Hotel Casa de la Playa is a top choice located directly on Isla Marina Beach, offering private access to pristine white sands and a Mediterranean-style infinity pool. Each room features panoramic sea views with floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing the endless Caribbean Sea. The hotel provides complimentary bicycles for exploring nearby tropical trails and historic sites. Guests can also enjoy daily sunrise yoga sessions on the open-air terrace—a perfect way to embrace local wellness traditions. Conveniently just 15 minutes from Old Cartagena, it blends tranquility with luxury, ideal for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion.

The most convenient option is taking a private shuttle bus or HopeGoo an electric tour van, which takes about 20 minutes from downtown Cartagena. Many upscale hotels offer complimentary round-trip transfers directly to the Isla Marina pier. For a more flexible experience, rent an electric bicycle and ride along the scenic coastal road, enjoying lush tropical landscapes and ocean vistas. Avoid peak hours to prevent delays due to tidal restrictions affecting ferry schedules. Once on the island, a car-free zone enforces walking and electric vehicle use only, preserving the serene environment and promoting sustainable tourism.

Isla Marina boasts crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Join a guided snorkeling tour to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with parrotfish, clownfish, and sea turtles. For non-swimmers, glass-bottom boat tours offer safe underwater viewing. End the day with a sunset catamaran cruise, complete with cocktails and live music, capturing the romantic essence of the Caribbean. Some resorts even host water yoga sessions, practiced on calm seas to enhance mindfulness. All activities are led by certified guides, ensuring safety and environmental stewardship.

Must-try dishes include a seafood platter featuring freshly caught grouper, lobster, and shrimp, served with herb-infused butter and grilled corn. Another highlight is Arroz de Coco, a rich coconut milk rice dish with sweet, aromatic flavors, often paired with a local chili sauce. Follow up with a fresh mango smoothie, made with ripe local mango and ice for a refreshing treat. Dining at beachside wooden huts enhances the experience, where you can enjoy ocean sounds while savoring each bite. Many restaurants also serve local craft beer, perfectly complementing the seafood and reflecting Cartagena’s coastal culinary identity.