The Full-Day Mambo Beach Club Baru excursion from Cartagena is a top-rated option for those seeking a day of relaxation on the stunning Playa Blanca beach. With air-conditioned transportation, a local lunch, and beach amenities included, it’s no wonder this trip is so popular. However, visitors should be prepared for potential drawbacks, as the experience isn’t without its challenges. Exploring the details of this excursion could reveal whether it’s the right fit for your day in Cartagena.
Key Points
- Mambo Beach Club Baru offers a full-day trip to Baru Island with access to the beautiful Playa Blanca beach near Cartagena, Colombia.
- The trip includes air-conditioned transportation, a local lunch, and amenities like sun chairs, towels, and snacks, with Balinese beds available for an additional cost.
- While reviewers praise the stunning beach, they also mention issues like loud music, aggressive vendors, and limited shade and food options.
- The facility is not wheelchair accessible, and the high noise levels and potential vendor harassment should be anticipated by visitors.
- Alternative options may be recommended for travelers seeking a more relaxing experience, but Mambo Beach Club Baru remains a popular day trip destination from Cartagena.
Overview and Experience
The Mambo Beach Club Baru in Cartagena, Colombia offers a full-day experience for visitors, with a day trip to Baru Island and a relaxing time at Playa Blanca beach.
The tour includes air-conditioned minivan transportation and a local lunch with a $30,000 COP meal voucher. Reviewers praise the beautiful beach, while also noting issues like loud music, limited shade, and aggressive vendors.
The club provides sun chairs, towels, and snacks, but access to Balinese beds comes at an additional cost.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cartagena
Amenities and Inclusions
The Mambo Beach Club Baru provides a range of amenities and inclusions for visitors.
Guests can enjoy sun chairs, a welcome drink, towels, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. For an additional cost, they can rent a Balinese bed.
The club features clean bathrooms with running water and showers.
However, the facility isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the tours are limited to a maximum of 60 travelers.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Travelers meet at the Monumento Los Pegasos, located on Cl. 24 in the El Centro district of Cartagena, for the Mambo Beach Club Baru experience.
Travelers meet at the Monumento Los Pegasos in Cartagena’s El Centro district for the Mambo Beach Club Baru experience.
The tour offers two departure times – 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.
The trip includes air-conditioned minivan transportation to and from Cartagena, ensuring a comfortable journey to the island.
Customer Feedback and Concerns
While the Mambo Beach Club Baru generally receives positive ratings, the overall experience has drawn mixed reviews from travelers.
Some reported issues with:
-
Loud music and limited shade, creating an unrelaxing atmosphere
-
Limited food options and long wait times for service
-
Transportation problems, including delays and vehicle issues
However, many travelers praised the stunning beauty of Playa Blanca.
Despite these concerns, the beach club continues to be a popular day trip destination from Cartagena, offering visitors a chance to soak up the sun and enjoy the Caribbean coast.
Recommendations and Precautions
Based on the mixed reviews, the Mambo Beach Club Baru may not be the best option for all travelers.
The host has acknowledged feedback and made suggestions for improvement, but several issues remain. The club isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or serious medical conditions.
Travelers should also be prepared for potential vendor harassment and high noise levels. While the beach itself is beautiful, those seeking a more relaxing experience may want to consider alternative options.
With some planning and understanding of the potential drawbacks, the Mambo Beach Club Baru can still provide an enjoyable day trip from Cartagena.
Highlights of Playa Blanca
One of the main highlights of the Playa Blanca beach is its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Visitors can’t help but be awestruck by the natural beauty of this picturesque Caribbean destination.
The beach offers:
-
Ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation
-
Stunning vistas of the coastline and nearby islands
-
Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including birds and marine life
While the beach may get crowded during peak hours, its sheer size and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for those seeking a taste of paradise on Baru Island.
Transportation and Logistics
The Mambo Beach Club Baru offers two convenient departure times for visitors to Playa Blanca – 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Travelers receive confirmation at booking and can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Transportation is provided via air-conditioned minivans, with a maximum group size of 60 guests.
However, some reviewers have reported issues with transportation, including delays and vehicle problems.
Comparison to Other Beach Options
While the Mambo Beach Club Baru offers a convenient day trip option from Cartagena, travelers may want to consider other nearby beach alternatives that could provide a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Some nearby beaches, such as:
-
Playa Blanca, just south of Cartagena, which is known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural scenery.
-
Isla Tierra Bomba, accessible by ferry, with quieter beaches and fewer crowds.
-
Punta Arenas, located north of the city, boasting crystal-clear waters and a more serene ambiance.
These options may be better suited for those seeking a more peaceful beach day without the potential downsides of the Mambo Beach Club experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Total Duration of the Tour?
The tour has two departure times, the first starting at 6:30 AM and ending at 2:00 PM, and the second starting at 9:30 AM and ending at 5:30 PM. So the total duration of the tour is either 7.5 hours or 8 hours.
Can Guests Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?
Guests cannot bring their own food and drinks to the Mambo Beach Club on Baru Island. The tour includes a local lunch voucher, and visitors have access to sun chairs, towels, snacks, and alcoholic beverages provided by the venue.
What Are the Payment Methods Accepted for the Tour?
The tour accepts various payment methods, including cash, credit and debit cards. Guests can pay in Colombian pesos or US dollars. There’s no mention of mobile payment options like digital wallets or mobile apps being accepted.
Is There an Additional Fee for Children or Seniors?
The information provided doesn’t indicate any additional fees for children or seniors. The tour price likely covers all travelers, regardless of age. You’d need to check with the tour operator to confirm the policy on pricing for different ages.
Are Any Discounts or Promotions Available for the Tour?
The tour does not appear to offer any discounts or promotions based on the information provided. The pricing seems to be a standard rate for all adult travelers, with no special offers mentioned.
More Food & Drink Experiences in Cartagena
More Tour Reviews in Cartagena
Still browsing? Here are more Cartagena experiences we've covered recently
- Private Historical Roman Walking Tour of Cartagena
- Cartagena and Murcia – full day shore excursion for cruise guests
- Tour of Cholón Island Rosario Islands
- Cartagena: Private Sunset and Night Boat Tour
- Mangata Beach from Cartagena
- Cartagena: PRIVATE ROSARIO ISLAND UNLIMITED DRINKS
- Cartagena: FISHERMENS ISLAND in the MANGROVES by Canoe
- Cartagena: PUNTARENA ISLAND With Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off
- Cartagena: BILINGUAL CITYTOUR + SAN FELIPE CASTLE & Old City
- Tierra Bomba: Typical Beach Day at Punta Arena!
- Cartagena: Panoramic City Tour, Monuments, Walls, Castle
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa