How to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande

As you make your way along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, the journey from Cartagena to Isla Grande is a delightful adventure that you simply can’t forget in your lifetime. Not just your experiences when you reach Isla Grande, the fun doesn’t stop during the trip either.

Since ferries and boats are the only way to travel from Cartagena to Isla Grande, the experience is unlike anything else. A trip to the paradisiacal island is surely going to expose you to crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes.

As you plan your trip from Cartagena to Isla Grande, keep this travel guide handy because we are about to familiarize you with all the relevant tips.

Best ways to Get from Cartagena to Isla Grande

As we mentioned, there are no direct “roads” that connect Cartagena to Isla Grande, which means that you have to travel via the waters. Since the distance isn’t a lot, it takes a lot less time but the views and the experiences that you acquire along the way are unlike anything else.

Following are some of the best ways to travel from Cartagena to Isla Grande:

Ferry from Cartagena to Isla Grande

Boat or ferry services are the most common yet scenic travel options that you can use to travel from Cartagena to Isla Grande. There are multiple operators that you can check out and some even offer overnight stays that you can discuss and plan things.

The cost of the ferry ride will vary depending on the service provider that you are opting for. In most cases, the price range is between $25 to $30, so you can pick one that best suits your needs. Also, some of the boat services offer extra tourist explorations, so the entire trip can last up to 2 hours.

Ferry trips typically cost $24 on average per person for the one-way trip. So, we’d suggest that you double that fare for when you want to return to Cartagena.

Check out the schedule and book your bus tickets from Cartagena to Isla Grande here!

Speedboats from Cartagena to Isla Grande

They aren’t the most frequent options that you will come across but if you want to test things out, speedboats are a good option for you to explore. Besides the unique experience, what’s great about speedboats is that they cut the travel time by half.

Instead of taking around 2 hours, traveling on a speedboat ensures that you can travel the distance in 45 hours to 1 hour. However, this convenience reflects on the price that you pay for the whole experience. Also, speedboats work on a fixed schedule, so you have to ensure that it aligns with the time that you have.

Fare – Due to the added convenience, speedboats are slightly more on the expensive end. On average, you might have to pay between $60-$100 per person for a one-way trip.

speed boat

Private transfers from Cartagena to Isla Grande

If budget isn’t a constraint for you and you want to go all out for your travel experience from Cartagena to Isla Grande, we’d recommend that you give the private charters a try. They are comprehensive and fun, not to mention that you get to travel with luxurious amenities.

This option provides flexibility in terms of departure times and allows you to tailor the itinerary to your preferences. Prices can vary significantly, depending on the size of the boat and the services included.

Fare – There are no standard charges for private charters and you’d have to ask the service providers to get a better understanding of the amount you’d have to pay.

How far is Cartagena from Isla Grande?

The distance from Cartagena to Isla Grande is around 37 km via the water route. There are no direct road-based routes, so this is the only option for you to travel to the island.

Depending on the mode of transportation you are opting for, the time taken to travel from Cartagena to Isla Grande will vary between 1-2 hours.

Things to do in Isla Grande

If you want to plan your itinerary ahead of time to ensure that you get to tick off all the popular sightseeing spots in Isla Grande, there are a few places worth exploring and a few activities that need to be on your list of things to do.

Make the most out of the beaches

Isla Grande boasts stunning beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. If you want to take things slow, lay down on the beaches, go for a swim, or even try your hands at some of the water sports and adventures.

Explore the Coral Reefs

Since beaches and water-related activities are the first sights of attraction at Isla Grande, it goes without saying that exploring the coral reefs has to be on your list of things to do. As you try snorkeling or scuba diving, the underwater wonders are most likely one of the best experiences you can indulge in.

Hike to Morgan’s Head

Something a bit offbeat that you can do in Isla Grande is hike your way to the Morgan’s Head. The experience is fun and one of a kind. Also, the distinctive rock formation has historical significance and something you need to add to your list of things to do.

Getting to Isla grande from Cartagena

An easy and reliable way to buy tickets fast and at a good price from Cartagena to Isla Grande is gottoGO, you can search all transportation options. Look for buses, shuttles, private transportation around Colombia with a reliable and easy-t

Conclusion

Isla Grande has some of the most stunning beaches and water activities for you to indulge in. So, planning your trip from Cartagena should be as complicated as you think. With the right tips and having access to the right resources, you should be able to figure things out without any hassle.

FAQs

What is the best way to travel from Cartagena to Isla Grande?

Ferries are one of the best options for your travel plans. They are cheaper and accessible too. For quicker transfer, helicopter transfer is available too. Cartagena to Isla Grande here.

What is the best price to travel from Cartagena to Isla Grande?

Traveling from Cartagena to Isla Grande will cost you an average of $20-$30 per person for a standard ferry ride. Private charters and helicopters cost way more.

What to do in Isla Grande?

There are several water adventure activities that you can indulge in once you reach Isla Grande. However, the best thing that we’d recommend you try is exploring the beaches.