NENA BEACH - PLAYA BLANCA - BARU
OK first, have you already read what we say about the different island options here? Then have you read what we say about Playa Blanca here? Yes? Great, we can continue.
Nena Beach Club is currently the most stylish way to enjoy the white sand, blue water Playa Blanca beach, located on Isla Baru. Previously Playa Blanca visitors had to contend with a more rustic experience that included beach touts, plastic chairs, basic bathrooms and cash-only payment options (and to be honest, most didn't mind), but Nena Beach Club is a game-changer. It brings fashion, style and taste to what I have previously declared to be my favourite beach, and we are certainly grateful.
Options:
1. Arrive via land
Although Playa Blanca is technically located on an island (Barú), there is now a bridge that enables you to access it via land.
Going via land means you get to avoid paying the marine tax (currently 16,500 pesos pp) and also avoid when the Cartagena seas turn rough and the tiny boats that are used feel less than secure.
Land transport departs 8.30am and 12 noon; It returns 3pm and 8.30pm
BONUS: If you choose to go back at the 8.30pm option, you will have time to do the Night Plankton tour where you can see the phosphorescent plankton. There is visibility all nights, but best visibility when there is less moon because the moonlight detracts)
2. Arrive via sea
That said, if being on the water is half the fun for you, you can also opt to go by boat. You will need to bring an additional 17,000 pesos to pay for the marine tax at the dock upon disembarking. These boats are not recommended for very young, or elderly, or pregnant or people who get boat sick or people of delicate constitution.
Boats depart at 9am and return at 3pm.
3. Make your own way there.
If you take Taxi or shuttle bus or hitch a ride with another boat, of have your own car etc you can opt just to pay the entry price.
All these options include:
Alcoholic Caribbean Cocktail
Beach Bed
Lunch (choice of 3 options)
Colombian Coffee
Personalised Customer Service
Changerooms and freshwater showers
PRICES:
Option 1 (return transport via land): 175,000 pesos pp
Option 2 (return transport via sea): 175,000 pesos + 17,000 pesos marine tax pp
Option 3 (without transport): 125,000 pesos pp
Disclaimers: Playa Blanca is still a public beach and Nena Beach can't really control their neighbours nor the volume they may want to play their music at..weekends will always be more crazy and crowded, but for the most part Nena Beach is a much more chill option. Also, if you arrive by land, you will still have to walk to Nena Beach Club through the mild chaos that is the space between the carpark and the beach. At least it will mean you will appreciate the relative sanctuary of calm and cleanliness when you arrive at Nena Beach Club. Also consider Banana Beach which is at a more quieter end of Playa Blanca (but tbh I think the water is less nice there because there seems to be more rocks and seaweed around there).
Book:
Let us know which day, which option, where you are staying, how many people and what name we should put your booking under. A number that we can reach you on if there are any issues finding you would also be appreciated. email info@cartagenaconnections.com or use the contact form below.
Nena Beach Club is currently the most stylish way to enjoy the white sand, blue water Playa Blanca beach, located on Isla Baru. Previously Playa Blanca visitors had to contend with a more rustic experience that included beach touts, plastic chairs, basic bathrooms and cash-only payment options (and to be honest, most didn't mind), but Nena Beach Club is a game-changer. It brings fashion, style and taste to what I have previously declared to be my favourite beach, and we are certainly grateful.
Options:
1. Arrive via land
Although Playa Blanca is technically located on an island (Barú), there is now a bridge that enables you to access it via land.
Going via land means you get to avoid paying the marine tax (currently 16,500 pesos pp) and also avoid when the Cartagena seas turn rough and the tiny boats that are used feel less than secure.
Land transport departs 8.30am and 12 noon; It returns 3pm and 8.30pm
BONUS: If you choose to go back at the 8.30pm option, you will have time to do the Night Plankton tour where you can see the phosphorescent plankton. There is visibility all nights, but best visibility when there is less moon because the moonlight detracts)
2. Arrive via sea
That said, if being on the water is half the fun for you, you can also opt to go by boat. You will need to bring an additional 17,000 pesos to pay for the marine tax at the dock upon disembarking. These boats are not recommended for very young, or elderly, or pregnant or people who get boat sick or people of delicate constitution.
Boats depart at 9am and return at 3pm.
3. Make your own way there.
If you take Taxi or shuttle bus or hitch a ride with another boat, of have your own car etc you can opt just to pay the entry price.
All these options include:
Alcoholic Caribbean Cocktail
Beach Bed
Lunch (choice of 3 options)
Colombian Coffee
Personalised Customer Service
Changerooms and freshwater showers
PRICES:
Option 1 (return transport via land): 175,000 pesos pp
Option 2 (return transport via sea): 175,000 pesos + 17,000 pesos marine tax pp
Option 3 (without transport): 125,000 pesos pp
Disclaimers: Playa Blanca is still a public beach and Nena Beach can't really control their neighbours nor the volume they may want to play their music at..weekends will always be more crazy and crowded, but for the most part Nena Beach is a much more chill option. Also, if you arrive by land, you will still have to walk to Nena Beach Club through the mild chaos that is the space between the carpark and the beach. At least it will mean you will appreciate the relative sanctuary of calm and cleanliness when you arrive at Nena Beach Club. Also consider Banana Beach which is at a more quieter end of Playa Blanca (but tbh I think the water is less nice there because there seems to be more rocks and seaweed around there).
Book:
Let us know which day, which option, where you are staying, how many people and what name we should put your booking under. A number that we can reach you on if there are any issues finding you would also be appreciated. email info@cartagenaconnections.com or use the contact form below.