Cartagena de Indias offers a unique blend of history and Caribbean allure, but the adventures beyond its walls are just as thrilling. From paradise islands in the turquoise waters of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park to healing mud volcanoes, mangroves, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the surroundings of Cartagena offer fantastic experiences for independent travelers.
Here is my selection of best excursions, tours and day trips from Cartagena, highlighting unique experiences and hidden gems for an unforgettable adventure.
Positioned on a hill above the city and blessed with abundant rainfall, the botanical garden of Cartagena “Guillermo Piñeres” boasts a thriving ecosystem with over 350 plant species, including medicinal plants, palms, and orchids. The garden is also home to a diverse array of wildlife such as howler monkeys and sloths. It’s one of the more unusual things to do in Cartagena, but definitely worth it.
The Botanical Garden is located just outside of the charming colonial town Turbaco. This hidden gem features a stunning central square and beautiful views of Cartagena and the sea from its elevated position. The “Museo Yurbaco” (Casa de la Cultura), located in a gorgeous historic building, is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the indigenous Yubarco people that used to live in the region.
In the surroundings of Turbaco, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding, hiking, paddling, and mountain biking. To the northeast, you can discover more than fifty craters of active medicinal mud volcanoes. It’s advisable to explore these rather isolated sites with a guide or tour group.
You can reach Turbaco in less than 30 min by taxi or bus from Cartagena. There are also nice guided tours available from Cartagena (Civitatis.com)*.
Photo: Islas del Rosario near Cartagena
Stretching off the coast of Cartagena, the Rosario Islands and, farther south, the San Bernardo archipelago form a breathtaking chain of coral-fringed islands in the Caribbean Sea. Renowned for turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and palm-lined beaches, these protected paradises are a must-visit for nature lovers and sun-seekers alike.
Generally speaking, the San Bernardo Islands are a bit less touristy than the Islas del Rosario, as they’re more remote. From Cartagena, you’ll find a handful of tours to San Bernardo and a lot of tours to the Rosario Islands – many of which include stops at 1 to 5 islands, with beach time and snorkeling. Depending on the experience you’re after, be sure to double-check which islands are included in your tour.
Here’s some orientation:
If you are looking for more adventure, consider going scuba diving around the Islas del Rosario (Rosary Islands) in the protected Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Natural Park which safeguards a rich tapestry of marine life and offers visitors unparalleled opportunities for immersing themselves in the stunning natural beauty of Colombia’s Caribbean underwater world.
Most dive trips take place around the Baru Archipelago. Check out this top-rated 2-tank dive for certified divers (GetYourGuide.com)*.
If you don’t have a diving license yet, Colombia is a great place to get one thanks to its top-notch dive schools and excellent price-to-quality ratio. Check this recommended PADI Open Water Course by Buzos de Baru on Viator.com*.
Find out why Colombia offers some of the best diving in South America!
The small town Palenque (50 km southeast of Cartagena) is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. It was founded by escaped slaves in the 16th century and is considered the first free town in the Americas. Palenque (San Basilio de Palenque) gave birth to several influential music styles in Colombia, including Son Palenquero, Bullerengue and Mapalé.
Different tour operators in Cartagena offer day trips to Palenque and work with local guides from Palenque. Check out this top-rated Palenque tour on GetYourGuide.com*.
The small Totumo volcano is very unique since it is full of thick, warm and mineral-rich mud, which is said to have healing properties (including skin improvement, pain and stress relief). You can take a therapeutic bath and then clean off the mud in the nearby lagoon.
The volcano is about an hour away from Cartagena. It can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to go during the week in the morning or later in the afternoon. (The volcano site is usually open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.)
South of Cartagena, you can discover some of Colombia’s finest beaches, still relatively unknown and little visited.
Rincón del Mar, situated approximately 2.5-3 hours south of Cartagena, is a tranquil fishing village boasting pristine sand beaches. You can take boat tours to the Rosario islands and swim with bioluminescent plankton at night or visit the fascinating Mangrove forest, full of birds, sloths, raccoons and other wildlife. And – in my humble opinion – beach restaurant “Del amor y otros demonios” serves some of the best seafood in Colombia!
Adjacent to Rincón del Mar is the breathtaking Sanguaré Nature Reserve, offering a variety of adventurous outdoor and nature activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, and wildlife watching. Visit their Website for more information (in Spanish).
Photo by Travelhapp, Rincón del Mar beach
La Boquilla features a crucial location between the Caribbean Sea and the “Virgin Swamp” (Ciénaga de la Virgen, Ciénaga de Tesca). This unique ecosystem is home to several endangered plant and animal species.
It’s possible to explore the flora and fauna by boat and by foot. The local Afro-Caribbean communities have a deep connection to the mangroves and local guides can tell you more about their traditional significance. You can book your tour online via GetYourGuide.com*.
By the way, Boquilla is also known for a totally different activity: kitesurfing!
If you are heading north towards Barranquilla and Santa Marta, you might consider stopping at some of the off the beaten path beaches between Cartagena and Barranquilla, for example, Caño Dulce or Santa Veronica (about 1,5 hours from Cartagena).
Santa Veronica is also an emerging kitesurf hotspot, especially the beach of Salinas del Rey. Read more about Santa Veronica in my article on things to do near Barranquilla.
There are plenty of outdoor and adventure activities you can engage in in the surroundings of Cartagena, including paragliding, kitesurfing, kayaking and more. Below you can see examples of great experiences you can book online. More activities can be found on the websites of my affiliate partners: GetyourGuide.com*, Viator.com*, and Civitatis.com*.
Also have a look at my article on things to do in Cartagena de Indias – with special tips for solo travelers.
Questions or comments? I’d love to hear them! Reach out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
Last Update: April 24, 2025
Image Credit: Title image on top by Rosalba Tarazona, Isla Majagua – Islas del Rosario, Colombia
*Affiliate links: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, you support my work on Travelhapp – at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I trust and believe will provide value to you.
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