Playa Blanca by Boat + Hop-On Hop-Off Cartagena

Once the main trading port between Spain and its colonies in South America, Cartagena is a historic city with a rich history featuring pirates, slaves, historic naval battles and sunken treasure. Its Old Town, surrounded by 13km of colonial defensive walls, is fantastically well-preserved, and cobblestoned streets intersect shady plazas.

Hop off to explore this stunning part of the city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to check out the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj) and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, which commands stunning views over the entire city. Hop back on the bus and explore the contrasting modern district of Bocagrande, with its shopping centres, casinos and popular nightlife scene. Your 2-day ticket gives you the freedom to explore Cartagena at your own pace, as you can hop off the bus whenever something catches your eye, then hop back on to explore something else.

Also included with this combination ticket is a day trip to Playa Blanca Beach, aptly named after its beautiful white sands. Departing from central Cartagena on a speedboat, you’ll be given a tour around Cartagena’s bay where you’ll see the 15-metre-tall Sailor’s Virgin statue and the Bocachica fortress. Heading out into the Caribbean Sea you’ll pass the Rosario Islands Archipelago before stopping at San Martin de Pajarales Island. Here you can visit the Oceanarium and see a dolphin show, or go snorkeling and discover the marine life.

Finally, you’ll head to Playa Blanca Beach, close to where the Spanish galleon San José sank in 1708 with a cargo of treasure worth an estimated US$ 17 billion in today’s market! Relax on the white sand beach and enjoy an authentic Colombian lunch and swim in the turquoise waters before heading back to Cartagena in the afternoon.