The San Bernardo islands are an archipelago consisting of 10 islands south of Cartagena that are often overshadowed by the more famous Rosario Islands. However, people who make the journey here will find a beach paradise with very few other gringos in sight. The water is crystal clear, calm and inviting and the islands are a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Cartagena. Since they are a bit further out than the Rosario Islands and don’t make it onto many foreigners’ travel itineraries, they are the perfect place to escape if you want a break from the gringo trail.
Like Isla Baru and the Rosario Islands, you have the opportunity to swim with bioluminescent which is a spectacular experience. Keep in mind that the glittery plankton are best viewed when there is no moon.
You can reach the San Bernardo Islands by taking a two hour boat ride from Cartagena or a 40 minute ride from the town of Tolú. The ride can get pretty bumpy depending on the water conditions so if you are prone to seasickness, it may be better to opt for the shorter ride.
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The most popular islands to visit are Isla Tintipan and Mucura. Isla Tintipan is home to San Bernardo’s best public beach whereas Isla Mucura mostly consists of private beaches. The islands are close together and local fishermen are happy to shuttle you back and forth for around $6-7. If you want to check out what life is like under the sea, you can rent snorkel gear in Mucura.
While not many foreigners make it to San Bernardo, it can still get very busy on weekends as it is popular with domestic travelers. We recommend avoiding going on weekends if you want to have a quieter beach experience.
The islands are also a bit more expensive than other parts of Colombia and there are no ATMs. Make sure to bring plenty of cash so that your stay there isn’t unexpectedly cut short if you run out of money.
Our Concierge Dream Team will be happy to arrange yacht service for you and your group. Should you require any assistance finding suitable transportation to and from the islands check out our Yacht Rental Services.
Whether you’ve been tasked with co-ordinating a memorable getaway for a wedding party or you simply want to put together a vacation your large group will never forget, have a Cartagena Dream Concierge curate your most memorable Cartagena Dream Experience.
