Colombia · CARTAGENA TOURS

The 15 Best Cartagena Tours & Day Trips

187 tours  ·  from $5 a head

The walled city is free to walk, so the money goes on getting out of it and on understanding it. These 15 cover the island boats, the forts, the street food after dark and the Palenque villages inland, priced and timed.

Cartagena: Historic Center and Getsemaní Shared Walking Tour - From the Portal de los Dulces to Plaza de la Aduana
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Colombian Walking Tours, San Felipe Castle & Walled City Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours in Cartagena

Cartagena: Historic Center and Getsemaní Shared Walking Tour

1.Historic Center and Getsemaní Shared Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,716 reviews · 2h 30m · from $12Our pick

Follow an English or Spanish guide from Plaza Cervantes through Cartagena’s Walled City and Getsemaní. You’ll see the Clock Tower, Plaza de la Aduana, San Pedro Claver, city walls, Centennial Park, colorful streets, and local music scenes. Guides such as Dani, Legacy, Álvaro David, Robert, and Ingrid add history, humor, dance, and useful food tips.

“It was a first class tour. Our guide spoke excellent English. He was very interesting and experienced and clearly knew his facts well. I would recommend him to everyone. Furthermore, if I can arrange another trip to Colombia I would not hesitate to choose him as our guide. Thank you Regards Andrew and Alexandra Lavery London England.”

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Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel - Starting at Bodeguita Dock near the old city
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca Trips, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

2.Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,479 reviews · 7h 30m · from $107

Set out from Bodeguita Dock for a 7.5-hour catamaran trip toward the Rosario Islands. Expect a welcome fruit drink, snack, two water stops, snorkeling gear, lunch, and free soft drinks. This is mainly a boat-and-swim outing, not an island visit, so book it for time on the sea rather than beach exploration.

“It's a 2.5 hour trip to a snorkelling area. It's motorized not sailing. The crew were super efficient. Lunch was very tasty.”

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Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Bocachica & Playa Blanca - San Fernando fort on Tierra Bomba
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Full-Day, Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca Trips, Tour Reviews

Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Bocachica & Playa Blanca

3.Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Bocachica & Playa Blanca

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,729 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend about eight hours boating from Cartagena to Bocachica, Isla Grande, Cholón, Playa Blanca, and Tierra Bomba. You’ll see a colonial fort, snorkel on the VIP option, eat lunch by the beach, and finish at Anaho Beach Club. Guides such as Franklin, Angel, Milton, and Cesar may lead the day.

“My sister originally sent me this for us to book for our trip. We thought it was a party boat but it wasn’t. We made it fun but the experience was boring and didn’t follow what was stated in the description. Like the guides just do whatever they want and go whenever they feel like it. Some stop we stayed longer, the boring ones. And some stop we left quickly. Overall me and my family and another girl made it fun. We got our own bottle and had a good time lol. Everyone around us had a good time too. But yeah not nothing I would recommend or book again.…”

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Cartagena de Indias: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise - Meeting the boat at Bodeguita Dock
2-Hour Experiences, Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Evening Experiences, Party Boat Trips in Cartagena, Sunset & Party Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Cartagena de Indias: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise

4.2-Hour Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,105 reviews · 2 hours · from $31

Sail from Bodeguita Dock at 5 PM on a spacious Bona Vida catamaran. You’ll pass Cartagena’s waterfront neighborhoods, watch the sunset near Tierrabomba, and return as the city lights come on. The $31 fare includes boarding fees, one beer, wine, or soft drink, and a light appetizer. Spanish is the main language.

“This sunset cruise was wonderful! Great views, the right length of time, good music, and plenty of drink options. The appetiser wasn’t great - the empanadas were pretty much empty inside, but it was all still good value for money. There was also a photographer going around getting great pictures which you can choose to buy at the end. It was a fun vibe, I’d recommend!”

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2-hour tour in Cartagena Sunset View in party boat - Meeting at Muelle de los Pegasos
2-Hour Experiences, Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Evening Experiences, Party Boat Trips in Cartagena, Sunset & Party Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

2-hour tour in Cartagena Sunset View in party boat

5.2-hour tour in Cartagena Sunset View in party boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 899 reviews · 2 hours · from $22

Meet at Muelle de los Pegasos for a two-hour sunset cruise through Cartagena Bay. You’ll pass Manga, Bocagrande, and Castillogrande, stop near the Virgen del Carmen monument, enjoy rum-based drinks, and dance to Caribbean crossover music. Guides such as Alexis, Alejandro, and Ricardo keep the mood moving before the included downtown nightclub entry.

