4 islands
Traveler rating
3.4/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 4 islands worth booking?
4 islands is a 9-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $60 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.4/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 3.4/5 (13)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $60 per person
Transportation by air-conditioned bus to Barú with tasting of typical fried foods. Boat transportation to the 4 ISLANDS and Orientation Guide. In the ROSARIO ISLANDS they can do SNORKELING and in the CHOLÒN ISLAND they h
What you get
- Lunch
- use of a swimming layup
- Hotel pickup within the specified area
- Roundtrip transportation by bus or vans
About this experience
Transportation by air-conditioned bus to Barú with tasting of typical fried foods. Boat transportation to the 4 ISLANDS and Orientation Guide. In the ROSARIO ISLANDS they can do SNORKELING and in the CHOLÒN ISLAND they have 1 hour of beach bath with seafood tasting and Chair. In ISLA AGUA AZUL they have 1 hour of beach bath with Tasting of Fruits and Chairs and PLAYA TRANQUILA BARÙ With three options (chicken, fish or vegetarian + drink) and chairs.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- use of a swimming layup
- Hotel pickup within the specified area
- Roundtrip transportation by bus or vans
Not included
- personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Playa Blanca
Quiet beach will be the last place we will visit, there they will have lunch and will have chairs and tables included
60 minutes here · Admission included
Islas de Rosario
We will be approximately one hour in Rosario islands where we will do the snorkeling activity.
60 minutes here
Isla Baru
We will make a one-hour stop in cholon, where they will have chairs at their disposal and a seafood tasting will be offered.
60 minutes here
You will have an hour of beach bathing in blue water with chairs included and a fruit tasting
60 minutes here · Admission included
In cholon they will have 1 hour of beach bathing with ceviche tasting
60 minutes here
Playa Tranquila Baru
On a quiet beach they will have time to swim and have lunch with the use of facilities, such as chairs and a bathroom
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cartagena
in the middle arch of the clock tower
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
in the middle arch of the clock tower
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Que hay pa' hacer en cartagena
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for 4 islands. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Scam company !!!
SCAM!!! We got there on time and no one showed up! Called Viator and they called the operator and on one answered! Total waste of our time! Pass on this tour company! Pay a little more for a reliable company!! @Viator drop this POS company- do better at vetting!
via Viator
Misleading advertising!
They sent us a very formal message indicating the time when they would pass us; however, on the day of the tour they only honked the bus so that we would get on, without anyone coming near to look for us. Then we went to pick up other tourists and the guide, John, told his companions to let the others know that we were already on our way, as he would not come down for anyone. Arriving on the island, the organization was very poor: we waited around 30 minutes to be told which boat to take. In the tour description they point out that it is suitable for people of a wide age range, but this is not true, as getting on and off the boat is complicated. On the first island we were only given 10 minutes to get off, see the plane and get back on. Then we visited a second island, where again we were only granted 10 minutes. On the third island we were given 30 minutes, which allowed us to enjoy better, and on the fourth island we also had 30 minutes. During the return, the driving of the boat left much to be desired. Although the arrival to the islands was quiet, the return was uncomfortable and the attention of the boatmen was not adequate. Even when descending, they did not even place the ladder correctly to do so safely. In addition, we were told that there would be no toilets available until we reached the island. The return to the hotel was also abysmal: we were put on a bus and, halfway through, stopped without explanation until other people arrived to board. Finally, they left us over the avenues, arguing that they could not deviate. Overall, this tour leaves much to be desired
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Snorkeling without snorkels
The good: Excellent destination and it’s worth a visit The ok: The 1-1.5h drive in the bus is not great and no one speaks English and they let a couple of vendors solicit The bad: The guide didn’t really speak English but was trying his best to get by. The ugly: 1. They probably forgot about us on the bus on the way back and we ended up riding for an extra hour while they traveled all the way to the airport and beyond before dropping us off near the old city. 2. SNORKELING ACTIVITY HAD NO SNORKELS. They provided masks, but no snorkels or anything else. Extra: this is not an eco friendly reef tour, but no one else is. It’s a systematic issue
via Viator
Four islands tour
It was so awesome it was a wonderful experience and Carlos was the best tour guy. The coolest part of the tour is seeing Escobar‘s playing underwater
Response from the operator: Thank you for booking your experience with us
via Viator
Good trip
Good trip. Too many stops though. Food at stops were good. Fried fish at playa tranquil is excellent. . Tour guides were great!
Response from the operator: Thank you for booking your experience with us, your comment is important to us.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $60 to $70
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
4 islands: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does 4 islands cost?
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Prices start at $60 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cartagena usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 4 islands take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cartagena is not rushed.
Is 4 islands worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.4/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cartagena, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 4 islands?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 4 islands suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 4 islands?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cartagena can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cartagena and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 4 islands start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cartagena within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cartagena?
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On Outty we rank every Cartagena experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cartagena Street Food Tour: 10 Local Tastings in the Walled City, Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena, Cartagena Cooking Class with Local Chef (Small Group Experience). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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