Cartagena, Colombia Shore Excursions
Best of Cartagena (4.5 - 5 hours)
Board your air-conditioned bus to explore the city of Cartagena, which has earned the reputation as a treasure chest and the most impenetrable city of the Spanish Main.
Depart from the pier accompanied by an English speaking guide and enjoy the "Republican" architecture of the Manga residential area on the approximate 20-minute drive up the winding road to the Convento de la Popa.
After an approximate 15-minute stop to see the Popa Monastery, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbor and city, continue on your tour to the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in South America, for a photo stop.
Next, it's on to Las Bovedas for approximately 20 minutes of handmade craft and souvenir shopping. Las Bovedas were originally dungeons and vaults used to store munitions and provisions in the late 1700's.
Continue on to the Church of San Pedro Claver and admire the narrow streets and squares inside the walled city. Your next stop is the Naval Museum, where you will be treated with a traditional folkloric show and a beverage (soda or bottled water).
Drive through the modern section of Cartagena for your final destination at Pierino Gallo Mall where you will have approximately 30 minutes to shop before the return drive to the pier.
Your return drive to the pier will take you through the sights of Bocagrande and Castillo Grande residential areas.
-Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters are permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motor coach on their own. There are several stops where Guests will need to negotiate steps before using their wheelchair (La Popa Monastery, Old Town and Pierino Gallo Mall).
-Guests are recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and camera, and to wear comfortable walking shoes.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $49 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $39 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Cartagena by Horseless Carriage (3.5 - 4 hours)
Meet your guide and board your air-conditioned motor coach for the start of your journey through Cartagena. Travel approximately 30 minutes to a photo stop at San Felipe Fortress, the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in South America.
Drive approximately 20 minutes to Plaza Santa Teresa, where your horse and carriages stand ready. Ramble along the inviting, narrow cobblestone streets and squares inside the walled city. Admire the flower-filled balconies glowing in the light spilling from Colonial mansions and well-placed old squares. Surrender to the majesty of this historic city while sauntering amidst towering Colonial, Republican and Spanish-style buildings.
After your approximate 60-minute carriage ride, enjoy some shopping at Las Bovedas. Built as dungeons and as a means of storage, today local artisans display their work there.
Before returning to the ship, spend approximately 30 minutes enjoying the views of a panoramic sightseeing tour to the modern city of Cartagena.
Arrive at the pier.
-Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters are permitted. Guests must be able to navigate 5 steps on and off the motor coach and a high step onto the carriage on their own.
-Carriages accommodate 4 people and you will be seated with other Guests to fill the carriage.
-Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $49 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $39 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Cartagena by Private Vehicle - Sedan (4 hours)
Embark on an unforgettable excursion throughout Cartagena via private Sedan and experience the freedom of following your own itinerary at your own pace. Note: Each vehicle can accommodate up 3 Guests. Only one ticket (person) per vehicle should be booked.
You'll receive a Private Sedan, which is air-conditioned and comes with an English-speaking driver/guide who will lead you on an eye-opening tour, providing insightful and relevant information designed with your entire family and personal preferences in mind.
The pricing listed is for 4 hours. Single additional hours are also available. If you would like to reserve additional hours, complete the regular 4-hour booking online and email your Travel Agent with your name and cruise reservation number to let us know how long you would like to reserve a vehicle.
All departures are default for a morning time. Once onboard, you will receive a preference sheet and an option to adjust your departure time.
Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-All private vehicle bookings are non-refundable.
-Actual vehicle type may vary depending on final number of passengers and availability.
-Visiting more than one site often requires a full day.
-This is a private arrangement; those accompanying you agree to share all costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle.
-These tours are ordered per vehicle. One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person's shipboard account and cannot be divided up among the party.
-Vehicles and guides are extremely limited; reserve early to avoid disappointment.
-Once onboard, you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans. Please complete this information and return it to the Port Adventures Desk as soon as possible.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $425 (up to 3 guests)
Cartagena by Private Vehicle - Van (4 hours)
Embark on an unforgettable excursion throughout Cartagena via private Sedan and experience the freedom of following your own itinerary at your own pace. Note: Each vehicle can accommodate up 10 Guests. Only one ticket (person) per vehicle should be booked.
You'll receive a Private Van, which is air-conditioned and comes with an English-speaking driver/guide who will lead you on an eye-opening tour, providing insightful and relevant information designed with your entire family and personal preferences in mind.
The pricing listed is for 4 hours. Single additional hours are also available. If you would like to reserve additional hours, complete the regular 4-hour booking online and email your Travel Agent with your name and cruise reservation number to let us know how long you would like to reserve a vehicle.
All departures are default for a morning time. Once onboard, you will receive a preference sheet and an option to adjust your departure time.
Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-All private vehicle bookings are non-refundable.
-Actual vehicle type may vary depending on final number of passengers and availability.
-Visiting more than one site often requires a full day.
-This is a private arrangement; those accompanying you agree to share all costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle.
-These tours are ordered per vehicle. One person in your party places the order for the vehicle; the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person's shipboard account and cannot be divided up among the party.
-Vehicles and guides are extremely limited; reserve early to avoid disappointment.
-Once onboard, you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans. Please complete this information and return it to the Port Adventures Desk as soon as possible.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $625 (up to 10 guests)
Chiva Bus Panaromic Tour
Meet your guide and board your open-air Chiva bus for the start of your celebration through Cartagena. Chiva buses are a traditional Colombian sign of celebration brightly painted and full of fun entertainment. Your lively host will provide full city narration intertwined with jokes, stories and sing-along songs with a live band.
Travel approximately 30 minutes to a photo stop at San Felipe Fortress, the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in South America. Then onto the walled city of Cartagena to view Pie de la Popa, Centro, Boca Grande, Laguito and Castillo Grande.
During the tour, Guests will have access to complimentary beverages (beer, soft drinks and bottled water) while your tour guide gives narration on the sights and sounds of Cartagena. Traditional Colombia snacks are also included
Arrive at the old city for an approximate 60-minute stop at the historic Santa Calatina`s Bastion. Here, you can dance to the beat of the band, enjoy the local entertainment or browse the souvenirs and handicrafts at Las Bovedas Artisan Center.
Before returning to the ship, spend approximately 30 minutes enjoying the panoramic views of Cartagena continuing your Chiva celebration to the pier!
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-Chiva buses are old artisan modified buses used in rural areas for public transportation. They are colorfully painted with local arabesques and figures. Most of the Chiva buses have an incorporated ladder for the rack on the roof which is also used for seating. Seats are benches made out of wood with doors instead of windows and all buses have a unique nickname.
-Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera and to wear comfortable walking shoes.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $45 (ages 21 and up)
City Drive, Shopping and La Popa Monastery (3.5 - 4 hours)
Board your air-conditioned bus to explore the city of Cartagena, which has earned the reputation as a treasure chest and the most impenetrable city of the Spanish Main.
Depart from the pier accompanied by an English speaking guide and enjoy the "Republican" architecture of the Manga residential area on the approximate 20-minute drive up the winding road to the La Popa Monastery, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbor and city (exterior visit only, we will not enter the Monastery).
Continue on your tour to the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in South America, for a quick photo stop.
Next, it's on to Las Bovedas for approximately 35 minutes of handmade craft and souvenir shopping. Las Bovedas were originally dungeons and vaults used to store munitions and provisions in the late 1700s.
Continue through the modern residential area of Bocagrande to the Pierino Gallo Shopping Center. Here Guests will have the opportunity to shop for leather goods and Colombia's native gem—the Emerald—before the approximate 30-minute return drive to the pier.
-Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters are permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motor coach on their own. There are several stops where Guests will need to negotiate steps before using their wheelchair (La Popa Monastery, Old Town and Pierino Gallo Mall).
-Guests are recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and camera, and to wear comfortable walking shoes.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $45 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: 35 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Deluxe Cartagena and Folkloric Show (5 - 5.5 hours)
Board your air-conditioned bus to explore the city of Cartagena, which has earned the reputation as a treasure chest and the most impenetrable city of the Spanish Main.
Depart from the pier accompanied by an English-speaking guide and enjoy the "Republican" architecture of the Manga residential area on the approximate 20-minute drive up the winding road to the La Popa Monastery, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbor and city (exterior visit only, we will not enter the monastery).
Continue on your tour to the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in South America, for an approximate 30-minute stop. Here you can admire the views and take a self-guided tour this impenetrable fortress.
Continue on to the Church of San Pedro Claver and admire the narrow streets and squares inside the walled city. Your next stop is the Naval Museum, where you will be treated with a traditional folkloric show and a beverage (soda or bottled water).
