A swift speedboat carries you from Cartagena to Punta Arena’s white sand in minutes. Spend a relaxed half- or full-day swimming, sunning and eating a classic Caribbean lunch at a beach restaurant.
A swift speedboat carries you from Cartagena to Punta Arena’s white sand in minutes. Spend a relaxed half- or full-day swimming, sunning and eating a classic Caribbean lunch at a beach restaurant.
The speedboat eases away from Cartagena’s bustle and, within minutes, salt spray and light stretch the senses — Punta Arena appears like a low-lying ribbon of sand edged by turquoise that dares you to step out of the city.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by AV COL · Cartagena, Bolívar
The speedboat eases away from Cartagena’s bustle and, within minutes, salt spray and light stretch the senses — Punta Arena appears like a low-lying ribbon of sand edged by turquoise that dares you to step out of the city.
Geology here is young Caribbean limestone and sand washed from reefs and river sediments; the beach’s shallow shelf and nearby rock outcrop called Corralito de Piedra create sheltered swimming pockets and dramatic photo angles. The area sits within the cultural orbit of Cartagena and Bolivar’s coastal communities — fishermen, island restaurant hosts and boat crews who still work by tide and tradition.
On this half- to full-day outing travelers board 15–20 passenger speedboats for a short hop to a beach restaurant where a typical Caribbean lunch (fish or chicken, coconut rice, salad, patacón) is included. Expect sandy beach terrain, occasional exposed rock, brief swims over clear, shallow water and open sun; shade is limited. Boats run on a schedule with flexible return times arranged through your host.
Practically: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, water and swim shoes; plan for sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. as peak sand heat and strongest sun. The activity is low-impact but not recommended for serious spinal conditions. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours beforehand. With quick transfers and a simple structure, this trip is ideal for travelers who want efficient access to a Caribbean beach and a local lunch without the logistics of a long boat ride.
easy.
4–8 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; light walking on sand and short swims expected
The advertised transfer is very short — operators describe it as only minutes; actual time varies with boarding point and sea conditions but plan on under 30 minutes.
Yes — a typical Caribbean lunch is included (options usually fish or chicken with coconut rice, salad and patacón).
Yes — speedboats run multiple departures; tell your host which return you prefer and they will notify the crew.
Basic facilities and a shaded restaurant area are normally available, but shade on the open sand is limited so bring sun protection.
The islands off Cartagena were historically used as waypoints for fishing and trade; local beach restaurants reflect Afro-Caribbean and indigenous culinary influences.
Choose reef-safe sunscreen, avoid stepping on coral, and decline single-use plastics where possible to reduce impact on fragile coastal ecosystems.
AV COL operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The speedboat eases away from Cartagena’s bustle and, within minutes, salt spray and light stretch the senses — Punta Arena appears like a low-lying ribbon of sand edged by turquoise that dares you to step out of the city.
The speedboat eases away from Cartagena’s bustle and, within minutes, salt spray and light stretch the senses — Punta Arena appears like a low-lying ribbon of sand edged by turquoise that dares you to step out of the city.
Geology here is young Caribbean limestone and sand washed from reefs and river sediments; the beach’s shallow shelf and nearby rock outcrop called Corralito de Piedra create sheltered swimming pockets and dramatic photo angles. The area sits within the cultural orbit of Cartagena and Bolivar’s coastal communities — fishermen, island restaurant hosts and boat crews who still work by tide and tradition.
On this half- to full-day outing travelers board 15–20 passenger speedboats for a short hop to a beach restaurant where a typical Caribbean lunch (fish or chicken, coconut rice, salad, patacón) is included. Expect sandy beach terrain, occasional exposed rock, brief swims over clear, shallow water and open sun; shade is limited. Boats run on a schedule with flexible return times arranged through your host.
Practically: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, water and swim shoes; plan for sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. as peak sand heat and strongest sun. The activity is low-impact but not recommended for serious spinal conditions. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours beforehand. With quick transfers and a simple structure, this trip is ideal for travelers who want efficient access to a Caribbean beach and a local lunch without the logistics of a long boat ride.