Isla Barú is a top tourist hotspot, often hailed as one of the most breathtaking places on Earth!
If this paradise is new to you, here’s a quick introduction: Isla Barú was originally a peninsula located south of Cartagena, Colombia, but it became an island when the Canal del Dique separated it from the mainland. Today, it’s celebrated for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and idyllic tropical scenery—a true slice of paradise waiting to be explored.
About Isla Baru
Isla Barú is the ultimate getaway for anyone dreaming of a tropical paradise. Famous for its powdery white sand, swaying palm trees, and dazzling turquoise Caribbean waters, it’s the picture-perfect escape.
But Isla Barú offers more than just natural beauty. The island also boasts a vibrant town, renowned for its colorful streets and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.
Traveling on a budget? Isla Barú can be surprisingly affordable—we’ll show you how to enjoy paradise without breaking the bank.
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Cartagena to Isla Baru – How to Get There
There are a few options to get from Cartagena to Isla Baru. You can take a ferry, bus, taxi or private transportation.
Taking a bus is the cheapest option and it takes around 25 minutes to get there.
The next option is by taxi or Uber which is a little more expensive than a bus but it will only take you around 13 minutes.
The most expensive option is by private transportation which will also take you around 13 minutes to get there.
You can view the map to get a better idea of where you’re headed.
Isla Baru Hotels and Accommodation
Most of the Isla Baru hotels are comfortable and have extra features. Let’s take a look at the most popular options:
Hotel Playa Manglares Isla Baru
It is located on Barbacoa Beach and the hotel has a private beach.
The rooms also come with garden views and you can relax on the hammocks, patios and open terraces.
The hotel also has a restaurant and a regional breakfast is served daily with delicious tropical fruits.
Aura Hotel Baru
Aura hotel offers private beach access and it can also be reached by motorboat. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports.
If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet along with the beauty of nature, then this Aura hotel is the perfect option! All rooms here are surrounded by trees.
You can also enjoy a restaurant on the beachside with fresh seafood dishes. It opens for breakfast, lunch and supper with both international and local Caribbean dishes.
Playa Arrecifes Cabana
Playa Arrecifes Cabana is a cheaper option and it is situated near Playa Blanca. Rooms with sea views are also available for bookings.
Spend your afternoon relaxing on the terrace and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Baru Playa Eco Beach Resort
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation at its finest, then Baru Playa Eco Beach Resort is for you!
This resort features 200m of private white sand beach. You can also enjoy many activities at the resort including a water park and outdoor activities.
Each room also comes with air conditioning and a balcony. Extras also include a minibar and a terrace. Rooms also have sea views.
What to Do in Isla Baru
There is no shortage of things to do when you visit Isla Baru. You can have both a relaxing and fun-filled vacation!
Isla Grande
Visit Isla Grande where you can enjoy many family-friendly activities. From beach tours to city sightings.
You can enjoy a variety of beach tours and hop-on-hop-off bus tours to make the most of the city.
Take the Aviary tour of Colombia in which you can see 2000 birds of 190 species and let’s not forget the natural beauty along the way!
Isla Rosario
Isla Rosario is the perfect place for scuba diving. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, be prepared to sight crabs, lobsters, coral reefs, and starfish.
Visit Isla Rosario’s Oceanario Aquarium where you can watch dolphin shows and see different marine species such as sharks, turtles, fish and more.
Isla Reina
Here, you can enjoy nature and the beaches. There is also a variety of water sports that you can try out.
Isla Reina is a quiet beach that is perfected for introverts. It also has crystal clear waters and enchanting nature that cannot be missed!
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca Colombia is one of the best beaches in Cartagena. It is a super popular tourist spot.
Playa Blanca is famous for its fabulous boat tours and snorkeling.
Have you ever done an island-hop on a boat tour?
You can island hop all the Rosario Islands which are Barú, Cholon and Playa Blanca from Cartagena.
If you love your food, there you will enjoy some of the finest foods in a variety of different restaurants.
You can also experience the nightlife and even some shopping here!
Or if you’re in the mood for some relaxation and quiet, you can rest and laze around at the beach.
Water Sports
Isla Baru is popular for many different types of water sports.
Some water sports you can enjoy are snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, surfing and jet skiing.
If you’re in the mood for something a little unique and more thrilling, then you should try kitesurfing. You can take lessons on how to kitesurf and make the most of flying through the air.
Be prepared to have lots of fun!
Fishing
Ever thought about a vacation that included fishing? Well with this one, it’s possible!
You can take a fishing tour guided by local fishermen or even deep sea fishing.
If you haven’t done this before, they will teach you how to fish too, all sorted.
Fishing tours are up to 6 hours.
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Sailboat Tours
Enjoy sailing through the stunning waters of Isla Baru with a variety of sailboat tours.
Isla Coralina is a must-see. Here, the reefs are full of corals and you can even spot different species of fish.
Isla Coralina is also a famous spot for snorkeling.
You can take a full-day boat tour exploring all the islands. Depending on which islands you’d like to visit, you can choose a sailboat tour that offers visits to those places.
These islands include Baru, Rosario Islands, Cholon, Isla Grande, Playa Blanca and more.
Romantic tours, dinner cruises, VIP and private boat tours are also available.
Visit Aviario Nacional
If you love birds, a visit to Aviario Nacional is an absolute must! This conservation organization is dedicated to protecting birds, including several threatened species.
You can explore ecological walking trails that showcase three main ecosystems: a coastal zone, a desert, and a tropical forest. With over 2,000 bird species to spot—from flamingos and macaws to condors—make sure your camera is ready to capture these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.
Isla Barú Tours
There’s no shortage of ways to explore Isla Barú. Here are some popular options:
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Barú: Quiet Beach by Land (Regular)
Enjoy a peaceful day on the beach with a special lunch featuring the finest local seafood. Perfect for some quiet, sun-soaked relaxation. -
Botanical Garden + Aviario Route (Regular)
Discover the natural beauty of Jardín Botánico de Cartagena Guillermo Piñeres and Aviario Nacional. This guided tour also includes lunch, offering a perfect mix of nature, wildlife, and convenience. -
Four Islands + Plankton Experience
Visit Playa Blanca, Isla de Rosario, and Isla Barú, and kick off the day with a welcome cocktail. Snorkel for an hour, then experience 40 minutes of plankton activity at Playa Tranquila—an unforgettable adventure. -
Playa Azul (Blue Beach)
Part of Cholon and Barú Island, Playa Azul offers stunning crashing waves and pristine sands—perfect for sunbathing or taking a scenic stroll.
Other activities include boat tours, boat parties, water sports, fishing, or simply relaxing and soaking up the Caribbean sun.
What to Pack for Isla Barú
Heading to Isla Barú? Here’s a quick packing checklist to make the most of your trip:
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Beach essentials: swimsuit, beach towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat
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Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
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Bug repellent to avoid pesky bites
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Camera to capture every magical moment
With these items, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything Isla Barú has to offer—from pristine beaches to wildlife adventures.