What to do and see in Cartagena, Bolivar Department: The Best Self-Guided Tours & Rentals

October 13, 2021 Madelene Haan

Cartagena, a gorgeous fishing village on Colombia's Caribbean coast, has excellent beaches, a historic old town (that's entirely walkable) and beautiful colonial architecture. It's also one of the safest places in the country, so it's no wonder it's a popular port of call for cruise ships. Need a break from exploring the cobblestone streets? Stop at an outdoor cafe for excellent pastries and people-watching.
Restaurants in Cartagena

1. Private Boat party cholon, free pitures and free snorkel

DYK TOUR VIP
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

With a private service you know 27 most beautiful islands of the Colombian Caribbean, private and exclusive service where you and only those you want can accompany you, enjoy and celebrate birthdays and important dates

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Free pictures

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Amricnprnc3se

Very fun, informational, and timely. I felt safe and conversed with individuals from different backgrounds ok this tour. Thank you Pedro and crew! / Muy divertido, informativo y oportuno. Me sentí seguro y conversé con personas de diferentes orígenes en esta gira. ¡Gracias Pedro y tripulación!

2. Cartagena to Rosario Islands Luxury Private boat

Todomar CHL MARINA SAS, 364, San Martín #15, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia Journey & Travel Colombia
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Enjoy taking this speedboat for a spin around Cartagena's Caribbean islands with up to 8 friends. Perfect for big groups that want to let rip in Cartagena's Rosario Islands, this beauty is 29 ft of floating fun.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, 12 Aguila or Andina beers, 12 bottles

Exclusions: Use of SCUBA equipment, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Private transportation

Reviewed By edgardod905

Great experience had a wonderful time. They picked me up and dropped me back off. Boat was great staff was excellent and friendly amazing people can’t wait to book with them again. Highly recommend for anyone

3. Cartagena to Rosario Islands and Cholon Boat

Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande, 2nda, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia Journey & Travel Colombia
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Enjoy taking this speedboat for a spin around Cartagena's Caribbean islands with up to 17 friends. Perfect for big groups that want to let rip in Cartagena's Rosario Islands, this beauty is 38 ft of floating fun.

Inclusions: 12 Aguila or Andina beers, All Fees and Taxes, 12 bottles

Exclusions: Use of SCUBA equipment, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Pick up is NOT included but available at extra cost after booking

Reviewed By axeln573

These guys are amazing! Will show you a fantastic time, are very protective of their clients, and are generally just fun guys to work with.

4. Coffe and Tropical Fruits Bike Tour

Calle de la Magdalena, Cl. 31, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia Cartachotours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We are Pioneers in excursions in Bicycles with tasting of Colombian Coffee and Tropical Fruits typical of the region, personalized attention.

Inclusions: Bike, Coffee Tasting, Tropical Fruit Tasting, Accompanying guide

Exclusions: Meals, Drinks not stipulated in the plan, Expenses not specified in the plan

5. JET SKI Rental

Windspot, Cra. 1 ##1A-23, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia Colombia Sup
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4.8 based on 4 reviews

• We will welcome you at our beach location were you can relax and take your time to sign a waiver get the proper instruction and prepare to get ready to enjoy your ride. • You have 30 min Jet Ski rental but you can extended any time , our instructor will give you the best tips to enjoy the view of Cartagena Bay , Laguito, Tierra bomba island and castillo Grande beaches. • Your activity includes chairs a place to put your belongings and a soft drink ( water or soda )  • We can accommodate groups,  if you want to take your time at our Beach bar you are welcome to chill in our hammocks or beach chairs. • Your jet ski rental is for 30 min but you can request more time if you requested, Jet Skis accommodate up to 2 people.  • We are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and last jest ski can departure at 5:00 pm for 30 min. • You will enjoy the best Watersports center and Beach bar in Cartagena

Inclusions: 1- Jet ski rental for 30 min for 1 or 2 people, 2- Acces to all Windspot amenities ( Hammocks,Chairs, WiFi, lockers, shower, bath rooms and more, 3- You have include a soft drink at our beach bar per person or 2 is is a couple., Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By mollyc772

The local operator answered a call at the time we were to start (we'd been there for 20 mins waiting), told us we were in the right place and he'd be right there. 25 mins later he wasn't answering the phone, never showed, and we left. Viator did refund promptly.

6. Private Boat Rental

Nautico de Cartagena, Cra. 23 #24-32, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia Buzos de Baru
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Exclusive boat rental for up to 8 passengers, clients choose the departure time and destination. Our boat has all the permits and insurance required by the maritime authority, as well as a captain just for them, availability to go anywhere on the Rosario or Baru islands.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch, Use of Snorkelling equipment

Reviewed By danieloyr

Very good instructors, sometimes I made mistakes but they were kind and helpful, very good explanation of the hand sign underwater and overall the mini course, I will be glad of recommend this site to my friends and family ????

