Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena
Cartagena, Colombia

Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena

Outty Ranking 61 4.5 · 6 traveler reviews12.5 hoursFrom $80
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena worth booking?

Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena is a 12.5-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $80 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (6)
Duration
12.5 hours
From
$80 per person

Discover the hidden paradise in Playa Cristal, with the most beautiful beaches in the Colombian Caribbean. We begin our journey from Cartagena by speedboat to Playa Blanca. A beautiful journey for you to appreciate the colors of the sea. Afterwards, you can relax in a sun lounger or beach chair and enjoy a delicious welcome cocktail. Enjoy a tour of the beautiful mangroves of Barú and meet the playful raccoons that inhabit the area. Then, we head to the Snorkeling activity, where you can admire fish of different colors. Now you are ready to cool off in the crystal clear waters of Barú, and to finish, you can enjoy a delicious typical lunch of the island, with the famous coconut rice, patacones and fried fish. Enjoy magical sunsets and capture incredible photos. Now get ready to swim and discover plankton. Then we will return by air-conditioned bus to Cartagena around 7:30 pm.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the hidden paradise in Playa Cristal, with the most beautiful beaches in the Colombian Caribbean. We begin our journey from Cartagena by speedboat to Playa Blanca. A beautiful journey for you to appreciate the colors of the sea. Afterwards, you can relax in a sun lounger or beach chair and enjoy a delicious welcome cocktail. Enjoy a tour of the beautiful mangroves of Barú and meet the playful raccoons that inhabit the area. Then, we head to the Snorkeling activity, where you can admire fish of different colors. Now you are ready to cool off in the crystal clear waters of Barú, and to finish, you can enjoy a delicious typical lunch of the island, with the famous coconut rice, patacones and fried fish. Enjoy magical sunsets and capture incredible photos. Now get ready to swim and discover plankton. Then we will return by air-conditioned bus to Cartagena around 7:30 pm.

    What's included

    Included

    • Sun loungers and beach shoes
    • Use of facilities (bathrooms, swings, board games and sunbathing chairs)
    • Speedboat transfer to Freedom Beach Club
    • Lunch
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Snorkel and Mangrove Tour
    • Plankton Tour

    Not included

    • Fresh water shower- 5 usd
    • Towels- 5 usd
    • Departure from the La Bodeguita dock, you must pay the departure tax of 6 USD in cash
    • Tourist assistance insurance in accordance with current Colombian national park regulations

    What you'll see and do

    1. Muelle La Bodeguita

      Meeting point to take the speedboat, on the way to Freedom Beach in Barú. Here you must pay 23,000 of the dock tax at the box office

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Isla Baru

      Arrival at Freedom Beach in Playa Cristal, famous for its crystalline beaches, here you will enjoy the only themed cabin on the island. You will have a Snorkel and Mangrove tour included.

      180 minutes here

    3. 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. You can delight in a delicious typical lunch of the island, with its famous coconut rice, patacones and fried fish, with the option of chicken or vegetarian dish. The fun never ends in Freedom, now enjoy the swings with the best views and take great photos in all the musical corners of Freedom Beach, you will surely receive many likes on your social networks :) Now it's time to navigate the mangroves and we will get to visit the funny Raccoons, you can take photos and feed them. Then we will go to the colares so you can do the snorkeling activity.

      360 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Playa Blanca

      As night falls, the luminous plankton activity will take place, where you can dive into the sea at night and appreciate this wonderful show

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Torre del Reloj

      The return will be by bus to Cartagena and the bus stopping point will be the emblematic clock tower.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Cartagena

    You must reach the Bodeguita dock, door #1, where all the boats leave, diagonal to the clock tower.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The return bus leaves you in front of the clock tower, in the historic center

    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
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • People with immobility

    Photos

    Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena, photo 2Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena, photo 3Enjoy Snorkeling, Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from CartagenaBe amazed by the sunsets, Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from CartagenaFull Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena, photo 6Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 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.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    1 mention

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

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
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    3 star
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    Sort
    CAROLINA_H · July 2026

    Nice and warm place

    The place is very nice, the service was very good from Carmen. Upon receiving us, the girl in charge was a bit apathetic; we had to keep reminding her of the services they promised us. However, it improved quite a bit when Carmen took charge of the service. Many vendors arrive, expensive merchandise but with a very good attitude that steals your heart.

    via Viator (translated)

    maiconf613 · April 2026

    Unique experience

    Wonderful experience, the team has a very good service and are very attentive, especially Natalia.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Ligia_Z · January 2026

    Better organization

    It cost us, very few instructions, are several companies involved and one has to be on the lookout. Very good food.

    Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por mensaje, lo tendremos en cuenta para mejorar nuestro servicio.

    via Viator (translated)

    jordanad165 · November 2024

    Fish & Raccoons!

    Great day out! The staff and the food are amazing.. the fish was delicious!! Soila (not sure of the spelling) was super hospitable and really looked after us. The visibility during the snorkeling wasn’t amazing but the whole experience was really cool. The raccoons are SO cute !! Really special.. didn’t bring our phone on the boat to take photos but wish we did! Definitely recommend :)

    via Tripadvisor

    339orleyp · November 2024

    You must come to Freedom beach

    Very good service, very good experience, 10/10 service, delicious food. The tour is luxurious, unmissable, Super recommended

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    12.5 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
    Solid Choice

    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 61

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)70
    Review evidence (18% weight)29
    Booking momentum (14% weight)19
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)47
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena cost?

    +

    Prices start at $80 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 to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena take?

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    Plan for about 12.5 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 Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 6 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 to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena?

    +

    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 to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena?

    +

    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 12.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena 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 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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena?

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    Included: Sun loungers and beach shoes; Use of facilities (bathrooms, swings, board games and sunbathing chairs); Speedboat transfer to Freedom Beach Club; Lunch; and Alcoholic beverages. Not included: Fresh water shower- 5 usd; Towels- 5 usd; Departure from the La Bodeguita dock, you must pay the departure tax of 6 USD in cash; and Tourist assistance insurance in accordance with current Colombian national park regulation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena?

    +

    You must reach the Bodeguita dock, door #1, where all the boats leave, diagonal to the clock tower. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena offered in?

    +

    It runs in 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 to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena?

    +

    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 to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and People with immobility. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Full Day Tour to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 to Barú Island by Boat from Cartagena?

    +

    Across 6 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, photo opportunities, organization. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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