5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton in Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia

5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton

Outty Ranking 50 3.1 · 9 traveler reviews11.5 hoursFrom $139
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Outty Ranking

50/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.1/5

Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton worth booking?

5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton is a 11.5-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $139 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.1/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
50 / 100
Rating
3.1/5 (9)
Duration
11.5 hours
From
$139 per person

Enjoy the varied attractions that Cartagena's islands have to offer From historical sights to a bioluminescent. Passing around the island of Bocachica, an impressive site where the first fortification of the city was built. Make a stop at Isla Grande, famous for the mansion built by Pablo Escobar, as well as the remains of one of his private planes. Leave this place behind and start snorkeling in the natural swimming pool of San Martin de Pajarales. Then relax on Cholon Island with a typical Caribbean lunch, as well as music from boats and yachts. After the break, you will head to Agua Azul Island, where the crystal-clear waters will welcome you to enjoy an unforgettable landscape. Just as it begins to get dark, you will head to a beach to witness the light show emitted by the plankton. Marvel at their bioluminescent effect before returning to the shuttle bus that will take you back to your accommodation, if they took you at the pick up area, if not they leave you at the meeting point

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy the varied attractions that Cartagena's islands have to offer From historical sights to a bioluminescent. Passing around the island of Bocachica, an impressive site where the first fortification of the city was built. Make a stop at Isla Grande, famous for the mansion built by Pablo Escobar, as well as the remains of one of his private planes. Leave this place behind and start snorkeling in the natural swimming pool of San Martin de Pajarales. Then relax on Cholon Island with a typical Caribbean lunch, as well as music from boats and yachts. After the break, you will head to Agua Azul Island, where the crystal-clear waters will welcome you to enjoy an unforgettable landscape. Just as it begins to get dark, you will head to a beach to witness the light show emitted by the plankton. Marvel at their bioluminescent effect before returning to the shuttle bus that will take you back to your accommodation, if they took you at the pick up area, if not they leave you at the meeting point

    What's included

    Included

    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Use of snorkeling equipment
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Cartagena

    Two big Pegasus monument across the street from the public clock

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Two big Pegasus monument across the street from the public clock

    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
    Cartagena Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton in Cartagena, photo 25 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton in Cartagena, photo 35 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton in Cartagena, photo 45 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton in Cartagena, photo 55 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton in Cartagena, photo 65 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton in Cartagena, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    5 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Pace and timing

    4 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    9 verified traveler reviews for 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    23wojciechd · September 2025

    Absolutely terrible - only serves the purpose of getting as much money during the trip from you as possible

    I've booked the trip for me and my family during a visit in Cartagena in August 2025. We were said it would be a relaxing VIP boat trip to 5 islands with food included, open bar and snorkeling... well, turned out it was 2 islands and a peninsula to begin with. No open bar whatsoverer, not even water to drink was offered. The boat was OK, but took so many people we could hardly sit together. We were made to take our flip-flops off when entering and walk onto the boat barefoot "for security reasons"... like all other people on the boat... yuck! Stops on islands were simply to get as much money out of you as possible - prices about 2-3 time those in Cartagena plus everyone aggressively demanding "propina" (tips). If the propina is below the expectations brace yourself for a quite rude treatment. Or additional 15-20% if you pay by card as "additional fee by the bank". The advertised food included turned out to be one rather small course (meat + rice with beans) served completely cold about 3 PM (trip started at 7:30 AM). When entering the "restaurant" where the meal was served everyone was made to step (again barefoot) into a small plastic container with ocean water to get sand off their feet (yuck! some of the trip participants had clear signs of nail fungus!) while inside there were dogs walking freely (quite pleasant dogs actually to be honest) relieving themselves all over the place (Yes! Both number 1 AND number 2!!!!) on the artificial grass carpet! The wait for the plankton trip was nearly 5 hours of completely zero activity. And the plankton trip boat... Filled with people so that the boat was barely not sinking. My family decided not to go for the fear of safety. There were no lights on the boat (trip was after dark) and the engine failed on the way back - we had to wait drifting until the fault was fixed. In the meantime there were a couple of motorboats passing us by in full speed noticing us at the very last moment (those boats had no lights etc. either). The road back to the hotel on a dirty bus was not very comfortable either and the bus had to stop to refuel (even though it was already an hour late) because no one made the effort to think about refuelling it in advance *sigh*. And - as you might have guessed already - no complaints accepted, no refunds, basically "go and love yourself, you already paid and what can you do?". Everything was completely unorganised, chaotic, careless and absolutely not as it was advertised. Never, never ever again!!! Should have been such a nice time but it was not. Felt more like prison than relaxing trip.

