outdoor veNture

Cartagena has a rich 500 year history, but sadly was left to disrepair, until some decades ago the abandoned homes were bought with the idea to restore them to their original glory. Today Cartagena is the most picturesque restored colonial town of South America, filled with fabulous restaurants, bars and shops.

Get lost in Cartagena’s charming narrow streets, where music, food and vibrant colors will sweep you away. As the heat in the old town is quite unbearable at midday, getting out of Cartagena on a boat every day is important, but we do have to warn you it takes some work.

Your hotel concierge or staff in your home rental can help put you in touch with boat rentals, you can rent by the day or for a longer period if interested. There are not that many lunch spots in ‘Las Islas’ (how the locals refer to the boating area), so often taking a picnic is your best option. Your hotel or home should be able to arrange this.

You need a good hour to get to beautiful clear water, but closer by, around Punta Grande, you can also enjoy a nice swim, when you are more pressed for time. A very important tip to remember is that every afternoon after 3:00pm or so the seas get rougher, and they get rougher and rougher as the afternoon progresses. It is advisable to avoid pulling into the bay any later than 4:30/5:00pm, once you are in the bay the waters will be calm. But of course, your captain knows this.

See Roaming Stones Map for locations!

Islas del Rosario – Beautiful Caribbean-like turquoise water awaits you here, one of the best spots to head to by boat for a day of swimming and relaxing.

Isla Arena – Anchoring around this small island for a swim is well worth the trip, beautiful white sand beach and crystal-clear water will keep you in the water for hours.

Punta Grande – If you are a little pressed for time, and are longing for a swim, Punta Grande, just outside the bay of Cartagena, will do the job.

Hotel Agua Azul –  There is a nice spot to anchor and swim in front of this rustic hotel at the tip of Barú, in the past we have enjoyed a simple fried fish under a palm tree served by the hotel. Roaming Stones is recommending this as a boating destination, not as a hotel to stay at.

Cholón – A unique spot at the tip of Barú, where many boats also head to spend the day. Cholón is a ciénaga, a marshy wetland, with fresh water, where you can swim and enjoy your picnic. Often many boats tie up together and groove for the day. Think day party on boats.

Hotel Las Islas Barú – After swimming in Las Islas del Rosario or in Isla Arena, head to this eco resort with rooms hanging in the trees for an excellent lunch buffet, the best lunch spot in the area. SEE Stay

Blue Apple Beach House – Just outside the bay of Cartagena, on Tierra Bomba, the Blue Apple is one of the few spots in the area for a relaxed restaurant lunch. Not recommended to spend anytime swimming in front, but lunch here is perfect to break up the picnic lunches.