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Many travelers leave Cartagena to explore some of the Caribbean coast’s adjacent beaches, such as Santa Marta and Parque Tayrona. However, not everyone has time to take a 5-hour bus ride to those beaches. Fortunately, there is Isla Barú, a little Caribbean island accessible by ferry or cab in under an hour from Cartagena.
Isla Barú is where you can visit Playa Blanca, Cartagena, noted for its stunning stretch of golden sand combined with the deep blue ocean. The island’s jaw-dropping beauty, however, has suffocating crowds.
So, here is a comprehensive guide to visiting Playa Blanca for women over 50! You’ll have a great time on the crystal clear blue seas and white sands if you arrive prepared to avoid the crowds and merchants.
Playa Blanca, Cartagena: What to Know
Negotiation Is Key
Tourists pay higher rates for tours, water activities, transportation, and even massages. It’s preferable to negotiate in Spanish, especially if you have a Spanish-speaking friend in the group or you meet some locals.
Limited Electricity, Air-Condition, and Water Supply
The infrastructure on the island is insufficient to handle the influx of mass tourists. Private generators provide the majority of Playa Blanca’s electricity. A private or shared generator provides electricity to each restaurant or hostel.
Most hotels switch off the electricity after 6:00 pm to save energy and reduce the expense of the generators. You may be assigned a daily freshwater allotment depending on where you live. Showering for 5 minutes is usually the greatest amount of time. Also, hot water is usually non-existent!
Best Time to Visit Playa Blanca
The best part is that you can go to Playa Blanca any time of year. Generally, the weather is always pleasant. However, depending on the month you visit, you may encounter rain. January through March are the driest months, while October is the wettest.
How to Get to Playa Blanca
There are numerous options for traveling to Playa Blanca from Cartagena. The majority of them take about the same period. However, the cost varies depending on the number of people. Additionally, a bridge has been constructed between Cartagena and Playa Blanca, making it possible to travel by car.
1. Taxi
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Cost: From 60,000 to 100,000 COP or from $17 to $28 per trip
Taking a taxi to Playa Blanca is the most expensive option. However, splitting the cost is fairly affordable if you’re in a group of four or five people. You can find taxis at your hotel or on the street. Ensure you negotiate vigorously to get the greatest deal. Taxi drivers would try to reap the benefit of visitors, especially if there are several of you.
2. Shuttle
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Cost: 50,000 COP or $14.5
A shuttle bus runs to Playa Blanca three times per day: 8:30, 12:00, and 17:00. And with three distinct return times: 10:30, 15:00, and 20:30.
You can return at any moment if you buy a return ticket (even some days later if you’d like to stay overnight on the island). The buses are air-conditioned, comfy, and on time. You can book directly with the company by email or phone, or ask your accommodation to send you more information regarding the departure time and places.
3. Speedboat
Travel Time: 1 hour
Cost: 60,000 COP or $17 per trip, depending on your negotiation
Would you like to take in the scenery along the way? Then, ride a private boat from Cartagena’s downtown area. The boats depart from a port located just beyond the Walled City.
With this private boat rental in Cartagena, you can explore the gorgeous and breathtaking islands along the Caribbean coast. Choose from various yachts and speedboats that can accommodate 10-18 people.
Plan your personalized route with the guidance of your captain, based on your sightseeing interests and preferences. Cruise around the islands and mangroves paradise, combining leisure, enjoyment, and fun. Feel free to request a stop for lunch, a visit to the beach, or be transported to a peaceful location.
Things to See & Do in Playa Blanca
Water Activities
Jet Skiing is the most popular water activity, but if you’re looking for something fun to do with a group, consider a banana boat ride or kayaking. No need to make any reservations ahead of time! Negotiating with the locals driving the jet skis around is the greatest way to get a good deal. A large number of them will very certainly approach you.
Massage On the Beach
Getting a massage in Playa Blanca is something you can’t resist. Several local ladies will approach you and offer massages as you sunbathe along the coast. You don’t even have to leave your current spot! They immediately begin massaging you and attempt to make a deal.
Practical Tips
Book your transfer ahead of time to escape the public transit system and the tense boat docks. You can relax on the way to Playa Blanca in an air-conditioned bus, about an hour from Cartagena’s busy city. Various boats are available in the marina, where you’ll also find many shops and lively markets set to take place on-site!
Relax at Baru Island’s most famous beach for a perfect day. Unlike all-inclusive vacations, you can choose where you want to stay based on your preferences. You can spend your day jet skiing, banana boat riding, kayaking, snorkeling, or getting a massage.
What to Pack
Mosquito repellent and chemical-free sunscreen
A mosquito repellent is an essential item to bring to Playa Blanca. Wearing regular sunscreen while snorkeling is one of the most destructive things you can do to the corals. So, applying a reef-safe sunscreen is necessary to prevent harm to the corals.
Bathing suits and bikinis
When going to Playa Blanca’s breathtaking white sand and turquoise waters, always bring more than one swimsuit. Geo-printed swimwear, one-shoulder cutout one-piece, and triangle bikinis will never go out of style.
Swimming Shoes
The sand in Playa Blanca is usually quite soft. However, a few rocks and pebbles might be difficult to walk on. Swimming shoes are ideal for avoiding this problem.
Sundresses
Wear comfortable and eye-catching short or long sundresses to beat Playa Blanca’s warm weather.
Sandals & Flip-flops
It’s best to select shock-absorbing travel footwear and non-slip flip-flops that are fashionable and comfortable.
Dry Bags
Dry bags are excellent for protecting electronics, particularly on boat rides. You toss everything in and seal it in if it gets wet or drops into the water.
Conclusion
Imagine a paradise with clear blue water, white sand beaches, and palm trees. Playa Blanca, Cartagena provides all of that lush scenery, where turquoise seas meet soft balm scent breeze. Delicious fresh seafood awaits on each plate, waiting to be devoured at leisure. To add, it is extremely cost-effective for budget tourists.
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