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Top 16 Must-Have Aruba Experiences

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Aruba Experiences
Photo by Chirag Yadav

If you’re looking for stunning white sand beaches surrounded by pale blue waters, head to Aruba.

This tiny island just off the northern coast of Venezuela is covered in both desert landscapes and tropical beaches.

This variety in landscapes will leave you with a ton of unique Aruba experiences to have during your visit.

You can explore the desert region in the island’s vast national park, or take part in the many water activities available along the beaches.

No matter what you choose to do, Aruba is a great place to just relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.

I think all the activities below are well worth your time but please don’t overbook yourself. Leave time to just explore at your own pace and go with the flow.

With that, here are my recommended must-have Aruba experiences, perfect for your first visit.

Top 16 Aruba Experiences

Aruba Experiences at Flamingo Beach

1. Flamingo Beach

Flamingo Beach Aruba is one of the most popular spots in the Caribbean thanks to Instagram and these pretty pink flamingos.

You’ll find Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island, a private island owned by Marriott’s Renaissance Aruba Resort.

Guests of the hotel access Renaissance Island at no charge via a boat from the lobby of the hotel. For non-hotel guests, the fee to visit the island is $125 per day.

If you want to visit Renaissance Island, I recommend booking one night at the Renaissance Aruba Resort so your island access is included.

Aside from the flamingos, which are found in a small adults-only section of the island, there is a larger beach section with palapas, chairs, and hammocks. The island also has a full-service restaurant and bar.

Once on the island, guests have access to water floats, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards, and a few other water toys and accessories.

There is no fee to rent these items, they are included with your access to the island.

The swimming areas here are separated by a rock barrier from the surrounding ocean, so the water is very calm.

A visit to Renaissance Island is perfect for a half-day visit if you’d like some relaxation time and to see the flamingos.

Aruba Experiences
Photo from Aruba.com

2. The Natural Pool

The Natural Pool, or conchi as it is called locally, was one of the most unique Aruba experiences I had during my trip.

It’s a small watering hole along the rocky shore that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

In order to get to the Natural Pool, you have to take a jeep or UTV through the rugged terrain of the island’s Arikok National Park. I’ll be honest, it’s a bumpy, wild ride, but it was worth it.

You’ll want to get to the natural pool early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The easiest way to experience the Natural Pool is to book a jeep or UTV tour.

These tours include a few other stops as well, but you’ll be at the Natural Pool for about an hour.

If you don’t want to travel by jeep or UTV, there are also horseback riding tours that will take you through Arikok National Park to the Natural Pool.

These tours are about two and a half hours and cost $109.

I strongly recommend just doing a half-day or four-hour tour. A full day would be a bit much.

Make sure you wear your swimsuit when you get picked up in the morning. The Natural Pool will most likely be your first stop. Don’t forget a towel and sunscreen as well.

3. Arikok National Park

You’ll find Arikok National Park in the desert region of the island. The park comprises about 20% of the island and features rugged desert terrain surrounded by a beautiful rocky shoreline.

Visitors to the park can explore by hiking, jeep tour, or UTV tour. For the more adventurous, visitors may rent their own jeep and drive themselves around the park.

The Natural Pool mentioned above and the beautiful Boca Prins Beach can also be found here.

4. UTV Tour

UTV tours are available from several different tour companies on the island. These tours make some quite memorable Aruba experiences.

Visitors can book one of several guided tours to explore the Natural Pool, Natural Bridge, and other natural wonders near Arikok National Park.

The most popular tours run about $218 for two people and last about 4 and a half hours. Longer tours are also available that take you to additional stops along the way.

Dive shop, Aruba

5. Learn to Dive

Diving is a popular activity in Aruba and the perfect place to get dive certified. The waters surrounding Aruba are filled with incredible sea life, including lots of turtles.

There are also many shipwrecks in the area that are perfect for exploring on dives. There are multiple dive operators in Aruba, most of which offer courses and certification for those interested.

Visitors to the island can sign up for an introduction to diving course at many of the resorts.

This introductory course does not come with certification but will give you an idea of what diving is all about to see if you want to move forward with getting certified.

These introductory courses typically last about 4 to 5 hours and cost about $150. Additional offers may be available, you can request current prices at the time of booking.

If you’ve already decided you want to get certified, the first-level Open Water Diver course is offered at S.E. Aruba Fly n’ Dive and will cost about $490.

If you’re interested in getting certified during your visit to Aruba, be sure to make reservations with the dive shop ahead of time to ensure they have courses scheduled during the time of your visit.

Baby Beach, Aruba

6. Baby Beach

Baby Beach is popular shallow man-made lagoon on the south side of Aruba. The swimming area is protected by barriers so the water is extremely calm, making it perfect for small children, hence the name.

Along Baby Beach, you can find vendors renting out snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards. There is also a dive shop nearby if you’d like to dive in the area.

There is a snack shop selling burgers and hot dogs if you’d like something to eat. You can also find Big Mama’s Grill nearby serving local dishes, seafood, and cocktails.

Baby Beach is found on the southernmost tip of the island about 45 minutes from the main hotel zone near Palm Beach.

There are buses that will take you to Baby Beach, but I believe they will take you quite a while. The most popular way to get there is to just rent a car for the day.

Also, if you decide to rent a car to head to Baby Beach, don’t miss Zeerovers (read more about this down below) and a stop at the donkey sanctuary along the way.

7. Snorkeling at the Shipwrecks

There are tons of great snorkeling spots around the island of Aruba, but some of the most interesting can be found near the many shipwrecks just off the island’s coasts.

Snorkeling at these shipwrecks is one of the most unique Aruba experiences.

There are not many places around the world with so many shipwrecks so close to shore and easy to get to for snorkeling.

One of the most popular shipwrecks is the Antilla shipwreck located just off the coast near Boca Catalina Beach a short distance from the hotel zone at Palm Beach.

There are several snorkeling tours that will take you to the Antilles shipwreck, along with a few other spots in the area. I did the Sailaway afternoon snorkel tour, which was super fun.

The afternoon tour begins at 3:30 in the afternoon so you have the whole day beforehand to do something else.

The Sailaway tour includes 3 stops plus an open bar and some light snacks. You’ll also get to be out on the boat for what will likely be a beautiful sunset.

The Sailaway snorkel tour was about $65 and departs from Moomba Beach near the hotel zone.

This was easily one of my favorite Aruba experiences and I highly recommend it if you intend to go snorkeling while you’re here.

Moomba's Aruba
Moomba’s Aruba

8. Cocktails at Moombas

If you’re looking for a fun night out with dancing and cocktails, head over to Moombas on Sunday night.

They have fantastic cocktails, live music, and dancing right on the beach.

You’ll be surrounded by both locals and other travelers, so meeting people will not be difficult.

Oranjestad, Aruba
Photo by Gregory Johnson

9. Walking Tour of Downtown Oranjestad

Downtown Oranjestad is the perfect place to get to know the island a little better and do some exploring on foot.

The downtown area features unique and colorful architecture, a trolley, plus tons of shops and plenty of restaurants.

If you’re interested in doing a tour of the area you can take a food tour called Fusion of the World Food Tour, which takes you to five different restaurants in downtown Oranjestad.

It’s a two and a half hour tour where you’ll get to try Jamaican, Cuban, Dutch, Italian, and local Aruban cuisine.

The Fusion of the World Food Tour runs on Thursday and Mondays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The cost of the tour is $79.

If you’d prefer a walking tour of downtown Oranjestad without all the food, you can try the Aruba Daytime Historic and Cultural Walking Tour.

This tour takes you to all the important historic and cultural spots in the city including city hall, the Wilhelmina Statue, Fort Zoutman, the archaeological museum, and more.

The Aruba Daytime Historic and Cultural Walking Tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:15 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m. The cost of the tour is $39.

Reservations are required for both walking tours.

Palm Beach, Aruba
Palm Beach, Aruba

10. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the main beach found along the hotel zone and will be one of your favorite Aruba experiences.

This area is also known as the high-rise area as this is where the large resorts are located. You’ll find anything and everything to do here, including water sports, swimming, snorkeling, boat tours, etc.

Many of the hotels along the beach also offer palapas and beach chairs for rent or for free to their guests. Be sure to ask at check-in if these are available to you.

Palm Beach is also a great spot to just spend a day in the water enjoying the beautiful weather.

It’s a busy area so there are tons of things to keep you entertained, but you won’t be hassled by people trying to sell you things.

There are also a ton of great beachside restaurants here serving local dishes, seafood, American cuisine, and of course, cocktails.

But best of all, the beaches are clean, the water is beautiful, and a day at Palm Beach is just a lot of fun. Make time for it if you can.

Aruba Experiences
Photo from Aruba.com

11. Lunch at Zeerovers

Zeerovers is an extremely popular local seafood restaurant found about halfway between Baby Beach and Oranjestad.

They prepare and serve fresh fish caught by the local fisherman along with a few local side dishes. Drinks, including beer, are also available.

Zeerovers is open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. They are a cash-only establishment.

Parasailing Aruba
Parasailing Aruba

12. Water Sports

If you’re looking to add a bit more adventure to your Aruba trip, consider parasailing, jet skiing, or kite surfing. As long as the weather is good, these activities will be available.

You can find vendors working with the companies that offer these services at most of the beaches around the hotel zone on Palm Beach.

I found you do not need to make reservations ahead of time for these activities, as there was almost always space available.

Prices for these activities are fair but often much less than you’d find in other parts of the world. Take advantage of the opportunity if you’re interested.

Atardi Restaurant Aruba
Atardi Restaurant Aruba

13. Dinner on the beach

If you’re looking for a romantic dinner on the beach, you’re in luck. There are a few restaurants that serve dinner right on the beach at sunset.

One of the most popular is Passions on the Beach, which is found at popular Eagle Beach. The other option is Atardi, which is at the Marriott Stellaris Hotel and Casino in Palm Beach.

Both restaurants get excellent reviews and offer impressive menus. During my visit, I dined at Atardi as I was staying at the Stellaris.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience and was glad that I got to try it. However, I think this experience would be better if on a romantic getaway or celebrating a special event.

If I were to return to Aruba, I would grab dinner at a livelier spot along the beach where I’d still get a great view of the sunset, but with a much lower price tag.

14. Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is found a few minutes south of the popular hotel zone on Palm Beach.

It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world for its soft white sand and clear blue waters.

Eagle Beach is located in the low-rise hotel zone and is one of the island’s busiest beaches. This beach features shaded areas and plenty of water sports options.

You’ll also find the trendy Passions on the Beach restaurant on the beach’s north end.

Eagle Beach also makes a great snorkeling destination. There are often many sea turtles here because they nest nearby.

If you’re planning a visit to Eagle Beach, I recommend arriving early in the day if possible. This way you’ll avoid the crowds and get a good spot in the sand.

Sunset cruise, Aruba

15. Sunset cruise

If you don’t get the opportunity to take the afternoon snorkeling tour with Sailaway, then I recommend booking a sunset cruise instead.

The sunset cruise departs from Pelican Pier around 5:30 p.m. and lasts about two hours.

The cruise includes light snacks and an open bar. This cruise has a party vibe, not a romantic one, so make sure that’s what you’re looking for.

Once the cruise returns to Pelican Pier you’ll have a steak or seafood dinner at the restaurant. The cost for the sunset cruise is about $90.

16. Island Tour

If you have more time on the island and you’d like to see more, I recommend trying out the Aruba Full Island Tour.

This is the most comprehensive of my recommended Aruba experiences as you’ll be covering a lot of ground in just a few hours.

You’ll get to see a lot more of the island and also learn about its culture and history.

The Aruba Full Island Tour will take you to the California Lighthouse, the Ayo Rock Formation, the Casibari Rock Formations, the aloe vera factory, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and even Baby Beach.

tour takes about six hours and costs $60.

Aruba refers to itself as One Happy Island. I think you’ll agree with that after spending some time here.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about the Top 16 Aruba Experiences You Must Have during your vacation.

If you’d like to explore more of the Caribbean, check out my Cartagena Travel Guide.

Book Your Trip

Find the best flight deals by using Google Flights, then book direct with the airline. This is the search engine I use to compare flights and prices before booking my own trips.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMODATION
I recommend searching for hotels through Booking.com to compare hotels on amenities, location, and price. If you are a member of a hotel’s rewards program, always book direct with the hotel. If you are not loyal to a specific hotel brand, using Booking.com for the best price.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is more important than ever. For just a few dollars a day you can protect yourself and your trip. I personally use World Nomads, but whomever you choose, don’t skip out on travel insurance. It can literally save you thousands of dollars.

Want to save it? Pin it.

Aruba Experiences, Pinterest Pin

Related Posts

Rock a Little Travel
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.

Top 13 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Fall

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Paris in the fall
Photo by K. Barzycki

Paris in the fall is wonderful and my favorite time to visit. The air is crisp and cool and the summer crowds have left.

Now is the time when savvy travelers hit the city. Whether you’re spending 4 days in Paris or you’re just in town on a short layover, fall is the perfect time for a visit.

You’ll get to experience more local cultural events and pay less while doing so. More importantly, you get to enjoy this city as the locals do.

While there are hundreds of reasons to visit Paris in the fall, I’ve put together my top 13 just for you.

1. The tourists are gone

Visiting Paris in the fall means that you’ll arrive long after the hordes of tourists have gone back home and the locals have returned from vacation.

The city is back to business, as usual, and you can experience what Paris is really like.

As an added bonus, you will enjoy shorter lines and wait times at nearly all major attractions.

Plus, you’ll have an easier time getting reservations for both the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Museums, monuments, and cathedrals will also be less crowded.

Aside from the benefits involved with visiting all the touristy stuff, you’ll also find yourself alongside the locals as you go about your day. Visiting Paris in the fall is the perfect opportunity to interact with locals and maybe even make some new friends.

2. Lower hotel prices

If you’ve been to Paris before, then you know visiting is not cheap. But if you travel outside of the peak summer tourist season, like in the fall, you can save some serious money on hotel costs.

October is considered part of the shoulder season in Paris, which pretty much includes just August, October, and April. Shoulder season is a great time to travel to just about any destination, not just the French capital.

Traveling in the shoulder season gets you the majority of the benefits of the high season but without the crowds and high prices.

If you’re able to travel in November, you can save even more money on hotel costs. Weather will be a bit colder than October, but November is the low season in Paris. You’ll find some of the best prices of the year in Paris in November.

With the lower hotel prices during the fall, I encourage you to stay as close to the city center as possible.

Paris is so walkable, so if you can be close to the action, you’ll likely be able to walk from place to place.

In the event, you have to stay out a bit further than you’d like, just remember the trains in Paris are excellent as well.

3. Lower airfare prices

If you’re arriving from the United States, airfare prices to Paris in the fall are significantly lower than in the busy summer months.

Even from as far as Los Angeles, tickets can be found for as little as $305 roundtrip.

As always, the more flexible you are with your travel dates, the better deal you will get.

Airfare to Paris in the fall tends to be the lowest in October, November, and the early part of December.

Once the holiday season is near, airfare prices will increase significantly. So avoid traveling over the holidays if you can.

In the event that you must travel over the holidays, book airfare as soon as possible for the best deals.

Paris in the fall
Photo by Lakov Kalinin

4. Fall foliage

Like many places in the Northern Hemisphere, autumn brings with it an array of vibrant fall colors that blanket the city.

You’ll get to witness the city’s boldest and brightest colors if you time your visit for October or November.

If you’re at all into photography, you will enjoy photographing the various monuments and neighborhoods in Paris in the fall.

The changing leaves will add an extra special element to your photographs.

5. Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries is a public garden located in the 1st Arrondissement between the Louvre and the Palace of the Concorde. It is one of the best spots in Paris to see fall colors.

Jardin des Tuilleries is the perfect place to have a picnic or just go for a walk. In the fall especially, it’s a peaceful place to get away from the noisier parts of the city.

If you arrive early in the morning or later in the day, you may have the place all to yourself.

You can also enjoy the garden’s many statues, fountains, and ponds. All of which makes an excellent subject for photography.

6. Montmartre

The Montmartre neighborhood of Paris is one of my favorites, especially during the early morning hours, or at sunset. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city.

In the fall, the Montmartre’s photogenic streets will be lined with trees displaying their most beautiful fall colors. This is a must-visit area of the city if you’re in town during October or November.

If possible, try to be in Montmartre at sunrise or sunset. There is a large overlook down the steps from the Sacre Coeur where you can see a large section of the city.

It’s especially beautiful at golden hour in the early morning and evening.

Seine River Paris

7. Jazz on the Seine

If you’re a music fan, and especially a jazz fan, you’ll love the Jazz on the Seine music festival held in October.

The event is held at 25 different clubs across the city featuring over 450 artists and 180 concerts. The event runs for about two weeks with most concerts being held in the evenings.

This year the event is running from October 11, 2019, to October 26, 2019. Tickets to Jazz on the Seine will cost 40 Euro for 3 concerts.

8. Hot chocolate at Angelina

Fall is the perfect time of year to warm up with a cup of the famous hot chocolate from the Angelina Tea House on Rue de Rivoli.

Ask any local where to find the best hot chocolate in Paris, and they will surely tell you, Angelina.

The Angelina Tea House sources their cocoa from Africa and the hot chocolate is served thick and rich. You can also enjoy their pastries, which I hear are every bit as good.

Angelina Tea House is located just across the street from Jardin des Tuileries. They are open daily opening most days at 7:30 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays they open at 8:30 a.m.

9. Halloween at Disneyland Paris

While Halloween is not much celebrated in France, Disneyland Paris does celebrate the popular American holiday.

From September 28, 2019, to November 3, 2019, the park will be decorated with the Halloween theme.

There will also be special events, souvenirs, snacks, and performances to get you into the Halloween spirit.

Disneyland Paris is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. most days. The park may open earlier or close earlier on some days. Admission for adults begins around $100.

Paris in the Fall

10. Visit the Catacombs

If you don’t have the time to make the trip out to Disneyland Paris but still want to add something a bit spooky to your visit, head to the Paris Catacombs.

The underground catacombs in Paris hold the remains of over 6 million people. According to the Les Catacombs des Paris website, the catacombs date back to the 18th century.

Apparently, there were health problems related to the city’s cemeteries which led officials to begin transferring their contents underground.

If you’re able to visit the Paris Catacombs, I strongly encourage you to take the guided tour or purchase the audioguide. The history of the catacombs is fascinating and will make the visit much more enjoyable.

The Paris Catacombs are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The lightest crowds are found in the evenings from 6:00 p.m. to closing at 8:30 p.m. You are advised to purchase tickets online ahead of time to avoid waiting in line.

11. Nuit Blanche, or White Night

Nuit Blanche is an annual event held in Paris that celebrates contemporary art.

All across the city, there will be exhibitions, installations, performance, and concerts that explore contemporary art.

This event takes place in public spaces, at cultural establishments, and also at the city’s many famous monuments.

There is also a parade that will run from the Place de la Concorde to Bastille.

This unique and fun event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The event is free to the public. Public transportation will also be available all night, which will also be free to the public.

12. Paris Fashion Week

If you happen to be in Paris in September, you’ll get to experience Paris Fashion Week.

Each fall designers show their most recent collections for ready-to-wear, men’s wear, and haute couture at venues across the city.

The more famous brands like Chanel, Givenchy, and Dior, often host their events at the city’s famous museums and monuments.

While it is incredibly difficult to get into the shows at Paris Fashion Week (unless you are in the industry) there are occasionally shows open to the public.

Check the Paris Fashion Week schedule for details. the city is a fun place to be while the event is going on.

If you’d like to experience the event without a ticket, the majority of the action will be in the 1st Arrondissement near Jardines des Tuileries.

you hand out in the area you are bound to see designers, models, and celebrities coming and going to and from events in the area.

I would also recommend frequenting the city’s hottest restaurants and bars. You are likely to be surrounded by some good-looking, well-dressed people.

My most important travel tip here, be sure to dress nicely as well if you’re trying to fit in.

This year Paris Fashion Week runs from September 23, 2019, to October 1, 2019.

Jardin du Luxembourg in the fall

13. Jardin du Luxembourg

Another great spot to view fall foliage in Paris is at the Jardin du Luxembourg.

This is another public garden with various plants, flowers, and trees. Like the city’s many other parks, Jardin du Luxembourg is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves have turned.

The gardens are found in the 6th Arrondissement and admission is free.

They are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to one hour before sunset in the summer and 8:00 a.m. to one hour before sunset in the winter.

Book Your Trip

Find the best flight deals by using Google Flights, then book direct with the airline. This is the search engine I use to compare flights and prices before booking my own trips.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMODATION
I recommend searching for hotels through Booking.com to compare hotels on amenities, location, and price. If you are a member of a hotel’s rewards program, always book direct with the hotel. If you are not loyal to a specific hotel brand, using Booking.com for the best price.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is more important than ever. For just a few dollars a day you can protect yourself and your trip. I personally use World Nomads, but whomever you choose, don’t skip out on travel insurance. It can literally save you thousands of dollars.

Want to save it? Pin it.

13 Reasons to visit Paris in the fall

Related Posts

Rock a Little Travel
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.

The Ultimate Guide to One Day in Cartagena

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Cartagena Travel Guide

If you’re looking for the best things to do with one day in Cartagena, this guide is for you.

Cartagena is one of the most vibrant and exciting destinaitons in South America right now and its on just about everybody’s bucket list.

If you’ve been on the fence thinking about booking a visit, now’s the time.

With great weather, beautiful beaches, and a historic city center, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy during your visit.

I put this post together to give you just a glimpse of all the fun things you can do with one day in Cartagena. So let’s dive in, shall we?

Your Ultimate Guide to One Day in Cartagena

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This ultimate guide to one day in Cartagena will take you around to the city’s top tourist destinations. I encourage you to also add in activities and stops to make this trip your own.

If you love art, hit up the musuems. If you love to dance, hit up the clubs. Whatever you love to do, you can find it Cartagena.

Walk around the walled city

Cartagena is a vibrant walkable city, perfect for exploring on foot.

Grab your best camera and some comfortable shoes and start exploring. You can see the majority of the walled city (historic city center) in a few hours with stops at any places you find interesting.

The Colonial architecture within the walled city is beautiful and well-preserved, featuring lots of churches, plazas and mansions.

There are walking tours of the old town available (book online or with your hotel) and are a good idea if you’d like to learn about the history of the buildings and Cartagena itself. 

Cartagena Clock Tower

The Cartagena clock tower was built in 1601 to connect the Getsemani neighborhood to the city center via a drawbridge.

The opening below the clock tower now serves as the primary entrance to the historic city. 

The structure previously held a chapel and weapons room. In the early 1800s it was rebuilt to include the clock tower and pendulum.

It now stands as one of the most iconic structures in the city. If you walk across the street from the tower you can get nice pictures of the entire structure. 

Cartagena Islands

Explore the Rosario Islands by boat

The Rosario Islands are a beautiful chain of 36 islands located off the coast of Cartagena.

You can reach the islands by boat in about one hour.

Once there you’ll find long white sandy beaches surrounded by bright blue waters.

Some of the islands are rocky and not for swimming, but the boat ride out to the islands is just stunning.

The image above was taken on the way to the islands and is not edited. The water really looks like that. 

There are several islands where boats can drop you off to enjoy the beaches. You can find beer, cocktails and snacks at all of them.

On some of the islands they even serve fresh oysters right from the water on kayaks, complete with lime and hot sauce. 

The ride to and from the Rosario Islands from Cartagena will take about one hour each way.

If you have a small group you can arrange for a private boat for the whole day. This will run about $80 (US) per person. 

I recommend asking the concierge at your hotel to help you make these arrangements when you arrive in Cartagena. 

You should also know that the boat ride out to the Rosario Islands in the morning is smooth.

However, the ride back in the afternoon will be something entirely different.

The water gets rough and the waves get big, so be prepared to hold on tight, it’s quite the adventure. 

Just make sure you purchase that travel insurance policy you were looking at. I’m joking, I’m joking. You’ll be fine.

If you’d like to spend a bit more time out in the water and don’t mind a longer boat ride, consider a visit out to Casa En El Agua, or House on Water.

Casa En El Agua is a hostel set right in the middle of the beautiful Caribbean. It’s a unique experience and a great way to add some adventure to your trip to Colombia.

If you’re looking for even more adventure, consider making the trip out to San Andres Island.

The flight from Cartagena is about an hour and 25 minutes, but it’s a cheap flight and you’ll find lots of fun things to do on San Andres Island.

Getsemani Street Art

A one day in Cartagena itinerary would not be complete without suggesting a visit to Getsemani.

The Getsemani neighborhood is covered in elaborate street art with gigantic murals around every corner.

It’s the perfect place to take yourself on a photo walk and get to know the city from a different perspective.

Getsemani was formerly a rough neighborhood riddled with crime, drugs, and prostitution.

It has since recovered and transitioned into a working-class neighborhood home to local families and young artists. 

You can walk through the neighborhood in about an hour or so and view all the various murals, but I recommend slowing down and taking your time to get to know the area.

Getsemani is home to some great coffee shops, restaurants, and cocktail bars.

Walk around the area and take a chance just stepping into a place that looks interesting. Order a drink or some food and have a good time. 

Cartagena Restaurants

Cartagena Restaurants

One of the top things to do with one day in Cartagena is to enjoy the food. Colombian cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and inspired by the diversity of the country.

In Cartagena especially, seafood is a popular choice. You’ll find some of the freshest fish at the restaurants here, so take advantage of the city’s location on the Caribbean and try some of the local dishes.

If you’re not a seafood fan, not to worry. Cartagena has plenty of delicious dishes prepared with high-quality meats, fresh vegetables, and plenty of savory spices.

If you’re looking for some lunch or dinner ideas, give any of these places in the old city a try:

  • Carmen: Serving contemporary food with Colombian flavor. This was easily my favorite dining experience in Cartagena. The bar is fun and the food is incredible. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a special evening, this is the place to do it. 
  • La Cevicheria: La Cevicheria is another popular dinner option when in Cartagena. I’m sure you can guess they are known for their ceviche, but their paella is pretty fantastic too. The wait here can get long, so put your name on the list and then head over to the bar next door for drinks while you wait. 
  • Demente: Demente is a fantastic tapas bar located in the artsy Getsemani neighborhood. They serve Spanish tapas with a Caribbean twist, making Demente the perfect stop before a fun night on the town. 
  • Di Silvio Trattoria: If you’re looking for some Italian while you’re traveling (I know I always am) then head over to Di Silvio Trattoria in the Getsemani neighborhood. They serve delicious homemade pasta and pizza. 
  • La Perla: A popular spot for Peruvian food inside the walled city. Their oysters and ceviche get rave reviews and apparently the coconut mojito is the drink to get. 

If you’re not in the mood for a sit-down restaurant, hit up one of the many street vendors selling everything from fresh fish to traditional Colombian arepas. 

Even if you’re short on time during your one day in Cartagena, don’t skip the food. It’s worth the time out of your day to try some local dishes.

Cartagena nightlife

Cartagena Nightlife

There are plenty of nightlife options to end your one day in Cartagena.

If you’re like me and prefer a nice sit-down bar with fantastic drinks, check out some of the places I’ve listed here.

You won’t be disappointed with any of these. In fact, I suggest you visit them all. 

  • Alquimico Bar: Swanky hipster bar on the inside, laid back tiki-style bar on the outside. Grab a drink on the ground floor to check out the menu. Then close out your tab and head upstairs to the rooftop. Laidback vibe with delicious Caribbean inspired drinks. 
  • Cafe del Mar: All first-time visitors to Cartagena must make a stop at Cafe del Mar to grab a cocktail at sunset. The setting is beautiful, lively and fun. Watch the sunset over the ocean from their massive outdoor patio with a fruity cocktail in hand. 
  • Townhouse: This is a super cute boutique hotel with a really fun rooftop bar. They serve beer, fruity cocktails, and wine. They also have some incredible food. If it’s hot, you can jump into the rooftop pool to cool off. 

Cartagena Coffee Shops

You must start your one day in Cartagena off with a hot cup of coffee.

Colombia is known for producing some of the best coffee on the planet. So with that, be sure to spend some time during your visit trying coffee at the various cafes around the city.

Many of the city’s coffee shops experiment with different roasting techniques and recipes for special drinks.

You’ll be able to have a completely different coffee experience at each cafe you visit. Here’s a list of some of the most popular cafes in Cartagena to get you started:

  • Abacus Books and Coffee:  The last independent book store in Cartagena, packet to the gills with books of all kinds. To add to your enjoyment, they serve a fantastic cup of coffee to enjoy while you read. 
  •  Cafe del Mural: This is the must-visit coffee shop located in the city’s artsy Getsemani neighborhood. They serve a wide variety of coffee drinks and even offer special tasting sessions where you can sample different varieties and learn about the coffee. Contact them ahead of time if interested in the tasting. 
  • Epoca Espresso Bar: They serve fantastic coffee in a beautiful space. Order a cup of coffee and a light healthy breakfast and enjoy the experience. 
Cartagena hotels - 000 cop

Cartagena Hotels

Even with just one day in Cartagena, you’re going to need a place to sleep.

There are several neighborhoods in Cartagena where you can choose to stay.

For first time visitors, I suggest staying inside the walled city. This area is touristy, but it’s also beautiful and will keep you in close proximity to fantastic restaurants and good spots for cocktails.

Here are some great hotels inside Cartagena’s walled city:

  • Movich Hotel: The Movich Hotel is a trendy luxury hotel with a beautifully decorated lobby. The hotel has a rooftop pool and bar with stunning views of the surrounding city. 
  • Hotel Sofitel: This is the go-to hotel for in the know visitors. The hotel features colonial architecture paired with French luxury. The grounds and pool area are especially fabulous. 
  • Bantu Hotel: Bantu Hotel is a bit more affordable than Movich and Sofitel, but also has plenty of amenities and spacious rooms. This is a well-appointed boutique hotel featuring a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, and spa. 

I hope you’ve found this Ultimate Guide to One Day in Cartagena useful in planning a trip of your own. 

If you’re looking for another fun beach town to visit outside of Colombia, consider a visit to Costa Rica’s Puerto Viejo for beautiful relaxing beaches and fantastic food. 

Book Your Trip

Find the best flight deals by using Google Flights, then book direct with the airline. This is the search engine I use to compare flights and prices before booking my own trips.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMODATION
I recommend searching for hotels through Booking.com to compare hotels on amenities, location, and price. If you are a member of a hotel’s rewards program, always book direct with the hotel. If you are not loyal to a specific hotel brand, using Booking.com for the best price.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is more important than ever. For just a few dollars a day you can protect yourself and your trip. I personally use World Nomads, but whomever you choose, don’t skip out on travel insurance. It can literally save you thousands of dollars.

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One day in Cartagena

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Rock a Little Travel
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.