Although for many it is "La Isla de Barú", it is actually a peninsula, bordered by the bay of Cartagena, the Canal del Dique, and the Caribbean Sea. It is characterized by the color of its sand -white and pink- as well as the clarity of the water, which allows you to see the seabed. Nearby, there are channels with mangroves, water mirrors, and underwater gardens. 

How to get to Barú?

Access to Barú can be done by water, crossing the Bahía de Cartagena, or by land. Each option opens up equally interesting experiences.

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Discover the magic of Barú and its beautiful beaches

You can rent boats of different drafts, depending on the size of your group of travelers. So, with total freedom, you can choose the places to visit. You should seek advice to have expert personnel -captain and assistant- who will guide you to the best destinations in Barú. Another option is to buy a seat on a boat that will take you to your destination. 

The distance between Cartagena and Barú by land is only thirty kilometers. It is a more economical option, as you can rent a vehicle for a lower cost than the maritime option. 

“Day-trip” or experiences lasting more than one day

For most tourists, visiting Barú is a one-day experience. Therefore, there are multiple options popularly known as “day-trips,” offers that include transportation, a beach tent, food, and drinks. It’s an alternative we recommend as it guarantees, especially during high tourist seasons, a good spot on the beach. 

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Discover the magic of Barú and its beautiful beaches

Other visitors prefer to make their visit to Barú a longer stay. The area has several hotels, which can also include additional experiences such as massages, spa, or nautical activities. Additionally, in the area, it is possible to rent houses or islands from where you can depart to multiple destinations. 

The best beaches 

Barú has several beaches, but the most prominent are Playa Blanca, Cholón, Agua Azul, and Agua Tranquila. The first one is the largest, and as its name indicates, it has light-colored sand that contrasts with the turquoise water. It also offers a wide gastronomic offer.

Cholón can only be reached by boat. The size of the beach is small, but the plan, more than enjoying the sand, is to anchor the boat or yacht and enjoy the sun, music, and of course, meet other visitors. It’s the place to “see and be seen.” We recommend always asking about the prices before choosing food or drinks in this area.

Agua Azul and Agua Tranquila are the opposite of Cholón. These are beaches to rest, lie on a “sun lounger” -or on the sand- and enjoy the stillness and beauty of the landscape. 

Don't forget to bring your sunglasses and sunblock, as well as stay hydrated frequently.

Connect with the environment

Barú is home to one of Colombia's most important environmental attractions, the National Aviary. There, you can take a tour through three ecosystems - tropical rainforest, coastal zone, and desert- where you can observe 170 species of birds and nearly 1,700 individuals over seven hectares.

The park, located on a seven-hectare plot, has a special design, as -according to official information-, “the birds are exhibited in a representation of their natural habitat, in environments very similar to where they are originally from. These are different landscape, vegetation, and water environments that allow you to appreciate a great diversity of bird species.” The tour takes about two hours.

Outside of Barú, about thirty minutes by boat, lies the Oceanarium Islas del Rosario, located on the Isla San Martín de Pajarales.

From the same creators of the aviary, but with more history, it is an attraction where visitors can see more than 100 species and 1,000 individuals, observed in their natural habitat. Don't miss the shark and dolphin shows.

Discover the magic of Barú and its beautiful beaches

Sports 

Barú is an ideal place for practicing nautical sports. You can rent the necessary equipment from an authorized operator to do kitesurfing, water skiing, or ride a jet ski. Others prefer fishing, for which it is possible to hire specialized guides who know the best spots of the archipelago and will rent you the necessary gear. 

Diving is very common in Barú. For some, it might just be a snorkeling experience; others may take short courses or even certifications for their practice. 

Experienced divers will want a full activity in the best places, as this area of the Caribbean Sea has a wide variety of corals, marine fauna, and flora. The water is warm, and the visibility is very good throughout the year. It is very important to hire certified instructors who will accompany you throughout the journey. 

This is Barú, a place where the beaches are just the beginning of multiple adventures that you can experience, very close to Cartagena. Don't miss it on your next trip!