Cartagena is a city of colonial charm which you can perceive from its environment, its well-preserved houses, its streets and its impressive architecture of the time, of course, in the tourist area . It could be said that almost the whole year is summer, with a radiant sun that will give you energy to discover everything it has to offer. Its coast towards the Caribbean Sea allows local people and tourists to carry out different aquatic activities apart from terrestrial ones. In front of Cartagena there is an island called Tierra Bomba with many hotels where you can stay or have a weekend or any day you like; Likewise, they are located further south of the city, the Rosario Islands where you can make many plans so that you can enjoy your entire stay in these paradisiacal places. So if you are looking for a place to spend a warm vacation, this would be a great option.
It should be noted that Cartagena is the city with the most boats in Colombia , which immediately makes it a destination for this type of nautical activities; since, there are yachts, catamarans, boats, pontoons and sailboats that you can rent to explore or go to one of the Rosario islands or through the bay of Cartagena or Tierra Bomba. As there is so much variety, you will surely be able to find the one that best suits your requirements, such as the number of people you want to accompany you on the adventure, if you want a luxury or simpler boat and so on.
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Water sports in Cartagena
The sea, the breeze, the ecosystem and the beaches of Cartagena allow you to practice water sports , which are activities that require specific skills and abilities. Some may be recreational or competitive. In addition to being a fun way to stay active, many water sports can also have health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and coordination. In Cartagena you will find various water sports that you can have the opportunity to try , for example:
- Snorkeling: it is one of the most popular activities among tourists who visit the city and want to explore the crystalline waters of the Colombian Caribbean. In the area, there are several places where you can practice, such as the Rosario Islands, located about 45 minutes by boat from the city of Cartagena. This place is ideal for water sports because both in the bay of Cartagena and in Tierra Bomba (which is located in front) the water is a little more cloudy and there are no corals. In fact, this is why water sports such as snorkeling are not practiced in that area. In the Islas del Rosario area you will be able to observe the coral reef and a variety of fish and other marine species. If you hire a service to practice it, a guide will be there throughout the tour who will show you the best places to observe marine life. One of the options that is always available is Playa Blanca in Barú. In any case, it is important that you make sure you choose a reliable tour operator and follow the recommended security measures to enjoy this activity safely and responsibly.
- Diving: this is a popular activity for lovers of the sea and marine life. You can also do it in the Rosario and Barú Islands. The diving tours are made to this place where you will observe the coral reefs, the variety of fish and other marine species and include the diving equipment, transportation from Cartagena and an expert guide. This area has several dive sites that offer different levels of difficulty, from beginners to advanced divers. Remains of a sunken ship can also be found in the area and are popular with experienced divers. In addition, it is important to take into account the impact of diving on the environment and respect the regulations established for the protection of the marine ecosystem.
- Jet ski: although this is not really a water sport, you may be interested in jet skiing in Cartagena, especially those looking for an exciting experience in the sea. In the city there are several places where you can rent jet skis , such as Bocagrande beach and Castillogrande beach. When renting a jet ski, valid identification must be provided and a rental agreement must be signed that sets out the terms and conditions of use of the equipment. It is also important to follow recommended safety measures, such as wearing life jackets and not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Tour operators offer Jet Ski tours that include a tour of the Cartagena coastline, with panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to make stops at places of interest. It is important to take into account the environmental impact of the Jet ski on the marine ecosystem and to respect the regulations established for the protection of the environment. In addition, it is important to take into account the tenders of the activity and avoid practicing the Jet ski in adverse weather conditions or in restricted areas.
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- Kayak: This is a popular water activity in Cartagena, especially for people looking for a calm and relaxing experience in the sea. In the city there are several places where you can rent kayaks, such as Bocagrande beach and Castillogrande beach. Even in Tierra Bomba you can also find them. Kayak rentals usually include the necessary equipment, such as the kayak, paddles, life jackets, and safety items. Tour operators also offer kayak tours that include a tour of the Cartagena coastline, with panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to stop at places of interest. Also, there are several areas where you can practice kayaking, such as the bay of Cartagena and the Rosario islands. Crystal clear waters and a wide variety of marine species can be found in these areas, making kayaking a unique way to explore the marine ecosystem. It is important to follow recommended safety measures when kayaking, such as wearing life jackets and avoiding sailing in inclement weather.
- Paddleboarding: also known as paddle surfing is also popular in Cartagena, especially for those looking for a unique experience in the sea. In the city there are several places where you can rent paddleboards, such as Bocagrande Beach. Paddleboard rental usually includes the necessary equipment, such as the board and paddle, as well as life jackets and other safety items and the route is very similar to kayaking and you can find it both in the bay of Cartagena and in the Islas del Rosario where you will have a different experience of exploring the marine ecosystem. Do not forget to follow the recommended security measures.
- Windsurfing: this water sport is very popular in Cartagena; since, the city has a privileged location on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. There are several options for windsurfing such as: Playa La Boquilla, the bay of Cartagena and Playa Blanca. There you will find windsurfing schools that offer classes and equipment rental. In the bay there are stronger winds, so it is a more suitable place for more experienced windsurfers and also very close there are schools that will teach you how to practice it very well.
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- Kitesurfing: the beaches and constant breezes of the city make Cartagena an ideal destination for kitesurfing lovers thanks to its beautiful beaches and constant winds. La Boquilla is a popular place to practice this water sport, with several schools offering classes and equipment rental. You can also try Punta Arena beach, where the winds are stronger and it is ideal for more experienced kitesurfers. If you are a beginner, Playa Blanca is better because the winds are softer, and Manzanillo beach. In general, there are a wide variety of options to practice kitesurfing in Cartagena, with schools and services for all levels.
- Parasail: it is an exciting aquatic activity that you can enjoy in Cartagena. There are several options to do so, such as Bocagrande beach, where you will find companies that offer the service and you will be able to have a spectacular view of the city from above. In addition, you can try the different beaches where you will enjoy the wonderful aquatic landscapes while you fly with a parachute. This is an activity definitely worth trying for adventure lovers.
- Sport fishing: Sport fishermen can enjoy a wide variety of fish, such as sailfish, marlin, wahoo, dorado and tuna, among others. Sport fishing in Cartagena is a very popular activity, with numerous companies offering deep sea fishing charters, whether you are an experienced angler or looking to do it for the first time , you will be able to find the perfect fishing experience in Cartagena. In addition, you can enjoy the impressive views of the Caribbean Sea and the city's coast while fishing, which makes the experience even more exciting and unforgettable.
Doing water activities in Cartagena is a unique experience due to its privileged location in the Caribbean Sea and its tropical climate that allows you to enjoy the water throughout the year. In addition, the city has a wide variety of options for those looking to enjoy water activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, paddle boarding, sport fishing and much more. The area's rich marine biodiversity is also an added attraction for nature lovers; since, you will be able to explore the coral reefs, swim with sea turtles, see dolphins and a great variety of fish species. The crystal clear waters and the natural beauty of the Cartagena coast make water activities an unforgettable experience that you cannot miss if you are in the beautiful coastal city of Colombia.
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