Santa Marta Tour: Playa Cristal & Tayrona Park From Cartagena – Is It Worth It?
So, you are thinking of swapping the Cartagena heat for a trip to Playa Cristal in Tayrona Park, almost like your own personal escape? Leaving from Cartagena, the vibrant walled city, all the way over to the beautiful shores near Santa Marta is actually quite a popular day trip. Yet, is the trip seriously worth the early wake-up call, the bus ride, and basically all the hype? This in-depth review tells you everything about the tour, from what you need to pack to those moments that might just take your breath away.
What to Expect From the Cartagena to Santa Marta Transfer
Okay, picture this: The day sort of starts super early. The tour pick-up starts probably before you have actually had your morning coffee. Most tours start the Cartagena pick-ups between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM so too bad if you were hoping to sleep in. Make sure that you prepare everything the night before, that way the morning is really way less stressful. Anyway, most tours involve a shuttle or bus pickup right from your hotel or a previously arranged meeting spot.
Then there’s the journey. Basically, it’s roughly a four-to-six-hour drive. The buses generally are air-conditioned. Really that’s such a relief from the coastal humidity, yet don’t forget that light sweater in case it ends up too chilly! Expect a stop or two. Perhaps you need to stretch your legs, grab some coffee, and try out an arepa. In fact, some tours provide breakfast included; that way you are fueled for the beach ahead. This leg of the trip really is about settling in and also watching the scenery slowly go from city landscapes to the beautiful Colombian countryside.
It’s important to understand the condition of the roads and the type of vehicle utilized affects the enjoyment of the transfer to Santa Marta. Newer buses that are tourist class will typically feature more leg room, plush reclining seats, plus good air conditioning than a normal local bus. Yet a lot of these tours aren’t usually private and frequently make many stops. Therefore do a little research and ask questions before booking. Then you can know what your experience is going to look like.
Arrival at Tayrona Park & Playa Cristal
So after the lengthy bus ride, you finally arrive near Tayrona Park, very near the entrance to Playa Cristal. In fact, expect another small transfer, perhaps like your boat trip or smaller vehicle, to get to the actual beach area.
Playa Cristal is absolutely amazing! Actually it is known for its super clear waters and like the perfect snorkeling conditions. Usually the beach isn’t too crowded, which sort of adds to that sense of paradise. When you first lay eyes on Playa Cristal, it’s kind of amazing to see how different it is from Cartagena’s beaches; the vibe totally shifts!
Then after the boat or a van trip through Tayrona to get to the coast of Playa Cristal, you are definitely ready for the cool water. Yet do not expect to find crystal-clear waters the minute that you get there. Playa Cristal is subject to seasonal change with sediments being stirred up after storms or when a lot of people visit.
Activities & What to Do in Playa Cristal
First, snorkeling is absolutely the activity you will want to experience in Playa Cristal! You’re able to actually see tons of marine life because of how clear the water is. From brightly colored fish to cool coral formations, it is almost like an underwater spectacle. So make sure that you are able to find a tour operator that has snorkeling gear included.
Yet it is more than just swimming, right? You might actually find vendors offering eco tours or like simple hikes nearby, even too it is almost a shorter experience. Ask about the specific costs beforehand and decide on your group’s goals for visiting Playa Cristal.
Also, kicking back and enjoying the sand on the beach is still enjoyable! Many trips provide shade umbrellas, that way you can avoid sunstrokes. Really just relax and get some good moments to soak it all in and just have the sun shine on you.
Food Options at Playa Cristal
Lunch typically is included within the tour packages. It can actually vary quite a bit! Don’t forget to check with your trip to find out what’s on the menu, yet you could typically see food like super tasty fresh fish, rice, or maybe some plantains.
Anyway there’s some options that allow that they give you to find food. And when you think about it, having lunch that has a scenic beachfront view adds flavor that is very special, is it not?
Plus there is a potential, depending upon who the tour guide you chose actually is, of purchasing drinks from vendors. Yet, to prevent yourself from ending up sick, don’t forget to keep your bottle water safe. It should also be factory-sealed.
What to Bring With You
Okay, talking about the stuff you should really have! Packing right really has the chance to significantly affect what your day might look like. Let’s go over the basic essential things to have:
- Sunscreen: Protect the skin from sunburn so, obviously a must.
- Insect repellent: You should use repellent. Mosquitoes or gnats have the possibility of making your experience somewhat irritating.
- Swimsuit: Make sure that you pack clothes you intend on swimming in!
- Towel: If you do plan to go for a swim at any time during the day.
- Comfortable shoes: Footwear that will manage the transfers, that, in addition, also could possibly take you off of the beaten path.
- Cash: Tiny vendors potentially don’t receive digital payment methods, it’s almost always a great idea to have the cash on hand.
- Camera or waterproof case to get a phone: To take the snapshots that help one relive your memory.
Is the Tour Worth the Money?
Alright, let’s answer one question everyone really cares about. Considering how long the commute really is and every factor you have to prepare for, is the Santa Marta trip that has Playa Cristal as part of its day plans really that cool to sign up for from Cartagena?
It may be right for you. Are you a nature enthusiast? How about a total beach bum that wants cool sights, and marine wildlife. To sum it up if, you have time to spare and the resources to invest a guided adventure would, most of the time, absolutely offer what any average visitor is probably seeking!
However the bus commute will mean you do not have a huge amount of time to go scuba diving with fish. Keep this consideration top of mind.
Alternatives to Playa Cristal
Thinking of seeing if there’s a better fit out there? Instead, why not look at alternative destinations if that day journey towards Santa Marta won’t capture the essence for that much-needed ideal get away trip you imagine.
It would not hurt you to check the Islas del Rosario or perhaps try exploring beaches right in Cartagena! Check out day sailing trips, for example. These will enable you to get around by catamaran and it might save travel hours, or maybe even become a lot cheaper too!
In most cases the best experience will likely come from something that you really wanted for yourself from your trip. Carefully read customer reviews about tour businesses to discover some trips people enjoy or suggest a pass.
If seeing a less frequented part is everything that’s going to lead one toward happiness. In cases like these, get an adventure that probably focuses towards destinations of that variety.
Or maybe just unwind right near your Cartagena accommodation during every one of those precious hours. In doing these things there is certainly opportunities to be encountered without needing some 12-plus hr commitment getting here and leaving Playa Cristal within one entire trip.
Tips for Booking Your Tour
When you feel up for the excursion to Playa Cristal coming from Cartagena, keep each one of those things in mind!
- Check Reviews: Browse on sites similar to Tripadvisor so that others’ feedback assists in filtering services that meet one’s travel standards.
- Confirm the specific itinerary details: Know the exact details by double checking which services come incorporated (say it involves scuba gears or perhaps breakfast.)
- Compare prices: Investigate whether discounted seasonal promos exist or whenever they can meet demands that suit particular preferences in budget.
- Verify that the operator offers some valid license/credentials: Confirm they carry needed regulatory certifications. Look into some travel guarantees guaranteeing traveler reliability.
With adequate work like what you are really carrying out in advance means almost certainly having amazing chances of any visit heading pretty well. Make informed decisions regarding any bookings; this might even safeguard yourself during travels too!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
Most tourist areas, and highways among popular spots remain relatively reliable throughout that area, that’s for certain. Obviously to make sure, just make smart judgements such as never flashing those treasures as well avoid unlit routes throughout the nighttime too!
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
Rare, in fact! Before completing that booking process make very certain which is incorporated inside of one given fee overall; determine regardless of whether this might require other admissions fees alongside park accesses as it becomes vital when anticipating spending during getaways, just for safety measure purposes if vendors are definitely demanding dollars.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Sadly excursions dependent around Playa Cristal commonly proceed unless any government deems this as extremely risky. So there is a solid chance companies supply refunds either reschedules under terrible predictable circumstances – refer along to policy agreements that might shed understanding that helps determine possibilities within arrangements if this must occur..
Overall this review helps break that all so those excursion’s that have visits at either beaches next with Playa Cristal while travelling down starting far away cities akin such those of what defines Cartagena could give tourist opportunities however be well made preparations about potential commuting burdens besides making completely clear regarding your aims so trips turn better afterall. Remember! Study these feedback tips therefore journeys remains very worth traveling around!