“Alejandro was a wonderful guide! He had amazing energy and kept the whole boat up and dancing. He even personally taught my friend and I some dance moves. The drinks were plentiful and we did not have to ask for refills. Instead they were generous about offering drinks whenever they saw our cups getting empty. The transportation to the nightclub was in an air conditioned van. If you’re looking for a fun night doing a unique experience, I recommend this activity.”

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Cartagena: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings - Meeting under the orange umbrellas at Plaza Cervantes
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Colombian Street Food Tours, Food, Food & Drink, Guided, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings

6.Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 833 reviews · 2h 30m · from $49

Meet the guide beneath the orange umbrellas at Plaza Cervantes for a 150-minute walk through Cartagena and Getsemaní. You’ll try nine generous tastings, including savory fried foods, sweets, drinks, coffee, and local specialties. Guides such as Alvaro, Robert, Mercedes, Liz, and Nando add history, restaurant tips, and help with many dietary needs.

“🌶️ The Best Bites of Cartagena with Hernando! 🇨🇴 If you are looking for an authentic, delicious, and unforgettable street food experience in Cartagena, you absolutely must book a tour with Nando! We truly had the best time exploring the city's vibrant culinary scene with him. Nando is an incredible guide—he is passionate, knowledgeable, and knows exactly where to find the most amazing hidden gems and local favorites. He didn't just walk us through the streets; he brought the history and flavors of Cartagena to life with every bite. His recommendations were spot-on, and his energy is infectious! Nando is a phenomenal guide, and thanks to him, this tour was…”

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Cartagena: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Extras - Beginning at Muelle de la Bodeguita
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Cartagena: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Extras

7.City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Extras

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 681 reviews · from $23

Use an open-top double-decker bus to see Cartagena’s historic center, fortress, bay, and Bocagrande resorts. Board at any of 11 stops, listen to commentary in six languages, and join a 90-minute English or Spanish walking tour from Torre del Reloj at 4pm. Bring sun protection and allow extra time between buses.

“Staff was nice. Stops were informative. Nice venture, just wished there were more historical stops to visit.”

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Cartagena: Totumo Mud Volcano Experience - Leaving Cartagena for Santa Catalina
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Cartagena: Totumo Mud Volcano Experience

8.Totumo Mud Volcano Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 675 reviews · 4 hours · from $55

Travel from Cartagena to Santa Catalina, climb 50 steps, and float in the thick mineral mud of Totumo Volcano. Guides such as Franklin, Miguel, Jose, and Angel explain the process in English or Spanish. Afterward, wash in the lake and enjoy an empanada or arepa with a drink.

“It was such a good unique experience we will definitely do it again, our guid Franky was so helpful.”

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Cartagena: Panoramic City Tour, Monuments, Walls, Castle - Pickup details in Bocagrande and the Old Town
Cartagena Tours, City Tours in Cartagena, Colombia Tours, Colombian City Tours, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Panoramic City Tour, Monuments, Walls, Castle

9.Panoramic City Tour, Monuments, Walls, Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 636 reviews · 210 minutes - 4 hours · from $15

Ride a colorful chiva through Bocagrande, Manga, and Cartagena’s bay area, then walk the Old Town with a bilingual guide. You’ll stop at India Catalina, Zapatos Viejos, San Felipe Castle, the city letters, Clock Tower, and Las Bóvedas. Guides such as Fernando, Cesar, and Kike are praised for clear English explanations.

“Our tour guide Fernando was AMAZING! So much knowledge and passion about the gorgeous city of Cartagena. It’s a short tour but well worth it. Tip: carry cash so you can tip or buy from vendors etc.”

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Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club Full Day Experience - The 45-minute speedboat ride to Isla Grande
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews

Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club Full Day Experience

10.Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club Full Day Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 606 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $116

Meet at Cartagena’s La Bodeguita Pier at 7:30am, then ride a speedboat about 45 minutes to Bora Bora Beach Club on Isla Grande. Your day includes round-trip transport, a beach bed, welcome cocktail, lunch, and time for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Bring cash for the $9 pier tax, towels, and drinks.