Next, it's on to Las Bovedas for approximately 20 minutes of handmade craft and souvenir shopping. Las Bovedas were originally dungeons and vaults used to store munitions and provisions in the late 1700s.
Continue through the modern residential area of Bocagrande to the Pierino Gallo Shopping Center. Here Guests will have the opportunity to shop for leather goods and Colombia' native gem—the Emerald—before the approximate 30-minute return drive to the pier.
-Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters are permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motor coach on their own. There are several stops where Guests will need to negotiate steps before using their wheelchair (La Popa Monastery, San Felipe Fortress, Old Town and Pierino Gallo Mall).
-Guests are recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and camera, and to wear comfortable walking shoes.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $49 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $39 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Historic Cartagena and Old City Walking Tour (4.5 - 5 hours)
Board your air-conditioned bus for an approximate 20-minute transfer to the traditional district of Manga where you will admire the beautiful houses of the Republican time.
The walking tour begins at Santiago's Bastion and passes colonial architecture to San Pedro Claver´s Plaza, with its convent and church. Continue to the colonial commercial district of Custom Plaza and down the street to the Cathedral and the Governor's house, which was the headquarters of the Spanish government.
Plaza de Bolivar is the next stop and features a statue of its namesake as well as the Inquisition Palace and the Gold Museum. Guests will have approximately 20 minutes to tour inside the Inquisition Palace and approximately 20 minutes inside the Gold Museum.
Stroll along the streets to view the colonial mansions of Cartagena, finishing up back at Santiago's Bastion.
Take a quick bus ride to The Dungeons', (Los Bovedas) used in colonial times as a military barracks and munitions depot. Today, local artisans display their arts and handcrafts here. Guests will have approximately 20 minutes for shopping.
Continue by bus to Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in South America, for a quick photo stop. Then return to the pier.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-Guests are recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and camera, and to wear comfortable walking shoes.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $39 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $29 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Las Americas Pool and Beach Getaway (6 - 6.5 hours)
Depart from the pier accompanied by an English-speaking guide and enjoy the "Republican" architecture of the Manga residential area on the approximate 20-minute drive to the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas.
Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbor during this 10-minute photo stop. The San Felipe Fortress was the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in South America.
Travel approximately 30 minutes through the walled city of Cartagena and enjoy panoramic views of San Diego and El Centro while listening to guided narrative.
Next stop will be the marvelous Las Americas Hotel and Resort, where you will be welcomed with a fruit punch beverage while you are captivated by its tropical Caribbean architecture and the atmosphere of exclusiveness.
Guests can enjoy approximately 4 hours of free time with use of all the resort amenities, including 400 meters of beach, 3 pools, a water slide, tennis court and 18-hole mini-golf course. There will also be a folkloric show.
Included is a sumptuous traditional Colombian-style lunch buffet, served poolside.
Conclude your day with a 30-minute drive back the pier.
-Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters are permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motor coach on their own as well as walk to the beach if desired.
-Buffet lunch to include grilled mini steak, grilled chicken breast, fish fillet with garlic dressing, sautéed vegetables, pasta with assorted sauces (bolognese, carbonara, alfredo), mini baby beef, chicken nuggets, white rice, assorted breads, assorted lettuces, assorted fruits, egg salad, potato salad, pasta salad, corn, tomato and cheese salad, fish and avocado salad, chicken and veggie rolls, fish terrine and spinach sauce, salad dressings, sweet plantains, titoe (coconut) rice, ice cream, cookies, milhojas de arequipe, chocolate cake, strawberry pie, blackberry mousse and almond cake. Beverages include soft drinks, sodas and water (2 per person).
-Motorized water activities are not included but can be rented at the resort.
-Guests are encouraged to bring a change of clothes, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $105 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $85 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $0 (ages 0 to 2)
Mangrove Caves Eco Tour (3 - 3.5 hours)
Board your air-conditioned bus and travel approximately 40 minutes on your narrated drive to Las Americas Convention Center, where you will board your 6-person canoe.
Once in your canoe, take an approximate 60-minute sightseeing tour of the vast ecological splendor of the Mangrove Swamps. The Swamp of the Virgin is considered one the most important and fascinating ecosystems of Cartagena de Indias. Sit back and relax as you are paddled through the mangroves to admire the beautiful landscape, the diverse mix of fauna, including an abundance of tropical birds, beautiful fish and crustaceans. The imposing mangroves that oxygenate its water represent the natural wealth of this region. This is an exceptional tour for bird-watching.
