What is famously known as Baru Island, is actually a peninsula located 45 minutes from Cartagena de Indias. Until the year 2014 the only way to get there was by raft, but it was in this same year that the Baru Bridge was inaugurated.
Baru is a wonderful island with dreamy landscapes, a magical place that enchants all its visitors. It is characterized by its turquoise waters and its white beaches. Besides, this island is part of the Los Corales del Rosario National Park.
The population in Baru Island is approximately 20,000 inhabitants, and its means of monetary production is based on tourism, either working in hotels, making guided tours or selling crafts and souvenirs for visitors.
How to get to Baru Island Colombia
Baru Island is located 47 kilometers from Cartagena, so you must first get to Cartagena. If you don’t know how to get to Baru Island, we show you some options.
The first one is to take a boat from the Bodeguita Dock to the Island. In fact, this option is the most expensive one, since the price of this transport is between $50.000 and $70.00 COP. However, it is one of the best options, since it is the fastest and you will be able to enjoy the landscape in a new experience.
The second option is to arrive by land. From the monument of India Catalina you must take a bus to Pasacaballos, it costs approximately $ 2.200 COP and lasts about an hour. In Pasacaballos you must take a motorcycle service that will take you directly to the island. This option is, without a doubt, the most economical.
The third option is to take a taxi from Cartagena to the island. This option is also very expensive, as the trip is a bit long.
Geography and climate in Baru Island
The climate on Baru Island ranges from 25°C to 30°C. It is essential to carry sunscreen in your luggage to avoid skin burns. As regards clothes, the best option is to wear light clothes, preferably white; comfortable shoes and sandals. And you can’t forget your swimsuit. One recommendation is to wear a hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
Attractions in Baru Island
Baru Island itself is a great tourist attraction in Colombia. It is a magical island where the color of the sky combines with its blue waters and gives an unforgettable landscape. Baru’s beaches are known for being white sand beaches, of public access and their accommodation prices are accessible. However, the food on the island is very expensive, that’s why it’s advisable to buy some food in Cartagena, before going to Baru Island.
Baru Island has a variety of beaches like Playita de los Muertos, Puerto Naito, Playa Blanca, Playa Bobo, Punta Iguana and La Playita de Cholon. One of the most visited in Playa Blanca. This beach is a wonderful place where tourists can enjoy a quiet atmosphere. However, after 6:00 pm there is no electricity, so it is advisable to bring flashlights.
Playa Blanca
What to do in Baru Island?
If you don’t know what to do in Baru Island, we recommend to visit all the possible beaches. Clearly, you should enjoy a day of sun and sea.
In the beaches you can practice snorkeling and face painting, this is a very interesting experience since you will be able to observe a variety of marine fauna and flora that will leave you enchanted. You can also go scuba diving.
Other of the many plans that you can make in the beaches of Baru is the rental of canoes, kayaks or jet skis to travel and know the island in a different way.
A good advice is to pay a tour, that is to say, to hire a service in Cartagena that will take you to the island and will offer you different activities. It is recommended to get to know the place better, listen to the guides’ stories and get the most out of the trip. It is also advisable to consult more than one option, since you may be offered high prices just because you are a tourist.
In Playa Blanca, there is a sweet lagoon where you can swim at night, the wonderful thing is that you will see the plankton shining in the water, this is, without a doubt, magical.
Diving in Baru Island
Gastronomy in Baru Island
Being an island, Baru offers a variety of marine gastronomy, you will be able to find a great quantity of fishes prepared in different techniques. In Playa Blanca, for example, there is a diversity of restaurants that offer lunch and breakfast. Among the menus you can enjoy ceviche, stuffed arepas, hamburgers and fast food. On this beach you will also find a vegetarian option. However, in the evening there are very few restaurants that provide service.
Hotels in Baru Island
Baru Island is a tourist destination coveted by many. That’s why you can find a variety of hotel and lodging options. Generally, tourists prefer to stay in Playa Blanca because of its economy and because it is one of the most visited beaches. Next we will show you only some options where to stay in Baru Island.
Playa Tortuga Carey Cabaña is a hotel located in front of the sea, it offers its visitors terraces with a perfect view of the sea. The hotel has a fully equipped kitchen for the use of tourists. The bathroom is shared. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, serving breakfast and American dishes. In the surroundings of the hotel you can practice snokel and fishing. There is no internet access. Pets are allowed. This hotel is located in Playa Blanca.
Nuestros Tres Tesoros is a hotel located in front of the sea, some rooms have an ocean view, every morning a continental, American or vegetarian breakfast is served. It has parking service. Pets are allowed. It has family rooms, restaurant and bar. The rooms do not have a private bathroom. The hotel does not have internet access. It offers plans like Tour to Islas del Rosario, bath with plankton and snorkelin.
Website: nuestros3tesoros.com
Cell phone: (+57)3002088731 – (+57)3126228408
E-mail: info@nuestros3tesoros.com
Hotel Princesa del Mar is located in front of the sea in Playa Blanca, this hotel offers double or family rooms, they do not have private bathrooms. Accommodation includes breakfast, access to sun chairs and use of WiFi. In this hotel there is also camping in Baru Island.
Telephone: 310 493 2313
Email: kelis@princesamar.com
Website: www.princesamar.com
Costs
The entrance to Baru Island is totally free.
Recommendations
It is recommended that tourists, foreign or Colombian, consult the price of products or services BEFORE they are consumed. Also do not receive free samples from sellers on the beaches.
