Baru Island: Aviary Tour & Playa Blanca Beach Lunch

Summary

Birdsong, wild colors and quiet waves on Baru Island

You’ll wander through Colombia’s National Aviary with a local guide pointing out rare birds up close, then ride out to Playa Blanca for time on white sand and a typical lunch by the sea. Expect moments of quiet awe mixed with laughter over bird names you can’t pronounce—plus all transport included so you can just enjoy it.

What’s the experience like?

“That one’s called a chachalaca,” our guide said, half-smiling as I tried to repeat it (I definitely didn’t nail the pronunciation). We’d just stepped into the National Aviary of Colombia and the air was already thick with birdsong — not just noise, but layers of sound I couldn’t pick apart. The sun was warm but not too much, and it smelled faintly green, like wet leaves. I hadn’t realized how many different kinds of birds live here — 170 species, apparently — and some are so close you feel like you’re in their world for a minute. There was this one scarlet ibis that just stared right back at me. Kind of unsettling but also funny? I don’t know, it stuck with me.

The walk through the aviary took maybe an hour and a half, though honestly I lost track because there’s always something new to look at or listen for. Our guide (her name was Luisa) pointed out which birds were endangered and told us little stories about them — like how the toucans sometimes steal food from each other when nobody’s watching. The paths are easy to follow, mostly shaded, with these sudden patches of sunlight where everything feels brighter for a second. There were families from Cartagena and a few older couples; everyone moved at their own pace. At one point I stopped just to watch a group of kids try to imitate the flamingos’ walk — they weren’t even close but they had fun trying.

After we left the aviary (air conditioning in the van felt pretty good by then), we headed out to Playa Blanca on Baru Island. The drive isn’t long — maybe 20 minutes? — but you can see the water getting bluer as you get closer. Playa Blanca is busy in places but our spot was quieter than I expected; white sand that squeaks under your feet and water so clear you can see your toes even when you’re waist-deep. Lunch was simple: fried fish, coconut rice, plantains — nothing fancy but exactly what I wanted after walking all morning. There’s this salty breeze that makes everything taste better somehow.

I still think about that ibis sometimes — how close it was, and how for a second it felt like we were both just sizing each other up in the shade. If you want a day trip from Cartagena that’s equal parts color and calm (and includes pickup so you don’t have to figure out taxis), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Aviary and Playa Blanca lunch

• Observe bird species at Aviary
• Enjoy typical lunch at Playa Blanca

Top questions

How long does the Aviario Nacional tour take?

The aviary visit usually takes about 1-2 hours before heading to Playa Blanca.

Is lunch included on this Baru Island day trip?

Yes, a typical lunch is included at Playa Blanca after visiting the aviary.

Are tickets to the National Aviary included?

Yes, entry tickets to Colombia’s National Aviary are covered in your booking.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle as part of your day trip.

What kind of food is served at Playa Blanca?

You’ll get traditional Colombian dishes like fried fish with coconut rice and plantains.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, families often join—the tour is suitable for all fitness levels and children are welcome.

Can pregnant travelers join this day trip?

This experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to logistics and comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport from Cartagena, entry tickets to Colombia’s National Aviary where you’ll walk among 170 species of birds with a professional local guide sharing stories along the way; bottled water to keep you cool; plus time at Playa Blanca on Baru Island where lunch is served right by the sea before heading back in comfort.