Colombia Travel Guide
Isla Fuerte
Colombia
Isla Fuerte is a small island off the western Caribbean coast, unfairly left off Colombia’s list of must-visit destinations. It’s perfect for relaxing in pleasant eco-hotels and offers activities like paddleboarding and diving.
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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT ISLA FUERTE, COLOMBIA
For making smart choices quickly and effortlessly.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Isla Fuerte is a little-known island among travelers.
Isla Fuerte is a Colombian island located along the Caribbean coast, 200 km south of Cartagena, in the Cordoba department.
Founded in 1700, it served as a fortress for Caribbean corsairs, which is why it’s called “Fuerte.”
Nestled within is the village of Puerto Limón, where time appears to have stood still.
There are no motorized vehicles here—only donkeys.
You will find good hotels, few tourists, and a fantastic diving spot—Bushnell.
The climate on Isla Fuerte is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 34°C.
- Tranquility seekers: Avoid national holidays. From May to November, it’s perfect for beach days—less wind and a beautiful sea.
- Diving enthusiasts: From August to November, visibility is ideal; the calm sea makes spots like Bushnell accessible.
- Surfers: Enjoy the waves from December to April and June to August.
Stay between 3 and 5 days on Isla Fuerte to have time to enjoy the island and try out a few watersports activities.
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THINGS TO DO IN ISLA FUERTE
Isla Fuerte is ideal for relaxing and diving.
Bushnell is an excellent dive site with corals in good condition covering an area of 3 square km. I recommend the dive center at La Playita.
Walk along the paths to see impressive-shaped trees, unwind on isolated beaches, and watch the sunset from San Diego Beach.
Some Isla Fuerte hotels offer wakeboarding, surfing, and kayaking activities. You can also talk to the locals about visiting the island and fishing.
©Tomplanmytrip
WHERE TO STAY IN ISLA FUERTE
I was surprised by the high quality of the hotels on Isla Fuerte.
La Playita stands out for its lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for diving, surfing, or listening to music in the evening with friends. The wooden huts and on-site bar add to its charm—just a 3-minute walk from the village.
Isla Fuerte EcoHouse is ideal for a tranquil getaway. You can swim in a bay protected from the waves, savor delicious dishes, and sleep in cabins oriented towards the ocean or near the “walking tree.” It’s a 15-minute walk from the village.
Wiji Island House is a bit more upscale than the previous establishments. It offers comfortable cabins and a pool! Additionally, this hotel is close to San Diego Beach. It’s a 30-minute walk from the village.
There are several basic hotels in the village of Puerto Limon—a good option for saving money.
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BARS & RESTAURANTS
Giant speakers at full blast and fried fish with coconut rice.
This is the only place on the island to have fun without needing earplugs. The bar overlooking the sea is excellent, offering a variety of cocktails and other beverages. There’s also a good restaurant.
You can call them to reserve your lunch. The food is delicious.
I found some nice restaurants on Punta Arena Beach, and you can have breakfast near the “port.”
©Tomplanmytrip
How To get to Isla Fuerte
And getting around.
First, travel to Lorica (from Monteria or Cartagena), then take a one-hour taxi ride to Paso Nuevo, and finally a 30-minute boat trip to Isla Fuerte.
On Isla Fuerte, you get around on foot or by boat. The distances aren’t very large. However, there is no signage. I recommend downloading Maps.me and/or hiring a local guide.
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SAFETY ON ISLA FUERTE
The locals are very friendly, and I had no trouble getting around.
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ITINERARIES
Including Isla Fuerte in your itinerary isn’t that simple.
After your stay in Cartagena, take a bus to Lorica. While there, enjoy visiting the surroundings (artisans, the mouth of the Sinú River, and the town itself). Then, spend a few days on Isla Fuerte before flying from Monteria airport.
Fly into Monteria and travel to Isla Fuerte. After a few relaxing days, plan a cultural stay in Lorica, followed by a series of short taxi rides to Mompox.
©Tomplanmytrip
Visit Isla Fuerte
I’ve stayed twice on Isla Fuerte, and here’s my detailed travel guide to make the most of your visit.
Let’s start with the best things to do on the island.
TOM’S TIP
This is an interesting option for enjoying a less-visited and less expensive Caribbean island than the Rosario and San Bernardo islands. It’s also home to the best diving spots.
things to do in isla fuerte, colombia
A mix of relaxed days by the sea, with a cocktail in hand and entertaining watersports activities.
diving in isla fuerte
It’s an underwater paradise with over 20 dive sites and the famous Bushnell Reef just 20 km out in the blue.
