Isla Baru: Why Visit This Island and How [Guide]
Editeur
Update
Isla Baru is the largest and most accessible of the four islands that make up the Rosario Archipelago, which is off the coast of Cartagena de Indias.
After several excursions on this island, I decided to write this travel guide to help you uncover the best beaches, activities, and accommodations—and to tell you why it is NOT my favorite island.
Edit 05/2024: We completely revised this article.
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KEY INFORMATION ON Isla Baru, Colombie
For making smart choices quickly and effortlessly.
General overview
Isla Barú is a natural beauty that’s very popular.
Isla Barú is a Colombian island in the Rosario Archipelago, approximately 50 km southwest of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, in the Bolívar department.
From a geographical standpoint, Isla Barú is a former peninsula that was separated from Cartagena in the 16th century by the construction of the Dique Canal to facilitate navigation in this maritime area. Since 2014, Isla Barú has been connected to the mainland by a bridge over the canal.
The main town on the island, Barú, is a former fort (“palenque“) built by escaped slaves from Cartagena.
You can enjoy its paradisiacal beaches, including Playa Blanca, the most frequented one, have a romantic experience in a luxurious hotel, visit the beautiful national aviary, take a tour of Barú, the main town of the island, and discover the mangrove. And if you spend a night on the island, you can observe the bioluminescent plankton during a night outing.
The climate in Isla Barú is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Isla Barú is during the rainy season (May – November), which isn’t very rainy in this part of the world. Although the risk of rain is higher, showers usually last no longer than an hour. It rains more in May, September, and October.
From December to April, the winds blow much stronger over the Caribbean Sea, making boat trips more turbulent.
If you’re looking for some tranquility, avoid Holy Week, weekends, especially long weekends (there are numerous in Colombia), public holidays, and the very touristy period from mid-December to mid-January.
Taking a day trip from Cartagena to Isla Barú is not a good idea. You will only have a few hours on the island and will probably only see Playa Blanca, which, although pretty, is crowded and filled with street vendors.
I suggest spending a night on the island after the crowds of tourists have left to experience the authentic charm of Isla Barú. If you choose a nice hotel in the south of the island, stay for two nights to enjoy the tranquility better.
what to do in Isla Barú
Isla Barú has more to offer than just Playa Blanca.
Of course, Playa Blanca earns its reputation with its white sand and clear waters, but it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
Personally, I prefer heading north of Playa Blanca to the aptly named Playa Tranquila. The sand isn’t as fine, but it’s a bit quieter.
Another quieter alternative to Playa Blanca is Playa Tortuga, though its waters aren’t as beautiful.
The island also boasts many other beaches, mostly private (hotels and beach clubs). Located in the south of Isla Barú, they are less idyllic than Playa Blanca, but you’ll find more peace and quiet.
The village of Barú is quite charming, with its brightly colored Caribbean-style houses, but it’s not worth a special trip just to visit it. It’s best to discover it on a guided tour that also includes a boat ride through the mangrove, a remarkable ecosystem that serves as a nursery for fish and a sanctuary for birds.
The Aviario Nacional de Colombia, which rescues birds from illegal trafficking, is a wonderful place that houses a wide variety of exotic species from all over South America. Plan on spending about 3 hours exploring the reserve’s trails and watching the fantastic bird shows.
You can visit on your own, but access is not easy; the simplest option is to book a tour.
Most hotels offer night excursions to admire this amazing phenomenon. If you can, choose to go during the new moon, the effects are even more beautiful. Bring your snorkel mask, and you’ll see the plankton light up as you swim.
Be aware that it’s far from the misleading photos you’ll see online. These microorganisms “light up” slightly when the water is agitated—nothing more.
There are also excursions from Cartagena, but the trip is much too long to be worth it.
Isla Cholón, a small peninsula near Isla Barú, is the perfect spot to experience how Colombians love to party. Partygoers arrive by boat early in the morning and dance all day to loud reggaeton in waist-deep turquoise water under the blazing sun, sipping beers and cocktails and munching on grilled lobsters.
© Tomplanmytrip
WHERE TO STAY IN Isla Barú
The best hotels in Isla Barú are spread across 4 distinct areas.
This is the closest part of the island to Cartagena (40 minutes by boat).
Sofitel Baru Calablanca is a luxurious, chic, and modern resort with first-class facilities. It is perfect for a comfortable stay with stunning ocean views.
For a more affordable price and rustic charm, Playa Manglares is ideal for a peaceful getaway amidst lush vegetation. I love their cuisine, and the sunsets are spectacular. However, the beach is not paradisiacal.
This part of the island is easily accessible from Cartagena (60 min). The beach is nearby, and there are rather basic eco-beach hotels (some without electricity or air conditioning during the day, low water pressure, and rather spartan accommodations). It’s the most economical option on the island.
I really like Soy Local Barú. The rooms are simple, and the beach is calm even though it’s busy during the day. The view is absolutely stunning, and the food is delicious.
Thani EcoBeach Hotel, located at the end of the island at Playa Tranquila, is also a slightly more upscale option.
Cholón Bay is beautiful with its clear waters and sandy beaches, but the proximity to Isla Cholón, known for its party scene, can cause noise disturbances from 10 AM to 4 PM every day.
Aura Hotel is perfect for a family stay. The place is charming, the rooms are comfortable, and the food is excellent.
