Full Day Guided Tour to Isla Cholón

The full day guided tour to Isla Cholón near Cartagena, Colombia, seems like an exciting adventure filled with snorkeling, swimming, and a vibrant party atmosphere. Priced at $90 per person, the tour includes transportation, meals, and drinks. While participants generally enjoy the lively vibe and attentive guides, some have reported concerns about cleanliness and service. Despite these issues, the overall experience is highly rated, making it a popular choice for those seeking an exhilarating day on the water.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour to the island of Isla Cholón near Cartagena, Colombia, operated by Adventure CTG SAS.
• The tour includes transportation, meals, snacks, beverages, and activities like snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
• The tour is not suitable for certain travelers, such as those with medical conditions or under 18 years old.
• Participants can expect a lively party atmosphere, but there are mixed reviews regarding service, cleanliness, and safety concerns.
• The tour starts and ends at centralized locations in Cartagena’s historic center, with staff assistance provided.

Tour Overview

The Full Day Guided Tour to Isla Cholón offers visitors an opportunity to explore the scenic island located near Cartagena, Colombia.

Rated 97% recommended with 194 reviews, this tour is supplied by Adventure CTG SAS and costs from $90 per person.

Travelers can expect an air-conditioned vehicle, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages including two complimentary national beers.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children under 18, pregnant travelers, and those with serious medical conditions aren’t recommended.

The meeting point is Babylon Restaurante Bar, and the tour ends at Sibarita del Mar near the Clock Tower.

Inclusions

As part of the Full Day Guided Tour to Isla Cholón, travelers can expect an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.

The tour also includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as complimentary national beers and alcoholic beverages, coffee/tea, and bottled water.

A full day tour that includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, complimentary national beers, alcoholic beverages, coffee/tea, and bottled water.

Towels are provided for the day’s activities, which include snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing in a party atmosphere.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed.

However, it’s not recommended for children under 18, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions due to the nature of the experience.

Meeting and End Points

Travelers meet for the Full Day Guided Tour to Isla Cholón at Babylon Restaurante Bar, located at Dg. 35 #34-41 in the El Centro district of Cartagena.

Staff identified with ETRIPS will be present to assist guests. The tour ends at Sibarita del Mar, located at Av. Blas de Lezo in El Centro, near the Clock Tower.

The tour concludes at the Pesos Pier. Participants should be aware that the meeting and end points are situated in the heart of Cartagena’s historic center, making for a convenient and centralized start and finish to the day’s activities.

Tour Experience

Although the tour promises an exciting day of snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing in a lively party atmosphere, reviews suggest a mixed experience.

While some praise the fun vibes and attentive guides, others criticize cleanliness, service issues, and overpriced drinks. Vendors can be persistent, and safety concerns arise during boat rides.

Seating may be uncomfortable, and lunch often runs late. Ultimately, the tour caters to those seeking a lively, social experience, but travelers should prepare for potential organization and service challenges.

Bringing personal items and managing expectations are recommended to ensure an enjoyable outing.

Positive Feedback

Many travelers praised the exciting and lively atmosphere of the tour. They highlighted the group-friendly vibe, noting it was great for those looking to party and socialize.

Reviewers commended the attentive guides, who they said provided a fun and engaging experience. Several mentioned the good overall vibes, with one traveler describing it as a "lively and energetic outing."

However, some cautioned that the high-energy setting may not suit everyone, especially those seeking a more relaxed excursion.

Negative Feedback

Despite the exciting atmosphere, some reviewers expressed concerns about various aspects of the tour. Several noted the drinks were overpriced, with one commenting the beers cost over $5 each.

Others criticized the persistent vendors who aggressively sold items, distracting from the experience. Some found the seating aboard the boat uncomfortable, with limited shade.

A few mentioned the lunch was served late, interrupting their enjoyment. Safety issues during the boat rides also worried some travelers.

Preparation and Cautions

To make the most of the Isla Cholón tour, travelers should come prepared.

Pack essential items like:

• Your own drinks, snacks, and a waterproof bag to store belongings

• Towels for swimming and sunbathing

• Comfortable shoes or sandals for walking on the island

• Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

Be aware of aggressive vendors and potential safety issues during the boat rides.

Language barriers may cause communication challenges, so it’s wise to review basic Spanish phrases before the trip.

With the right preparation and caution, the Isla Cholón tour can be an exciting and memorable adventure.

Overall Impression

The overall impression of the Isla Cholón tour is a mix of excitement and organization issues. Many travelers praised the lively party atmosphere and range of activities like snorkeling and swimming.

However, some experienced significant problems, from overpriced drinks to uncomfortable seating and late lunch. Safety concerns during the boat rides also worried some participants.

While the guides were attentive, language barriers and pushy vendors marred the experience for others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkel gear. The tour does not provide snorkel equipment, so bringing your own is recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable snorkeling experience.

Are There Any Water Currents or Undertows to Be Aware Of?

There can be strong currents and undertows in the area, so travelers should exercise caution when swimming and snorkeling. Guided tours can provide safety tips and oversight to help manage these conditions.

How Much Time Is Spent at the Island Versus on the Boat?

The tour typically spends 2-3 hours on the island, allowing ample time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation. The remaining time is spent on the boat traveling to and from the island, with stops along the way.

Are Restrooms Available on the Island or Boat?

Restrooms are available on the boat, but there are limited facilities on the island itself. Travelers should plan accordingly and be prepared for basic restroom options during the tour.

Can I Leave the Group to Explore the Island Independently?

Travelers generally cannot leave the group to explore the island independently. Most tours maintain a structured itinerary and require participants to stay with the group for safety and logistical reasons during the excursion.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Guided Tour to Isla Cholón offers an exhilarating day of snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing in a lively party atmosphere. While some report concerns about cleanliness and service, the overall experience is highly rated, making it a popular choice for adventure seekers. With transportation, meals, and drinks included, the tour provides good value for the price.