Cartagena: Makani Luxury Beach Club Day Pass

Makani Luxury Beach Club gives you a polished island day without sending you far from Cartagena. A boat from Bocagrande carries you to Tierra Bomba, where the plan is simple: settle by the pool, order food and drinks, and let the city feel pleasantly distant. The included boat ride and pool access make this easy for a first island outing.

I like the choice of departure times, the included nonalcoholic welcome drink, and the fact that you do not need to arrange island transport yourself. I also like the range of add-ons, from the Mahalo Pool to the Maha Jacuzzi, because you can shape the day around a couple, a family, or a larger group. The main catch is that this is chiefly a pool day, not a classic swimming-beach day, and the return boat can be bumpy.

Key points to know before you go

• Tierra Bomba setting: Makani sits on one of the island’s favored shores, only a short boat trip from Cartagena.
• Included access: The Kai Zone, pool, return maritime transportation, nonalcoholic welcome drink, and Wi-Fi are part of the day pass.
• Three departure choices: You can select a morning crossing at 9, 10, or 11 a.m., with return times listed between 3 and 6 p.m.
• Pool-first experience: The sea may not be the main attraction here, so book this for lounging rather than open-water swimming.
• Optional private areas: Daybeds, a jacuzzi, a lounge, a viewpoint, and an upgraded pool area cost extra.
• Practical limits: The club is smoke-free, does not allow pets or outside food and drinks, and is not suitable for people over 70.

From Bocagrande to Makani by boat

Your day begins at a meeting point behind Bocagrande Hospital. A representative from the hotel will be waiting there, and the boat takes you from Bocagrande across to Makani on Tierra Bomba Island.

That transfer is more than a way to get from point A to point B. It gives the outing a clear change of pace. You leave Cartagena’s urban waterfront and arrive at a club built around a slower island day. The crossing is part of the value, since the return transport is already included in the pass.

Makani offers three listed departure choices:

• 9 a.m. crossing
• 10 a.m. crossing
• 11 a.m. crossing

The return choices are listed as 4, 5, or 6 p.m. in one schedule, while the day-pass details describe the time slots as 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Since those times do not match exactly, confirm your selected crossing and return time after booking. That small step can save you an unnecessary wait at the dock.

The boat ride back may be rough, so I would keep your belongings secure and bring only what you need for the day. Comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, beachwear, and a camera are all on the recommended list. Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are also requested, which makes sense for an island setting.

What the $69 day pass actually covers

The advertised price is $69 per person, while the local price is listed as COP 272,000 per person. Children ages 4 to 11 are listed at COP 189,000. Because exchange rates change, check the final amount at booking rather than relying on a fixed dollar conversion.

Your basic pass includes:

• Access to the Kai Zone
• Boat transportation from Bocagrande to Tierra Bomba and back
• Pool access
• A nonalcoholic welcome drink
• Free Wi-Fi

That package works best if your goal is a comfortable day beside a pool with food and drinks available on-site. You are paying for the club setting, the transport, and the convenience of having your day organized in one place. You are not simply paying for a patch of sand.

The included welcome drink is nonalcoholic, and alcohol is not permitted in the vehicle. Outside food and drinks are not allowed either. Plan to buy what you need at the club rather than packing a cooler. The available information highlights food and drinks as part of the experience, though it does not provide a full menu or meal plan, so do not assume lunch is included in the day-pass price.

For a couple wanting a tidy escape from Cartagena, the base pass may be enough. For a family, the child rate helps, but remember that Makani is not an adults-only space. The pool area can include children of different ages, which may matter if you are hoping for a very quiet setting.

A pool day, not a sea-swimming day

The most important expectation to set is this: Makani is primarily a pool hangout. The setting is on the shore, but the experience does not promise a broad swimming beach or easy sea bathing.

I would choose this day pass if you want a sunbed, a pool, music or activities, drinks, food, and an organized boat ride. I would choose another kind of island outing if your main goal is to swim in clear open water or spend most of the day walking a long beach.

That distinction explains why the club can still be a good value even for someone who does not swim in the sea. The pool offers a controlled place to cool off, while the island location gives you a change from Cartagena’s streets. You can keep the day low-key instead of arranging several separate transfers.

The club also lists yoga, a dance spot, fitness classes, and Tantra among its activity options. The supplied information does not give class times or say that every activity is included in the standard pass, so ask what is running on your date and what carries an extra fee. These options may appeal if you want more structure than simply sitting by the pool.

Choosing an upgrade for your day

The standard pass gives you the main club access, but Makani offers several upgraded areas. Each has a separate charge, and the price is listed per person with a maximum group size.

Mahalo Pool: COP 280,000 per person, maximum two people. This is a sensible pick for a couple who wants a more private pool setting. Because the supplement is almost as high as the base day pass, compare the cost carefully before adding it.

Ohana Daybeds: COP 650,000 per person, maximum four people. This suits a small group that values a dedicated place to stretch out. For one or two people, the cost may be hard to justify unless having a reserved daybed is central to your plan.

Luau Lounge: COP 550,000 per person, maximum ten people. This is designed for a larger party. The maximum capacity makes it a possible choice for a birthday or anniversary gathering, though the listed amount is substantial on top of the day pass.