The even further south part is calmer; it’s here, amidst the mangroves, that you’ll find the island’s best hotels with their private beaches. It’s best to reach them by boat from Cartagena and avoid weekends when the town of Barú gets lively.
My favorite place to stay is Las Islas, a luxurious, upscale haven perfect for playing Robinson in a bungalow surrounded by lush vegetation. I love Sabai Beach for its intimate atmosphere in a stunning natural environment and its magical sunsets. For a more affordable price, I also like Casa Cordoba Barú with its zen atmosphere and beautiful, peaceful natural setting. Finally, the comfortable bungalows and beautiful pool complex of Isla del Encanto are perfect for a relaxing and entertaining family stay.
Bars & Restaurants
On Isla Barú, it’s typically easier to eat at the hotel.
The restaurants at Playa Blanca all offer similar meals based on fish, chicken, plantains, and rice. If you chose a day excursion, your lunch might already be included.
Ocean Blue Beach Bar and Banana Beach are good options, as is La Peruana near Playa Tranquila. You can use the facilities of Mambo Beach Club by consuming a minimum amount of drinks.
I recommend asking for the price before ordering and the bill before paying.
In my opinion, Playa Manglares Hotel serves the best cuisine on the island. The ingredients are fresh and excellently prepared. I loved the snapper (Pargo) and the cassava balls (Carimañolas).
During your stay, you’ll mostly eat at your hotel.
In addition to Playa Manglares, Soy Local Barú and Aura Hotel also serve good cuisine.
HOW TO GET TO Isla Baru
And getting around.
Three options.
If you’re in a group and your budget allows, you can rent a private boat and enjoy a day on the islands. This is my preferred option.
If you decide to stay overnight on the island, luxury hotels like Las Islas and Sofitel Baru Calablanca offer exclusive boat transfers from Cartagena.
The third option (which I find terrible) is to take one of the group excursions sold by street agencies. Departures are around 9-10 AM from the La Bodeguita dock, which is in complete chaos. You’ll be dropped off at Playa Blanca for the day before returning to Cartagena around 3 PM.
The boat trip is generally faster than by car, but depending on the time of year, the sea can be rough. Plan on about an hour.
Private land transport can get you to Isla Barú for a beach day or a visit to the bird reserve. It’s more comfortable but takes a bit longer (1.5 hours).
You can also take a taxi, which is cheaper, but most drivers won’t go beyond Playa Blanca due to the road conditions. Additionally, arranging the return can be complicated (limited phone signal).
The roads in Isla Barú aren’t in great condition. Depending on where you’re heading, the paths can be quite bumpy—dirt roads, potholes, and rocks.
While it may be more expensive, it will spare you many headaches and unpleasant surprises.
Las Islas even offers a helicopter service for an unforgettable arrival.
You will rely on your hotel to get around unless you arrive with a vehicle, in which case you’ll need to rent a 4×4 due to the bad road conditions.Tu dépendras de ton hôtel pour te déplacer.
SAFETY IN Isla Barú
It’s a peaceful haven, but you must be cautious.
The sellers at Playa Blanca can be very insistent, and some won’t hesitate to scam you by offering “free” samples that aren’t free, charging your credit card three times, or raising the price at the last minute with an imaginary tax.
Always confirm the price before buying anything.
© Tomplanmytrip
FINAL LITTLE TIPS
To enjoy Isla Barú even more.
There are no ATMs in Isla Barú, and card payments are rare and often problematic unless you’re staying at a good hotel.
I know I’m repeating myself, but it’s an important point. You’ll probably be disappointed with Playa Blanca if you go for the day. It’s always crowded with tourists and very noisy. It’s better to book a good tour of the 5 Islas or take an excursion south to Isla Barú.
It’s a much quieter area, but there are no beautiful paradise beaches or turquoise waters due to the nearby rivers flowing into the sea.
© Tomplanmytrip
ItinErarIes
There are several ways to include Isla Barú during your stay in Cartagena.
The bridge that connects Isla Barú to the mainland makes it an easy day trip from Cartagena. Depending on what you’re interested in, various tours feature beaches, the bird sanctuary, mangrove tours, a visit to the town of Barú, or Isla Cholón. Note that day trips offering only 5 or 6 hours on the island often feel too short. Choose your tour carefully, as some are not worth it.
You can visit Isla Barú by renting a private boat (departure from Cartagena at 9 AM, return at 4:30 PM). This is a good option if you’re traveling with a small group of friends and it offers more flexibility. You can take a break at Isla Cholón to party for a while before heading back out to sea if you need some peace.
Certain hotels provide day packages that cover transport and lunch. I like spending the day on Isla Grande better, but it’s worth considering if you’re not a fan of boat trips. The top-rated day packages are from Isla del Encanto, Sabai Beach, and Hotel Aura.
Most of these tours are not well-organized and won’t be enjoyable. But there are a few (available online, not from street vendors) that give a nice overview of Isla Barú, Isla Cholón, and Isla Grande without having to rent a private boat. This makes it a good option for solo travelers or couples. Remember, the best tours are done in small groups and you’ll still need to pay around a hundred USD per person.
You can stay 2 nights in Cartagena and 2 nights in Isla Barú. This is the ideal way to finish your vacation, combining a romantic stay in the historic center with relaxing days on the beach.
© 5-island Tour
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