If you’re dreaming of a full day exploring some of Colombia’s most stunning Caribbean islands, this Múcura and Santa Cruz Islands tour could be just what you’re after. It’s a popular way to see the archipelago, enjoy a delicious local meal, and get a taste of island life—all packed into an 11-hour adventure.
What drew us in are the beautiful beaches and the chance to swim with sharks—yes, shark swimming is part of the experience, which sounds pretty wild. We also appreciate that this trip offers a cultural peek into Santa Cruz’s community and the chance to enjoy fresh seafood and Caribbean dishes on Múcura Island.
A potential downside is the length and timing—you’ll spend a lot of hours traveling, and some reviews mention that the journey can be longer and more tiring than expected. The organization seems to vary, so it’s worth knowing that plans might not run perfectly smoothly.
This tour suits travelers who want a full-day experience, love the idea of island hopping, and don’t mind a bit of a long day on the road and water. If you’re okay with some unpredictability and are eager for authentic island vibes, this could be a worthwhile trip.
Key Points
- Transportation involves both bus and boat rides, with some travelers experiencing longer travel times than expected.
- The tour includes visits to two major islands: Santa Cruz, the most populated, and Múcura, with its stunning beaches.
- You can opt to swim with sharks for an extra fee, which is a highlight for adventure lovers.
- The traditional Caribbean lunch offers a good taste of local flavors, with options for fish or chicken.
- Reviews highlight a mix of positive experiences and concerns about organization and timing.
- The tour provides cultural insights into Santa Cruz’s Afro-descendant fishing community.
Starting the Day: Early Mornings and Transportation
The tour kicks off with hotel pickup from central locations like Bocagrande, El Laguito, or the historic center of Cartagena—convenient but early, with pickups starting around 4:45 am to 5:20 am. This is pretty standard for full-day excursions, but it does mean a very early start, especially if you’re not a morning person.
Once everyone is aboard, you’ll spend around 2 hours on a land bus or van making your way to Tolú. While this part is necessary to reach the boats, several reviewers note that the actual travel time can be longer than the advertised two hours, sometimes stretching to four hours including waiting and traffic. That can be a bit wearing, especially if you’re eager to get to the islands.
Planning more time in Colombia? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The First Stop: Tropical Breakfast and Scenic Views
On arrival in Tolú, most travelers enjoy a Caribbean-style breakfast—a simple but tasty arepa with egg and Colombian coffee. It’s a good way to fuel up for the day ahead, even if it’s a quick snack.
After breakfast, you’ll hop onto a speedboat for about 40 minutes to reach your first island stop—the San Bernardo Archipelago, specifically Santa Cruz del Islote and Isla Múcura. The boat ride itself is often praised for its scenic views, giving you a chance to see the coastline, turquoise waters, and smaller islands along the way.
Santa Cruz del Islote: The Most Populated Island
Your first island stop is Santa Cruz del Islote, claimed to be the most densely populated island in the world. Visiting this place is more about seeing a lively fishing community than sightseeing—it’s a small, vibrant place where local residents have built their homes close together. You’ll have a photo stop and some free time to walk around, get a feel for island life, and learn about how the community lives and sustains itself.
You can choose to swim with sharks here for about $10,000 COP (roughly $2.50 USD). Many find this thrilling and unique, but keep in mind that some visitors feel the experience is rushed, and others are wary of the safety implications. If you prefer, you can skip the shark swim and continue on to Isla Múcura.
Several reviews mention the crowded nature of Santa Cruz, especially during high season. While it’s fascinating to see a community living on a tiny island, the crowded scenes and bustling boats can detract from a peaceful experience.
Isla Múcura: The Jewel of the Day
After about 30 minutes, boats return from Santa Cruz to Múcura Island, which is the main highlight for most visitors. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional Caribbean lunch—either fish or chicken, served with rice, patacones (fried plantains), salad, and juice. The food is generally described as fresh and flavorful, giving you a real taste of local cuisine.
