PLAYA BLANCA, BARU
Beautiful isn't it? Playa Blanca is, for my money, Cartagena's best beach. Not everyone feels the same. A quick glance at forums and Tripadvisor reviews will reveal that some people find it crowded and that overbearing touts make the experience completely unpleasant. Then there's the sometimes perilous journey home in high seas during the December- February high wind season.
I'm all about the full disclosure.
But saying all that. it's still where I prefer to go for my beach retreat time.
Avoid the crowds by going on a weekday and making your way up the quieter end of the beach (ooh.. should I really be telling everyone this?!). As far as the crazy homeward boatride, honestly, it can be intense. If it seems more than you can handle, maybe take the road option (taxi or shuttlebus). For the touts.. a simple, but firm, no gracias and no eye-contact should usually suffice. Really they will ask me once or twice and then leave me alone when they see i'm not buying it.
So.. to avoid the rough seas.. the Shuttle Bus service we recommend make it very easy. It is run by the good folks at Mama Llena. It costs 50,000 pesos for the return trip which is the cheapest way to arrive. It means you don't have to pay the marine tax, you don't have to take the rough seas, and you will leave very much on time. The other benefit is the ticket is open, so you can stay one or two nights at Playa Blanca and really make the most of the beach when it is at it's best (when all the day-trippers have gone home for the day).
The departure times are 8.30am and 1pm, leaving from San Diego in Centro and then from Getsemani. The return shuttles can be booked for 11am or 3pm departures. Bookings are essential! Just send an email to Cata at info@cartagenaconnections.com or if it is last minute, a whatsapp to +57 3013213533 and we will sort you out. I actually made a dodgy video that show exactly how to do the shuttle option.. you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJfhrzkSIyY Oh gosh my voice is so annoying!! cringe! haha
So if you still want boat.. Lately I've been recommending a boat company that has a larger boat and travels directly to the nicer, more quieter part of the beach. They are a bit more expensive than the cheapest of the boat options, but I think it is worth it. The price is 70,000 pesos plus marine tax of 15,500
This day trip also includes lunch (the traditional plate of fried fish, coconut rice and patacones you see in the photo above).
Everyone so far has really loved the day and didn't report any of the problems outlined above. Just that gorgeous aquamarine water and white white sand.
If you would like to make this booking I need to know your names, your hotel, and a contact number to reach you (whatsapp works well). Email info@cartagenaconnections.com
Then you will need to arrive to the Muelle de las Bodeguitas at 8.30am and meet with Gregorio from the company LIZAMAR who will happily take your money and show you to the boat.
Then it's just a 45 minute boat ride until you are in Playa Blanca paradise and taking jealousy inducing selfies.
I'm all about the full disclosure.
But saying all that. it's still where I prefer to go for my beach retreat time.
Avoid the crowds by going on a weekday and making your way up the quieter end of the beach (ooh.. should I really be telling everyone this?!). As far as the crazy homeward boatride, honestly, it can be intense. If it seems more than you can handle, maybe take the road option (taxi or shuttlebus). For the touts.. a simple, but firm, no gracias and no eye-contact should usually suffice. Really they will ask me once or twice and then leave me alone when they see i'm not buying it.
So.. to avoid the rough seas.. the Shuttle Bus service we recommend make it very easy. It is run by the good folks at Mama Llena. It costs 50,000 pesos for the return trip which is the cheapest way to arrive. It means you don't have to pay the marine tax, you don't have to take the rough seas, and you will leave very much on time. The other benefit is the ticket is open, so you can stay one or two nights at Playa Blanca and really make the most of the beach when it is at it's best (when all the day-trippers have gone home for the day).
The departure times are 8.30am and 1pm, leaving from San Diego in Centro and then from Getsemani. The return shuttles can be booked for 11am or 3pm departures. Bookings are essential! Just send an email to Cata at info@cartagenaconnections.com or if it is last minute, a whatsapp to +57 3013213533 and we will sort you out. I actually made a dodgy video that show exactly how to do the shuttle option.. you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJfhrzkSIyY Oh gosh my voice is so annoying!! cringe! haha
So if you still want boat.. Lately I've been recommending a boat company that has a larger boat and travels directly to the nicer, more quieter part of the beach. They are a bit more expensive than the cheapest of the boat options, but I think it is worth it. The price is 70,000 pesos plus marine tax of 15,500
This day trip also includes lunch (the traditional plate of fried fish, coconut rice and patacones you see in the photo above).
Everyone so far has really loved the day and didn't report any of the problems outlined above. Just that gorgeous aquamarine water and white white sand.
If you would like to make this booking I need to know your names, your hotel, and a contact number to reach you (whatsapp works well). Email info@cartagenaconnections.com
Then you will need to arrive to the Muelle de las Bodeguitas at 8.30am and meet with Gregorio from the company LIZAMAR who will happily take your money and show you to the boat.
Then it's just a 45 minute boat ride until you are in Playa Blanca paradise and taking jealousy inducing selfies.