Snorkeling in Cartagena: Isla de Barú beach day with lunch

Swim and snorkel the reefs, then eat Caribbean lunch on the sand

A full-day beach excursion to Isla de Barú from Cartagena with snorkeling in coral reefs, swimming, lunch and drinks included. The operator picks you up, brings you to Playa Tranquila at the Fosforito Beach House, and handles the meal and the gear — you arrive with nothing but a swimsuit and leave when the day ends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relax and enjoy Barú Island

• Travel to Playa Tranquila, Barú Island
• Receive welcome cocktail at Fosforito Beach House
• Enjoy spectacular Caribbean lunch
• Relax on the beach and swim
• Explore coral reefs and marine life

The Experience

You start the morning with pickup from Cartagena and a boat ride to Isla de Barú, arriving at Playa Tranquila where the water is warm and shallow enough to wade into without a current. A welcome cocktail (fruit salad blend) meets you on arrival, and then the day is yours: snorkel the nearby coral reefs to see the fish and marine life, swim in the clear water, or float and soak up the sun under an umbrella. The beach setup includes a lounger and chair, so you can rest between water time without hunting for shade.

Lunch arrives at the beachside restaurant — fried fish, grilled chicken breast, or a vegetarian plate, all made with local ingredients and Caribbean seasoning. A mango lemonade (biche) comes with it, and you eat looking out at the sea. Eight hours on the island means you have real time to move between swimming, snorkeling and resting without rushing the transitions or cutting the day short.

The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group. Facilities on the beach include restrooms and shade structures. Wheelchair access is available, and the shallow water and loungers make it workable for a range of ages and swimming ability.

What’s included

• Pickup from Cartagena.
• welcome cocktail.
• beach lounger, chair and umbrella.
• snorkeling access to the coral reefs.
• lunch with three options (fried fish, grilled chicken, or vegetarian).
• mango lemonade.
• beach facilities and restrooms.
• guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Touristwonderstw

Is this one for you?Eight hours on the island means a full beach day without the rush — long enough to snorkel, swim, rest and eat without cutting any of it short, and short enough to fit into an afternoon or morning arrival in Cartagena without eating the whole day.

Traveler reviews

4.30★★★★★★★★★★

30 verified traveler reviews

5 ★23

4 ★1

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling on Isla de Barú?

The water is warm and clear, with coral reefs close enough to reach by snorkeling from the beach. The reefs are home to colorful fish and other marine life, and the depth is manageable for swimmers of different levels.

How long is the full day on the island?

The excursion runs eight hours total, which includes the boat ride from Cartagena, time on the beach for snorkeling and swimming, lunch, and the return trip.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes your choice of fried fish, grilled chicken breast, or a vegetarian plate, all prepared with local ingredients. A welcome cocktail (fruit salad blend) arrives when you land, and a mango lemonade (biche) comes with lunch.

Does the price include pickup from my hotel in Cartagena?

Yes, pickup from Cartagena is included. The operator arranges transport to and from the boat, so you don't need to arrange your own way to the dock.

Is this suitable for children or people who don't swim well?

Yes. The water is shallow and warm, loungers and umbrellas are provided for resting, and the beach is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants can ride in a stroller, and small children can stay on the beach while adults snorkel nearby.