If you want a beach day with zero effort, this delivers. From Cartagena, you’ll ride a included speedboat to the Rosario Islands and spend hours at Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club with a lounge bed and swimming time. I like how the day is paced—short travel up, long relax down—so you actually get the beach part, not just transit.

My favorite bit is the simplicity of the setup: meet at La Bodeguita Pier, grab your beach bed, and settle in with a included typical lunch. The one thing to consider is that the boat back can feel rough when wind kicks up (especially Dec–Apr), and some days the water near swimming spots can be choppier than you expect.

Key things to know before you go

• La Bodeguita Pier check-in starts at 7:30am at the 3rd gate, then you board later between 7:45am and 8:30am.
• Arrive about 45 minutes later at Bora Bora Beach Club on Isla Grande, with a welcome cocktail and a bed waiting.
• Lunch is served around noon, with chicken, fish, or vegetarian options (VIP can add more options).
• The included beach bed depends on group size, and first-row beds cost extra if available.
• Return starts around 3:00pm, landing back at the pier around 4:00pm.
• Budget extra fees: a dock/pier tax of $9.00 per person is not included.

Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club: the beach day you actually came for

This is a classic “go out, enjoy sun and water, come back” Cartagena excursion. The big value isn’t just the scenery—it’s the time on Isla Grande, where you can spend your morning swimming and your afternoon napping on your bed.

The beach club setup is built around comfort. You’re not trying to find a random spot on a public beach; you’re given a beach bed/sunbed right after you check in. From there, your day becomes a choose-your-own-adventure: swim, paddle around, or do the honest work of doing nothing.

One more practical point: the experience is capped at up to 120 travelers, which usually helps keep check-in and staff attention from turning into pure chaos.

La Bodeguita Pier and the morning flow: timings that matter

Your morning starts at Muelle de la Bodeguita (La Bodeguita Pier), in El Centro, Cartagena. Plan for 7:30am meeting time at the 3rd gate. After that, the boat typically leaves between 7:45am and 8:30am, so you may wait a bit before the speedboat heads out.

This matters because you’ll be standing around before the boat. It’s Cartagena in daylight hours, so bring what you need for heat: sunscreen, water, and something for shade if you’re sensitive to strong sun.

At the pier, you’ll show your reservation at the Bora Bora counter. Once you’re checked, the logistics are straightforward: you board and the Caribbean trip begins.

Speedboat to Islas del Rosario: quick transfer, real sea conditions

The ride to the Rosario Islands is about 45 minutes, and it’s the included part that turns this into an actual day trip. You’re not spending most of your time on a slow boat—this is built for getting you to the water fast.

Here’s the honest consideration: the boat ride back can be rougher in stronger winds, and the operator specifically notes this for December through April. If you’re the kind of person who gets uncomfortable on choppy water, I’d take that warning seriously and consider packing motion-sickness support just in case.

Also, don’t expect onboard entertainment to be the highlight. The main show is outside the boat window.

Isla Grande arrival: your beach bed setup and first hour strategy

You arrive at Bora Bora Beach Club on Isla Grande, and the day starts right away. A welcome cocktail is waiting, and your beach bed is set up based on how many people are in your group.

This first hour is when you can make the rest of the day easier on yourself. I like to use it for:

• Getting your shade situation figured out (then you stop thinking about it).
• Doing a quick swim session before lunch, when you’re fresh and the morning feels calmer.
• Scouting where the water entry is easiest for you.

If you upgrade for VIP or pay for first-row beds, you’re paying for better location and comfort. But even then, I’d treat VIP as “more comfort,” not “guaranteed perfect conditions.” Some days can be windy, and the layout you get may vary.

Lunch around noon: included food, how to time it

Lunch is served at 12:00pm, and it’s included. You’ll get three main options: chicken, fish, or vegetarian. If you upgrade to the VIP area, the number of lunch options can increase (reported as five options in that case).

The practical way to use lunch time is to let it reset your energy. You’ve got hours after lunch, so eat, hydrate, and then plan your afternoon activity—because you’ll want a fresh start for swimming or paddling again.

And since extra food and drinks are a la carte, lunch is one of the few parts where you can stick to the ticket value. If you’re on a budget, this is also where you’ll feel the “I’m glad it was included” part.