Bushnell is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and is often hailed as the most impressive coral reef in the area. What truly makes Bushnell special is its size. It spans three square kilometers under crystal-clear waters, offering divers a different adventure each time: steep walls plunging into the depths and coral labyrinths accompanied by schools of barracudas, jacks, and pompanos.
However, Bushnell is recommended only for advanced divers due to its currents (located in the open sea, one hour from the coast) and its depth—20 to 30 meters.
You can earn your advanced certification with La Playita (and get a great discount on your accommodation).
Another famous dive site is Burbujas—have you ever dived next to a bubbling underwater volcano? And if you are a wreck enthusiast, El Planchon lies just 9 meters underwater, waiting to be explored.
ADRIEN’S TIP
What is the best time to dive into Isla Fuerte? From August to November, to enjoy crystal-clear waters and calm seas.
Explore Fuerte Island on foot
Isla Fuerte offers more than just diving. Walking around, you’ll feel like you’re on a treasure hunt – minus the map and signs. Good luck with that!
Personally, I get lost every time. So, I ask the locals. They’re like a human version of Google Maps but with much cooler stories.
The island’s trees are celebrities in their own right. El Arbol que Camina (an impressive ficus) spreads over 1000 square meters, while Ceiba Bonga stands tall, offering significant shade. And then there’s the tun-tun tree—it’s said you can hear a heartbeat if you put your ear to its trunk.
You might glimpse some sloths (impossible to find by yourself) and Captain Morgan’s Cave (not very interesting).
And those beaches? Playa Cebollita and Playa San Diego are the must-visit spots for snorkeling, sunbathing, or enjoying the sunset.
TOM’S TIP
Download Maps.me to have the trails on your phone, or ask your hotel to connect you with a local guide.
WATERSPORTS ON ISLA FUERTE
Are you into water sports? Isla Fuerte will be your ideal playground.
- Surfing: Catch waves at Punta Del Inglés, especially from December to April and from June to August.
- Snorkeling: Excellent when the sea is calm – starfish, sunken boats, and even Colombia’s first underwater museum are on the agenda.
- Adrenaline junkies: Subwing and wakeboarding are must-tries.
- Fishing: Convince a fisherman to take you out in the morning. And don’t forget your hat.
- Romantic: End your day with a sunset sailing trip to soak in the island’s atmosphere.
ADRIEN’S TIP
Consider combining activities in a single day to make the most of your time. In the morning, hop on a boat for fishing, enjoy a scenic tour of the island, stop for some snorkeling, and finish with wakeboarding!
COCKTAILS AT LA PLAYITA
After a day of adventure on the island, La Playita is where you’ll want to be. This spot offers a relaxed yet festive atmosphere, with beautiful wooden structures nestled among the palm trees.
As soon as I set foot there, I knew I had found my favorite place to enjoy the end of the day.
Things to do around isla fuerte
Visiting the locations in this section in one day from Isla Fuerte is not doable. But, it can inspire you with destinations to add to your travel plan.
spend the night in moñitos
Consider stopping at Moñitos on your way to Isla Fuerte. This quaint coastal village is great for gradually getting into the island vibe. Though its beaches may not be stunning, it has a certain charm.
I liked staying at Cabanas Sembe before making my way to Isla Fuerte the following day (approximately a 40-minute boat trip).
Visit Lorica
While I don’t consider Lorica enticing enough for a significant detour, it’s certainly worth a visit if it’s on your way—particularly if you speak Spanish. During our trip through Córdoba, we spent a night in Lorica to give ourselves time to explore the city and learn about its fascinating past.
The mouth of the Sinú river
If you find yourself in Lorica, visit La Boca de Tinajones, where the Río Sinú meets the Caribbean Sea. This stunning area is surrounded by mangroves and birds. It’s somewhat off the beaten track, so you’ll need assistance from a local agency to reach it.
I suggest arriving from Lorica by boat (1 hour), which enhances the experience.
Where to stay in isla fuerte
Selecting the ideal hotel on Isla Fuerte is key to making the most of your adventure. Based on my experience, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for the island’s lively atmosphere or a more peaceful stay.
