Barú: Sunset on the Beach + Bioluminescense Plankton

Baru’s enchanting sunset and bioluminescent plankton tour offers visitors a truly unique experience. Guests begin with a welcome cocktail and local lunch, then enjoy the stunning beach ambiance. As the sun dips below the horizon, the real magic unfolds – a breathtaking sunset followed by the mesmerizing glow of plankton in the water. This unforgettable adventure showcases the natural wonders of Baru Island, leaving travelers captivated by its captivating marine life. While the tour’s inclusions and logistics are well-planned, the true highlight is the chance to witness these remarkable natural phenomena first-hand.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Drinking Tours In Colombia.

Key Points

• The Baru Island tour offers a sunset viewing experience and a guided tour to see the bioluminescent plankton, showcasing the natural wonders of the region.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, a welcome cocktail, lunch, and the opportunity to explore the turquoise waters and beach amenities at Freedom Beach.
• Participants can capture stunning photos and have memorable interactions with the natural beauty, though some have found the plankton viewing experience to be disappointing.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and language barriers have been noted as a challenge for non-Spanish speakers.
• The tour departs from the Monumento Torre del Reloj in Cartagena’s historic center, which is easily accessible by various transportation options.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a captivating experience to witness the bioluminescent plankton and breathtaking sunsets at Playa Cristal, the semi-private beach of Freedom Beach Club.

Priced at $59.99 per person, the 11-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, a welcome cocktail, lunch, and a guided tour of Baru Island.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The option to reserve now and pay later makes it convenient to secure a spot without an upfront payment.

This tour caters to those seeking a memorable beach escape with the chance to capture stunning natural phenomena.

Itinerary and Transportation

Starting at the Monumento Torre del Reloj, the tour begins with a 1-hour bus or coach ride followed by a 10-minute speedboat transfer to the stunning Freedom Beach.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a 20-minute cocktail, followed by a 40-minute lunch featuring coconut rice, plantains, and fried fish.

The tour then allows for 2 hours of free time to explore the semi-private beach and its amenities, including restrooms, swings, board games, and sun loungers.

Afterward, the group gathers for a 30-minute sunset viewing before embarking on a 1-hour guided tour of Baru Island.

The return journey follows the same transportation route back to the starting point.

Highlights and Activities

Visitors can swim in the turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands and enjoy the semi-private beach at the Freedom Beach Club.

They’ll have the chance to capture magical sunsets and stunning photos, taking in the breathtaking scenery.

The highlight of the tour, however, is the bioluminescent plankton tour at night, where guests can witness the mesmerizing glow of the plankton in the water.

Plus, there’s a 10,000-peso bonus for a cocktail, adding a touch of excitement to the experience.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour package includes round-trip air-conditioned vehicle transfers, as well as a 5-minute boat transfer to the Freedom Beach Club.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a refreshing cocktail.

Lunch options feature coconut rice, plantains, and fried fish, catering to diverse tastes.

Amenities at the club include restrooms, swings, board games, and sun loungers, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the semi-private beach.

Towels, beds (available for rent), and a freshwater shower are also provided, ensuring a comfortable experience.

While outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, the package offers a range of inclusions to make the most of the day at the Rosario Islands.

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Important Information

Not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, the tour may pose challenges for those with physical limitations.

Guests are advised to bring the following recommended items:

• Towel
• Water shoes

Plus, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed on the premises.

While the tour has received mixed reviews, with some enjoying the beach and sunset, others found the plankton viewing disappointing and the experience confusing for non-Spanish speakers.

Customer Reviews

Many reviews for the Barú: Sunset on the Beach tour have provided mixed feedback from participants.

While some raved about the beautiful beach, stunning sunsets, and overall experience, others were disappointed with the plankton viewing and found the tour confusing, especially for non-Spanish speakers.

The tour received an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews.

Some praised the facilities, lunch options, and free time on the beach, but others felt the tour didn’t live up to their expectations.

Ultimately, the reviews suggest this tour may be hit-or-miss depending on individual preferences and language comfort level.

Getting to Monumento Torre Del Reloj

Conveniently situated in the heart of Cartagena’s historic center, Monumento Torre del Reloj stands as a prominent landmark easily accessible from various parts of the city.

Reaching the starting point of the tour is a breeze, with several transportation options available:

• Hailing a taxi or rideshare service directly to the monument’s location
• Hopping on the city’s efficient public bus system, with routes that connect to the area
• Strolling through the charming streets of the Old Town, taking in the colonial architecture along the way
• Renting a bicycle or electric scooter to explore the city and reach the meeting point with ease

With its central location and accessible transportation, the Monumento Torre del Reloj provides a convenient starting point for your Barú adventure.

Bioluminescent Plankton Experience

As the sun dips below the horizon, the turquoise waters of Freedom Beach come alive with a mesmerizing display of bioluminescent plankton.

Guests embark on a guided tour to witness this natural phenomenon, where tiny microorganisms emit a glowing blue-green light when agitated.

Dipping one’s hands into the water creates a mesmerizing trail of light, while swimming through the plankton results in a surreal, otherworldly experience.

Though some have found the plankton viewing disappointing, those who embrace the magic of the moment are rewarded with a truly unforgettable sight.

The bioluminescent tour caps off a day of sun, sand, and stunning sunsets, leaving visitors with lasting memories of Baru’s natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Beach?

No, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the tour. The tour includes a welcome cocktail, lunch, and access to the beach club’s facilities, so bringing your own items is prohibited.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement?

There’s no age limit or minimum age requirement for this tour. Children are welcome, though parental supervision is advised. The tour may not be suitable for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

What Should I Bring for the Bioluminescent Plankton Experience?

For the bioluminescent plankton experience, visitors should bring a waterproof camera, flashlight or headlamp, water shoes, and a towel. These items will help them fully enjoy and capture the magical glow of the plankton in the night waters.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than Spanish?

The tour appears to be offered primarily in Spanish, but the description indicates that it may not be suitable for non-Spanish speakers, suggesting limited availability of English or other language options. Customers should inquire about language support when booking.

Can I Extend My Stay at Freedom Beach Club?

Guests can extend their stay at Freedom Beach Club, but they’ll need to pay an additional fee. The tour does not include extended time at the beach, so visitors would need to arrange this separately with the club.

Recap

Baru’s Sunset on the Beach and Bioluminescent Plankton tour offers an unforgettable experience. Guests are captivated by the stunning natural beauty, from the serene beach setting to the mesmerizing glow of the plankton. This enchanting adventure immerses visitors in the island’s captivating marine life, creating lasting memories. It’s an opportunity to witness the remarkable wonders of Baru Island firsthand.

You can check if your dates are available here: