Visit Playa Blanca on Baru Island at a Beach Club.

Nestled on the idyllic Baru Island, Playa Blanca beckons visitors with its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. For $45 per person, you can indulge in a beach club experience that promises a day filled with stunning vistas, a generous lunch, and access to various facilities. While the friendly service and diverse dining options have won over some guests, it’s crucial to consider the potential for overcrowding and additional costs for certain amenities. Prepare for a journey, but the allure of this tropical oasis may just be worth it.

Key Points

• The day trip package to Playa Blanca on Baru Island is priced from $45.00 per person, including a $30,000 pesos lunch voucher and other amenities.
• Transportation to the beach club takes over 2 hours each way, and the experience may involve cramped conditions during transit.
• Guests have reported mixed reviews on the beach experience, with concerns about overcrowding, cleanliness, and limited availability of facilities like showers and lockers.
• The VIP package has faced criticism for not meeting expectations, with additional charges for services like Balinese beds and transparency issues regarding pricing.
• The beach club amenities include bathrooms, lockers, tables, and chairs, but the quality and availability of these facilities have received mixed feedback from guests.

Overview and Pricing

Playa Blanca, located on Barú Island near Cartagena, Colombia, offers a day trip package priced from $45.00 per person.

The package includes a $30,000 pesos lunch voucher, use of facilities, a bilingual guide, travel insurance, and towels. Additional costs may apply for access to showers and Balinese beds.

Guests can choose from pickup locations in northern Cartagena, the Historic Center, Bocagrande, and Gethsemane. The tour has a maximum of 100 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Transportation and Meeting Details

Guests can choose from pickup locations in northern Cartagena, the Historic Center, Bocagrande, and Gethsemane. The meeting point is Monumento Los Pegasos, Cl. 24, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias.

Pickup requires guests to be present at the arranged time. The tour has a maximum of 100 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps, and it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

The journey to the beach club takes over 2 hours each way, and some guests have reported cramped conditions during the commute.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

Travelers offered mixed reviews regarding the beach experience at Playa Blanca, with some finding it overcrowded and vendors overly persistent.

Concerns were raised about the transportation, with reports of cramped conditions and long travel times.

Some guests noted issues with the cleanliness of the beach and facilities, including the availability of showers and lockers.

However, there was positive feedback on the staff service, particularly the bartenders and tour guides.

Guests also reported discrepancies in the VIP package offerings, with some feeling it didn’t meet expectations, and issues with pricing transparency.

VIP Package and Additional Costs

According to some accounts, guests reported discrepancies in the VIP package offerings, with some feeling it didn’t meet their expectations.

Extra charges for Balinese beds, towels, and additional food/drink items were highlighted.

Some travelers experienced issues with pricing transparency, particularly regarding excursions and service charges.

Pricing transparency was an issue, with unclear costs for excursions and service charges, according to some travelers.

As a result, a few guests suggested avoiding the VIP package due to perceived lack of value.

Instead, travelers advised being cautious of vendors and clarifying costs before engaging in services at the beach club.

Recommendations and Alternatives

Some guests recommended exploring alternative beach clubs, citing better experiences elsewhere.

They suggested:

1. Checking out beach clubs with smaller crowds and more personalized service.

2. Comparing transportation options and costs, as some visitors felt the long travel times weren’t worth it.

3. Being cautious of vendors and additional charges, and requesting clear pricing information upfront.

4. Considering the value of the VIP package, as some felt it didn’t live up to the expectations.

Beach Club Amenities and Facilities

The beach club at Playa Blanca offers a range of amenities and facilities for visitors, though some guests have noted issues with their condition and availability.

Guests can utilize bathrooms, lockers, tables, and chairs for sunbathing. Showers are available but come at an additional cost. Balinese beds can also be rented for more comfort.

However, travelers have reported concerns about the cleanliness of the beach and facilities, as well as the limited availability of showers and lockers.

Dining and Culinary Offerings

As part of the Playa Blanca experience, visitors can take advantage of the on-site dining and culinary offerings.

The beach club features:

1. A 30,000 pesos lunch voucher for à la carte dining at the beachside restaurant.

2. A variety of Colombian and international cuisine, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options.

3. Refreshing cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages to quench your thirst.

4. Snacks and light bites available throughout the day to fuel your beach activities.

While the dining options are generally well-received, some guests have reported mixed experiences with food quality and service.

Safety and Accessibility Considerations

When considering a visit to Playa Blanca, it’s important to understand the safety and accessibility aspects of the destination.

The beach club isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the transportation. Pregnant travelers aren’t recommended to visit, as the tour may involve strenuous activities.

With a maximum of 100 travelers, the beach can feel crowded, and guests have reported issues with persistent vendors. Visitors should be cautious of their surroundings and clarify costs before engaging in any services to avoid unexpected charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Process for Accessing the Private Island?

Guests are picked up from various locations in Cartagena and transported to the meeting point at the Monumento Los Pegasos. From there, they’re taken by boat to the private island where the beach club is located.

How Do Guests Reach the Island if They Are Not Part of the Tour?

Guests not part of the tour can reach Baru Island by booking their own transportation, such as hiring a boat or taking a ferry. They’ll need to cover their own costs to access the private beach club facilities.

Are There Any Activities or Entertainment Options Available on the Island?

The beach club offers a range of activities and entertainment options, including use of facilities like bathrooms, lockers, and sunbathing areas. Guests can also purchase additional amenities like Balinese beds and access to showers.

Can Guests Bring Their Own Food and Drinks to the Beach Club?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks to the beach club. The club provides a $30,000 pesos lunch voucher for guests to use at the on-site restaurant, but any additional food or drinks must be purchased from the club.

What Are the Dress Code Requirements for the Beach Club?

The beach club generally has a casual, swimwear-friendly dress code. Guests can wear t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Formal attire isn’t required, but beachgoers should avoid excessively revealing or disruptive clothing.

The Sum Up

Playa Blanca’s beach club on Baru Island offers a full-day experience with a delightful lunch and access to its facilities. While the scenic views and vibrant atmosphere are appealing, visitors should be mindful of potential overcrowding and additional costs for some amenities. The lengthy journey to the island is worth considering as well. Overall, it provides a relaxing beach getaway, but guests should weigh the pros and cons before deciding.