Playa Blanca, a stunning beach on Isla Baru, is just an hour’s drive from Cartagena – but there’s a catch! You’ll need to hop on a boat or ferry for an hour-long journey to reach this island paradise. Once there, you can zip around on golf carts, bikes or local buses. If you’re feeling adventurous, hitch a ride on a taxi boat to explore other beaches.
Now, the main event: Playa Blanca. It’s like the prom queen of Colombian beaches, with it’s dreamy white sand and crystal-clear waters, thanks to a protective coral reef (nature’s bouncer, if you will). But just like the popular kid in school, it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends.
If you’re more of a wallflower, check out the quieter, more secluded beaches like Playa Lancheros, Playa Camino and Playa Mendoza. Isla Baru is still pretty rustic and undeveloped, especially when you venture inland – perfect for those seeking an authentic island experience without the touristy frills.
How to Get to Playa Blanca & Isla Baru?
To get to the islands, you must first travel to Cartagena. This can be done by flying into Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport, which receives domestic flights from all major cities in Colombia as well as some international flights from Panama City, Fort Lauderdale, Madrid and more.
Once in Cartagena, you need to make your way to one of the boat docks to catch a ferry over to the islands. There are two main docks:
- Muelle Turistico de la Bodeguita: This dock is located in Cartagena’s historic Old City. It offers ferries departing for Playa Blanca several times per day. The journey takes about 1 hour each way.
- Muelle Bazurto: This dock is located a 15-20 minute taxi ride from downtown Cartagena. Boats leave from the early morning until mid-afternoon daily. The ride takes about 75 minutes each way.
When purchasing ferry tickets, be sure to pay attention to which dock you need to go to and the departure and return times. Tickets can be purchased directly at each dock. Prices are around COP$60,000-70,000 roundtrip.
Many hotels and tour agencies in Cartagena also offer combined transportation and ferry transfers making it easy to reach the islands. This is a convenient option if you don’t want to deal with making your own way to the docks.
Where to Stay on Playa Blanca & Isla Baru?
Since Playa Blanca is the most popular area to stay on Isla Baru, there are many hotels and lodges right on the beach. Some all-inclusive resorts here include Decameron Baru, Playa Manglares Isla Baru and Hotel Las Palmas. There are also nicer boutique hotels like Casa Blanca Baru. For a more rustic and budget-friendly experience, Posada Plaza Blanca offers basic but cozy lodging just steps from the sand.
If you want a more secluded and peaceful stay, check out the small hotels and posadas that are scattered around the island’s interior and on beaches other than Playa Blanca. Some options include Hotel Costa del Sol and La Casa de Zú off of Playa Lancheros. Camping is also permitted on Playa Blanca and Playa Lancheros if you come prepared with a tent. Vacation rentals are another lodging option on Isla Baru. There are houses and cabañas for rent, especially in the Playa Blanca area. Sites like Airbnb offer several listings.
When booking, pay close attention to whether linens, towels, water and electricity are included or not as some rentals are more basic than others.
Things to Do on Playa Blanca & Isla Baru
Relax on the beach
Ready for some fun in the sun on Isla Baru? Hit up Playa Blanca, the superstar beach with water so clear, you’ll think you’re in a swimming pool (minus the chlorine smell). Snorkel, kayak or just work on your tan while lounging on a rented beach chair under an umbrella. And when hunger strikes, no need to pack a lunch – the beach vendors have got you covered with fresh ceviche, patacones, fruit and cold drinks. It’s like a beachside buffet!
If you’re looking for a more low-key vibe, check out the smaller beaches like Playa Lancheros. They may not have the same “wow” factor as Playa Blanca, but they’re perfect for a peaceful day of beach hopping. Pack a picnic or better yet, a full-on feast and find your own little slice of paradise. Just don’t forget the sunscreen – lobster red is not a good look on anyone!
Snorkeling & diving
The snorkeling and diving around Isla Baru is excellent thanks to an offshore coral reef system that hosts abundant marine life. Rent snorkel gear right on Playa Blanca or join a snorkeling tour to sites around the island. Cartagena Divers offer guided trips.
Scuba diving excursions are also available to see colorful fish, corals and perhaps even sea turtles. Contact a dive shop in Cartagena to join a tour.
Boat tours
Joining a boat tour is a great way to see more of the islands. Tours stop at various beaches for swimming and snorkeling as well as providing an overview of the islands.
Some tour options include a sunset boat cruise, a covered boat tour to Isla Grande or a romantic boat tour catered with cocktails and lunch. Many hotels and tour agencies offer tours which can be booked upon arrival on the island.
Isla Grandel
Take an excursion to the uninhabited island of Isla Grandel that has beautiful beaches and good snorkeling. Day trips here are available from Playa Blanca. No overnight stays are allowed on Grandel.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a fun way to experience Isla Baru’s calm waters. Rent a board for a few hours or take a lesson. Paddle along the coast for new vantage points. Tours are available or rent gear through hotel activity centers.
