The 10 Best Things to Do in Cartagena in Nature

A field guide from the conservation team at Loros Wildlife Sanctuary

Cartagena is famous for its colonial walls and Caribbean charm — but the best things to do in Cartagena in nature happen beyond the cobblestones: tropical dry forest full of parrots, mangrove tunnels, living reefs and bays that glow at night.

If you travel with intention — looking for living ecosystems, real encounters, and experiences that stay with you — this is your list: ten must-do Cartagena experiences in nature, written from the field by the team behind Loros Wildlife Sanctuary.

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1. Loros Wildlife Sanctuary — Colombia's most regenerative wildlife experience

Just 1 hour from Cartagena, in the tropical dry forest of Villanueva (Bolívar), this sanctuary offers something unique in the country: taking an active role in the rehabilitation of parrots and macaws rescued from illegal wildlife trade — and in the restoration of one of the Caribbean's most threatened ecosystems.

The conservation numbers are real, measurable work: 520 protected hectares of tropical dry forest, more than 20,000 trees planted from an on-site native nursery, 100+ rehabilitated birds already flying free and faithful to the site, 150+ birds in active rehabilitation, and over 200 bird species recorded — alongside monkeys, sloths, turtles and iguanas. It is Colombia's only specialized rescue center for parrots, and its release method is now peer-reviewed science.

📍 Villanueva, Bolívar
🎟️ Guided visits by reservation – explore the experiences, including a tropical-forest hike under howler monkeys and wild parrots

This is not a zoo. It is a second chance for wildlife.

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2. Sunrise paddleboarding in Castillogrande

There is nothing quite like starting the day gliding across calm water as the sun rises over the Cartagena skyline. It is a quiet, contemplative, and energising experience — ideal for early risers.

📍 Playa de Castillogrande
🕓 Best time: 5:30 to 7:00 AM

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3. Snorkelling at Islas del Rosario

A natural classic of Cartagena: crystal-clear water, living coral, and colourful fish. Places like Isla Grande or Isla del Pirata are ideal for swimming through shoals and reefs.

📍 Islas del Rosario
🌊 Tip: leave early or book private transport to avoid crowds.

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4. Oceanario – Marine life and conservation on open water

Set on the sea, the Oceanario lets you observe sharks, turtles, rays, and dolphins in natural habitats. It also runs marine research and rescue programmes, combining tourism with science.

📍 Islas del Rosario
🐠 Great for families with an interest in education

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5. Kayaking through the mangroves at La Boquilla

Paddling through mangrove tunnels guided by local fishermen is a beautiful way to connect with coastal biodiversity and traditional culture. A quiet, unhurried experience.

📍 La Boquilla
🛶 Recommended at sunrise or sunset

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6. Aviario Nacional de Colombia

With more than 135 bird species, this open-air park on Isla Barú is a paradise for bird lovers. You'll see flamingos, toucans, macaws, and the majestic harpy eagle. It is not guided, but the design is excellent.

📍 Isla Barú
🕊️ Perfect for families and photographers

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7. Jardín Botánico Guillermo Piñeres

45 minutes from Cartagena, this garden in Turbaco offers shaded trails, tropical plants, medicinal herbs, and a small fragment of primary forest. A quiet place for anyone looking for calm, environmental education, and biodiversity.

📍 Turbaco
🌿 Rarely crowded and genuinely enriching

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8. Kitesurfing on the beaches at Morros (Wind season)

Between January and April, and in July, steady winds turn the northern beaches (between La Boquilla and Manzanillo) into the best place to kitesurf in Cartagena. Schools and equipment rental available for all levels.

📍 Morros / Manzanillo del Mar
💨 Best seasons: January–April and July

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9. Birdwatching at Agrícola Camelias

This private reserve combines sustainable farming and conservation. It is an excellent place to spot jacamars, woodpeckers, wrens, tanagers, and other tropical species, especially at dawn.

📍 Arroyo Grande (1 hour from Cartagena)
📸 Best with a guide and binoculars

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10. Bioluminescent plankton tour (Recommended season)

Between December and March, some inlets near Isla Barú light up at night with bioluminescent plankton. Swimming through those natural flashes is a remarkable experience.

📍 Ask local operators in Barú
🌌 Best at low tide, clear skies, and no moon

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Tayrona or Loros? Choosing between the coast's two big nature days

Many travellers end up weighing a long beach-and-trail day at Parque Tayrona against a hands-on wildlife day at the sanctuary. They are very different trips — and we wrote an honest comparison to help you choose: Parque Tayrona vs Loros Wildlife Sanctuary — the best nature experiences on Colombia's Caribbean coast.

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Final thought

You came to Cartagena for the walls, the colours, and the history.
But if you really want to feel the living pulse of this land, follow the call of the forest, the sea, and the wind.

And if you only choose one experience:

Loros Wildlife Sanctuary

Because some experiences don't just change your route. They change the way you see the world.

Want to do these, not just read about them? Explore all our wildlife conservation experiences near Cartagena — from birdwatching and a tropical-forest hike, to ATV reserve patrols and volunteering with rescued wildlife.