5 Islands Tour (Cholon the Party Island and Snorkeling)

The 5 Islands Tour promises an exhilarating day trip to Cholon, the renowned "Party Island," along with opportunities to explore the underwater world through snorkeling. Priced at $120 per person, the tour includes lunch, two complimentary beers, and access to snorkeling equipment, all while providing air-conditioned transportation. Though reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, the tour offers a vibrant atmosphere and stunning scenery, making it a potential adventure for those seeking a day of fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking to dance the day away or learn about the beauty of the sea, this tour may be worth considering.

Key Points

• The 5 Islands Tour offers a discounted price of $120 per person, including lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and transportation.
• The tour accommodates up to 20 travelers and provides pickup details one day before the 7:30 AM start time.
• While the tour has generally positive reviews, some guests reported issues with the boat size, islands visited, and vendor harassment.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant or medically compromised individuals.
• Caution is advised regarding island vendors, and a positive mindset is recommended to enjoy the tour despite any unmet expectations.

Tour Overview and Details

The 5 Islands Tour offers visitors a chance to explore Cholon, a party island, and engage in snorkeling activities.

Explore the party island of Cholon and enjoy snorkeling activities on the 5 Islands Tour in Cartagena, Colombia.

Located in Cartagena, Colombia, the tour is priced at $120 per person, down from the original $150. The package includes lunch, two beers per person, national liquor (until supplies last), snorkeling equipment, air-conditioned transportation, and fees.

The tour accommodates up to 20 travelers, with confirmation received upon booking. Pickup details are provided a day before the 7:30 AM start time.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant or medically compromised individuals.

Pickup and Meeting Information

Although pickup points can be selected, confirmation of the time and place is provided one day before the tour. This ensures guests are aware of the specific meeting location.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as guests must embark and disembark the boat. Infants, however, can join the tour by sitting on their parents’ laps.

Given the nature of the activities, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Tour Reviews and Ratings

In total, the 5 Islands Tour has received 7 reviews, earning an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

Despite no 5-star or 4-star reviews, the tour has generally positive feedback, with guests highlighting the enjoyable experience, music, beverages, and informative guides.

However, the tour has also received a single 1-star review, citing issues with the boat size, number of islands visited, food and drink availability, vendor harassment, and alleged theft.

The operator has responded, citing weather affecting the itinerary and clarifying tour details, but caution is advised regarding vendors and personal responsibility during the tour.

Customer Complaints and Operator Responses

Customers have voiced several complaints about the 5 Islands Tour, which the operator has addressed. Some found the boat size smaller than expected and that only one island, rather than five, was visited.

There were also reports of additional charges at Rosario Island and an experience with alleged pirates demanding money. Plus, a customer claimed their wallet went missing, suspecting pickpocketing.

The operator explained weather warnings affected the itinerary, and drinks were only included on the boat, not at the islands. They also clarified tour details before booking and emphasized personal responsibility during the tour.

Recommendations and Cautions

The 5 Islands Tour may not be the best fit for those seeking a lively party atmosphere, as the ambiance depends largely on the other guests in attendance.

Caution is advised regarding vendors at the islands, as some travelers reported issues with harassment.

Be cautious of island vendors, as some travelers have reported issues with harassment.

For a more tailored adventure, it may be worth considering a private tour experience.

However, it’s important to note that a positive mindset can significantly enhance one’s enjoyment of the tour, even if certain aspects don’t meet initial expectations.

Highlights of the Tour

The 5 Islands Tour offers several highlights that may appeal to prospective travelers.

The tour includes:

• A visit to the party island of Cholon, known for its lively atmosphere and music.

• Opportunities for snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life.

• A provided lunch and two beers per person, as well as national liquor (until supplies run out).

• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes covered.

• The convenience of pickup and drop-off at the hotel, making for a hassle-free experience.

What to Expect on the Islands

Visitors can expect a diverse range of experiences on the islands during the 5 Islands Tour. The party island, Cholon, offers a lively atmosphere with music, drinks, and opportunities to mingle with other travelers.

The snorkeling sites provide a chance to explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs. Guests should exercise caution when dealing with vendors, as some may be aggressive.

While the tour includes lunch, additional charges may apply for food and beverages on the islands. The experience can be enjoyable, but it’s important to have realistic expectations and remain vigilant to avoid any issues.

The Sum Up

The 5 Islands Tour offers a lively and scenic day trip, with snorkeling and party vibes at Cholon island. While the experience has received mixed reviews, it can be a memorable adventure for those seeking sun and fun. Guests should consider the tour’s pros and cons to decide if it’s the right fit for their interests and expectations.