Colombia · FULL-DAY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 full-day tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Speed-boat day trip from Cartagena to Rosario Islands, with fort history, coral reef snorkeling, Playa Blanca, and beach-club time.
“Everything was amazing even though the boat ride was a bit bumpy. Besides that, I totally recommend! Everyone was super nice and made it a fun trip!”
Full-day Rosario Islands tour from Cartagena with Fort San Fernando, snorkeling gear, beach clubs, and optional party at Cholón.
“*LONG REVIEW* From beginning to end this excursion was not enjoyable. My partner and I arrived at the meetup point early to meet our guide Alex and other guest. After everyones arrival we gathered near the pier to board our boat but our boat was not ready. We had to wait an hour and a half while other groups left to start their excursion. Our boat finally arrived and was smaller and older than any other excursion groups boats. Due to the extremely late arrival of our boat we were promised extra time throughout our island stays which we definitely got more time than we had ever hoped on our…”
Cartagena to the Rosario Islands by speedboat for a full day at Bora Bora Beach Club, lunch included, swim and paddle time.
“It was very nice, a much needed break from the busyness of the historic center. Well put together tour!”
A 6-hour private-island circuit from Cartagena, with Rosario views, Bocachica forts, Isla Grande snorkeling, plus included beach time and lunch.
“To begin with they load not many beers on the ship, but before reaching the first island, the ship's own endowment, has drunk half When you arrive at the first stop, a sunken plane, you are given “no tube” diving goggles because at the time of COVID they banned it and it is seen that since then they do not agree. Then another 10min of snorkeling in another absurd place where you can see nothing First stop, an island where we were 30' despite telling us we'd be 45' The bar had nothing to eat Second stop, an island that didn't have much. Again like a flock of sheep, eat…”
Guatapé day trip from Medellín with Piedra del Peñol, meals, and a rumbero boat ride on the Guatapé Dam, plus town photo stops.
“It was a great experience where we could learn a little bit about the air, but do our own thing. If you’re looking for a really authentic tour, this is not it. It is more commercialized, but this is what we were going for, something a little bit more slow paced so we could enjoy our honeymoon. Word of caution it’s a long hike up to the steps, before you can actually climb the steps and so if you have bad knees, this is probably not an activity for you, but the other activities are great for those who need a little less walking. The tour guides were really great…”
Cartagena islands day with Rosario snorkeling, Cholón party boats, Barú Mambo Beach Club lunch, and a private T. Bomba finale.
“spot where you eat lunch was definitely Not it. if possible try to eat and leave. the “club” was not nice. the bathrooms were disgusting. the first spot tierra bomba was very nice. other than that Jose was very nice. BYOB on boat”
Private Guatapé day from Medellín with El Peñol rock, reservoir boat options, zócalos square, and smooth hotel transfers.
“Second time with our driver guide Joshua is always very friendly and very professional. The landscape is splendid. Recommended this tour which is worth the trip.”
Cartagena’s Playa Blanca day trip to Barú includes air-conditioned transport, lunch with choices, snorkeling gear, and a sun-chair beach setup.
“There were too many boats in the area. Too many vendors. Too many flies on your food. Not a peaceful stay. Lunch was okay. The tour guides were nice.”
Visit Cartagena’s El Totumo mud volcano for a buoyant mineral soak, then unwind in La Boquilla. $48, about 4 hours.
“I am a frequent user of Viator. Every excursion that I have booked over the last 5 years has been wonderful. No complaints. I am truly disappointed by this excursion. I first want to say that this is not a commentary on our tour operator, Jesus—he was wonderful. He knew a lot, had a great attitude, and spoke good English. Our pickup was about 20 minutes later than projected which is to be expected with theses trips when there are pickups from multiple hotels. However, this excursion was only my group and one other who was picked up after us. Confused by the lateness. On our way out to the…”
Full-day boat tour from Cartagena with five Rosario Island stops, Isla Grande snorkeling, Cholón party vibes, and optional bioluminescent plankton.
“Our tour guide Alex was great! No complaints there. However, several things were very disappointing. We had set up a pick up at our hotel (our hotel was listed as a pick up point). Our tour guide called us at the time were were supposed to be picked up and told us we needed to take a taxi and they would pay for it because of the miscommunicaton. Fine. We took a taxi and they never paid for it. We waited over an hour outside (at a park) with no actual organization and without even knowing what our tour guide looked like. Eventually he showed up and we got on…”
Island-hop from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands for snorkeling, fort views, beach-club time, and a real seafood lunch.
“This was an amazing experience. Alex and Chris were the most amazing guides. Made us feel like family. The islands were gorgeous. Snorkeling was a BLAST! They truly made us have the best day of our lives.”
Full day marine tour in San Andrés with Old Point mangroves, snorkeling, Cayo Acuario stops, manta ray swim, and free drinks.
“This was advertised as an English-speaking tour, but neither of the two crew members could speak any English at all. This meant that we missed all of the information that was being given, so we didn't get the added value (fun facts?) nor really did we understand what was coming next, so as to make best use of our time. In addition there were more passengers than the max 16 that was advertised. If you sign up for this tour, make sure ahead of time that they're planning on giving you what was advertised, unless, of course, it doesn't matter to you.”
Medellín full day highlights with Comuna 13 art, Metro and Metrocable rides, Pueblito Paisa, Inflexión Park, lunch and cremas for $57.
“Good tour both guides were great. Enjoyed the Comuna 13 area very much. The place we stopped at for dinner wasn’t very good and limited options on the side of the road. Could’ve had the food in a much nicer place with nicer views.”
Full-day guided boat tour from Cartagena to Cholón and Rosario Islands. Lunch, beers included, big party vibes, and swim stops.
“This excursion had all the potential in the world! Music is a big part of my experience when ever I go out for fun! When I read the description it highlighted a mix of music which is cool with me. However, when we got to Cholon to party, they literally played Reggaeton the ENTIRE time. Yes, I know I am in Colombia but did not want to hear Reggaeton for 3 hrs. When we asked the DJ for a little hip hop segment, he pointed to the crowd which of course was predominantly Hispanic, indicating that he needs to cater to that population of the crowd and screw the other…”
Hike Minca jungle to a coffee farm and Lost Waterfall, then enjoy lunch, a cocoa workshop, and a cacao museum stop from Santa Marta.
“Fun tour with Ronaldo through the forest to visit a waterfall, coffee farm and learn about the nature in Colombia. Highly recommend as a good way to learn about Minca!”
Pick a hillside, a coastline or a coffee farm.
