Barú & Playa Blanca Day Trip

Playa Blanca on the island of Barú is the classic Caribbean beach near Cartagena: soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and beach clubs for a long lunch in the shade.

Cartagena VIP plans it as a private day for your group. Go by private yacht or catamaran with a captain and crew for the most scenic trip, or by private SUV or van over the road to Barú. Either way it's just your group, on your schedule.

Barú and Playa Blanca

Barú is a peninsula-island just south of Cartagena, and Playa Blanca is its best-known beach. It's the place for a slower beach day: swimming in calm water, lying in the sun and a fresh seafood lunch. If your group wants music and a party scene, add a stop at Cholón, the floating party lagoon on the same island.

Two Ways to Get There

By private boat (most popular). Your own yacht or catamaran with a captain and crew, from 9 AM to 5 PM. You arrive by water, anchor off the beach, and can add swim stops along the way or a visit to the Rosario Islands. The base boat day includes the boat, captain and crew, fuel, a cooler and ice. See the fleet.

By private SUV or van. A private car and driver takes you to Barú by road, about an hour from Cartagena depending on traffic. A good fit for smaller groups, families or anyone who prefers to stay off the water. See our private transportation.

How the Day Works

• 9 AM: meet your captain at the pier in Cartagena, or get picked up at your villa or hotel.
• Late morning: arrive at Barú and settle in on Playa Blanca.
• Lunch: beach club lunch or seafood on the sand.
• Afternoon: more beach time, or a stop at Cholón if you came by boat.
• 5 PM: back in Cartagena.

Popular Add-Ons

• Beach club entry with loungers, shade and lunch
• Food and drinks on board, or a private chef
• A bilingual VIP host for the day
• Pickup and drop-off from your villa or hotel

Pricing

Price depends on how you travel (boat or SUV), the boat you choose and your group size. Tell us your dates and how many people are coming, and we'll send you options and a quote.

Barú & Playa Blanca FAQ

Is Playa Blanca on Barú? Yes. Playa Blanca is the main beach on the island of Barú, south of Cartagena. That's why the two names are used together.

Boat or car: which is better? The boat is faster and more scenic, and it lets you add Cholón or the Rosario Islands. The car is a good option for small groups, families or anyone who gets seasick.

Is Playa Blanca crowded? It can be busy on weekends and holidays, especially around midday. A beach club gives you your own shaded space, and arriving by private boat lets you pick a quieter stretch.

What should we bring? Swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and some cash in Colombian pesos for tips and beach vendors.

Can we combine Barú with Cholón? Yes. If you go by boat, many groups spend the morning at Cholón and the afternoon on Playa Blanca, or the other way around.

Is this a shared tour? No. Every Cartagena VIP day trip is private: just your group.

Tell us your dates and group size and we'll plan your Barú day.