Nestled on the idyllic Isla Baru, Nena Beach offers a tranquil escape just a stone’s throw from Cartagena. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a refreshing cocktail before settling into plush beach beds, gazing out at the stunning Caribbean waters. After indulging in a delectable lunch of fresh seafood, visitors can enjoy the vibrant local community, interacting with vendors and sampling traditional delicacies. But the day holds more than meets the eye…
Key Points
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Nena Beach on Isla Baru offers a relaxing day trip from Cartagena, with scenic vistas, comfortable beach beds, and amenities like showers and Wi-Fi.
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Guests are transported to Nena Beach via air-conditioned vehicles, with pickup available from various central Cartagena locations, including the Walled City and Getsemani.
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Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome cocktail and have access to secure storage drawers for their belongings.
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A tasty lunch featuring local seafood, salads, and rice and bean dishes is provided, allowing guests to savor the culinary offerings while enjoying the beach atmosphere.
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Interacting with the lively community of local vendors presents opportunities to haggle for souvenirs and sample local delicacies, providing a unique cultural experience.
Overview of the Nena Beach Experience
As one ventures to Nena Beach on Isla Baru, visitors are treated to a day of relaxation and scenic vistas.
The activity includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a welcome cocktail, and a tasty lunch. Guests can lounge on beach beds, secure their belongings in drawers, and enjoy the convenience of showers and Wi-Fi. The port tax is included in the cost.
Pickup options are available for those staying in central Cartagena. However, the beach experience may be impacted by limited space due to development and persistent vendors.
Looking for more options in Cartagena? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Getting to Nena Beach From Cartagena
How does one get to Nena Beach from Cartagena?
The tour includes pickup options from central locations, such as:
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Plaza Cervantes in the La Matuna neighborhood
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Various hotels in the Walled City, San Diego, and Getsemani areas (contact the operator for specific directions)
After the pickup, guests are transported via an air-conditioned vehicle to the Nena Beach resort on Isla Baru.
At the end of the day, the tour returns to the original meeting point in Cartagena.
This convenient transportation service allows visitors to easily access the idyllic Nena Beach from the heart of Cartagena.
Welcome Cocktails and Arrival at the Beach
Upon arrival at Nena Beach, guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome cocktail, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic, to start their day on the idyllic Caribbean shore.
Guests are welcomed with a refreshing cocktail, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, to begin their day on the idyllic Caribbean shore of Nena Beach.
The cocktail is served as they settle into their beach beds, which provide comfortable seating and shade from the sun. Guests can then explore the beach, taking advantage of the provided security drawers to store their belongings.
The Wi-Fi access allows them to stay connected, while the showers offer a chance to freshen up.
With these welcoming amenities, the stage is set for a relaxing and enjoyable day at Nena Beach.
Enjoying Lunch and Relaxing on the Beach Beds
After enjoying the welcome cocktails, guests can settle into their comfortable beach beds and turn their attention to the delectable lunch spread.
The lunch includes:
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A selection of fresh local seafood, grilled to perfection
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Vibrant salads made with crisp greens and tangy vinaigrettes
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Hearty rice and bean dishes, infused with aromatic spices
With the sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the warm tropical sun overhead, guests can savor their meal and soak up the relaxing atmosphere of Nena Beach.
Exploring the Facilities and Amenities at Nena Beach
As guests make their way to the beach, they’ll find a range of facilities and amenities that cater to their comfort and convenience. An air-conditioned vehicle transports them, and a welcome cocktail awaits upon arrival.
Lunch is provided, and beach beds offer a comfortable place to relax. Security drawers allow guests to store their belongings safely. Free WiFi and showers are available, and the 28,000 COP port tax is included.
However, the experience may be impacted by the unorganized boat transfer and lack of transport back to hotels, as well as persistent vendors and limited beach space due to development.
Interacting With the Beach Vendors and Locals
Visitors to Nena Beach often encounter a lively community of local vendors eager to sell their wares. From handcrafted souvenirs to fresh seafood, the beach is alive with activity.
Some key interactions include:
Haggling with vendors over prices, a common practice that requires patience and negotiation skills.
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Haggling with vendors over prices, a common practice that requires patience and negotiation skills.
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Sampling local delicacies like freshly caught ceviche or coconut candy.
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Engaging with friendly locals who are happy to share insights about the island’s history and culture.
Though persistent at times, these interactions can provide a unique cultural experience for beachgoers.
Returning to Cartagena From Nena Beach
When it’s time to return to Cartagena from Nena Beach, guests can typically expect a smooth process.
The tour operator will arrange for transportation back to the original meeting point at Plaza Cervantes. Guests can board the air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy the scenic ride back to the city.
While the boat ride to the beach can sometimes be disorganized, the return trip is generally well-coordinated.
Once back in Cartagena, guests are free to continue exploring the historic walled city or head back to their accommodations.
The overall experience provides a relaxing day at the beach before returning to the bustling streets of the colonial city.
The Sum Up
Nena Beach on Isla Baru offers a tranquil escape from Cartagena’s bustling city. Guests are welcomed with refreshing cocktails, indulge in fresh seafood, and relax on comfortable beach beds. With amenities like showers and Wi-Fi, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the sun. Visitors can also explore the lively beach community, interact with local vendors, and sample traditional delicacies.
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