Full-Day Tour Isla Baru – National Aviary of Colombia and Playa Blanca

For nature enthusiasts visiting Colombia, the Full-Day Tour Isla Baru is an enticing option. It promises a day of discovering the country’s remarkable National Aviary and the picturesque Playa Blanca. With a range of inclusions and a reasonable price tag, this highly-rated tour seems to offer a well-rounded experience. However, the mixed reviews on the beach portion suggest there may be more to consider before booking this excursion.

Key Points

• Full-day tour of Isla Baru including visits to the National Aviary and Playa Blanca beach, priced from $100 per person.
• Tour includes air-conditioned transportation, travel insurance, lunch, snacks, and aviary access.
• Pickup locations available in northern Cartagena, Historic Center, Bocagrande, and Getsemaní.
• National Aviary showcases diverse bird species, such as flamingos and toucans, with insightful commentary from a bilingual guide.
• Beach experience at Playa Blanca receives mixed reviews, with some noting vendor harassment and long wait times for lunch.

Tour Overview

The Full-Day Tour Isla Baru – National Aviary of Colombia and Playa Blanca is a popular excursion offered by Nexxt Tours in Cartagena, Colombia.

Priced from $100 per person, the tour has received 160 reviews with a 4.5-star rating on Viator and Tripadvisor. It accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers, departing at 8:00 am with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, travel insurance, lunch, snacks, and access to the National Aviary.

Pickup locations span the northern area, historic center, Bocagrande, and Getsemaní, with the meeting point at Muelle de la Bodeguita.

Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport travelers, along with travel insurance coverage.

A lunch voucher worth 30,000 pesos is provided for an à la carte meal. Snacks and a welcome cocktail are also included.

Entrance to the National Aviary is part of the experience, and a bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing insights. WiFi is available on board.

For an additional cost, travelers can access Balinese beds, towels, and showers at the beach.

This comprehensive package aims to offer a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.

Pickup and Meeting Points

Pickup locations for the tour include the northern area of Cartagena, the Historic Center, Bocagrande, and Getsemaní.

The meeting point is Muelle de la Bodeguita, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. The tour starts and ends at this meeting point.

Participants should be at the lobby or meeting point at the agreed time to ensure a smooth departure.

The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and travelers are advised to follow the instructions provided to avoid any delays or issues during the pickup and drop-off process.

National Aviary Experience

According to reviews, the National Aviary of Colombia is a highlight of the Full-Day Tour Isla Baru.

Visitors praise the aviary’s diverse bird species, including:

1. Vibrant flamingos

2. Colorful toucans

3. Many other captivating feathered creatures

The aviary offers a chance to observe these birds up close in their natural-like habitats.

Travelers report being impressed by the scale and variety of the avian collection. The tour’s bilingual guide provides insightful commentary, enhancing the overall experience.

While the beach portion of the tour receives mixed reviews, the National Aviary consistently stands out as a must-see highlight for those embarking on this full-day adventure.

Beach Experience

While the National Aviary experience consistently receives high praise, the beach portion of the Full-Day Tour Isla Baru elicits more mixed reviews from travelers.

Some enjoy the beach club’s amenities, but others report issues like vendor harassment and noise from boats.

Lunch at the beach club is generally well-received, though some note long wait times.

Lunch and Dining

The lunch provided on the Full-Day Tour Isla Baru generally receives positive feedback from travelers, with many noting the quality of the food.

Travelers are given a 30,000 pesos voucher to use at the tour’s lunch stop, allowing them to order from a la carte menu options. Though some have reported long wait times for their meals, the overall dining experience is viewed positively.

The lunch typically includes:

1. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients

2. A variety of Colombian dishes and regional specialties

3. Attentive service from the restaurant staff

Tour Guide Performance

The tour guide performance on the Full-Day Tour Isla Baru has received varied experiences from travelers.

Some have praised the guides for providing insightful commentary and being attentive to the group’s needs.

However, others have felt the guides were less engaging and didn’t offer enough information about the sights.

The quality of the tour guide can significantly impact the overall experience, so it’s essential to manage expectations.

Travelers should inquire about the guide’s expertise and communication skills when booking the tour to ensure they’ve an informative and enjoyable experience.

Recommendations

Based on the feedback and experiences shared by travelers, a few key recommendations emerge for the Full-Day Tour Isla Baru.

First, consider visiting the Rosario Islands instead of Playa Blanca for a better beach experience, as some reported issues with the conditions at Playa Blanca.

Visiting the Rosario Islands instead of Playa Blanca may provide a better beach experience, as some reported issues with Playa Blanca’s conditions.

Plus, be prepared for vendors at the beach and ensure belongings are secure, as lockers may not be available.

Finally, this tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to the rough terrain encountered during the day.

Following these tips can help maximize the enjoyment of this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be ideally suited for young children. The trip involves some rough terrain and potential vendor harassment at the beach, which could be challenging for families with small kids. Parents should consider the child’s age and stamina when deciding if this tour is appropriate.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour’s dress code is casual and comfortable. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Swimwear and a cover-up are recommended for the beach portion of the tour.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Visitors can likely purchase souvenirs during the tour, as many tours include stops at local shops or markets. However, the availability and selection of souvenirs may vary. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specifics.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Beach Experience?

The tour includes optional access to Balinese beds, towels, and showers at the beach club, but visitors should bring their own water and be prepared for a high volume of vendors at the beach. Secure belongings, as lockers may not be available.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

The tour operator typically allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary based on traveler preferences. However, certain core activities like the National Aviary visit are generally fixed. Guests can discuss options with the operator to personalize their experience within reasonable limits.

The Sum Up

The Full-Day Tour Isla Baru offers an exciting chance to explore Colombia’s natural wonders. Although the beach experience has received mixed reviews, the tour’s highlight is the captivating National Aviary, where visitors can marvel at diverse bird species. With transportation, insurance, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide included, this tour provides a well-rounded and unique experience for nature enthusiasts.