Un paraíso escondido en el Caribe colombiano, Isla Múcura se ubica en el norte de Colombia, en el departamento de Bolívar, allí se encuentra el Archipiélago de San Bernardo, bien al norte del golfo de Morrosquillo, desde el año 1996 Isla Múcura hace parte del parque nacional natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo, una de las reservas naturales más visitadas y considerada por muchas personas como el paraíso terrenal.
This insular complex is composed of 10 paradisiacal islands of white sands: Santa Cruz del islote, Mangle, Boquerón, Ceycen, Cabruna, Maravilla, Panda, Palma, Tintipán and Isla Múcura.
el Hotel Isla Múcura ofrece un escenario tropical inigualable. Rodeado por aguas cristalinas y playas de arena blanca, es un destino ideal para quienes buscan escapar del bullicio y reconectarse con la naturaleza en un entorno de serenidad absoluta.
De fácil acceso desde Cartagena y Tolú, nuestro hotel está a solo un corto viaje en lancha, permitiéndote llegar a un verdadero paraíso de belleza natural y hospitalidad única.
Haz de Isla Múcura tu refugio perfecto para disfrutar del Caribe colombiano en su máxima expresión.
Are you ready?
Very well, we share with you two alternatives that you are going to love. Let's go with the first one:
From Cartagena to Isla Múcura
Es posible acceder a la isla de diferentes partes pero la forma más fácil y tradicional es desde la ciudad de Cartagena. Luego de asegurar tu cupo, dirígete al muelle de La Bodeguita desde donde parten nuestra lancha de RUTAS DEL MAR.
Remember to make your reservation in advance.
Puedes Reservar el transporte en lancha, con nosotros al Whatsapp+57 310 481 8039
Ida al Hotel Isla Múcura
$ 160.000 pesos colombianos
Saliendo: 9:00 a.m. Desde el Muelle de la Bodeguita” puerta “Puerta #4, entrada VIP hacía las Islas.” enfrente de la Ciudad Amurallada en Cartagena.
debes llegar al muelle a partir de las 8 a.m al muelle para pagar el impuesto de entrada al parque nacional (solo 1 vez, $29.000 COP, que puedes pagar en la entrada #1)
Retorno del Hotel Isla Múcura a Cartagena
$ 160.000 pesos colombianos
Saliendo: 11:30 am
Desde la recepción del Hotel Isla Múcura.
Luggage Information
8Kilos per Person
Bring only what you can carry on your legs.
If you do not make a reservation, we cannot guarantee a space on our boat (prior reservation required).
While you put on your life jacket and listen to the professional guide's instructions, get your camera ready because there are landscapes out to sea that you will want to remember for the rest of your life.
The tour in the boat lasts approximately 2 hours, but I assure you that you will want it to be more, this moment is yours, just imagine that moment, with a magnificent group, in a boat and around you all the Colombian Caribbean.
From Tolú to Múcura Island
Ida al Hotel Isla Múcura
$ 90.000 pesos colombianos
Saliendo: 12:00 del Medio dia. Desde nuestra Oficina de Rutas del Mar en la Calle 10 # 1-28, Barrio Calle Nueva, Tolú, Sucre. (Punto de referencia: “Muelle Público de Transporte a las Islas”). En este lugar encontrarás un colaborador del Hotel Isla Múcura, que te atenderá.
Retorno del Hotel Isla Múcura a Tolú.
$ 90.000 pesos colombianos
Saliendo: 10:00 am
Desde la recepción del Hotel Isla Múcura.
Luggage Information
8Kilos per Person
Bring only what you can carry on your legs.
If you do not make a reservation, we cannot guarantee a space on our boat (prior reservation required).
Now get on the boat and enjoy the ride, you also have several options to choose from, some include a tour of the archipelago and lunch on board.
Recuerda que el horario del Check In es 01:00 p.m. y el horario de Check Out es a las 09:00 a.m.
Ticket costs
As we already told you, you will find different types of prices and services to get to the island of Múcura. The paradise is visited every day, from adventurous backpackers, tourists and even businessmen.
Una de las opciones es salir desde el Muelle de la Bodeguita en Cartagena y subirte a bordo de una embarcación segura y moderna, su precio es de 160.000 COP por tramo. Es decir que tienes que calcular unos 320.000 COP para asegurarte la ida y vuelta.
We recommend that you only take on the boat what you will need, after all, swimwear and a handbag is more than enough, anyway we tell you that the maximum weight allowed is 8 kilos per person, but if for some reason you need to carry more, you can contact them directly.
Normally the trip departs at 9 am but you must arrive 60 minutes earlier, even if you already have a reservation, because you have to pay a tax that corresponds to the entrance to the national park, its value is less than a dollar and is only paid once. To return to Cartagena you must be 11.30 am to check out and say goodbye to the island.
Where to stay in Isla Múcura
If you are looking for a quiet place, with a private beach, excellent location and to feel as you have always dreamed, we invite you to visit our Hotel Isla Múcura.
As soon as you enter our complex, you will feel how the murmur of the sea harmonizes all your sensations around you, while you assimilate and become aware that yes, it is true: you have arrived to paradise.
In a 100% natural environment you can enjoy all our facilities, whether you are with your family, as a couple or with friends. Here we will be waiting for you with a smile to give you the best.
At Hotel Isla Múcura you not only get a place to stay, it is a complete experience where the protagonist is you. That's why you will have an excellent attention from our professional staff. Your task here? Disconnect completely and just contemplate, laugh and be amazed by the natural wonders of the Colombian beaches.
Types of accommodations at Hotel Isla Múcura
Deluxe Elevated Kiosk
In a log construction on a levada of the land, relax in a private environment, exclusive for two people.
If in the afternoon you feel like watching the sea, just go to the window or balcony and contemplate it.
Bungalow
Live the experience of staying in a natural environment and choose a bungalow, this construction has the comfort that every traveler needs.
They are located inside our complex in the exclusive beachfront area, if you are traveling as a couple this option is for you.
¡Psst, un secreto! Si quieres sorprender a tu pareja, despiértala con un desayuno especial a la habitación, disfrutando de un hermoso amanecer juntos. Un acto romántico y una experiencia que jamás olvidará.
Alojamientos con piscina privada
Echa un vistazo a esta opción, estos alojamientos están diseñados para que descanses pero también la idea es que compartas tus vivencias en un ambiente en común, cientos de viajeros se sientan por las tardes y cuentan historias, leyendas y solo basta ver sus ojos para ver la intensidad en la que viven. (Cambiar por)
Descubre la máxima expresión de confort y privacidad en nuestra Villa Pool con Piscina Privada, una experiencia exclusiva diseñada para quienes buscan una escapada inolvidable en un entorno tropical de ensueño.
Esta amplia villa ofrece un diseño elegante y contemporáneo que se integra armoniosamente con la belleza natural de la isla
It is the cool, comfortable and natural place you need to tell all your adventures to other travelers like you.
Come in for a closer look.
Cabins
If you come with your family or friends and want to stay in a private and quiet place, consider our cabins. You will find the comfort of an excellent natural construction but with air conditioning, private bathroom and a spacious living room.
When you leave the cabin you will have the entire palm park with tables and chairs to continue enjoying.
How to get to Hotel Isla Múcura
El Hotel Isla Múcura, ubicado en el corazón del Archipiélago de San Bernardo en el Caribe colombiano, es un paraíso accesible a través de rutas marítimas desde varios puntos costeros. La forma más común de llegar es tomando un bote desde el muelle La Bodeguita en Cartagena, en un trayecto panorámico de aproximadamente dos horas, o desde Tolú, con una travesía de alrededor de 50 minutos. Ambas rutas ofrecen vistas impresionantes del mar Caribe, lo que convierte el viaje en parte de la experiencia. Al llegar, serás recibido por la belleza natural de la isla y la cálida hospitalidad que hacen del Hotel Isla Múcura un destino inolvidable.
