
Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton
Traveler rating
3.3/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton worth booking?
Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton is a 13-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $100 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 3.3/5 (17)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $100 per person
Enjoy an unforgettable FULL DAY on the Island of Barú, with its Playa Blanca and the National Aviary plus bioluminescent plankton. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the wonders of Colombia's wildlife and nature. During your visit to the National Aviary, you will have the opportunity to see many colorful parrots, peacocks, flamingos, and other species that live in their natural habitat. Afterwards, you will head to Playa de Blanca to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. We will watch the beautiful sunset and then we will go to the bioluminescent plankton. This excursion is ideal for those who want to get to know the fauna and nature of Colombia without having to travel too far from Cartagena. So don't wait any longer, reserve your place today! - Plankton performs a very important task in fixing or capturing CO2 found in the atmosphere and exporting it to deeper ocean waters or to the seabed.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy an unforgettable FULL DAY on the Island of Barú, with its Playa Blanca and the National Aviary plus bioluminescent plankton. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the wonders of Colombia's wildlife and nature. During your visit to the National Aviary, you will have the opportunity to see many colorful parrots, peacocks, flamingos, and other species that live in their natural habitat. Afterwards, you will head to Playa de Blanca to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. We will watch the beautiful sunset and then we will go to the bioluminescent plankton. This excursion is ideal for those who want to get to know the fauna and nature of Colombia without having to travel too far from Cartagena. So don't wait any longer, reserve your place today! - Plankton performs a very important task in fixing or capturing CO2 found in the atmosphere and exporting it to deeper ocean waters or to the seabed.
What's included
Included
- Travel insurance
- Bilingual guide
- plankton activity
- Entrance to the national aviary
- Welcome drink
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- bioluminescent plankton activity
- Lunch voucher of 30,000 pesos for use a la carte
Not included
- On-board WiFi
- Alcoholic beverages
- Towels
- access to showers. *Additional cost
- Balinese beds
What you'll see and do
Cartagena
-We start with the pick up at your hotel, hostel, accommodation or whatever your location is. between 6:00 am and 7:30 am in an air-conditioned transport We will pick up other travelers as well. You must be patient because traffic is sometime a problem. We will enjoy a panoramic tour of approximately 45 minutes through the beautiful city of Cartagena until we reach the Barú Peninsula.
45 minutes here
Isla Baru
-We will pass through the Baru bridge without stopping where we will find the Corles del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park. The Barú Peninsula (sometimes called Isla de Barú or simply Barú), is separated from the territory by the Canal del Dique. Until 2014 the only way to cross it was by raft, or its variants. It was in that year when the so-called Baru Bridge was inaugurated. (Barú is an artificial island that was formed almost 100 years ago by the construction of the Canal del Dique. The three towns on the island are Ararca, Santa Ana and Barú).
Pass by without stopping
Playa Tranquila Baru
-Playa Blanca Famous for its white beaches and turquoise waters. It is the only public beach in the Corales del Rosario National Natural Park. Once in Baru, we will walk for about 5 minutes until we reach the CLUB MAMBO BEACH next to the beach, where you can spend time in a lounger or on Balinese beds, you can explore the beautiful crystal clear waters. Lunch is a bonus of $25,000 that you must redeem for the options we have on our menu. You can use huts, sun loungers, the bathroom and the social areas at no additional cost.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Aviario Nacional de Colombia
We will visit the National Aviary where they will learn about the biology and behavior of some bird species, as well as the importance of the preservation and conservation of Colombian avifauna and nature. We will attend the presentation at 11:30 am where you can enjoy three ecosystem environments and 22 exhibits divided into large immersion aviaries, radial aviaries, estuaries and lakes. There are different landscapes, vegetation and aquatic environments, which allow you to appreciate a great diversity of bird species.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Playa Tranquila Baru
At Club Mambo Beach, we will have lunch. It is a bonus of $30,000 that you must redeem for the options we have on our menu. You can use huts, sun loungers, the bathroom and the social areas at no additional cost.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Isla Baru
On the white beach you will wait for nightfall, we will take you in the company of native islanders in a boat to see Plankton is a group of organisms that float and drift in suspension in fresh or salt water. when shaken, they produce a brilliant light like a star or diamond. Plankton performs a very important task in fixing or capturing CO2 found in the atmosphere and exporting it to deeper ocean waters or to the seabed. Plankton is also responsible for the production of more than half of all the oxygen on our planet. At the trophic level it is the beginning of the food chain.
