Cartagena Tierra Bomba Island Kayak Tour: Honest Review & Guide

Thinking about taking a kayak tour to Tierra Bomba Island from Cartagena, Colombia? So, it’s a pretty popular trip for folks visiting, that is a chance to get away from the city and see something different. But, is it actually worth your time and money? Like, that’s what this review aims to help you figure out. You get the lowdown on what to expect, from the transportation to the kayaking, and even that snack they promise you. Let’s get into it!

Getting There: From Cartagena to Tierra Bomba

Alright, so, the initial part of this kayak adventure, basically getting from Cartagena to Tierra Bomba, it all starts with a boat ride. Usually, tours will have some meeting point in Cartagena. It’s often something close to the tourist areas. After that, the boats are frequently these smaller, motor-powered boats; keep that in mind. The trip can actually take somewhere around 15-30 minutes, that depends on the waves, and weather could affect things too.

On a calm day, the water’s pretty smooth. It is just a pleasing glide across the bay. If the winds are up, that water can get a little choppy, and, that ride might feel a bit more adventurous. Something to know too is that these boats aren’t always the fanciest or most comfortable, that is to say, they’re mostly practical for getting you there. Safety-wise, that crew normally gives you a life vest; that’s just common sense to put it on.

Once you get to Tierra Bomba, it’s often that you dock at a beach or a little pier, basically from there, that local guides normally greet you. Something to note is that some beaches on Tierra Bomba can, sometimes, get a bit crowded. That can especially be the case on weekends or holidays. You get the picture, the actual vibe as you arrive, often, like, really depends on the time of year, and which spot on the island your tour uses. So, too, consider those things!

Kayaking Around Tierra Bomba: What to Expect

Okay, so, now we get to the actual kayaking part. First, the kayaks are usually these sit-on-top types, that are, more or less, super stable, alright for beginners too. It’s pretty common that your guide goes over some basics before you head out. So that’s something like paddling techniques and also safety stuff too, just, you know, in case you fall in the water.

When you get on your kayak, it’s likely that you will stay fairly close to the shore, just in case anyone in the group needs help or gets tired, very considerate too. The water close to Tierra Bomba usually, tends to be pretty calm. Still, you can get small waves or currents, really nothing too extreme, or so they say. You want to make sure, though, like to wear some waterproof sunscreen. The sun in Cartagena can be, honestly, pretty intense. Oh! I forgot, try to put on a hat too, just saying.

As you paddle around, usually, it’s possible for you to get nice views of the island’s coastline. This includes the beaches, maybe a few rocky areas. Plus there are spots, sometimes, when you can check out old forts or even some ruins from the water. Depending on the specific tour, they will either stick close to one spot or paddle around the coast. So that could give you different scenery to soak up.

While kayaking, basically that water is normally quite clear. That means you might see some fish or sea life as you go, alright?. Also keep an eye out for different birds around too. Because many tours go in smaller groups. Too, this can actually be a great chance to have the guide answer questions on the spot as you pass places, that can, in some ways, make things more involving too.

The “Snack” Situation

So, every tour says there is a snack included. Just that thing is… it really varies. It’s possible that in some tours that it could be simple, maybe that’s like a piece of fruit, such as mango or pineapple, like it’s from somewhere nearby. They may, too, offer a small arepa, kind of like a corn cake, arguably that’s also traditional in Colombia.

In more generous tours, it’s very likely that snack is something a little more substantial. Maybe they will offer a small empanada, could be filled with beef or chicken, like, arguably more filling if you ask me! Another option is a mini-sandwich. You know, sometimes with cheese and ham.

Now, be prepared though, it’s often that snack isn’t usually, like, a huge meal. Something that it will not completely fill you up for hours. Something, like, if you think you’ll be really hungry. Arguably it may not hurt you to take another snack on your own. Also, of course, check what the specifics are with your tour operator beforehand!

Hygiene-wise, basically things are mostly OK, but standards, well, they are not usually as strict as back home, say. Keep that in mind, alright? So, that’s good thinking if you are concerned about food safety issues. Also, about that, drink the bottled water they usually give you, just in case, for you safety!.

Things to Do Besides Kayaking

Apart from the kayaking, like, the chances are good that your tour gives you some time to chill at the beach. Often, beaches are the basic type, they are very beautiful, more or less. This could mean taking a dip in the ocean or just hanging out by the shore. Too, that could be you reading a book, working on that awesome tan of yours.

Tierra Bomba actually has some little beach bars and restaurants. They’re close to the main beach locations. It might be worth considering. Basically they serve local food and drinks. So if you’re willing to spend a bit, arguably it’s not a bad choice. Still, basically be mindful of pricing; some places often have inflated rates targeted squarely at tourists.

At times you will have opportunities where it may be worth it, maybe walking around to see other parts of the island too. Close to certain parts, are the remains of old fortifications, such as the Castillo de San Fernando. A chance, perhaps, to investigate just a bit of history; something like that, for those who find it exciting.

Is the Tierra Bomba Kayak Tour Worth It?

So, when you consider if the Tierra Bomba kayak tour, for the cost, makes it valuable, depends, certainly, on what you hope to get out of it. Here’s how it breaks down:. What’s really very good, obviously, is getting from busy Cartagena. Experiencing other views and sights. Also that chance to do some gentle activity like paddling too. All of that has merit, basically.

Still, just know that what the actual tours include, can vary quite a lot, and so will the levels of organization or, very honestly, quality. Not every experience is like others. With some searching it’s very possible to come upon those cheaper tours around, of course they are much less complete sometimes. Also be aware about the fact it could potentially involve larger crowds, perhaps.

The opposite scenario are the higher-end or so-called “premium” tours. Those that often aim for providing something like more personalized service or a higher quality snack, and also better gear and extras. They may typically present things with an English-speaking leader, not like other excursions, which just do things in Spanish. In short, after you set standards that appeal to your expectations. So too consider whatever your allowance is, from there decide the wisest move.

Important Considerations Before Booking

• Check Reviews: Okay, what others say, is just huge. Prior to booking, seek out some feedback, find what the others say after their experiences, of that particular tour company. Things can differ drastically in these matters, not like everything is the same.
• What’s Included: Pay a lot of care when evaluating what exactly gets included inside that full price! Certain options involve transport on a boat from Cartagena including the paddling gear and the use from some seaside lounge chair when over at Tierra Bomba! Certain offers include things in more abundance; you want to always verify everything!
• Pack Smart: Get all those items needed to go out! A good kind of sunblock plus your preferred sunhat not leaving your reliable sunglasses too. And please remember some kind of quick-dry clothing and that old reliable swimwear thing that dries in no time!
• Confirm the Language: Certain operators can run things strictly via speaking just one single dialect – mainly it is going to be Spanish naturally within Colombia, make sure any instructions along those routes fit any personal language criteria as best as possible alright before proceeding onward.

FAQ: Tierra Bomba Kayak Tours