Colombia is known for having rich biodiversity and nature lovers will be impressed by the country’s well-maintained national parks, marine reserves and wildlife refuges.
One of the best ways to get up close and personal with some of Colombia’s wildlife is to hit some of the well-known snorkeling and scuba diving spots. The ocean surrounding Cartagena is blessed with huge coral reefs which are home to a wide variety of marine life and under the surface, you can find angelfish, pufferfish, parrotfish, and many more. There are over 280 different kinds of fish living in the reef. You can even find sharks, and rays. Remember to be very careful with your fins when swimming near reef. Some areas are very shallow and flippers can cause significant damage to the coral and the plants that live on it.
If you have a bit of extra time, you can even get your PADI certification at one of the many dive shops located on the stretch of land between the old walled city and Bocagrande.
For advanced divers, there are a number of sunken ships you can dive to and there is even an underwater art museum that you can check out.
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If you are a bird watcher, you can also visit the Baru Bird Sanctuary. Located just 45 minutes away from Cartagena, this privately owned refuge is home to around 140 different bird species, most of them are originally from Colombia. The enclosures are large and the refuge attempts to recreate the natural habitat of the birds.
Baru Bird Sanctuary is a great addition to a trip to Playa Blanca. We recommend visiting the bird sanctuary first so that you can finish off the day in Playa Blanca by doing an evening bioluminescent tour where you will have the chance to swim surrounded by a sea of sparkling water. You can learn more about the bird sanctuary here and about the bioluminescent tours here.
Another great way to see some unique Colombian wildlife is to get on the hiking trails. There is nothing better than seeing animals in their natural habitat and hiking is an excellent activity to rejuvenate your mind and body. You can read more about our favorite hiking trails near Cartagena here.
Our Concierge Dream Team will be happy to arrange yacht service or a Dream Experience of your preference 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.
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