Baru Island, Quiet Beach + Plankton

Just an hour’s boat ride from the vibrant city of Cartagena, Baru Island offers a serene escape on Playa Tranquila. Visitors can relax on sun chairs, enjoy refreshing fruit salads, and witness the captivating glow of bioluminescent plankton. Though the plankton experience lasts around 40 minutes, some find it fails to fully meet expectations. Nevertheless, this peaceful retreat provides a welcomed reprieve, though the value-for-money may be questionable for some.

Key Points

• Baru Island is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, approximately one hour by boat from Cartagena.
• The tour includes a 40-minute boat transfer to the tranquil Playa Tranquila beach and observation of bioluminescent plankton.
• The tour package provides sun chairs, sun beds, lockers, and a welcome fruit salad upon arrival.
• Lunch options include chicken, fish, or a vegetarian fried egg dish, but the vegetarian option is limited.
• The tour is rated 3 out of 5 stars, with the plankton activity duration viewed as a let-down, and the overall assessment indicating it may be overpriced.

Location and Access

Baru Island is situated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling mainland.

Located about an hour from Cartagena, the island can be reached by boat from the Playa Blanca beach. Travelers can choose from several departure points along the coast, with the trip to the island’s main Playa Tranquila beach taking around 40 minutes.

Once there, guests can relax on sun chairs and enjoy the serene atmosphere, with options to explore the island further or participate in activities like the plankton tour.

Activity and Duration

The tour to Playa Tranquila on Baru Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the glow of bioluminescent plankton.

After a 40-minute boat transfer from Playa Blanca, guests arrive at the tranquil Playa Tranquila. There, they can relax on sun chairs and enjoy a welcome fruit salad.

The plankton activity lasts about 40 minutes, allowing ample time to observe the mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

Before the plankton viewing, guests are provided a snack of a ham and cheese sandwich and lemonade to energize them for the experience.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour package includes the use of sun chairs, sun beds, and lockers at Playa Tranquila.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a refreshing fruit salad.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle.

Lunch options include chicken, fish, or a vegetarian fried egg dish, all served with a side salad, patacón, coconut rice, and lemonade.

Before the plankton activity, travelers enjoy a snack of a ham and cheese sandwich with lemonade.

The tour is priced at $50.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers can depart for the tour from various pickup locations listed upon booking confirmation.

The tour begins with transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle to the boat transfer point at Playa Blanca. Participants will then:

• Board a boat for the 40-minute transfer to Playa Tranquila.

• Arrive at the beach and be welcomed with a refreshing fruit salad.

• Have access to sun chairs, sun beds, and lockers during the visit.

• Enjoy a lunch of chicken, fish, or vegetarian options, plus a pre-activity snack.

Health and Accessibility

Although the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical issues, most travelers can participate.

Infants must sit on laps. Pregnant women should avoid the tour. Service animals are allowed, and the boat transfer is stroller-accessible.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly. Travelers should consider their physical capabilities before booking.

Reviews and Ratings

Baru Island Beach tour has received only one review so far, which rates the experience at 3 out of 5 stars.

The reviewer provided the following feedback:

• The boat transfer was smooth and efficient.

• The lunch was satisfactory, but the vegetarian option was just a fried egg.

• The plankton activity was a let-down, as it only lasted 40 minutes.

• The reviewer felt the tour was overpriced for the limited activities offered.

While this single review indicates room for improvement, the Baru Island Beach tour seems to provide a relaxing day trip with decent amenities.

More reviews would be needed to fully assess the tour’s value and quality.

Plankton Sighting and Experience

One of the main draws of the Baru Island Beach tour is the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing display of glowing plankton.

For 40 minutes, visitors can observe the bioluminescent marine organisms light up the dark waters, creating a captivating natural spectacle.

Guides lead the group on a boat transfer from Playa Blanca to Playa Tranquila, where the plankton activity takes place.

Travelers simply need to dip their hands in the water to see the plankton glow.

Dipping your hands in the water allows you to witness the captivating glow of the bioluminescent plankton.

This unique experience offers a chance to connect with the wonders of the Caribbean ecosystem in an unforgettable way.

Sum Up

Baru Island offers a tranquil beach escape complemented by the captivating sight of bioluminescent plankton. Though the plankton experience may not fully meet expectations, the overall tour provides a peaceful retreat. While slightly pricey, the visit allows for relaxation in a serene setting just an hour’s boat ride from Cartagena.