    Response from the operator: They did not like that bought products at the island for a high price and we told them to be careful with that. I we told them not use credit card to buy alcohol at the island because the charge like 20% rate. That was not the restaurant that we offer for lunch.

    via Tripadvisor

    raquelrezza · March 2025

    Tour 5 islands with plancton.

    Boat crowded, the assistance of the guide ok, but in Baru, initially stole the slippers of a friend, harassment to sell, we said it is not even without consent began to massage and exploited us in what they could! On the plankton walk, small boat, super crowded, I felt so insecure that I didn't have the courage to get out of the boat. A bus crowded at high speed on the turn, we arrived at 22:00 exhausted. Do not recommend!

    Response from the operator: Nunca hemos tenido problema con nuestros guias. No se porque deja ese falso comentario. Creo que perdieron las chancletas y culparon a los guias

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Yvette_K · January 2025

    Long day but fun

    It was a very long day and we opted not to stay for the bio-lagoon. We’re very much enjoyed the day trip especially driving to see the sunk plane. Two of the afternoon islands didn’t have much to offer our family one was only to buy cocktails. Overall a good but exhausting day trip

    Response from the operator: Un placer atenderlos, gracias por su comentario

    via Viator

    lisakE5395WP · November 2024

    It was supposed to be a snorkelling tour, but alas

    If you don’t have any plans to snorkel then this trip is for you. The ‘snorkelling’ on offer comprised of a rushed dip to see Pablo Escobar’s crashed plane and some random and unexplained stop where we later learned there was coral to see. If you’d like a booze cruise then this could be up your alley, but make sure you bring plenty of cash. Each stop was an opportunity to sell alcohol with the recommended cocktail of the Pablo Escobar of 150,000 pasos - the picture shows a corona in pineapple - so unless you’d like the rough end of one, avoid this drink. Each stop involved playing the biggest game of dodge the hawker where no is not accepted and the pressure to buy all and sundry items including massages continued unabated. The tour organiser outsourced the trip to a third party (or maybe fourth) so we think we got on the wrong boat. We also bowed out of the plankton as it would mean arriving back at 10pm. Additionally, getting on and off the boat should qualify as an Olympic Sport given the degree of difficulty. The ‘provides shade’ description in the tour could only be met if you became a personal friend of the driver. All over a disappointing experience especially when it was sold as a snorkel trip.

    Response from the operator: Was a pleasure to serve you

    via Tripadvisor

    travelingcarol777 · November 2024

    Amazing but be careful

    The experience overall is really fun. They pick you up and drop you off at the hotel. They keep you on the go all day until late at night ( if you stay for the planton water (organisms that light up when touched) our guide Cesar was very fun and knowledgeable. I gave them a 4 for safety. The boat was too small for as many people they allocated in it. No life jackets either. Ps: bring Colombian cash because the island people push their sales and are very pushy.,, nothing is free so do not fall for it and ask price before hand. There are no ATM at the islands.

    Response from the operator: plasure to served you,

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    11.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 50

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)38
    Review evidence (18% weight)34
    Booking momentum (14% weight)24
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.

    How much does 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton cost?

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    Prices start at $139 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 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton take?

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    Plan for about 11.5 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 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.1/5 across 9 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 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton?

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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 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton?

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    Around 3 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 11.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton 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 Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena, Cartagena Antigua & Barrio Getsemani group with audio system, Cartagena VIP Boat Tour: Rosario Islands & Snorkel. 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.

    What is included in 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton?

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    Included: Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; Use of snorkeling equipment; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Cartagena. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about 5 islands tour with Lunch Snorkeling and Plankton?

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    Across 9 reviews averaging 3.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

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