What you can do on the water: swim, kayak, paddleboard

The experience isn’t just lounging. You can swim, kayak, and paddleboard, or you can skip activities and stick to the bed with music and shade.

Two realistic tips:

1. If the wind is up, you may find some water conditions less gentle than you expected. That doesn’t mean the beach day is ruined—it just changes where you feel confident entering the water.
2. Bring a little flexibility. A beach club day runs on weather and sea conditions. Your best move is to check how the water looks when you arrive, then decide whether you want a more relaxed swim or to go for the paddle sports.

This is a good day trip for travelers who want “water time” without the hassle of arranging equipment or figuring out where to go.

Afternoon return at 3:00pm: leaving the island with wind in mind

At around 3:00pm, you head back to Cartagena. The return ride brings you back to the pier around 4:00pm.

This is the part where seasonal conditions can catch you. The operator notes that between December and April the wind is stronger, and that can make the journey back feel more intense. If you’re sensitive to that kind of ride, aim to bring what you need (sunscreen is not enough—think comfort for a potentially choppier ride).

Also, don’t assume you’ll be able to wring out every last minute on the beach. The timing is fixed: you can enjoy the day, but you’ll be moving when it’s time to board.

Price and value at $116: what’s included, what costs extra

At $116 per person, this isn’t a cheap add-on—but it also isn’t priced like a private yacht day. The value comes from a combo of items you’d otherwise pay for separately:

• Roundtrip speedboat
• Beach bed/sunbed
• Typical lunch
• Beach club entry as part of the day program (with the big dock tax billed separately)

Then there are the extras to budget:

• Dock/pier tax: $9.00 per person (not included)
• Towels: not included
• First-row beds: extra cost, based on availability
• Pick-up service: not included (you meet at the dock)
• Extra food and beverages: a la carte, and drinks can add up

If you’re going with a group, beach-bed allocation based on guest count can affect how much comfort you get. If you care about being closest to the water, look at whether the upgrade for first-row beds is worth it to you—just remember availability can be a factor.

Who should book this beach-club day (and who might want to plan differently)

This works best if you want a low-planning, high-relaxation day. It’s ideal for:

• Couples who want sun and clear water without navigating beaches on their own
• People who like beach clubs and want the “bed waiting for me” convenience
• Anyone who wants both lounging and optional water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding

Think twice if you:

• Get sea-sick or hate choppy water, especially in Dec–Apr
• Expect guaranteed calm swimming conditions every minute of the day
• Are hoping for a full-service hotel feel (this is a day club setup, not a full resort stay)

If you do book and you want the smoothest day possible, your best tools are timing and preparation: arrive at the right gate early, bring essentials for heat, and expect the sea to have a say.

Should you book Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club?

Yes, if your goal is a classic Caribbean beach break with speedboat convenience and a real chunk of time on Isla Grande. The included beach bed and lunch make it feel like a complete day, not a “maybe you’ll get something” excursion.

I’d be more cautious if wind and rougher boat rides could ruin your day. In that case, you can still go—but treat the trip like a weather-dependent beach day, not a guaranteed calm-water swim festival.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether anyone in your group gets motion sickness. I can help you decide if the timing is worth it and what to pack to make the ride and day feel easier.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena. You meet at the dock area (La Bodeguita Pier), and the listed start time is 7:30am.

What time does the boat leave?

After you meet at 7:30am, departure from the pier happens between 7:45am and 8:30am (depending on the schedule for that day).

How long is the trip to the beach club?

The transfer to Bora Bora Beach Club takes about 45 minutes by speedboat.

Where does the tour return to?

The tour ends back at the same meeting point—La Bodeguita Pier.

What’s included in the ticket?

Your ticket includes roundtrip speedboat, a beach bed/sunbed based on guest count, and a typical lunch.

What lunch options are available?

Lunch is served around 12:00pm and offers three options: chicken, fish, or vegetarian.

What is not included?

Not included: towels, extra food and beverages (a la carte), pick-up service (meeting point is at the dock), and first-row beds (extra cost). There is also a dock/pier tax of $9.00 per person for Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.