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From exploring the captivating Old Town to relaxing on beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone. These services provide a hassle-free way of getting around and exploring the city. If you’re taking taxis, only use registered ones and negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle. The Cartagena Cruise Port is located in the Manga neighborhood, a vibrant area brimming with life and culture. Nestled at P.º Alfonso XII, 8, the terminal strategically sits within a convenient range of vital amenities.
What to Do in Cartagena, Colombia in One Day in Port
Colombia Anticipating an Outstanding Cruise Season - TravelPulse
Colombia Anticipating an Outstanding Cruise Season.
Posted: Sat, 21 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise to Cartagena and stroll the Mercado for trinkets like traditional Colombian hats. If you're looking for jewelry, Cartagena is one of the world's largest producers of emeralds. The Oceanarium is the place to go if you want to learn more about the marine life of the Colombian Caribbean Sea. It is located on Rosario Island (Islas del Rosario), and will require a boat trip from La Bodeguita Pier.
East Caribbean cruise port guides
On your cruise to Cartagena, Colombia, you’ll find that the port is centrally located. There’s a shuttle bus available to the historic center of town. Within the cruise port, there is a cafe, gift shop, and stands where you can arrange private day tours. Regarding transportation options in Cartagena, the port offers convenient shuttle buses and taxis that can take you from the cruise terminal to various tourist destinations in Cartagena. From here, you are just minutes away from the bustling city center and main shopping street by foot.
CRUISES FROM CARTAGENA COLOMBIA
There are several boat tours to pick from, each with different options and pick-up points. Cartagena’s food scene is known for its mix of flavors, from seaside fish to locally grown beef. In Colombia, street food is a must-try experience, whether you’re sipping fresh fruit juice or eating a hot, delicious arepa. Another staple of the Colombian culinary scene is the empanada, perfect for a quick snack. Ceviche, a dish made from raw and cooked fish, is a popular street food.
But it was a new and interesting experience and I’d definitely want to return. Sometimes it takes that first visit to a distant port to learn what to do and then return. Crystal Serenity docked in the bland and dusty industrial area. The city furnished shuttle service for the 900-ft distance to the cruise terminal. Little did I know but the cruise terminal would be the quirky highlight of my day in Cartagena. If you’ve read any of my city guides, you know I’m not a big fan of a ship’s group shore excursions.
Cartagena Colombia cruise dock
Although some crew members choose to walk, it is not advisable to cross the neighborhood of the port on foot. There isn't really much to see as this is a residential area of working people. On a taxi ride, you will see a couple of interesting landmarks.

Credit and Debit cards are becoming more prevalent in Colombia, but online transactions are still not very common. Stay in the main tourist areas, such as the old town, when exploring Cartagena, Colombia. These areas are well-patrolled and generally safe for visitors. To purchase a beach pass, you can visit the designated area at the cruise port or inquire directly with your cruise line. Check if any restrictions or requirements apply before purchasing your pass, such as age restrictions for certain activities. The Cartagena Cruise Port in Colombia offers a variety of activities and attractions for cruise passengers.
I much prefer to wander around a city, stopping for lunch or a drink in-between window shopping and mindless meandering. Sometimes there is also a catamaran tour offered in the port. It costs 30 dollars and it gives you a quick tour of the town. Find the catamaran right next to the flamingo garden at the cruise terminal. Cartagena's amazing display of impeccably restored buildings of historical significance and beauty are a delight.
The prices in Colombia are marked with a dollar sign, so be sure to remember that the prices you see are in pesos. Most banks in Colombia do not exchange money; you will need to visit a money exchange located in a major city. You will see money changers on the streets of Cartagena, but those are not the best place to do any transactions.
Among the popular cruise lines that visit Cartagena are Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. You can walk five minutes to the visitor center or to take a free shuttle bus. While our goal was to get out and discover the city, we saved time at the end of our day for exploring this Cartagena zoo. Secondly, by coming back early to see the port oasis, we were less stressed about being sure we were back to port before the ship sailed.
This port offers great facilities to the cruise passengers arriving here. You will find a cruise terminal with souvenir shops, tropical garden, taxi stand en tour on offer. Read the full Cartagena cruise port guide for the full information. The Cartagena cruise terminal is an amazing place to kick off your trip to the city and is an attraction in itself. To get to the exit of the port you will have to walk through a beautiful aviary.
If you’d prefer an upscale dining experience, head to the famous Cafe del Mar for drinks, La Cevicheria for paella and seafood specials, or El Burlador Gastrobar for tapas and cocktails. If you’re curious about the history of the Inquisition and Cartagena’s intense history surrounding this period, head to the Palace of the Inquisition for an informative peek back in time. A guided tour provides plenty of history and context to soak up this piece of Colombian history.
One popular attraction is the zoological forest, where exotic species like howler monkeys can be seen. Navigating through Cartagena is made easy and convenient with the various transportation options at the cruise port. Shuttle bus services operate round-the-clock, providing a fast and efficient way to get you where you want.
Once outside, on a large parking lot, the cruise traveler will find officially licensed Taxi drivers and some independent tour operator offering their services. Taxi fares are displayed in small blue signs (US$20 for a single ride to the Old Town; $25 for a 1-hour tour; et cetera). However, be aware that pricing is per car and, therefore, works out cheaper to share a van (up to 8 passengers) than a taxi for 4. Regardless of the official taxi rates, do make sure before entering the taxi that the price is absolutely clear. There are many sites and attractions to enjoy on a cruise calling at Cartagena, but a visit to the Walled Old Town is a MUST for those that have never been in this port. But, in the last decade, the port and its Walled City has been cleaned up (both architecturally and socially) and has become a must-see jewel.
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