The main cost is the boat. A full-day private boat runs 850 to 3,800 USD depending on capacity and type, and that price is split across the whole group. The departure tax is paid separately at the dock, along with food and drinks on board. We don't charge an agency commission, so you pay the operator's real price.

By sea only. You depart from the dock in Cartagena by boat, and the crossing takes about an hour by speedboat. There's no road access to the anchorage. It's best to leave early to make the most of the day and avoid choppier afternoon seas.

No. Cholón is a shallow-water anchorage next to Barú island where boats anchor together. You don't go ashore: the plan happens on the boat and in the water, which comes up to about waist height. If you're looking for a beach with sand, Islas del Rosario is the option.

Yes, as long as you book a registered boat with a captain and life jackets. The real risk comes from informal, overbooked boats without documentation. We physically inspect every boat before offering it and are registered operators with RNT 215668.

Swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, a cap, cash in pesos for the departure tax and on-board purchases, and a waterproof bag for your phone. Food and drinks are arranged ahead of time on a private boat, so you're not relying on the floating vendors.

December to April is dry season, with calmer seas and less chance of the Port Authority closing departures. May to November has short rain showers and lower prices. Booking two months ahead gets you a 10% discount.

The Port Authority (Capitanía de Puerto) can close departures for safety. If that happens, we first try to reschedule for the next day. If that's not possible, we issue a credit for other services on the trip or process a refund per the boat's contract.