Birdwatching
With it’s mangroves and coastal vegetation, Isla Baru is home to many tropical bird species from egrets and pelicans to frigatebirds and hummingbirds. Wake up early and try to spot birds around the island, especially along the mangroves and wooded trails.
Visit a Fishing Village
For a dose of local culture, visit one of the island’s traditional fishing villages. Here you’ll find lively markets selling the daily catch as well as get a glimpse of what island life is like. The towns of Orika and Santa Ana are good spots to visit. Arrange transportation through your hotel.
Golf Cart Rentals
Rent a golf cart for a fun way to explore and get around the island. Cruise between beaches or drive the island roads inland to see more of the interior landscape. Cart rentals are available in the main Playa Blanca area.
Islas del Rosario National Park
This marine park protects the coral reefs and wildlife around Isla Baru and nearby islands. Pay the park entry fee to access and support conservation efforts. Trips to the uninhabited islands within the park are also available.
Day trip to Cartagena
With the close proximity, it’s easy to take a day trip to explore Cartagena while staying on Isla Baru. Take the ferry over in the morning and then return in the evening. Don’t miss highlights like the Old City, museums and seafood restaurants.
Where to Eat on the Island
When it comes to grubbing on Playa Blanca, you’ve got options! For a quick and cheap bite, hit up the beach vendors slinging empanadas, arepas and ceviche. It’s like a tasty treasure hunt.
If you’re feeling fancy, try sit-down spots like Josefina’s, El Nisol and El Faro del Mar. They serve up fresh seafood and Caribbean classics in postcard-worthy settings. Don’t miss the coconut rice and fried whole fish – it’s like a party in your mouth! For a more homey vibe, check out smaller joints like Punta Iguana in the island’s interior. It’s like eating at grandma’s, but with a killer view.
Packing a picnic? Stock up in Cartagena or raid the mini markets on the island for fruit, cheese, bread and snacks. Some hotels even offer picnic lunch ordering, so you can be lazy and still eat like a king. As the sun sets, grab a cocktail at beach bars like Cafe del Mar and watch the day fade away. It’s like happy hour, but with a way better backdrop.
Weather & When to Visit?
Isla Baru is blessed with tropical weather, so pack your sunscreen and shades year-round! But, there’s a catch – the island has it’s own mood swings with distinct dry and rainy seasons. From December to April, it’s all sunshine and good vibes during the high and dry season. But, expect crowds and pricier hotels – everyone wants a piece of paradise!
May to November is when the island takes a breather with fewer tourists and more rain. September to November is when the island really lets loose with the most rainfall. On the bright side, lower rates mean more cash for umbrella drinks! June and July are like the Goldilocks of Isla Baru – not too crowded, not too rainy, just right. But, August is when things start to pick up again.
If you want the best of both worlds, aim for the shoulder seasons of April/May and November. You might just find that sweet spot of good weather and smaller crowds. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!
Getting Around Isla Baru
Once on Isla Baru, there are a few options for getting around:
- Walk: The island is small enough that you can walk between many places, especially around Playa Blanca. Just be ready for the heat!
- Bicycle: Rent a bike to cover more ground. Many hotels rent them out.
- Golf cart: Fun to drive and the most popular way to explore. Carts can be rented by the hour or day.
- Local bus: Small buses connect Playa Blanca to Santa Ana and other towns. They are inexpensive but on a limited schedule.
- Boat taxis: For hard to reach beaches, small boats can be hired to take you around the island. Agree on a price before setting off.
- Taxis: Available at ports and hotels. Useful for transfers to inland areas or Playa Blanca. Ask your hotel to arrange one.
Safety Tips for Visiting
Isla Baru is generally safe, especially in the busier Playa Blanca area. However, do exercise some caution, especially at night or if exploring isolated parts of the island:
- Travel in groups when possible and stick to populated areas after dark.
- Avoid bringing valuables or wearing flashy jewelry on the beach. Use your hotel safe.
- Carry only the amount of cash that you’ll need for the day and leave the rest secured at your hotel.
- Don’t drink to excess or accept drinks from strangers. Be aware of your surroundings.
- When swimming, stay within sight of the shore and only enter the water when lifeguards are on duty.
- Check the ferry forecast and avoid travel on exceptionally windy days when seas are rough.
- Drink bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked seafood to prevent illnesses.
Bottom Line
With idyllic beaches, clear waters and a lazy island tempo, Isla Baru and Playa Blanca make for a rejuvenating Caribbean escape. Spend your days lounging on the beach before enjoying a sunset cocktail. Snorkel and boat tours showcase the islands’ beauty while excursions inland reveal a slice of daily life. With direct ferries from Cartagena, the islands make accessing paradise a breeze. Just be sure to arrive with the proper expectations—these are rural, rustic islands providing the perfect place to unwind in the sun.