4 Islands

Cartagena’s "4 Islands" tour is a must-do for anyone seeking a taste of the Caribbean’s natural splendor. With an all-inclusive package that covers transportation, lunch, and snorkeling gear, it’s an enticing way to explore the region’s stunning islands. However, while the tour promises an unforgettable experience, guests should be prepared for potential challenges, like rough boat rides and limited time at each stop. But for those willing to embrace the adventure, the tour’s highlights are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• The tour visits 4 islands in the Rosario Islands archipelago, located off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.
• The 4 islands included in the tour are Isla Grande, Isla Barú, Isla del Rosario, and Isla Mucura.
• Visitors have the opportunity to snorkel and explore the marine life surrounding the islands.
• The tour provides a comprehensive package with transportation, lunch, and snorkeling equipment included.
• Guests have mixed reviews, with some praising the experience and others facing logistical issues or feeling the tour was rushed.

Overview of the Tour

The 4 Islands Tour is a popular day trip from Cartagena, Colombia that allows visitors to explore a series of picturesque islands.

Priced from $60 per person, this all-inclusive tour includes hotel pickup, roundtrip transportation, lunch, and snorkeling equipment.

Groups are capped at 35 travelers, with a 7:30 am start time and meeting point at the Monumento Torre del Reloj.

The tour promises stunning natural landscapes, vibrant marine life, and cultural experiences across multiple islands.

While some guests rave about the tour guide and snorkeling, logistical issues and uncomfortable boat rides have drawn criticism from others.

Location and Meeting Point

As the tour departs from Cartagena, Colombia, the meeting point is set at the Monumento Torre del Reloj, located in the heart of the city’s historic Boca del Puente neighborhood.

This iconic clock tower serves as a convenient landmark for travelers to gather before embarking on their island adventure. From here, the tour group will be transported via roundtrip transportation to the various islands, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

The meeting point is easily accessible, making it simple for participants to find and join the tour. The tour concludes by returning to the same location at the end of the day.

Included in the Tour

This four-island tour in Cartagena, Colombia provides a comprehensive package of amenities to ensure a memorable experience.

It includes hotel pickup and roundtrip transportation, allowing guests to relax without the hassle of navigation. A delectable lunch is provided, ensuring travelers fuel up for the day’s activities.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, enabling guests to explore the vibrant marine life. With a maximum of 35 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or culture, this tour has a lot to offer to enjoy.

Tour Capacity and Schedule

With a maximum capacity of 35 travelers, this four-island tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour kicks off at 7:30 am, meeting at the iconic Monumento Torre del Reloj in the heart of Cartagena. Guests are in for a day of island-hopping adventure, with the tour returning to the starting point by the end of the day.

• Delight in the scenic boat rides between islands, taking in the stunning Caribbean vistas.

• Savor the included lunch, a delectable feast to refuel during the day’s explorations.

• Embrace the opportunity to snorkel and discover the vibrant underwater world.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

Travelers’ experiences with this four-island tour paint a mixed picture, with a range of feedback across the spectrum.

Some guests, like Christina and Christopher, praised the tour guide and snorkeling opportunities.

Others, like Andria and David, faced logistical issues and language barriers, feeling the tour was too rushed.

Negative reviewers, such as Sharon and Jaime, described injuries, invasive vendors, and littered environments.

While the operator seems committed to improving based on customer comments, the inconsistent experiences suggest a need for better organization and attention to guest comfort and safety.

Positive Highlights

While the reviews for this four-island tour were mixed, some guests highlighted positive experiences.

The tour guide, Carlos, received praise for his knowledgeable and engaging leadership. Guests also enjoyed the snorkeling excursion, with one reviewer describing the "incredible underwater world" and "schools of vibrant fish."

Plus, the fried fish lunch at Playa Tranquil was a hit, with one guest raving about the "excellent" and "mouthwatering" dish.

Despite the logistical challenges, these bright spots suggest the tour can offer memorable moments for visitors to the islands near Cartagena.

Negative Concerns

However, the tour faced several logistical issues that left some guests dissatisfied.

Several reviewers noted uncomfortable boat rides, with one guest describing them as "rough and unpleasant."

Some travelers also felt the tour was too rushed, with limited time to explore each island.

One guest, David_S, found the overall experience "exhausting" due to the logistical challenges.

Plus, a few visitors encountered language barriers when communicating with the staff, and one reviewer, Andria_H, complained about overcrowding on the islands.

Ultimately, these operational concerns dampened the overall experience for certain participants.

Logistical Considerations

The tour offers pickup options for guests, allowing them to either meet at the designated meeting point or be picked up from their hotels.

While the tour is filled with adventures, there are a few logistical considerations to keep in mind:

1. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during boat rides.

2. The boat rides can be rough and uncomfortable, so those prone to motion sickness may want to take precautions.

3. With limited time at each stop, the tour may feel a bit rushed, leaving little time to fully explore the islands.

Sum Up

The "4 Islands" tour from Cartagena offers a chance to explore the stunning Caribbean islands. With an all-inclusive package, travelers can enjoy a personalized experience, but they should be prepared for potential challenges like rough boat rides and limited time at each stop. The tour provides an opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty, despite some logistical considerations.