Makai Viewpoint: COP 850,000 per person, maximum twelve people. This is the highest-priced upgrade listed. It may fit a large celebration where the setting matters more than keeping costs low, but ask exactly what access and seating are included before paying the supplement.

Maha Jacuzzi: COP 750,000 per person, maximum eight people. This is aimed at a group seeking a more private, celebratory setup. For a standard relaxing day, the basic pool may offer better value.

The wording around the upgrades suggests these are reserved areas or enhanced settings, but the details do not spell out whether food, drinks, or service credits are included. Contact Makani after booking and ask for the exact inclusions. That is especially important because the upgrade prices are high compared with the base pass.

Food, drinks, and the reason to book a celebration

Food and drinks are a major part of the appeal. The experience is suited to a relaxed lunch-and-pool day, and the club also lists romantic dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, and BBQ options.

For a special occasion, the upgraded lounges or daybeds may make more sense than they do for an ordinary afternoon. A birthday group could use the Luau Lounge, while a couple might prefer the Mahalo Pool or Maha Jacuzzi. Still, check the celebration package details directly, since the supplied information does not confirm what each event option includes.

The club’s no-outside-food rule makes planning straightforward but removes the budget option of bringing sandwiches or snacks. If you are watching expenses, include meals and drinks in your total. The base price is not an all-inclusive rate.

Makani is also smoke-free, which is useful if you want clean air around the pool. Pets are not allowed, and alcohol or drugs are prohibited in the vehicle. These rules are easy to follow, but they shape the day: this is a managed beach club rather than a casual public beach.

A relaxed fit for couples, families, and groups

I see Makani working best for three kinds of visitors.

For couples, the short boat trip, pool setting, and optional jacuzzi or private pool can create an easy romantic day. The listed romantic dinner option gives you a reason to consider the club for an anniversary, though you should confirm the dinner schedule and price.

For families, the child rate for ages 4 to 11 is useful, and the pool gives children a clear place to cool down. The club is not adults-only, so families are welcome, but couples seeking silence should know that children may be present.

For groups, the larger upgrades provide space for celebrations. The Luau Lounge, Makai Viewpoint, and Maha Jacuzzi all list capacities from eight to twelve people. The cost can rise quickly, so divide the total among the group and confirm what is included before committing.

The experience is not suitable for people over 70 according to the activity information. The boat ride and island setting may also be less comfortable for anyone who has trouble with uneven movement, although no detailed accessibility information is provided.

What to pack for a smoother day

Bring beachwear, comfortable shoes, a camera, and a change of clothes. A dry change is particularly useful after pool time and the boat ride back.

Use biodegradable sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent. The island setting makes both practical, and the request is part of the club’s stated preparation advice.

Do not bring pets, outside food, drinks, alcohol, or drugs. Alcoholic drinks are also not allowed in the vehicle. You can use the free Wi-Fi at the club, but I would still keep your phone and camera protected during the boat ride.

Makani accepts English- and Spanish-speaking visitors, so communication should be possible in either language. The emergency phone provided for the activity is +57 318 335 6186. Once you book, contact the club to confirm your time slot and meeting details.

Is Makani worth booking?

I would book Makani if you want an organized island escape with a pool, food and drinks available on-site, and return boat transport included. The highly rated parts of the experience are easy to understand: the setting is pleasant, the food and drinks are a strong draw, and the day provides straightforward relaxation without a complicated plan.

I would skip it if your picture of Tierra Bomba is a quiet natural beach where you spend hours swimming in the sea. Makani is better described as a pool club on an island shore. Also check the upgrade prices carefully, since a private area can cost as much as, or several times, the basic pass.

For the best value, start with the standard Kai Zone pass, confirm the exact boat schedule, and add an upgrade only if you are marking a birthday, anniversary, or group event. That approach keeps the day flexible and lets you decide how much luxury you really need.

FAQ

Where is Makani Luxury Beach Club located?

Makani is on Tierra Bomba Island, off Cartagena de Indias in Bolívar, Colombia. The boat transfer begins in Bocagrande.

Where is the meeting point in Cartagena?

The meeting point is behind Bocagrande Hospital. A person from the hotel will be waiting there for guests.

What does the day pass include?

The pass includes Kai Zone access, maritime transportation from Bocagrande to the island and back, pool access, a nonalcoholic welcome drink, and free Wi-Fi.

How much does the day pass cost?

The listed price is $69 per person. The local prices are COP 272,000 per adult and COP 189,000 per child from 4 to 11 years old.

What departure times are available?

Three departure times are listed: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m. The return times are listed as 4, 5, and 6 p.m. in one schedule, while another section lists the day slots as 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Confirm your exact time after booking.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not listed as part of the standard day pass. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, so plan to purchase food and drinks at the club.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed at the activity.

What upgrades are available?

The available upgrades are Mahalo Pool, Ohana Daybeds, Luau Lounge, Makai Viewpoint, and Maha Jacuzzi. Each has an additional cost and a stated maximum capacity.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also allows you to reserve now and pay later.