Following lunch, you’re free to relax on the island’s public beach for roughly two hours. The beach is often described as beautiful, with white sand and crystal-clear waters—perfect for a swim or just lounging with a cold drink. The shallow waters make it ideal for a laid-back swim, and the scenery is postcard-worthy.
Some reviews note that the beach can get crowded, especially in peak season, which might limit how secluded or peaceful your experience feels. Still, the natural beauty is undeniable, and it’s a good chance to soak in the Caribbean vibe.
More Great Tours NearbyReturn Journey and Final Thoughts
By around 2:30 pm, the tour begins its return. The boat ride back to Tolú lasts about two hours, and then you’ll hop back on the bus for the roughly two-hour trip to Cartagena. Be prepared for a long day overall, with some travelers mentioning that the trip can feel even longer than expected due to delays or rough seas.
The tour wraps up with drop-offs at the same pickup points, typically late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and other factors.
What You Get and What You Pay
The tour costs $101 per person, which covers transportation, breakfast, boat rides, the guide, and the island visits. The lunch is included, and you have the option to swim with sharks for an additional $10,000 COP (~$2.50 USD).
It’s worth noting that entrance fees to Santa Cruz del Islote cost around $15,000 COP (about $4 USD), which you pay directly, so factor that into your budget.
Some aspects are not included, like chairs on Múcura Island and certain activities, which might mean extra costs if you want to relax comfortably or do more than what’s scheduled.
What Travelers Are Saying
Reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 11 reviews. Several mention beautiful scenery and good value for money, especially the lunch and the boat rides. One traveler from Costa Rica described it as “the best tour I have ever done in my life”, praising the staff’s treatment.
However, some reviewers point out disorganization and longer-than-expected travel times. One reviewer from Brazil said, “the trip takes 4 hours, not 2,” and criticized the guide for lack of information and friendliness. Others felt the timing was off, with less time on the islands than advertised or a rush through Santa Cruz.
The crowded beaches and high number of tourist boats also came up, which might diminish the sense of serenity some travelers seek.
This experience is definitely geared toward adventurous travelers who don’t mind a long day on the road and water, and who are keen to see both cultural and natural highlights of the San Bernardo archipelago. If you love beach time, local culture, and a bit of thrill—like swimming with sharks—it can be quite rewarding.
That said, if you’re looking for a perfectly organized, relaxed day trip, or if timing and peace are big priorities, this might not be your best choice. The mixed reviews about organization and travel time suggest that some days are smoother than others.
cartagena: Mucura and Santa Cruz Islands Tour spectacular
Final Thoughts
For around $100, this tour offers a full immersion into Caribbean island life, combining sightseeing, cultural insights, and beach relaxation. The lunch and guided visits add value, and the opportunity to swim with sharks is a memorable highlight.
However, patience and flexibility are key—be prepared for some long travel hours and potential crowding. If you’re comfortable with these realities and eager to experience the vibrant community of Santa Cruz and the pristine beaches of Múcura, this adventure could be a good fit.
How long does the entire tour last?
The tour officially lasts about 11 hours, but many travelers report it can feel longer due to travel times and delays.
What does the trip include?
It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by bus and boat, breakfast, a guided visit to Santa Cruz del Islote, a traditional lunch, and free time on Múcura Island. You can also opt to swim with sharks for an extra fee.
Are the island visits crowded?
Yes, especially during peak season, with many boats and travelers around. Santa Cruz is very populated, which can feel busy.
Do I need to pay extra for anything?
Yes, entrance to Santa Cruz del Islote costs around $15,000 COP, paid directly. Chairs on Múcura Island are not included and may incur extra costs.
Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly designed for children, the beach and cultural visits are suitable for most ages. The shark swim is optional and may not be suitable for very young kids.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, a towel, and cash for extra expenses like entrance fees or souvenirs. Be prepared for a full day outdoors.
Overall, if you’re looking to experience Colombia’s Caribbean islands with a mix of adventure and cultural insight, this tour can be a rewarding choice—just keep expectations realistic about timing and organization.
You can check availability for your dates here: