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

Isla Palma Day Trip from Cartagena

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.

Why Visit Isla Palma Colombia?

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.

Unlike many traditional Cartagena island tours, this experience focuses on one destination: 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.

This trip is ideal if you are searching for Isla Palma Cartagena, Hotel Isla Palma, or a different island day trip from Cartagena with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere.

Hotel Isla Palma Beach Access

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.

What’s Included

• 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.

Not Included

• Mandatory port tax: $37,000 COP per person, approx. US$10, payable in cash at the pier.
• Hotel drop-off after returning to Cartagena.
• Towels.
• Additional food, drinks, cocktails, snacks, or personal expenses.
• Optional island activities.
• Tips.

Optional Activities

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.

• Bioparque entrance: $20,000 COP per person, approx. US$5.
• Snorkeling: $50,000 COP per person, approx. US$13.
• Paddle use: $50,000 COP per person, approx. US$13.
• Hotel facilities: included at no additional cost.

Isla Palma Day Trip Schedule from Cartagena

5:30 AM – Hotel Pickup Begins
Pickup starts from selected hotel areas in Cartagena, including Bocagrande, El Laguito, Castillogrande, Marbella, Morros, and Zona Norte.

5:45 AM – Meeting Point at La Bodeguita Pier
Guests staying outside the pickup zone must arrive at La Bodeguita Pier, Gate 1.

6:00 AM – Boarding and Departure Process
Boat departures begin early in the morning. Please arrive on time.

Morning – Speedboat Ride to Isla Palma
Travel by shared speedboat toward Isla Palma in the San Bernardo Islands. The boat ride usually takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Late Morning – Arrival at Hotel Isla Palma
Enjoy beach access, welcome cocktail, hotel facilities, swimming, and free time to relax.

Midday – Lunch
Enjoy a gourmet Caribbean-style lunch with your selected protein, salad, juice, and dessert.

Afternoon – Beach Time and Optional Activities
Relax by the beach, swim in clear waters, or book optional activities such as snorkeling, paddle, or Bioparque entrance.

2:40 PM – 3:00 PM – Return from Isla Palma
Board the shared speedboat back to Cartagena.

Around 4:30 PM – Arrival in Cartagena
Arrival back at La Bodeguita Pier. Hotel drop-off is not included.

Important Information

• 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.
• This experience is best for travelers comfortable with an early start and a longer open-water speedboat ride.
• Boat departures begin from approximately 6:00 AM.

What to Bring

• 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.

Best For

This Isla Palma day trip from Cartagena is best for couples, families, and travelers looking for a relaxed beach day with clear waters, white sand, hotel beach facilities, and a more remote Caribbean island atmosphere.

It is a great alternative to Barú and the Rosario Islands for travelers who want something different and do not mind an early departure.