10 Must-Do Experiences in Cartagena for Nature, Wildlife, and Wonder

For Nature Seekers, Wildlife Lovers & Adventure Travelers

Cartagena is known for its colonial charm and colorful walls — but what lies beyond them is even more extraordinary.

If you’re the kind of traveler who values wild ecosystems, local knowledge, and experiences that feel alive, this list is for you.

Here are 10 must-do experiences near Cartagena that take you off the beaten path and straight into Colombia’s wild beauty — with Loros Wildlife Sanctuary leading the way.

1. Loros Wildlife Sanctuary – Colombia’s Most Regenerative Wildlife Experience

Just 1 hour from Cartagena, this sanctuary is unlike anything else in the country. Set on 1,300+ acres of tropical dry forest, it’s home to monkeys, sloths, tortoises, iguanas, and over 200 bird species, including parrots and macaws rescued from illegal trafficking.

You’ll join biologists and veterinarians in a real conservation mission: training birds for release, planting native trees, and restoring a threatened ecosystem.

📍 Villanueva, Bolívar
🎟️ Guided visits only – www.loros.org

This is not a zoo — it’s a second chance for wildlife and the land.

2. Sunrise Paddleboarding in Castillogrande

Greet the day on the water as the sun rises over Cartagena’s modern skyline. This peaceful paddle is perfect for early risers and offers a calm, meditative view of the city from the sea.

📍 Castillogrande Beach
🕓 Best time: 5:30–7:00 AM

3. Snorkeling in the Rosario Islands

Explore coral reefs, colorful fish and clear Caribbean waters in one of Colombia’s most scenic national parks. Top snorkeling spots include Isla Grande and Isla del Pirata.

📍 Rosario Islands
🌊 Go early or book private transport for a quieter experience

4. Oceanario – Marine Life & Conservation at Sea

Built directly in the sea, the Oceanario showcases sharks, sea turtles, rays and dolphins. More than just a show, they run marine research and rescue programs that support biodiversity in the Rosario archipelago.

📍 Rosario Islands
🐠 Family-friendly and mission-driven

5. Mangrove Kayaking in La Boquilla

Paddle through quiet mangrove tunnels with a local guide and discover a peaceful, biodiverse world just minutes from the city. You might spot herons, crabs, kingfishers — and catch the most magical sunsets.

📍 La Boquilla
🛶 Best times: sunrise or sunset

6. National Aviary of Colombia

Home to over 135 bird species, including flamingos, toucans and the majestic harpy eagle, this open-air aviary is a great way to see Colombia’s avian diversity up close. Not guided, but beautifully curated.

📍 Isla Barú
🕊️ Ideal for casual bird lovers and families

7. Guillermo Piñeres Botanical Garden

Near Turbaco, this peaceful botanical park offers tropical plants, medicinal gardens, and one of the last patches of primary forest in the region. Expect birds, butterflies and shade.

📍 Turbaco (45 min from Cartagena)
🌿 Calm, educational, uncrowded

8. Kitesurfing in the Beaches of Morros (Seasonal)

From January to April and July, strong and steady winds make the northern beaches perfect for kitesurfing. Lessons, rentals, and vibrant wind culture await between La Boquilla and Manzanillo del Mar.

📍 Morros / Manzanillo
💨 Best months: Jan–Apr and July

9. Birdwatching at Agrícola Camelias

This private ecological reserve is a paradise for serious birders. Early mornings often reward visitors with sightings of toucans, jacamars, woodpeckers, tanagers and more — all surrounded by agroforestry crops and reforestation projects.

📍 Arroyo Grande (1 hr from Cartagena)
📸 Bring binoculars and a local guide

10. Bioluminescent Plankton Tour (Seasonal)

Between December and March, some coastal inlets near Isla Barú light up at night with glowing bioluminescent plankton. A moonless night swim in these glowing waters is pure magic.

📍 Ask local guides in Barú for conditions
🌌 Best with no moon and calm sea

Final Thought

You came to Cartagena for the colors and the stories — now let nature write the next chapter.

These 10 experiences take you beyond the wall, into mangroves, forests, reefs, and star-lit seas. But if you do just one, let it be:

Loros Wildlife Sanctuary

Because some journeys don’t just change your itinerary — they change your perspective.