7. City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Shore Excursion

City Sightseeing
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4.0 based on 100 reviews

When your cruise is in port, explore Cartagena on a 1 or 2 day hop-on hop-off bus tour. This bus pass enables you to tour the Colombian port city at your own pace, hopping on and off as you please within the given time period. Discover all of Cartagena's best landmarks, including Torre del Reloj, Castillo de San Felipe, Museo de Rafael Nunez, Muelle La Bodeguita, and much more! From the open-top deck, enjoy beautiful 360 degree views, whilst marvelling at the fantastic architecture. Be sure to listen to the on-board audio tour commentary to get a real sense of the history behind what you're seeing. Hop off the double-decker bus to get an authentic taste of the local culture, and take part in the included walking tour, for a brilliant guided stroll. You'll also get free entry to the Museo de la Esmeralda, another great perk of this Colombian sightseeing adventure!

Inclusions: 1 or 2 day hop-on hop-off bus ticket, Entry to Museo de la Esmeralda, Guided 90 minute walking tour

Exclusions: Cruise port pick-ups, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By coldy

Something to do early in your visit if you are staying a while in Cartagena. Helps you to figure out where the highlights are so you can return later.We arrived at the clock tower plaza and purchased a two day ticket from one of the vendors and got the bus in about 5 minutes. We did the whole circuit first then started getting off where there was something to see. Had a great time Staff was nice and helpful. Price was very inexpensive. As other reviewers we have used the Ho-Ho service for sightseeing in other cities around the world. This experience was just as good as the others. We found the sound quality with the earbuds they give to be fine. I have to assume the bad reviews were for other tour operators and not this one. Would recommend this tour.

8. City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing
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3.9 based on 378 reviews

Explore Cartagena on an unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour. Your 1 or 2 day ticket enables you to explore the Colombian port city at your own pace, hopping on and off as you please within the given time period. Discover all of Cartagena's best landmarks, including Torre del Reloj, Castillo de San Felipe, Museo de Rafael Nunez, Muelle La Bodeguita, and much more! From the open-top deck, enjoy beautiful 360 degree views, whilst marvelling at the fantastic architecture. Be sure to listen to the on-board audio tour commentary to get a real sense of the history behind what you're seeing. Hop off the double-decker bus to get an authentic taste of the local culture, and take part in the included walking tour, for a brilliant guided stroll. You'll also get free entry to the Museo de la Esmeralda, another great perk of this Colombian sightseeing adventure!

Inclusions: 1 or 2 day hop-on hop-off bus ticket, Entry to Museo de la Esmeralda, Guided 90 minute walking tour

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By EvaE908

Don't trust Tripadvisor. Booked and paid for the Hop-On-Hop - Off bus tour in CARTAGENA. We were instructed which stop to jump on. We stayed for 1 and a half hours for 30 degrees. No bus came. We asked a store that told us when the station was closed. We had to take a taxi into the city center to find the starting point. The whole day was ruined. Also can't find where I can complain and get the money back.

9. 1-Hour Paddleboard Rental

Windspot, Cra. 1 ##1A-23, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia Colombia Sup
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3.7 based on 3 reviews

Rental include a board, leash, life vest, paddle and brief overview by an instructor on how to safely navigate your board.

Inclusions: One hour rental

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By emax503

Great host's that were able to communicate with us in English. No pressure at Wind Spot to buy other excursions or goods. They offer food, drinks, and showers after the excursion. They were able to safely secure our belonging as we were on the jet ski’s. I would have given 5 stars, but I was thrown off that we had a guide actually on the jet ski’s with us. I was not aware of this. It makes sense since it’s a large body of water and they don’t want you to get lost. We got pointed in directions to ride which zapped just a bit of the excitement out of the experience. Maybe have the guides) on their own jet ski to get rid of the awkwardness of a stranger attached to you. Besides this our overall experience was great. Tips: (1) Bring a towel. (2) Go directly to Windspot and do NOT talk to others because people will attempt to steal/hustle for their business. It’s an unnecessary complication. This happened to us and caused us to be late.

10. Private Sport Boat Rent in Cartagena

Backpackers

Enjoy the Rosario Islands and Baru in Cartagena de Indias,know some of its 27 islands, feel like in a paradise and live the best experience in the caribe coast with friends, family or love on board our ships equipped with all the necessary elements for unforgettable day. you will have music, ice, container, bathroom, and guide to have a better experience on board.

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable)

Reviewed By yyc888

Our tour guide David Santiago is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable! He is extremely helpful, and made the boat trip to Rosario Islands very relaxing and memorable! I wouldn’t tour the islands any other way!

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