Isla Palma Day Trip from Cartagena |White Sand & Clear Caribbean Waters - Cartagena Day Tours

Isla Palma Day Trip from Cartagena |White Sand & Clear Caribbean Waters

$153.00
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Isla Palma Day Trip from Cartagena |White Sand & Clear Caribbean Waters - Cartagena Day Tours
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Isla Palma Day Trip from Cartagena |White Sand & Clear Caribbean Waters

$153.00
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Isla Palma Day Trip from Cartagena: Hotel Isla Palma, San Bernardo Islands

Visit Isla Palma Colombia on a full-day beach trip from Cartagena with selected hotel pickup, shared speedboat transportation, access to Hotel Isla Palma facilities, welcome cocktail, gourmet lunch, and clear Caribbean waters in the San Bernardo Islands.

This Isla Palma day trip from Cartagena is a great option for travelers looking for a relaxed beach escape, white sand, palm trees, and a more remote island atmosphere beyond Barú and the Rosario Islands.

Your day includes selected hotel pickup, shared speedboat transportation, a morning fruit snack, guide assistance, travel insurance, a welcome cocktail, and a gourmet lunch on Isla Palma.

Hotel pickup: From approximately 5:30 AM · Bocagrande, El Laguito, Castillogrande, Marbella, Morros & Zona Norte
Direct check-in: La Bodeguita Pier, Gate 1 · 5:45 AM · Boat departure ~6:00 AM
Return: Departs Isla Palma ~2:40–3:00 PM · Arrival Cartagena ~4:30 PM · La Bodeguita Pier
Mandatory fee: Port tax COP 37,000 per person (~USD 10), paid in cash before boarding · Not included
Best for: Couples, families, and travelers who want a relaxed beach day with clear water and a quieter island vibe
Longer open-water crossing than most Cartagena island trips: approx. 1h45–2h each way to the San Bernardo Islands.
  • Isla Palma is located in the San Bernardo Islands, a Caribbean archipelago southwest of Cartagena known for tropical scenery, clear waters, white-sand beaches, and a quieter island vibe
  • A single-destination beach day built around Hotel Isla Palma Reserva Natural, where you can relax, swim, enjoy the beach facilities, have lunch, and spend the day surrounded by a more peaceful Caribbean setting
  • A great alternative to the traditional Rosario Islands or Barú day trips, for travelers searching for something more remote
  • Ideal for guests searching for Isla Palma Cartagena, Hotel Isla Palma, or a different island day trip from Cartagena with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere
  • Includes hotel pickup, guide assistance, travel insurance, and a morning fruit snack

During the day, you will enjoy access to the beach facilities at Hotel Isla Palma. The use of hotel facilities is included at no additional cost.

Once on the island, you can swim, rest by the beach, walk along the shore, enjoy lunch, or book optional activities such as snorkeling, paddle use, or entrance to the Bioparque.

  • Hotel pickup from selected Cartagena areas: Bocagrande, El Laguito, Castillogrande, Marbella, Morros, and Zona Norte
  • Shared speedboat transportation from Cartagena to Isla Palma
  • Morning fruit snack
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Gourmet lunch with beef, chicken, or fish option
  • Salad, juice, and traditional dessert
  • Access to Hotel Isla Palma facilities
  • Guide assistance
  • Travel insurance
  • Life jacket during navigation
  • Bioparque entrance: COP 20,000 per person, approx. US$5
  • Snorkeling: COP 50,000 per person, approx. US$13
  • Paddle use: COP 50,000 per person, approx. US$13

Optional activities can be paid directly on the island in Colombian pesos and are subject to availability. USD values are approximate and may vary depending on the exchange rate. Hotel facilities are included at no additional cost.

  • Mandatory port tax: COP 37,000 per person (~USD 10), payable in cash at the pier before boarding · amount may change by local authorities
  • Hotel drop-off after returning to Cartagena
  • Towels
  • Additional food, drinks, cocktails, snacks, or personal expenses
  • Optional island activities
  • Tips
5:30 AMHotel pickup begins from selected areas: Bocagrande, El Laguito, Castillogrande, Marbella, Morros, and Zona Norte
5:45 AMMeeting point at La Bodeguita Pier, Gate 1, for guests staying outside the pickup zone
6:00 AMBoarding and departure process begins. Please arrive on time
MorningSpeedboat ride to Isla Palma in the San Bernardo Islands, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on weather and sea conditions
Late morningArrival at Hotel Isla Palma: beach access, welcome cocktail, hotel facilities, swimming, and free time to relax
MiddayGourmet Caribbean-style lunch with your selected protein, salad, juice, and dessert
AfternoonBeach time and optional activities: snorkeling, paddle, or Bioparque entrance
2:40–3:00 PMReturn departure from Isla Palma by shared speedboat
~4:30 PMArrival back at La Bodeguita Pier. Hotel drop-off is not included

The boat ride to Isla Palma is longer than most Cartagena island day trips. Route and timing may change depending on weather and sea conditions.

