Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton in Cartagena
Cartagena, Colombia

Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton

Outty Ranking 60 4.4 · 5 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $70
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton worth booking?

Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton is a 11-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $70 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (5)
Duration
11 hours
From
$70 per person

Enjoy a day at the beach in the only themed cabin in Barú, ideal for taking the best photos and enjoying a quiet day. You can enjoy a delicious typical lunch, we are located in the Playa Cristal sector, where you can app

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy a day at the beach in the only themed cabin in Barú, ideal for taking the best photos and enjoying a quiet day. You can enjoy a delicious typical lunch, we are located in the Playa Cristal sector, where you can appreciate the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. It ends with a flourish, taking the luminous plankton tour. We begin the journey from Cartagena for 45 minutes until we reach Playa Blanca and here a short 5-minute ride awaits us on the island's typical boats, until we reach Freedom Beach Club. Where they will welcome you with a delicious cocktail.

    What's included

    Included

    • Sun loungers and beach shoes
    • Plankton tour
    • Use of facilities (bathrooms, swings, board games and sunbathing chairs)
    • Boat transfer for 5 minutes to the Beach Club
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Typical snack

    Not included

    • Fresh water shower- 5 usd
    • Towels- 5 usd
    • Tourist assistance insurance in accordance with current Colombian national park regulations

    What you'll see and do

    1. Torre del Reloj

      Meeting point to take the bus to the island of Barú, the round trip will take approximately 2 hours

      120 minutes here

    2. Playa Blanca

      Arrival at Playa Blanca, famous for its crystalline beaches, a short 5-minute ride awaits us on the island's typical boats, until we reach Freedom Beach, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the crystalline beaches.

      60 minutes here

    3. Playa Tranquila Baru

      Arrival at the only Barú themed cabin in Playa Cristal. Now you can relax on a sun lounger or beach to enjoy a delicious welcome cocktail. The time has come to cool off in the crystal clear waters of Barú and sunbathe. The fun never ends, it's time to enjoy the swings with the best views and take great photos in all the musical corners of Freedom Beach.

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Baru

      As the afternoon falls you will appreciate the most beautiful spectacle on the island, dreamlike sunsets. When it gets dark we will begin the luminous plankton activity by boat, you can swim to enjoy the show to the fullest.

      120 minutes here

    5. Torre del Reloj

      Return by air-conditioned bus to Cartagena

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Cartagena

    In the square that is right in front of the clock tower, at the fountain.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    In the square that is right in front of the clock tower, at the fountain.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Freedom Beach Tour

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • People with immobility

    Photos

    Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton in Cartagena, photo 2Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton in Cartagena, photo 3Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton in Cartagena, photo 4Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton in Cartagena, photo 5Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton in Cartagena, photo 6Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton in Cartagena, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

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

    Good for families

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Jet07550247232 · May 2025

    Recommended...

    A beautiful and clean place... They were two quiet and happy days, very well taken care of... Thank you very much to Yeison and Alejandro, they were kind, hospitable and fun. And always very respectful. 100% Recommended...

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Jeffri S · April 2025

    Excellent

    Excellent service, good treatment and experience, good food and good treatment from Jason and Jaime, recommended 100%, would return again

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Kate K · January 2025

    Very Poor Customer Service

    Very Poor Service Unfortunately, at last minute (within the 24 hours cancellation period) the whole family caught a gastro virus where we all were in bed with a massive illness. We tried to explain in several what’s up messages the situation to this place aiming to find a middle ground to change dates, get a credit for another time or even obtain a reimbursement with a fine if that’s the case but NO response and / or sympathy about our complex situation AT ALL!!

    Response from the operator: We are sorry, but that is what refund and cancellation policies are for. We offered you the opportunity to change the date and you declined.

    via Tripadvisor

    katherinm669 · August 2024

    Amazing ride

    Hello, I loved it, a very quiet and relaxed place with a lot of multiculturalism. Excellent food, atmosphere and music. Loved seeing the placton and raccoons

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    linaj847 · July 2024

    Amazing Day

    Great family day. Rich food, beautiful sea, mangroves full of beautiful raccoons. Grace was wonderful.

    Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por su comentario :) Estamos siempre para servirles.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Freedom Beach Tour, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.4.

    See everything Freedom Beach Tour runs

    Why this scores 60

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)69
    Review evidence (18% weight)27
    Booking momentum (14% weight)20
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)80
    Local standing (8% weight)45
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton cost?

    +

    Prices start at $70 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 of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton take?

    +

    Plan for about 11 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 of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 5 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 of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton?

    +

    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 of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton?

    +

    Around 2 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?

    +

    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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full Day Tour of Barú Island and Luminous Plankton start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 VIP Boat Tour: Rosario Islands & Snorkel, Cartagena Antigua & Barrio Getsemani group with audio system. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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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