Plans, activities and tours to do in Isla Múcura
In Isla Múcura you will be able to do different activities every day, you will have time to admire and contemplate all the paradisiacal surroundings, white sands bathed by warm and calm waters of the Caribbean Sea, but we also want you to live it up close.
The wonderful thing about this place is the friendly conscience with the environment, most of the nautical sports that we are going to mention below are human powered, that is, only in some cases motors are used, because the objective is to minimize the ecological damage to the coral reef that surrounds this dream site.
We tell you which are the most exciting activities you can enjoy in Isla Múcura:
Kayak
The calm waters of the island provide the perfect conditions for kayaking. You will find service providers that will guide you to practice this sport for advanced and beginners, even if you have never had a paddle in your hands!
If you have not practiced it yet and have no idea what Kayaking is, we tell you that it is a sport based on getting into a kind of narrow canoe, sitting down and, with a single paddle that has two paddles on the sides, making circular movements in the water, you can move forward, turn and do all the necessary maneuvers to move.
Snorkel
Snorkeling requires no previous knowledge and can be done by anyone of any age. But we also recommend that you pay attention to the introductory safety talk, where you will be taught the basic movements to be able to appreciate the underwater world.
Put on your fins, mask and snorkel to begin this adventure, you will swim flush with the water in a low area and observe the seabed from the very surface, while breathing calmly through the snorkel.
You will have the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural environment of crystal clear waters without the need to carry equipment and the necessary training for diving.
Diving
If you are an intrepid traveler and want to go further, we recommend this activity. Locate the nearest dive center and join their daily mini-courses where certified people teach you how to dive in a very safe, easy and fun way.
Then move away from the coast with your group and your instructor, and dive into the crystal clear waters of the Colombian Caribbean, you can fully enjoy the wonderful view offered by the ocean floor of the national coral park.
This national park has more than 50 different species of coral, soft coral and hard coral. There are also about 210 species of fish. The visibility is excellent since you will be able to see up to 40 meters away.
The most beautiful places to dive and observe the marine fauna and flora are El Canal, El Bajo De Las Barracudas, El Manglar, Pargo and La Pared, all these sites are 25 minutes by boat from Isla Múcura.
Windsurf
One of the sports practiced by the most intrepid tourists is windsurfing.
Do you dare to do it?
After a short training talk given by trained instructors, you become familiar with the board, the sails and the postures you must have to stay afloat.
Take advantage of the early morning hours when the waters are calmer and enjoy the gentle wind in the middle of the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea, yes, all that riding your windsurf board!
If you have never practiced it, don't miss the opportunity, for beginners they have a special board, big size and a small sail, that will make you stay firm on your board.
Some travelers dare a little more and, guided by expert instructors, set out to explore the surrounding islands, taking advantage of the afternoon wind, when it blows stronger.
Just relax
If you just want to relax in the water and connect with nature in the middle of silence, you can do it with total tranquility. The coral reefs form a natural barrier against the waves and this turns its crystalline waters into a natural pool, ideal to enjoy a refreshing moment of relaxation.
When the sunset arrives, we recommend you to sit on a sun lounger and read comfortably on the beach, accompanying the moment with the taste of a fruit juice. Or contemplate the red Caribbean sky and let your imagination fly, you will see families or friends walking carefree on the seashore.
The beach is extremely calm and quiet. This is your moment. And it is for you to take advantage of it as you wish. You will see that everyone enjoys it in their own way, some sunbathe and cool off with a coconut cocktail, others enjoy the warm water until the sun goes down. Kids can build white sand castles, ride bikes or play tennis.
Star bath tour
Live the fascinating adventure of seeing the luminous plankton. While during the day you enjoy everything you can see with the sun's rays, when night comes the surprises continue.
In this tour we will take you through the canals of the neighboring island Tintipán, you will discover an almost unique phenomenon that leaves everyone who takes this tour open-mouthed:
In the darkness of the Caribbean night, the sea lights up with unimaginable shapes and colors that seem to be from another galaxy. This is due to the accumulation of the so-called luminous plankton, a group of aquatic plants that, in the absence of the sun's rays, begin to cause flashes of blue light that light up with the movement of the water.
If you dare, you can dive into this sea that looks like a fireworks show, but underwater.
Visit the most populated island in the world
Very close to Isla Múcura is Santa Cruz del Islote, the most densely populated island in the world (Real: it is written in the Guinness Book of Records).
Some travelers when they hear this fact are left thinking and comparing it with Manhattan, since this New York island has about 2 million inhabitants, but per square meter, this is the most densely populated.
Take a panoramic tour and after seeing the houses built on the artificial reefs that seem to float magically on the sea, disembark on this colorful island. It is very likely that when you arrive you will be surprised by the warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants. A community of more than 1200 people who knew how to take advantage of the little space to build picturesque houses separated by paths built with their own hands.
The main economic income of the villagers depends on fishing and tourism. They are so organized and charitable that they have built a pool of money to help each other. One of the most amazing activities you will see in this island is a kind of aquarium where you can swim among sharks, but don't worry, they don't do anything, you will come out of the water fascinated by this experience!
Conducts ecological hikes
Tighten your shoelaces because in this adventure you will not dive in turquoise blue waters, this time you will explore the island in a special way: on foot and in a 100% natural environment.
Bring your water bottle, sunglasses and let your explorer spirit come out, a professional guide will help you learn about and identify the species of animals that inhabit the island, as well as the typical plants of this place.
At some point during the walk and when you least expect it, you will find yourself in El Manglar, centennial trees, with immense roots that entangle giving rise to a very particular biome. All this together with hundreds of species of birds that inhabit it is part of the natural heritage.
Get to know the island on two wheels (Coming soon).
If you want to exercise your legs a little bit you can take this tour on wheels with us soon. Rent a bike and get on it with joy because you will get to know the island in a fast but intense ride.
Follow the guide who will take you through little explored trails where you will learn about some of the flora and fauna of Isla Múcura. During the tour you will get to know the small town called Puerto Caracol, which is home to almost 90% of the island's employees. It is the tourists' beach and as it is public you will find hundreds of tourists bathing and enjoying spectacular views.
Sail in the archipelago and get to know neighboring islands
There is an option to get to know the whole archipelago, and that is to get on a boat and go on an adventure. It is an excellent opportunity to discover how people live on the islands around Isla Múcura and find differences and similarities.
Many people after the tour draw their personal conclusions, some like another island of the archipelago and other travelers promise to return to Isla Múcura assuring that there is nothing like it.
Among these islands is one called Tintipán, it is the largest of the whole complex and has hotels and a commercial center just like Múcura. You can get close and see how these friendly islanders, who are usually vendors, artisans or caretakers of private properties, live.
Wakeboard
If you haven't had any alcoholic beverages it will be much easier! Balance is the most important thing here. This fun sport is the famous water skiing, it consists of getting on a board and standing still for as long as possible. A boat with a silent motor pulls you gently while you hold on to a rope called a palonier.
If you have the opportunity to practice it, do not hesitate for a second, besides being a lot of fun, it is very safe.
Stand Up Paddle Board in Múcura
And we continue to keep the balance, glide on a board but this time it's about using your whole body, working arms, abs and glutes. Concentrate on not falling in the water, you can do it!
Come to the famous Casa En El Agua Hostel
It is a hotel for travelers that is on the water, as you can imagine it has no beaches, it is only the construction and the place where it is built that makes many curious people come to know it. You will see many people having fun and jumping into the water without fear, this hotel does not allow entry to children under 18 years of age and is more crowded by young people from around the world. If you are traveling with your family, consider another alternative to have a great time and enjoy it all together!
Take a relaxing massage
After taking excursions, walks or hikes we suggest you take an extra relaxing massage.
Lie face down on a comfortable stretcher and let specialist hands run over your body to decontract you completely.
While this is happening, enjoy the silence, only the murmur of the small waves of the sea and the cheerful whistling of the birds of the island.
Gastronomy of Isla Múcura
It is always a good time to try new flavors, so we recommend that you do not miss the Caribbean gastronomy. Throughout the length and breadth of the island you will find restaurants and eating houses where you will be invited to taste irresistible delicacies for any palate.
As you can imagine, being surrounded by sea and nature, the gastronomy is strongly linked to the product of the waters. That is why you will find tables full of fish and tropical fruits.
The most common fish in this area are cojinua, barracuda, sierra and chinook. Just one well-cooked piece of these fish will delight your palate.
One of the dishes served is: lobster, if you want to know if this species belongs to this island area you will know it very easily, they measure at least 23 centimeters long from the tail to the antennae.
Here are some of the dishes that you can taste in this Caribbean corner:
- Colombian shrimp ceviche: This is a dish based on shrimp, tomato sauce, lemons and soda crackers.
- Sancocho de pescado: A delicious stew cooked with meat, chicken or fresh fish.
- Rice with coconut, rice with beans, rice with chicken, meat.
- Fresh lobsters and seafood.
- Arepa de huevo: This is a kind of fried corn dough with a fried egg inside.
- Empanadas.
- Buñuelo de frijoles: It is a salty corn fritter usually fried and inside it has black beans.
- Fried plantains: These are plantains served with coconut rice or red snapper.
- La Carimañola: Yucca cooked in oil stuffed with fish or meat and cheese.
- Butifarras colombianas: Smoked meatballs are usually accompanied with a yucca bun.
- Motesde queso: Yam and melted cheese served with grilled eggplant.
- Lobsters, shrimps, trout, crabs are part of the delicious dishes you can find in Isla Múcura.
- Rondón: An exquisite fish fillet mixed with yucca, pork tail, yam, cooked plantain and flour tortillas. All this cooked in coconut milk with pepper.
Accompany these meals with fried or baked breadfruit. It is eaten when it has not yet matured to enjoy its intense flavor.
After tasting these delicacies when the sun sets and the afternoon arrives you will see the friendly islanders exhibiting and selling sweets of the region such as coconut balls, cocadas and sweet fruit juices, you can accompany it with the cakes of ahuyama and corn.
These are some of the drinks you can enjoy in Isla Múcura:
- Piña Colada: The perfect blend of coconut cream, pineapple juice, rum, and a little ice!
- Daiquiri: the perfect mix with sliced strawberries, lime juice, ice, rum and sugar.
- Coco Loco: cream, lemon, ice, and...vodka, rum and tequila BOOM!
- Mojito: here the difference of flavor, mint, lime, ice, sugar and white rum.
- Caipirinha: You are not in Brazil, but this drink is already worldwide, cachaça, lime, white sugar, and lemon slices.
- Martini Expresso: iced espresso coffee, vanilla syrup, coffee liqueur and vodka.
- Tequila Sunrise: A mix of tequila, ice, orange juice and grenadine. On the rim of your glass you will find the typical decoration of a slice of orange and a cherry.
- Gin Tonic: Gin, tonic water and lemon juice.
Or you can share other cocktails with your partner or friend such as Vodka Tonic, Vodka Soda, Aguardiente, Tequila, Wine, or Rum Bottles.
But... What if I don't drink alcohol?
Say no more! You can opt for these options:
- Coconut Lemonade: enjoy this natural drink that combines coconut milk, lemon, sugar, water and crushed ice.
