The San Bernardo Archipelago is a group of 10 islands located about 2 hours by speedboat from Cartagena, on the Colombian Caribbean coast. The largest and most visited are Múcura, Tintipán, and Isla Palma — each with its own character, from boutique resorts to relaxed guesthouses nestled among palm trees. The archipelago also includes Santa Cruz del Islote, known as one of the most densely populated islands in the world.

This boat shuttle operates every day with departure at 9:00 a.m. from Muelle La Bodeguita (Gate 4) in Cartagena, with direct stops at the official docks of Tintipán, Islote, and Múcura.

Only need one direction?

👉 One Way: Cartagena → Isla Múcura / Tintipán

👉 One Way (Return to Cartagena): Isla Múcura / Tintipán → Cartagena

⚠️ Important: This is a transport service, not a day trip. The boat drops you off at the islands and returns immediately — it is not possible to go and come back the same day. If you purchase this ticket, you must have accommodation already booked on the islands. If you’re looking for a beach day with return included, we recommend our day trips to the Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, or Tierra Bomba.

Service Details

📍 Departure point Muelle La Bodeguita – Gate 4, Cartagena (View on Google Maps)

🕗 Check-in: 8:15 a.m. 🕘 Departure: 9:00 a.m. (no exceptions)

💸 National Park Fee: 31,500 COP in cash — not included in the ticket, paid directly at the dock.

🏝️ Authorized Stops

Tintipán Dock — for guests staying at Casa Tinti · Glamping Ashram · El Embrujo · Sal Si Puedes · Mistica Hostel · Arena Beach · Doña Aura.

Islote Dock — for guests staying at Isla Bonita · Santa Lova · Medusa · Hostal Islote · Mi Refugio · Villa Luz · Villa Lucy · Quintas del Mar · Hotel Isla Palma. These accommodations require a short additional boat transfer — coordinate your pickup with your hotel in advance.

Múcura Dock — for guests staying at Punta Faro · Hotel Isla Múcura · Múcura Club · Estrella de Mar · Dahlandia · Hostal Paraíso.

🚤 Direct stops Casa en el Agua · Punta Norte · El Arca · Hotel Tintipán Experience · Quintas del Mar

Can’t find your accommodation on any of the lists? Ask them directly which of the 3 official docks (Tintipán, Islote, or Múcura) is closest, and whether they can pick you up from the dock by boat.

Heading to Isla Palma? The boat drops you off at the Islote — coordinate with your accommodation in advance so they can pick you up from there by boat.

🔁 Return from the islands

Pickups begin from 11:00 a.m. ⚠️ The boat waits a maximum of 10 minutes at each stop.

Recommendation: If you have a flight or bus back from Cartagena, book it from 5:00 p.m. onwards to avoid any timing issues.

🎒 Luggage

Maximum 1 carry-on bag of 8 kg or 40 liters per person. If you need to bring extra luggage, there are two options:

• Bringing it on the boat: cost of 30,000 COP per bag. Subject to the captain’s approval at the time of departure based on the total weight of the vessel. If it’s not possible, a member of our team will take it to our office.
• Storage at our office: 30,000 COP per bag per night.

📌 Cancellation Policy

• ✅ Cancellation with more than 72 hours notice → full refund
• ❌ Late cancellation or no-show → no refund
• 🔄 Modifications → allowed up to 1 day before departure, but non-refundable
• 🌦️ Subject to weather conditions and maritime authority approval
• 🔐 We reserve the right of admission

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to the islands and come back the same day with this ticket? No. The boat drops passengers off and returns immediately. This is a transport service for travelers who already have accommodation booked on the archipelago. If you want a beach day with return included, check our day trips to the Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, or Tierra Bomba.

Is the National Park fee included? No. It’s 31,500 COP in cash, paid directly at the dock on the day of travel.

What happens if I arrive late to check-in? Check-in closes at 8:45 a.m. and the boat departs promptly at 9:00 a.m. If you arrive late, you forfeit your spot with no refund. We recommend arriving by 8:15 a.m.

How much luggage can I bring? Maximum 1 carry-on bag of 8 kg or 40 liters. If you need to bring more, there is an additional cost of 30,000 COP per bag, subject to the captain’s approval. If it can’t fit on the boat, we’ll store it at our office for 30,000 COP per bag per night.

Does the service operate in bad weather? We depend on sea conditions and maritime authority authorization. In case of cancellation due to weather, we offer rescheduling or a full refund.

How do I know where to get off? When booking you’ll indicate your accommodation and we’ll confirm the corresponding stop. If your accommodation isn’t on the list, ask them which of the 3 official docks is closest and whether they can pick you up from there by boat.

Can I modify my travel date? Yes, up to 1 day before departure. Modifications are non-refundable, but the value can be applied to another date.

Cartagena Tips is a local curation of experiences in Cartagena de Indias. Our team — made up of locals and expats who know and love the city — carefully selects every operator and service we offer, prioritizing quality and sustainable tourism.

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Have questions? Message Luis directly on WhatsApp here.