The Cartagena Private Islands are a tropical escape just a short boat ride from the city. The archipelago offers beach days, snorkeling adventures, and cocktail sunsets – the perfect way to relax on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
You can stay on one of the island’s private beaches or explore the coral reefs. The emerald waters are calm and clear, making them the perfect place to swim or to take a romantic sunset cruise. The best time to visit the islands is during the low season from December to February when crowds are smaller and the weather is warmer but not too hot.
The best way to get to the islands is by joining a tour from Cartagena, such as a guided snorkeling adventure or sailing excursion. The tours will include hotel pickup, transportation to the boats, and entrance fees.
You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches and the sea life with a guide who knows the area and can explain the marine ecosystems that make the area unique. Some of the tours offer lunch on board as well as beverages and snacks.
Cartagena, or Cartegena de Indias’ in Spanish (pronounced Kar-t@-he-NEE-s) is the largest and oldest port on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Its historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed walls, soaring colonial architecture, and rich culture are a draw for travelers around the globe.
This small coastal town served as a port for Spanish treasure and enslaved Africans during the 17th Century, and it has been a major gateway to the West Indies ever since. Today, its vibrant streets, atmospheric hive of music and dance, and stunning Caribbean coastline are a magnet for tourists.
While most people think of Cartagena as a place to party and sunbathe, there is also plenty to see and do. There are museums, architectural wonders, and plenty of history to discover.
You can learn more about the city’s past by touring its impressive castle-like fortifications, like the Castillo San Felipe Baraja and the Manzanillo Fort. You can also visit the ruins of drug lord Pablo Escobar’s old mansion on Isla Grande, where you can take in the symbolic crumbling ruins and sweeping views.
Cartagena has been the backdrop for many movies and TV shows. Scenes from the movie Romancing the Stone (1984), starring Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, were filmed in Cartagena. And the 2016 song ‘Otra Vez’ by Zion and Lennox features lyrics that reference the gilded walls of the UNESCO city.
If you’d like to learn more about this beautiful destination, check out the range of bookable, small-group trips offered by Culture Trip. From authentic, immersive Epic Trips to compact and action-packed Mini Trips, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this Caribbean paradise. Cartagena Private Islands