Upon completion of the canoe tour, return to the mangroves pier for a beverage (bottled water or soda).
Relax on your bus for the return trip to the pier via an approximate 30-minute sightseeing tour of the walled city and historical districts of San Diego and El Centro.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-This tour is available to all ages. Since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket.
-Guests are recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and camera, and to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $52 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $42 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $42 (ages 0 to 2)
Mangroves, Show and Lunch (6.5 - 7 hours)
Board your air-conditioned bus and travel approximately 40 minutes on your narrated drive to Las Americas Convention Center, where you will board your 6-person canoe.
Once in your canoe take an approximate 60 minute sightseeing tour of the vast ecological splendor of the Mangrove Swamps. The Swamp of the Virgin is considered one the most important and fascinating ecosystems of Cartagena de Indias. Sit back and relax as you are paddled through the mangroves to admire the beautiful landscape, the diverse mix of fauna, including an abundance of tropical birds, beautiful fishes and crustaceans. The imposing mangroves that oxygenate its water represent the natural wealth of this region. This is an exceptional tour for bird-watching.
Next stop will be the marvelous Las Americas Hotel and Resort, where you will be welcomed with a fruit punch beverage while you are captivated by its tropical Caribbean architecture and the atmosphere of exclusiveness.
Guests can enjoy approximately 3 hours of free time with use of all the resort amenities, including 400 meters of beach, 3 pools, a water slide, tennis court and 18-hole mini-golf course. There will also be a folkloric show.
Included is a sumptuous traditional Colombian-style lunch buffet, served poolside.
Conclude your day with a 30-minute drive back the pier via the walled city of Cartagena, enjoying panoramic views of San Diego and El Centro.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-This tour is available to all ages. Since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket.
-Buffet lunch to include grilled mini steak, grilled chicken breast, fish fillet with garlic dressing, sautéed vegetables, pasta with assorted sauces (bolognese, carbonara, alfredo), mini baby beef, chicken nuggets, white rice, assorted breads, assorted lettuces, assorted fruits, egg salad, potato salad, pasta salad, corn, tomato and cheese salad, fish and avocado salad, chicken and veggie rolls, fish terrine and spinach sauce, salad dressings, sweet plantains, titoe (coconut) rice, ice cream, cookies, milhojas de arequipe, chocolate cake, strawberry pie, blackberry mousse and almond cake. Beverages include soft drinks, sodas and water (2 per person).
-Motorized water activities are not included but can be rented at the resort.
-Guests are encouraged to bring a change of clothes, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $129 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $109 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $109 (ages 0 to 2)
Tour of the Rosario Islands (6 - 6.5 hours)
Meet your Guide and board a 42-foot speedboat for a 60-minute scenic trip from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands.
The Rosario Islands are located 24 miles to the south of Cartagena and are composed of 27 small coral islands. Three islands belong to the state and the other 24 are privately owned. The Rosario Islands are designated as a National Natural Park which is ideal for the development of coral reefs in the 55 kilometers of protected waters.
Arrive at Isla del Sol for a welcome beverage of coffee or fruit punch and fresh fruit. Next you will spend approximately 45 minutes soaking up the sun on the speedboat while sightseeing the 27 beautiful islands.
Arrive back at your island destination, Isla del Sol (Sun Island), where you will be treated to a traditional Colombian style lunch and can enjoy the swimming pool and beach area. This area is also the best for warm-water snorkeling, with coral reefs, sponges and many different kinds of fish and sea life to admire.
Relax on the approximate 60-minute boat ride back to the pier.
-This tour is available to all ages. Since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket.
-Guests must be ambulatory. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
-Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, towels and a bathing suit.
-Snorkel equipment is available for rent at the beach location.
-Lunch will include fried fish fillet, coconut rice, green salad, fried plantain, typical local dessert (eg: cocada), tropical fruits, coffee, sodas and bottled water. Meat or chicken option need 24 hours advance notice.
-Guests are encouraged to bring local currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and snacks.
-You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Adult Price: $129 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $109 (ages 3 to 9)
Infant Price: $109 (ages 0 to 2)