La Playita: cool vibes and dives
La Playita stands out for its vibrant atmosphere. It’s perfect for diving, surfing, and enjoying lively music with friends in the evening. The wooden cabins, on-site restaurant, and bar add to its charm.
However, it can get noisy, especially during the high season. This didn’t bother me during my four-night stay, but it’s something to consider if you’re a light sleeper.
La Playita is just a 3-minute walk from the village, which is convenient for grabbing a bite outside and saving a few $$.
Isla Fuerte EcoHouse: peaceful and delicious
If the lively atmosphere of La Playita isn’t your thing, then I recommend Isla Fuerte EcoHouse.
Its main highlights include swimming in a tranquil bay, enjoying delicious meals made with fresh ingredients, and staying in beautiful wooden cabins facing the ocean or next to the Arbol que Camina. This eco-friendly place runs on solar power and offers a unique chance to see friendly sloths up close. The absence of air conditioning is intentional, promoting a natural and serene environment.
It’s a 15-minute walk from the village.
Wiji Island House: upscale and romantic
Another serene getaway is Wiji Island House, akin to Ecohouse, but featuring more spacious rooms and a pool. It has a livelier atmosphere with background music and allows day visitors through a pass.
The focus on cleanliness and reliable Wi-Fi are added bonuses. The downside is the limited restaurant menu.
Wiji Island is near Playa San Diego, about a 30-minute walk from the village.
nightlife in isla fuerte
The center of the village is where the party happens, with locals celebrating the weekend energetically and with very loud speakers. This might not be ideal if you’re seeking a calm evening.
For a more relaxed setting, go to La Playita. I found the atmosphere there to be perfect. It’s a sociable place where you can easily meet other travelers and locals.
Where to eat in isla fuerte
First, know that you’ll mostly eat fried fish and seafood, especially if you dine at a restaurant in Puerto Limon (the village)—it’s cheaper too.
Most good accommodations are a bit away from town, so you’ll likely be dining at your hotel in the evening. Choosing the right place with a good restaurant is crucial.
From my experience, Eco-house Isla Fuerte stands out for the best local cuisine. I believe they accept non-residents for lunch—with a reservation.
If you prefer international meals, La Playita is my top choice. Not only is the food generally good, but the prices are reasonable.
For breakfast (or a snack), nothing beats the carimañolas sold in front of the dock. Made from yuca and filled with seasoned meat or cheese, they are absolutely delicious.
How to get to isla fuerte
Getting to Isla Fuerte initially felt a bit daunting, but believe me, once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward. This is how I managed it:
DEPARTURE POINT : LORICA, CORDOBA
First, you need to get to Lorica. It’s the last place with an ATM—Isla Fuerte does not have any.
To get to Lorica:
- From Monteria (which has an airport with connections to Bogota and Medellin)—the bus for 1.5 hours.
- From Cartagena, it’s about a 5-hour bus ride.
THE TRIP FROM LORICA TO ISLA FUERTE
Take a collective taxi from Lorica to Paso Nuevo—usually about a one-hour journey.
Almost there! Now you need to take a boat to Isla Fuerte:
- Local boats: They depart regularly once full—about every hour.
- Ask your hotel: Hotels on Isla Fuerte can also arrange your boat trip.
- If you’re coming from Moñitos (instead of Paso Nuevo): Consider a boat tour that drops you off at your hotel on Isla Fuerte at the end of the day. This worked great for me, serving as both transportation and a scenic tour.
ADRIEN’S TIP
Your hotel should also be able to arrange private transport from Monteria airport.
Getting around Isla Fuerte
This small Colombian island without cars offers two ways to get around: on foot or by boat.
Walking to the tourist sites from the village takes between 20 and 40 minutes. It’s the best way to soak in the island’s natural beauty. The lack of vehicles means you can enjoy the sounds of nature uninterrupted—except for the braying of donkeys.
Navigating the island can be tricky, as there are no signs. Before arriving, I downloaded Maps.me, which is great for offline navigation. Otherwise, feel free to ask locals for directions or, even better, hire a local guide.
Is Isla Fuerte safe?
Based on my experience, Isla Fuerte is completely safe. However, I didn’t walk around at night because there’s no lighting.
It’s essential to use common sense regarding personal belongings. It’s not wise to leave valuables unattended on the beach or in other public areas.
Lastly, boat trips to and from the island can be scary during the windy season due to the waves. It’s best to travel early in the morning.
Traveler Reviews
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