The 7 Best Cartagena Day Trips That Are Totally Worth It

Nature, Culture & Wildlife Just Outside the City

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most vibrant destinations — but to truly feel the region’s rhythm, you’ll want to go beyond the city walls.

Whether you’re looking for wild nature, meaningful wildlife encounters, or cultural immersion, these 7 unforgettable day trips from Cartagena are all close enough to do in a single day — but far enough to feel like a real escape.

1. Loros Wildlife Sanctuary

⏱️ Time from Cartagena: 1 hour
🌿 Best for: Wildlife lovers, regenerative travelers, nature photographers

This is not a zoo or a park — it’s a living sanctuary. At Loros Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors become part of a mission to rehabilitate parrots rescued from illegal trafficking, reforest native ecosystems, and protect one of Colombia’s most threatened biomes: the tropical dry forest.

With over 1,300 acres of protected land, this sanctuary is home to monkeys, sloths, tortoises, iguanas, and more than 200 bird species. All visits are guided by biologists and veterinarians, making this one of the most educational, ethical and immersive wildlife experiences in the country.

📍 Villanueva, Bolívar
🎟️ Visits by reservation only – www.loros.org/en/experiencias

Come to connect. Leave transformed.

2. Snorkeling in the Rosario Islands

⏱️ Time from Cartagena: 1 hour by boat
🌊 Best for: Snorkelers, beach lovers, ocean explorers

The Rosario Islands offer some of the clearest waters near Cartagena, perfect for a day of snorkeling and marine discovery. For the best snorkeling experience, head to the area in front of Hotel San Pedro de Majagua, where the reefs are lively, the fish abundant, and the waters calm.

Pro tip: Bring your own gear or book a tour that includes high-quality equipment and local guidance.

📍 Isla Grande, Rosario Islands
🚤 Depart from Cartagena’s Muelle de la Bodeguita

3. Laze & Chill at Tierra Bomba (Makani Beach Club)

⏱️ Time from Cartagena: 15 minutes by boat
🏖️ Best for: Stylish chill-out, beach cocktails, skyline views

Tierra Bomba is Cartagena’s closest island escape — and Makani Beach Club is one of the best spots to spend the day. With Bali-inspired design, a luxurious pool, beach beds, DJ sets and great food, this is a premium “escape the city” experience without going far.

📍 Tierra Bomba Island
🍹 Ideal for couples or groups wanting comfort + vibe

4. Mangrove Kayaking in La Boquilla

⏱️ Time from Cartagena: 20 minutes
🛶 Best for: Eco-tourists, birdwatchers, photographers

Paddle through peaceful mangrove tunnels with a local fisherman as your guide. This is a serene, immersive experience just outside Cartagena’s buzz. You’ll likely see herons, kingfishers, crabs — and learn how the mangroves protect both people and nature.

📍 La Boquilla
💡 Combine with lunch at a local seafood spot

5. Cultural Immersion in San Basilio de Palenque

⏱️ Time from Cartagena: 1.5 hours
🎶 Best for: Culture lovers, history buffs, social impact travelers

San Basilio de Palenque is the first free Black town in the Americas — a living symbol of resistance and cultural pride. On a guided tour, you’ll explore its language, music, food, and community-driven tourism efforts.

UNESCO-listed and deeply meaningful, this day trip is a must for anyone wanting to understand the soul of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

📍 Montes de María region
🔥 Tip: Go with a community-based guide

6. Guillermo Piñeres Botanical Garden

⏱️ Time from Cartagena: 45 minutes
🌿 Best for: Plant lovers, nature walkers, birders

This under-the-radar garden near Turbaco is peaceful, shady, and rich in biodiversity. Walk through trails filled with tropical plants, flowers, and medicinal species — and don’t miss the preserved patch of primary dry forest, one of the last in the region.

📍 Turbaco
🚗 Easy to reach by taxi or private driver

7. Bioluminescent Plankton Tour (Seasonal)

⏱️ Time from Cartagena: 1–1.5 hours
🌌 Best for: Night owls, romantic travelers, nature fans

Between December and March, some coves near Barú glow at night thanks to bioluminescent plankton. With the right conditions — no moon, clear skies, calm water — you can swim through living stars in one of nature’s most surreal light shows.

📍 Near Barú or Cholón
💡 Go with a reputable night tour operator