, but may be bumpy and wet—be prepared.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or older adults who might find fast boat rides challenging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour packs in a lot, so let’s break down what you’ll experience—step by step.

The Starting Point and Transportation

Pickup options are offered from El Laguito, Bocagrande, and the city center, making it convenient if you’re based in Cartagena. After a quick 20-minute bus ride, you’ll head to the boat, which is described as a luxury sports boat. Keep in mind, “luxury” might be a stretch for some; reviews mention it’s comfortable but not necessarily a high-end vessel.

Once onboard, you’ll enjoy a scenic 45-minute cruise across the waters, giving you a glimpse of Bocachica and the surrounding coast. The boat’s speed is generally fast, so expect some bumps depending on sea conditions. This part is quite fun if you’re into quick rides, but if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calm waters, take precautions.

Bocachica and Rosario Islands

Your first stop is Bocachica, where you’ll get a chance to enjoy the views and take some photos. The highlight here is the Rosario Islands, renowned for their coral reefs. This is where snorkeling comes into play—you might find vibrant underwater scenes, though weather conditions can impact visibility, as one reviewer noted about muddy waters due to rain.

During your time here, you’ll likely have the chance to take photos and relax on the beach. You’ll have some free time to explore or just lounge, and perhaps swim if the water’s inviting. From reviews, we know that some found the beaches better in other places like Spain, but they still offer the classic Caribbean vibe.

Visiting the Pablo Escobar Plane

A fun, quirky stop is the submerged plane linked to Pablo Escobar. It’s a unique piece of local lore—an element that adds a bit of intrigue and history to your trip. While not a traditional highlight, it’s definitely a memorable photo op.

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Cholón: The Party Island

Next, you’ll arrive at Cholón, known for its lively scene. You’ll get about an hour here to explore, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Expect live music, drinks, and lots of socializing. Some reviews mention this part feeling quite crowded, but that’s part of Cholón’s charm for those looking for a lively party.

Baru Agua Azul and Playa Tranquila

You’ll then visit Baru Agua Azul, where you can swim and relax. The review suggests about 45 minutes here—enough to cool off and enjoy the scenery. Plus, you’ll head to Playa Tranquila, the longest stop, with around three hours to enjoy the beaches, take more photos, or just unwind. This is a good chance to soak in the natural beauty and maybe grab some snacks or drinks from the facilities.

Lunch and Final Relaxation

Included is a Caribbean-style lunch, described as delicious and an essential part of the day. However, some travelers note the lunch gets served quite late—around 2:30 pm—so if you’re hungry earlier, bringing some snacks might be wise.

Return Journey

After the final stop, you’ll take another 45-minute boat ride back to Cartagena, passing scenic views along the way. The tour wraps up at Muelle de los Pegasos, a central location in Cartagena, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to your accommodation.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $96 per person, this tour provides a comprehensive day out, including transport, snorkeling, food, and guide services. The value depends on expectations: if you’re after a lively, activity-packed day with multiple stops, it offers a lot. But some reviews point out that despite the marketing as a VIP experience, it’s more standard—so manage expectations accordingly.

Considering the included food, drinks, and picturesque stops, you’re paying for a full-day adventure rather than a luxury experience. The quick boat rides and crowded scenes might not appeal if you prefer tranquility, but if you’re looking for a lively, social trip with plenty of sights, this is a solid choice.

What the Reviews Say

From the four reviews, a common theme is that the tour is quite crowded and loud. One traveler from the US mentioned, “The music was very loud, not what we wanted even though we paid a lot for the excursion. We were looking for peace and quiet.” This suggests that if you prioritize serenity, this might not be your best fit.

Another reviewer from Brazil noted, “The tour is sold as a VIP experience and it is not! I do not recommend if you are looking for something more exclusive.” They did acknowledge that the tour delivered what was promised, but it’s definitely not a luxury experience.

Conversely, Alexandra from the Dominican Republic said, “It was a nice tour, but quite crowded. Lunch was only served at 2:30 p.m., so we didn’t need lunch because we had bought something for ourselves.” This highlights the importance of bringing snacks if you’re hungry before the scheduled meal.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring water, sunscreen, and hats—expect to be outdoors in the sun and on the water.
• Prepare for some getting wet—the boat rides are fast and may be bumpy.
• Manage expectations about crowd levels—this tour can get busy with lively groups.
• Timing your meals—if you’re hungry early, pack snacks as lunch can be late.
• Consider your comfort with speedboats—if you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions.
• Cash is handy—for extra drinks or souvenirs.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you love a lively day full of diverse sights and are comfortable with fast boat rides and crowded scenes. It’s perfect for those wanting to see multiple islands, snorkel, and enjoy some good food in a social atmosphere. If peace, quiet, and luxury are your priorities, you might want to look elsewhere.

Travelers interested in a full, energetic day with plenty of photo opportunities, underwater adventures, and local flavor will find this tour offers a lot of what they’re after. Just keep in mind that the vibe can be loud and busy, so if that’s not your scene, consider other options.

FAQs

Is the boat ride safe and comfortable?
Yes, the boat is described as a luxury sports boat, though reviews mention it’s not ultra-luxury. The boat ride is fast and scenic, but it can be bumpy depending on sea conditions. Always listen to the crew’s instructions and be prepared for quick rides.

How long do stops at each island last?
Stops vary, but in general, you’ll get around an hour at Cholón, 45 minutes at Baru Agua Azul, and about three hours at Playa Tranquila. The Rosario Islands stop is also significant for snorkeling and sightseeing.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation via sports boat, snorkeling, a Caribbean lunch, a shrimp cocktail, photographs, a guide, and visits to several islands. Extras like aquarium entrance and drinks are optional at additional costs.

Can I bring my own snacks or drinks?
Yes, especially since some reviews mention the late serving of lunch. Bringing snacks or drinks can help if you get hungry or want to avoid waiting.

Is this tour family-friendly?
The activity involves fast boat rides and outdoor exploration, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women or older adults who might find the speedboat uncomfortable or challenging.

What should I pack for the day?
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), swimwear, towels, cash, and perhaps a light jacket or rain gear just in case. Waterproof bags for electronics are also recommended.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively, multi-stop adventure that highlights the beauty of Cartagena’s islands, with the convenience of snorkeling, fresh seafood, and vibrant scenery. It’s best suited for travelers ready for a busy, energetic day, who enjoy social atmospheres and don’t mind the crowds. If you’re seeking tranquility or a high-end experience, you might want to explore other options. Nonetheless, for a full-on Caribbean island experience packed into one day, it’s worth considering—just set your expectations accordingly.

Happy exploring!

You can check availability for your dates here: