Departs Cartagena: Daily 08:30 / 12:00 / 17:00
Return Isla Baru: Daily 10:30 / 15:00 / 20:30
Included:
- Air conditioned transportation
- No additional taxes are required
At Mamallena Tours and Travel, we operate our own Playa Blanca Cartagena shuttle bus. The bus departs from Cartagena twice daily and we feel it’s the best way to get to Playa Blanca. It is possible to go by boat to the Rosario islands, but its more expensive and there are often delays. The waves can also be rough and it’s not a trip for the faint-hearted. The Mamallena Shuttle bus to Playa Blanca is by far the best option. Return tickets are open so you can return when you like if you wish to stay for a night or two.
If it’s a day trip you’re after then you would leave from Hostel Mamallena in Calle Media Luna at 8:30 am. Departures are pretty punctual and we try not to leave later than the set hour. You’ll be at the beach in around 45 minutes. The bus returns from Isla Baru at 10.30am, 3 pm or 8.30pm each day. Don’t miss the bus or you might spend the night there.
The Mamallena shuttle bus to Playa Blanca is a great way to see Playa Blanca at its best. You can either head out in the morning and stay at Playa Blanca until 3pm or 8.30pm and get a full day at the beach. if you’d like to sleep in a bit take the 12pm departure and come back at 8.300pm. Either are a great day out, and coming back at 8,30pm will let you see a great sunset. Theres also the option of doing the Playa Blanca luminous plankton tour. You book your transport to the beach with us and book the tour while your there. Total cost should be no more than 80 000 pesos, whie others sell a shorter tour from Cartagena for 95 000 pesos. You can also take the 5pm departure, do the luminous plankton tour and come back on the 8.30pm return trip.
You’ll also be looking for a place to have lunch and some drinks at Playa Blanca. We have teamed up with one of the more popular hostels on Playa Blanca, Hugo’s Place. They offer a 20% discount off the price of the menu to Mamallena Playa Blanca shuttle bus clients, and also discounted prices on accomodation.
If you want a nice and peaceful night away from Cartagena then we suggest spending the night at Playa Blanca. During the morning and evening periods, there will be very few other tourists and you will feel like you have the whole beach to yourself. There are a variety of accommodation options for all budgets. Our shuttles leave at 8:30 am and midday and 5pm from Hostel Mamallena and leave Playa Blanca at 10:30am 3pm or 8,30pm You can pick your departure time and return on any day, at any time you like. The ticket is open and fully flexible.
Depending on traffic you should be lounging on the beach in about an hour. You’ll be traveling with AC all the way and you certainly won’t be getting wet nor seasick. If you’re on a day trip beach time is around 5 hours. Our price is for a return trip and is available to return from Playa Blanca any day you like. You can spend the night and return the next day for the one price. You’ll save travel time and spend a lot more time at the beach.
While Playa Blanca is a great day trip and the Playa Blanca shuttle bus is the best wayu to see it, we do advise you exercise a bit of caution in Playa Blanca. While its not a dangerous place, Playa Blanca can be known for scammers. We suggest you don’t follow random people to restaurants and be very aware of what you are paying for food, drinks and sun chairs. Some people are known to greatly inflate the prices, so always ask for a menu. If there is no menu you have to wonder why!! Be wary of the oyster sellers, and the massage ladies. They always say its free, but in the end it might not be.
Playa Blanca is on Isla Baru, and Isla Baru is a man-made part of the Rosario islands. The island itself was created when a huge navigation ditch was made and it was cut from the mainland over 300 years ago by the Spanish. Its still part of the Rosario Islands national park and is counted as one of the Rosario islands. If you are offered a boat tour to the Rosario islands, you will more than likely end up in Playa Blanca for the majority of the tour.
Theres plenty of hostels in Playa Blanca, offering hammocks, dorms and private rooms. Expect them to be basic and cabana style, but you wont get a cabana on the beach by yourself. Also expect plenty of restaurants and places to eat, you won’t have a problem there.
So, enjoy! Book the Mamallena Playa Blanca shuttle bus, and have a great time!
CARTAGENA@MAMALLENA.COM
Cartagena City Guide

Check our insiders guide to the best attractions, top tips and everything to see and do in Cartagena
Popular Cartagena Tours

Chiva City Tour
Jump aboard the Chiva Bus and immerse yourself in Cartagena’s fascinating history. This is a fun way to discover the city. Bilingual guide, transport and entrance fees are all included.
Totumo Mud Volcano
An amazing natural spa experience just one hour from Cartagena. Relax in the mineral rich and rejuvenating mud bath with the option of a personal massage followed by a relaxing wash down in a near by lagoon.
Rumba en Chiva
All aboard the party bus! Rumba en Chiva! Cartagana’s ‘Chiva’ tour bus transforms at night into a mobile party. Alcohol is included, plus free nightclub entry and a cocktail to carry on the party afterwards.
Scuba Diving
There are some great scuba diving sites just short a short boat ride when you are staying in Cartagena. The Rosario Islands, Isla Baru and Medina feature an abundance of colorful marine life, reefs with hard and soft coral.