- Cherry Lemonade: Cherries, lemon, sugar, water and ice.
- Natural juices: delicious smoothies or juices made with fruits from the island.
- Fruit salads: Apple, banana, coconut, and other knife-cut fruits are blended into a fruity juice to refresh you.
While drinking these delicious beverages you can accompany them with snacks, peanuts, potatoes or chocolates.
What to buy in Isla Múcura
If you want to buy something 100% natural that has been worked by the hands of native islanders and built with materials from Múcura you will have many alternatives.
Many of these vendors are registered in plans to conserve the ecosystem, so you can trust them as they comply to the letter with all preservation regulations.
Take with you some beautiful products such as paintings, handicrafts made with leaves and trunks, without a doubt you will be doing two very positive actions, taking an unforgettable souvenir and helping the local economy.
Remember that if for some reason the prices seem too high, do not try to bargain, they know the work that has taken them to make some crafts and the time of trials to obtain the final product.
You can also find light clothing to wear both day and night, usually with beautiful colorful designs that have to do with the sea, corals and the beach.
Island Climate
As we have told you, in this paradisiacal island you don't need to bring much luggage, with your bathing suit, sunglasses and suntan lotion you will be fine, but we want to tell you more in detail about the weather.
In Múcura you will enjoy most of the year a pleasant tropical climate, temperatures hover around 30° C, you may think "oh how hot! but in reality the breeze that comes from the sea constantly makes the weather very pleasant.
Thousands of tourists visit us here throughout the year, but the high season is in December, January, June, July and Easter.
A detail to mention is that during the months of June and July there is a slightly dry season with no rainfall due to a phenomenon known as "Veranillo de San Juan" (Summer of San Juan).
Keep in mind that it only rains two months a year: in August and November. The rest of the year you will find a Caribbean climate with high humidity and if you have already scheduled a visit for those months, do not worry even in those times the sun appears at some time of the day.
Tips for visitors
Before finishing this super post about Isla Múcura, we are going to leave you some tips and recommendations for you to keep in mind during your visit.
Check list:
- Para los que quieran realizar snorkeling y tienen su equipo deportivo personal, pueden traerlo. Y si no tienes, no te preocupes, los prestadores de servicios tienen uno para ti y puedes alquilarlo.
- When you are underwater, whether diving or snorkeling, pay attention to the indications of the professional instructors, there is a delicate flora underwater and we don't want them to be stepped on and deteriorate the reefs.
- Prepare your GoPro and if you don't have it, borrow one, it's a must to capture underwater moments with a sports camera. Come and make this adventure a lifetime memory.
- Si quieres vivir experiencias en la playa, de día y de noche, te recomendamos que lleves contigo dinero de sobra ya que en la isla no hay cajeros automáticos, se aceptan pesos colombianos y tarjeta.
- Recuerda tener en el bolso, tu pasaporte, documentación, protector solar y algunos medicamentos básicos tenemos enfermería que te puede ayudar en lo que necesites de salud básica. Cuida el medio ambiente, no arrojes basura o bolsas al mar. Lleva tus propias bolsas de plástico en los bolsillos y todo lo que deseches transpórtalo contigo hasta encontrar el cesto de basura más cercano.
- The nature in Isla Múcura is in balance with a great ecosystem that includes coral reefs, mangroves, sandy shores, coastal lagoons and tropical dry forest. Again, take care of the environment.
- Under these crystal clear waters you will see sea turtles, the Colombian government focuses on the protection of these animals, so if an instructor tells you that you can not touch them for any reason, you just follow the order.
Map of Isla Múcura
Below we leave you a map where we show you all Isla Múcura marking the main attractions that you can visit.
You can save it on your computer or on your phone, the island is not very big but if you want from now on it will be your compass to orient yourself 😉
If you have any questions, write us on Whatsapp or call us, before you start your trip, we want you to have things clear, as clear and transparent as the water that surrounds our beloved Isla Múcura.