  • The boat ride to Isla Palma is longer than most Cartagena island day trips
  • The experience depends on weather and sea conditions
  • Water clarity, wind, beach conditions, and crowd levels may vary
  • Guests must provide accurate personal information to activate travel insurance
  • The port tax is mandatory and must be paid in cash before boarding
  • Towels are not included
  • Best for travelers comfortable with an early start and a longer open-water speedboat ride
  • Boat departures begin from approximately 6:00 AM
  • Swimsuit
  • Comfortable beachwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Beach shoes or sandals
  • Towel
  • Cash in Colombian pesos for port tax and optional activities
  • Personal snorkeling mask if preferred

Where is Isla Palma located?

Isla Palma is located in the San Bernardo Islands, a Caribbean archipelago southwest of Cartagena, Colombia. It's farther from Cartagena than Barú or many Rosario Islands tours, which is why the day starts early and includes a longer boat ride.

How do I get to Isla Palma from Cartagena?

The easiest way is by joining this shared day trip departing from La Bodeguita Pier, which includes shared speedboat transportation, selected hotel pickup, guide assistance, insurance, lunch, and full-day access to Hotel Isla Palma.

Is this a single-destination beach day?

Yes. Unlike some San Bernardo Islands tours that stop at multiple islands, this trip focuses on one destination, Hotel Isla Palma Reserva Natural, giving you a full day to relax, swim, and enjoy the beach facilities.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A gourmet lunch is included with a choice of beef, chicken, or fish, along with salad, juice, and a traditional dessert. A welcome cocktail and morning fruit snack are also included.

Is the Bioparque or snorkeling included?

No. The Bioparque entrance (approx. COP 20,000 / US$5), snorkeling (approx. COP 50,000 / US$13), and paddle use (approx. COP 50,000 / US$13) are optional and paid directly on the island in Colombian pesos, subject to availability. Access to Hotel Isla Palma's beach facilities is included at no additional cost.

What time does the tour start and return?

Hotel pickup starts around 5:30 AM. Guests outside the pickup zone should arrive at La Bodeguita Pier, Gate 1, around 5:45 AM, with boat departure around 6:00 AM. The return from Isla Palma usually starts between 2:40 and 3:00 PM, with arrival back in Cartagena around 4:30 PM.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup is included only from selected areas: Bocagrande, El Laguito, Castillogrande, Marbella, Morros, and Zona Norte. Hotel drop-off after the tour is not included. The tour ends at La Bodeguita Pier.

Is the port tax included?

No. The mandatory port tax is approximately COP 37,000 per person (~USD 10) and must be paid in cash at the pier before boarding. This value may change by local authorities.

Is this tour recommended for people who get seasick?

This tour may not be ideal for travelers who get seasick easily. The boat ride to the San Bernardo Islands takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours each way, longer than most Cartagena island tours, and sea conditions can vary.

How is Isla Palma different from Barú or the Rosario Islands?

Isla Palma sits farther from Cartagena in the San Bernardo Islands, offering a quieter, more remote island atmosphere than the closer, busier beach clubs of Barú and the Rosario Islands. It's best for travelers who don't mind an early start and a longer open-water crossing in exchange for a more peaceful setting.

Available add-ons: contact us to arrange

Hotel drop-off transfer

Private transfer from La Bodeguita Pier back to your hotel after the tour.

Snorkeling & paddle gear

Ask about arranging snorkeling or paddle use on Isla Palma in advance.

Towel rental

Towels are not included. Ask us about rental options before departure.

Bioparque entrance

Reserve Bioparque access ahead of time to guarantee availability on the island.

Booking conditions
  • Full payment required at time of booking
  • Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 72 hours before departure
  • No refund for cancellations within 72 hours of departure
  • Guests must provide accurate personal information to activate the included travel insurance
  • Tour cancelled due to unsafe sea conditions: full refund or reschedule issued
  • Secure checkout: Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal accepted
Antoni's tip: your Cartagena insider

Isla Palma is the trip I recommend when guests tell me they've already done a Rosario Islands beach club and want somewhere quieter and less crowded. It's a single-destination day, so you're not rushing between stops: you land, settle in, and the whole day is beach, lunch, and clear water. The trade-off is the ride: it's longer than Barú or Rosario, so if anyone in your group gets seasick easily, plan accordingly. Bring cash for the port tax and pack a towel, since it's not included.

Still Comparing San Bernardo & Rosario Islands Experiences?

Want more stops in the same archipelago? See our Isla Múcura day trip with stops at Tintipán Island and Santa Cruz del Islote.

Looking for a shorter, more traditional beach day closer to Cartagena? Explore our Rosario Islands beach clubs and day passes.

Comparing island destinations before booking? Read our guide comparing Tierra Bomba, Rosario Islands & Barú.

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