Baru Island: Aviary & Playa Blanca Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Colorful birds at the aviary and quiet hours on Playa Blanca

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup in Cartagena, then head out to Baru Island for a guided walk through Colombia’s National Aviary — home to parrots, flamingos, and more. Afterward, unwind at Playa Blanca with time to swim or just relax by the water. A lunch voucher is included so you can try local dishes right on the beach.

What’s the experience like?

The day started early — I was still half-asleep when the van pulled up outside my hostel in Cartagena. Our guide, Camilo, had this calm energy that made the traffic jams less annoying somehow. He pointed out murals as we crawled through the city, telling us about Barú’s history with a kind of pride that stuck with me. Crossing the Baru bridge felt like slipping into another world; suddenly there were mangroves everywhere and kids waving from the roadside.

I didn’t expect to care so much about birds, honestly. But at the National Aviary of Colombia, it was impossible not to get caught up in it. The flamingos looked fake — so pink they almost glowed against the green. There was a moment when a parrot landed close enough for me to hear its claws scratching on the rail. I tried repeating its name after Camilo (he laughed at my accent), and for a second it felt like we’d all known each other for ages. The air smelled faintly sweet and earthy, like wet leaves after rain.

Afterwards, Playa Blanca was exactly what I needed — just bright water and soft sand between my toes. We walked five minutes to a beach club where someone handed me a cold drink before I even sat down (I could get used to that). Lunch was whatever you wanted off their menu with a voucher — I picked fried fish and ate it watching pelicans dive in the distance. There’s always music somewhere nearby but also these quiet pockets where you can just listen to the waves and do nothing for a while.

I still think about that parrot sometimes, or maybe just how easy it felt to be part of this place for a day. It’s funny what sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Barú Island, Aviary, and Playa Blanca

• Pick up from accommodation early morning
• Panoramic tour through Cartagena city
• Cross Barú Peninsula via Baru Bridge
• Visit National Aviary and attend presentation
• Arrive at Playa Blanca beach
• Walk to Beach Club and relax
• Redeem lunch voucher at Beach Club

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Cartagena to Baru Island take?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 8-9 hours including travel time.

Is hotel pickup included in this Playa Blanca & Aviary tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Cartagena is included in the tour price.

What birds can I see at Colombia’s National Aviary?

You’ll see parrots, peacocks, flamingos and many other species native to Colombia.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

A lunch voucher worth 30,000 pesos is included; you can choose from several menu options at Playa Blanca’s beach club.

Are there guides who speak English on this tour?

Yes, a bilingual (Spanish/English) guide accompanies your group throughout the tour.

Do I need to bring cash for anything else?

Your main costs are covered but bringing extra cash for drinks or snacks is helpful.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is this suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour involves some walking but is generally suitable for most fitness levels; those with severe limitations may find parts challenging.

What’s included

Your experience includes pickup from your hotel or hostel in Cartagena, entrance tickets for both the National Aviary of Colombia and access to facilities at Playa Blanca’s beach club, guidance from a bilingual local expert throughout the day, air-conditioned transportation between stops, travel insurance coverage during activities, and a lunch voucher redeemable for any dish on their menu before heading back in comfort.