70 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cartagena
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Nexxt Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Birds yes, Baru no
The Bird aviary is worth it but Baru beach is so crowded its impossible to move. Jets lis and boats are so close to people in the water its dangerous. They charge you for everything wouldn’t recommend that part.
via Tripadvisor
The boat ride was dangerous.
The poultry farm was very good, but the organization of the rest was somewhat chaotic. The boat ride to see the plankton turned out to be very dangerous due to the overcrowding of passengers (26 visitors and 2 guides) and the excessive speed; people were terrified.
Response from the operator: buenas tardes espero este bien tendremos en cuenta su comentario para seguir trabajando en nuestros servicios
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A magical experience
It was a magical experience. Waiting for the sunset, swimming in the lake among the bioluminescent plankton was beautiful. For the aviary it is recommended to use repellent, even if I do not need it, but better to be prepared. It's a long day but it's totally worth it.
Response from the operator: agradecemos su comentario trabajamos duro dia a dia por brindar lindas experiencias en la ciudad espero tenga lindo dia
via Viator (translated)
Playa Blanco is fairly disgusting
The bus trip to the Aviary took over 2.5 hours since ‘the road is under construction’. Horrible trip on bad road. The Aviary was great and nicely designed. Unfortunately since we got there an hour and half late, we were rushed. We all recommend visiting the Aviary!! The drive from the Aviary to Playa Blanco made the first drive seem smooth!!!! Even at very low speed we were jerked around to the point of my children complain about their backs. Playa Blanco is very, very trashy. Garbage everywhere you look. Literally piles of trash and litter all over the place. The water is warm and also trashed. My wife found a sanitary napkin in the water! The lunch was not very good, the fish much better than the steak. While the tour guide did his best, it was hard to overcome the disgusting environment. We travel the world, but this was something else! Colombia is a beautiful country with wonderful people, this does not reflect their values. The tour operators for Playa Blanco are making a lot of money off of the tourists (we spend over $600 for the tour and the food/drinks) and should clean it up and fix the roads. Obviously we don’t recommend this place until reviews saying how clean it is!!
Response from the operator: Good afternoon, I hope you are well. We appreciate your comment. We work hard to provide wonderful experiences and ensure our visitors have a positive experience at Playa Blanca Barú, especially our beach club. We understand all the points you touch on, and as an agency, we care about all of this and are working to change this aspect of the beach. We, more than anyone, are interested in changing this, and that's why we try to work hand in hand with the locals. However, there are also things that are beyond our control, but we will continue to strive to improve this aspect of the beach. I hope you have a nice day.
via Tripadvisor
Good and bad things
If you are looking for peace and quiet, don't go on this tour. Mambo Beach Club is horrible. The space is small, and when I went there was no water in the bathroom. Electronic music was playing at full volume. There is no privacy, and there is always a salesperson trying to sell you something. We had a problem with one of the women who offered massages, she wanted to charge double the agreed price. It's the kind of thing that changes your mood. However, the beach is wonderful! The aviary is also worth it. Oh, the bus broke down halfway there, and it took 40 minutes for them to send another one. It is a complete experience in an underdeveloped country.
Response from the operator: I hope you have a good day. We appreciate your comment as this helps us to improve every day and provide quality service. We apologize in advance for the inconvenience with the bus that occurred on the way. We know it is uncomfortable for you and even more so for us who want to provide these are beautiful experiences, but there are things that get out of hand and we deal with them as quickly as possible. We will also speak with the beach club to improve all the points that you raised. Thank you for the observation.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 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
- 6
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Nexxt Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.6.
See everything Nexxt Tours runsWhy this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton cost?
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Prices start at $100 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 Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton take?
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Plan for about 13 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 Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent 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 (3.3/5 across 17 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 Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent 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 Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton?
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Around 6 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 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent 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 Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton?
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Included: Travel insurance; Bilingual guide; plankton activity; Entrance to the national aviary; and Welcome drink. Not included: On-board WiFi; Alcoholic beverages; Towels; and access to showers. *Additional cost. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 105 listed pickup locations in and around Cartagena. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent 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 Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent 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.
Is Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent 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 Full-Day Tour Baru - National Aviary and Playa Blanca + Bioluminescent Plankton?
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Across 17 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, value for money. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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