Full Day at Barú Island by Boat: Snorkel + Sunset + Plankton

Spending a full day exploring the stunning natural wonders of Barú Island by boat is an experience like no other. Guests will embark on an exhilarating speedboat ride, enjoy vibrant coral reefs, savor a local lunch, and witness the captivating glow of bioluminescent plankton. With a range of activities and breathtaking scenery, this all-inclusive excursion promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into the island’s unique ecosystem, this full-day tour offers a truly unforgettable way to discover the hidden gems of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion to Barú Island by boat, offering activities like snorkeling, sunset viewing, and a bioluminescent plankton tour.
• The tour duration is 11 hours, with a live Spanish-speaking guide, and prices ranging from COP 1,532 to COP 1,916 per person.
• Highlights include a 30-minute speedboat trip to Freedom Beach, a welcome cocktail, 80 minutes of snorkeling, and a 30-minute sunset viewing.
• Included features cover the outbound speedboat trip, lunch with local specialties, access to amenities, and the bioluminescent plankton tour.
• The tour requires arrival at the departure point by 8:50 AM, and a $26,500 port fee is payable in cash upon arrival.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This full-day excursion to Barú Island by boat provides visitors with a diverse range of activities, including snorkeling, sunset viewing, and a bioluminescent plankton tour.

The tour lasts 11 hours, starting at the Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena and ending at the Monumento Torre del Reloj. A live Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Prices range from Kč1,916 to Kč1,532 per person, allowing for up to 20% in savings.

Itinerary Highlights

The excursion begins with a 30-minute speedboat trip to Freedom Beach.

Once there, guests will be welcomed with a refreshing cocktail.

Next, they’ll have 80 minutes to explore the underwater world through snorkeling.

After a 40-minute lunch break, visitors can enjoy 2 hours of free time on the beach.

As the day winds down, they’ll witness a breathtaking 30-minute sunset.

The tour continues with a guided mangrove exploration and a visit with raccoons, lasting 1 hour.

Included Features

The tour package includes a range of features to enhance the day’s experience.

It offers an outbound speedboat trip to Freedom Beach, where guests will be welcomed with a refreshing cocktail.

Lunch options feature local specialties like coconut rice, plantains, and fried fish.

Beachgoers can relax on sun loungers and chairs, with access to restrooms, swings, and board games.

The highlight includes a bioluminescent plankton tour and a magical sunset viewing.

Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided, and an optional bed rental is available.

Guests can also enjoy a guided tour of the mangroves and a visit to see the friendly raccoons.

A freshwater shower is available to rinse off after the activities.

Important Information

Participants must arrive at Muelle la Bodeguita, gate #1 by 8:50 AM to embark on the full-day excursion to Barú Island.

Travelers should expect to pay a $26,500 port fee in cash upon arrival. Transportation to the pier isn’t included, nor is the pier ticket.

This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Participants should bring a towel and water shoes, but food and drinks aren’t allowed.

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Customer Reviews

Reviewing the customer feedback, the experience at Barú Island by boat garnered mixed reactions.

While some participants praised the beautiful setting, delicious lunch, and unique plankton tour, others reported the snorkeling and mangrove tours as brief and lacking in explanations, perceiving the overall experience as a tourist trap.

The overall rating stands at 3.5/5 based on 2 reviews:

1. Positive: Beautiful setting, great beach, delicious lunch, unique plankton tour.
2. Negative: Snorkeling and mangrove tours reported as brief and lacking explanations, perceived as a tourist trap.
3. Overall rating: 3.5/5 based on 2 reviews.
4. Mixed feedback on the various aspects of the full-day experience.

Speedboat Trip to Freedom Beach

Launching from Muelle la Bodeguita, the speedboat whisks travelers across the sparkling waters to the pristine shores of Freedom Beach.

The 30-minute journey offers a thrilling ride, cutting through the waves and providing panoramic views of the coastline.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome cocktail, setting the tone for a day of relaxation and exploration.

This transfer sets the stage for the snorkeling, beach time, and other activities that await on the island.

Snorkeling Experience

The snorkeling excursion whisks participants away to a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life. Lasting 80 minutes, the snorkeling session allows guests to discover the area’s diverse aquatic ecosystems.

The experience includes:

1. Exploring the colorful coral reefs that shelter a myriad of tropical fish.
2. Spotting unique sea creatures, like stingrays and sea turtles, in their natural habitats.
3. Learning about the fragile marine environment from the knowledgeable guide.
4. Capturing stunning underwater photos to commemorate the adventure.

Though some reviewers found the snorkeling brief and lacking in explanations, the activity still offers a chance to take in the captivating underwater beauty of Barú Island.

Mangrove Tour and Sunset Viewing

Following the guided tour of the island, guests embark on a captivating exploration of the local mangrove ecosystem.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, visitors navigate the serene waterways, observing the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this dynamic environment.

The tour provides an opportunity to witness the thriving community of raccoons, a highlight for many participants.

As the excursion nears its conclusion, guests are treated to a breathtaking sunset experience, with the vibrant hues reflecting off the calm waters.

This magical moment serves as a fitting finale to the day’s adventures, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment for the activity. However, the tour provides snorkeling gear, so it’s not necessary to bring your own unless you have a preference for your personal equipment.

Is There Any Age or Height Restriction for the Activities?

The activity doesn’t mention any age or height restrictions. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Participants should be able to get in and out of the boat and engage in the various activities.

Are the Boats Suitable for Wheelchair Users or People With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as the boats and activities may not be accessible for wheelchair users. Participants need to be able to get in and out of the boat without assistance.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks on the Island?

The tour does not permit bringing additional food or drinks to the island. However, there are lunch options provided as part of the package, and participants can purchase additional items from the facilities on the island.

Is There a Storage Facility to Keep My Belongings Secure?

The activity does not provide a dedicated storage facility to securely store personal belongings. Participants are advised to keep valuables with them during the tour. Lockers or luggage storage are not available on the island.

Recap

This full-day adventure at Barú Island by boat offers an unforgettable experience. Guests can enjoy snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, a delicious local lunch, and a serene mangrove tour before witnessing a stunning sunset over the water. The thrilling speedboat ride and bioluminescent plankton tour add to the excitement, making this a truly memorable Caribbean getaway.

You can check if your dates are available here: