Cartagena: Guided boat tour to Isla de las Palomas

If you’re visiting Cartagena and looking for a way to see some of its most beautiful and lesser-known coastal sights, a guided boat tour to Isla de las Palomas might just be the perfect choice. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and details available paint a pretty appealing picture—especially for those interested in a relaxed, scenic experience that captures both nature and local highlights.

What really catches our eye are two things: first, the exclusive access to areas other tours don’t reach, meaning you’ll see parts of the coast that remain largely untouched by crowds. Second, the modern, comfortable boat with padded seats and a friendly crew makes for a smooth hour and three-quarters on the water. That said, this tour isn’t for everyone—it’s a boat-only experience, so if you’re prone to seasickness, you might want to consider that beforehand. Overall, it’s a solid option for travelers seeking a laid-back yet informative glimpse into Cartagena’s coastline, especially if you enjoy natural scenery and wildlife.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Only 12 passengers on board, making it a cozy, less crowded trip.
• Expert Commentary: Bilingual guides share insights in both Spanish and English, enriching the experience.
• Stunning Coastal Views: Highlights include coastal batteries, beaches, and the nesting site of Cory’s shearwater.
• Great Value: At just $28 per person, this offers a lot of scenic enjoyment and information for the price.
• Comfort and Convenience: Modern boat with padded seats, restrooms, and a bar for snacks and drinks.
• Environmental Focus: Isla de las Palomas is a protected bird area, adding an eco-conscious element to the trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Setting off from the Dársena de Botes, right beside the iconic whale tail statue at the Port of Cartagena, the tour begins with a gentle cruise along the coast. Before you even reach Isla de las Palomas, you’ll get to see some intriguing sights—like the Military Arsenal, the Navantia Shipyards, and several historic coastal batteries such as the Christmas Fort, Punta de la Podadera, and La Algameca Chica. These spots aren’t just pretty; they’re pieces of Cartagena’s strategic history, and the guides usually share engaging stories about their past.

As the boat glides past La Algameca Grande—where some of the famous Moscow gold was once transported—you’ll appreciate how leisurely and comfortable the ride is. The boat is specifically limited to 12 passengers, which keeps the experience intimate and allows the crew to give personalized attention. You’ll notice how impressively clean and well-maintained the vessel is, as multiple reviews praise the immaculate condition of the boat and the friendly crew.

The coastline itself is a highlight. Expect to see Fatares Beach with its striking reddish and greenish cliffs—an excellent chance for photos—and the unique geology of the rocks, which stand out against the blue sea. The boat navigates smoothly, even in calm seas, and the relaxed pace allows everyone to take in the scenery, ask questions, and simply enjoy the moment. As one reviewer put it, “The sea was calm, not sure if it always is, but that made it a pleasant ride!”

The most distinctive part of the trip is skirting Isla de las Palomas, the only region in Murcia where the endangered Cory’s shearwater nests. This is a highlight for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The guides highlight the ecological importance of the area, emphasizing its status as a Special Protection Area for Birds. This adds an eco-conscious layer to your outing, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise.

Throughout the trip, you’ll hear commentary in both Spanish and English, making it accessible to a broad range of visitors. The guides are knowledgeable and eager to answer questions, adding a personal touch that many reviews praise. For instance, one traveler mentions, “The captain was very relaxed and happy to answer questions, ensuring everyone got to see the sights.”

Additional amenities include a WC and a bar on board, so you can grab a drink or snack during the ride. Food isn’t included in the ticket price, but you can purchase items at the bar—something to keep in mind if you prefer a longer or more indulgent outing.

The Stops and Sights

Each stop along the route offers something unique:

• Port of Cartagena and the Military Arsenal: Establishes a sense of the city’s maritime importance.
• Navantia Shipyards: A modern maritime industry hub that hints at Cartagena’s contemporary role.
• Coastal Batteries such as Christmas Fort and Punta de la Podadera: Provide insight into historical defense strategies with panoramic views.
• La Algameca Chica & La Algameca Grande: These areas open up spectacular views of the coast, with some reviews noting the interesting geology and natural beauty.
• Moscow Gold Transport Route: Adds a touch of intrigue and history.
• Fatares Beach: Famous for its colorful cliffs and interesting rock formations—great for photos.
• Isla de las Palomas: The main event, a protected breeding ground for seabirds and the highlight of the eco-focus.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the friendly guides and captain, who are praised for their knowledge and relaxed attitude. One reviewer from the UK mentioned, “The guide was very knowledgeable and boat was immaculate.” Others note how calm the seas were, making the trip particularly pleasant for those who might worry about seasickness.

Many rave about the value for money—at only $28, it’s considered an affordable way to enjoy Cartagena’s coast without the crowds or hassle of larger tours. Several reviews mention they would happily do it again, and some even wish there was an option for snorkeling or stopping to swim. Unfortunately, food and drinks aren’t included, but they’re available for purchase, adding a bit of convenience.

The small group size makes the trip feel exclusive and personalized, which is a rarity in more commercial tours. This intimacy is often mentioned as a key reason why guests felt comfortable and engaged during the cruise.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, making it a good choice if you’re tight on time or want a quick yet enriching experience. Departure points are straightforward, right at the port next to a recognizable whale tail statue. Transportation to the boarding point isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

The boat is modern and clean, with padded seats and a restroom, providing comfort for the duration. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or people prone to seasickness, as the experience involves being on a boat in open water.

Languages offered are primarily Spanish, with some content shown in its original language. The commentary is bilingual, which broadens accessibility. Cancellation is flexible—up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

This guided boat tour to Isla de las Palomas offers a wonderful way to see Cartagena’s coast from a relaxed, eco-conscious perspective. Its limited group size, knowledgeable guides, and scenic route make it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a taste of natural beauty and local history without the fuss. The price is very reasonable considering the quality and exclusivity of the experience, and many reviews highlight how the trip exceeded expectations.

While it’s not suited for those seeking adventure or physical activities like swimming or snorkeling, it’s ideal for anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic outing with insightful commentary. Perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers, or anyone simply wanting to enjoy Cartagena’s natural coastline with comfort and ease.

In short, if you’re after a tranquil, scenic boat ride that combines wildlife, history, and stunning views, this tour ticks all the boxes—and leaves you with some great photos and stories to tell.

FAQ

Is transportation to the boarding point included?
No, transportation isn’t included, but the meeting point at the Dársena de Botes next to the whale tail statue is easy to locate within the port.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 75 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, the boat is modern, with padded seats and a clean, well-maintained interior, making for a comfortable ride.

Are drinks or snacks included?
Not in the ticket price, but you can purchase food and drinks at the onboard bar.

Can children go on this tour?
While the tour isn’t specifically advertised as family-friendly, it’s generally suitable for most travelers who are comfortable on boats. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or prone to seasickness.

What language is information provided in?
Commentary is in Spanish and English, ensuring most visitors can follow along and learn about the sights.

To sum it up, this Cartagena boat tour to Isla de las Palomas is a practical, scenic, and environmentally conscious way to explore the region’s coast. Its affordability, intimate size, and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary—just keep in mind your own comfort with boat rides and seasickness. Enjoy the views, the wildlife, and the relaxed vibe of this unique seaside excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here: