Should You Do a Plaza Hopping Tour in Cartagena?

Plaza hopping (more commonly called island or beach hopping) is a full-day boat tour that takes you to 4–5 islands and sandbanks just off Cartagena. Expect a lively trip with loud music, lots of people, plenty of rum, and stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lounging on rented beach beds. The boat leaves around 8–9am and returns between 4–5pm. It’s social and fun if you like a party atmosphere, but it’s not quiet or intimate — think floating dayclub with a bit of nature mixed in.

The best time to go is December through March when the sea is calmest and the weather is driest. June–November can be rougher with more rain and choppy water that turns some people green. Expect to pay around $70–$110 per person. That usually covers the boat, a basic lunch, snorkel gear, and access to beach beds and umbrellas at the stops. Drinks are often extra or come as an open bar add-on.

Pick the standard 5-island route that includes at least one proper snorkel spot and a decent lunch stop. Skip any tour that promises “private” beaches or luxury — they all use the same crowded sandbars. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, cash for extras, and earplugs if you don’t want reggaeton in your head all day. It’s a solid, chaotic way to see the islands without organizing everything yourself.