“My husband and I did this excursion on last day in Cartagena but was hesitant based on some of the reviews but we are so happy we took our chances. It was very relaxing experience and extremely organized. I am not sure why some of the reviews said the guide only spoke Spanish because that was not our experience because everything was said in both Spanish and English.”

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Cartagena: Guided Tour, with La Popa Convent, and San Felipe - Starting near Las Bóvedas and the bay drive
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Guided, San Felipe Castle & Walled City Tours, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Guided Tour, with La Popa Convent, and San Felipe

11.Guided Tour, with La Popa Convent, and San Felipe

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 599 reviews · 4 hours · from $45

This four-hour small-group tour combines Cartagena’s best-known sights with air-conditioned transport and a bilingual guide. You’ll visit La Popa Convent, San Felipe Fortress, the Old Shoes Monument, and the Walled City. Guides such as Rafael, Álvaro, Carlos, and Fernando are praised for clear history talks, photo help, and easy English and Spanish explanations.

“Carlos was an excellent Tour Guide. We were picked up at the agreed-upon spot right on time. The tour was thorough and entertaining. We learned so much that we wouldn’t have learned by just walking around on our own. I would highly recommend this Tour.”

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Excursion to the Rosario Islands with Lunch and Snorkeling - The catamaran ride is half the experience
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca Trips, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Excursion to the Rosario Islands with Lunch and Snorkeling

12.Excursion to the Rosario Islands with Lunch and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 569 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $106

Sail from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands aboard a spacious Bona Vida catamaran. You’ll stop near Isla Grande and Barú for swimming and snorkeling, enjoy lunch with seafood, chicken, or vegetable rice, and return after about 7.5 hours. Expect a relaxed boat day, not a beach-hopping tour.

“We had a fabulous time. They were super professional. The food was delicious. I highly recommend this trip,”

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Cartagena: Sunset Cruise with Open Bar - From La Bodeguita Pier to Bocagrande
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Evening Experiences, Party Boat Trips in Cartagena, Sunset & Party Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Sunset Cruise with Open Bar

13.Sunset Cruise with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 514 reviews · 1h 30m · from $29

Board the Sibarita Master at La Bodeguita Pier for a 90-minute cruise around Cartagena Bay. You’ll see Bocagrande, Castillogrande, Manga, Getsemani, and the old city at night while enjoying rum and coke, rum punch, soft drinks, and music. Expect comfortable seating, a bathroom, and an upbeat social mood.

“Met a lot of friendly people who all wanted to have a good time. The atmosphere was lively and the weather and views were beautiful.”

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Cartagena: Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch - The 45-minute ride from Bocagrande
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca Trips, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch

14.Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 402 reviews · 8 hours · from $95

Spend eight hours island-hopping from Cartagena with English or Spanish guide support, snorkeling at Isla Grande, lunch at Playa Blanca, and beach or pool time at Tierra Bomba. Guides such as José, Franklin, Jesús, and David Santiago have earned praise for their care and clear communication. Expect a fast, sun-soaked day with bumpy boat rides.

“Our guide Jesus was excellent. He was friendly and knowledgeable abut the area. He also gaged where we were having the most fun and decided that we would stay longer on that island. The crew on the boat were very nice and pleasant.”

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Cartagena: BILINGUAL CITYTOUR + SAN FELIPE CASTLE & Old city - Cartagena’s letters and India Catalina are quick orientation stops
Cartagena Tours, Colombia Tours, San Felipe Castle & Walled City Tours, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: BILINGUAL CITYTOUR + SAN FELIPE CASTLE & Old city

15.BILINGUAL CITYTOUR + SAN FELIPE CASTLE & Old city

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 387 reviews · 4 hours · from $29

You’ll ride a traditional Chiva through Bocagrande, Laguito, and Castillogrande, stop at Cartagena’s letters and Las Botas Viejas, enter San Felipe Castle, then walk the Old Town with a bilingual guide. Guides such as Cesar, Kike, and William are praised for clear English translation and lively history. Pickup is available from select hotel areas.

“The tour was excellent!! I really appreciated having an English speaking guide. We got to learn many interesting facts that we never knew about the city. The picture that was taken at the shoe and at the beginning of the castle tour was a plus they were beautiful pictures and it was a nice surprise to have them printed we bought all three of them! Our guide was kind, funny and caring. I would highly recommend this tour! It was a great experience”

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