DO YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET THERE?
Surely if you are here it is because you are planning your next vacation and you are just a step away from deciding. I want to tell you something, look no further. If you want to be in paradise, close all tabs and stay here. Today we are going to tell you how to get to Isla Múcura.

But first we are going to locate geographically, Isla Múcura is located in northern Colombia, in the department of Bolivar, there is the Archipelago of San Bernardo, well north of the Gulf of Morrosquillo, since 1996 Isla Múcura is part of the natural national park Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo, one of the most visited nature reserves and considered by many people as paradise on earth.
This insular complex is composed of 10 islands paradisiacal islands of white sands: Santa Cruz del islote, Mangle, Boquerón, Ceycen, Cabruna, Maravilla, Panda, Palma, Tintipán and Isla Múcura.
Are you ready?
Very well, we share with you two alternatives that you will love. Let’s go with the first one:
From Cartagena to Isla Múcura
It is possible to access the island from different parts but the easiest and most traditional way is from the city of Cartagena. After securing your space, go to La Bodeguita pier from where our MÚCURA EXPRESS boat departs.
You can book the boat transportation, with us at Whatsapp +57 300 710 60 33
Going to Isla Múcura Hotel
$35 USD*
Departing: 9:00 a.m. From the «Muelle de la Bodeguita» gate «Puerta #4, VIP entrance to the Islands» in front of the Walled City in Cartagena.
you must arrive at the dock at 8 a.m. to pay the entrance fee to the national park (only 1 time, $6 USD*, which you can pay at entrance #1).
Return from Hotel Isla Múcura to Cartagena
$36 USD* Colombian pesos
Departing: 11:00 am
From the reception of the Isla Múcura Hotel.
Luggage Information
8 Kilos per Person
Bring only what you can carry on your legs.
If you do not reserve, 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
If you are a traveler who likes to explore and know the B side of all the places you visit, this option is for you. Because in this alternative, half of the way is by land, knowing and traveling through Colombian routes.
Take the early bus from Cartagena to Tolú. This quiet little town is located about 100 miles to the south and will take you approximately 3 hours to get there.
When you arrive at the terminal, let your spirit of travel emerge and hop on a bicycle cab that will take you through the streets of this charming little town to drop you off at the port where your boat will depart.
Going to Isla Múcura Hotel
$18 USD*
Departing: 12:00 noon. From our MÚCURA EXPRESS office at Calle 10 # 1-28, Barrio Calle Nueva, Tolú, Sucre. (Point of reference: «Public Transportation Dock to the Islands»). In this place you will find a collaborator of the Hotel Isla Múcura, who will assist you.
Return from Hotel Isla Múcura to Tolú.
$19 USD*
Departing: 10:00 am
From the reception of the Isla Múcura Hotel.
Luggage Information
8 Kilos per Person
Bring only what you can carry on your legs.
If you do not reserve, 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.
Remember that the Check In time is 01:00 p.m. and the Check Out time is 10:00 a.m.
Ticket costs
As we already told you, to arrive to Múcura Island you will find different types of prices and services. Paradise is visited every day by adventurous backpackers, tourists and even businessmen.
One of the options is to leave from the Bodeguita Pier in Cartagena and get on board a safe and modern boat, its price is $35 USD* per leg. This means that you have to calculate around $66 USD* to ensure the round trip.
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. If for any reason you need to transport more, you can contact them directly.
Normally the trip departs at 9 am but you should arrive 30 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 at 11.30 am to check out and say goodbye to the island.
But… What if I don’t have that money?
Don’t worry! If you are on a tight budget, we recommend the second option. This alternative is more economical, although it takes longer to get to the destination, but you will have a great time. Don’t forget that you come to enjoy yourself. Follow the steps below:
- From Cartagena take a bus to Tolú, this has a cost of $9 USD* Approx per leg and after about 3 hours of route you will arrive at the terminal.
- From there you can take any transport that takes you to the pier, and once at the pier you can get boats that go to the island that cost around $12 USD* Approx.
- The trip by sea from here to the island is shorter, in one hour you will be in Múcura Island.
With this information you already have the estimated prices, now you can build your budget.



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 reality: You have arrived to paradise .
In a 100% natural environment you can enjoy all our facilities, whether you are with your family, couple or 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 is why you will receive 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
Kiosks
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.
Under the kiosk you will find tables, chairs and hammocks to chat, spread out or just look at the pictures you have taken during the day.

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 within our complex in the exclusive beachfront area, if you are traveling as a couple this option is for you.

Cabins
Do you like hostel life?
Take a look at this option, these bedrooms are designed for you to rest but also the idea is to share your experiences in a common environment, hundreds of travelers sit in the evenings and tell stories, legends and just look at their eyes to see the intensity in which they live.
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.

Bedrooms
If you come with your family or with your friends and want to stay in a private and quiet place, consider our cabins area. 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.

Plans, activities and tours to do in Isla Múcura
Kayak
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 reality: You have arrived to paradise .
In a 100% natural environment you can enjoy all our facilities, whether you are with your family, couple or 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 is why you will receive 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.

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 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 park of corals.
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 as 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
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 amidst the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea. Yes, all that mounted on 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 the silence, you can do so with total peace of mind. The coral reefs form a natural barrier against the waves and this turns its crystalline waters into a natural swimming 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 sky of the Caribbean 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. Children can build white sand castles, ride bicycles or play tennis.
Star bath tour
Experience 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 falls 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 is illuminated by unimaginable shapes and colors that seem to be from another galaxy. This is due to the accumulation of the so-called luminous plankton, that is, a group of aquatic plants that, in the absence of the sun’s rays, begin to produce blue flashes of 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 limited 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 built a pool of money to help each other. One of the most amazing activities you will see on this island is a kind of aquarium where you can swim among sharks. 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 hike and when you least expect it, you will find yourself in El Manglar, centennial trees, with immense roots that entangle themselves giving origin to a very particular biome. All this, together with hundreds of bird species that inhabit it, forms part of the natural heritage.
Sail in the archipelago and get to know neighboring islands
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, which 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 still keep the balance, plan on a plank 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 doesn’t allow people under 18 years of age and is most popular with young people from all over 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 completely decontract you.
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 eateries 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’s why you’ll 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 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.
- Motes de queso: Yam and melted cheese accompanied 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 cooked in coconut milk with pepper.
Accompany these meals with the fruit of fried or baked bread. 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, lemon juice, ice, rum and sugar.
- Coco Loco: cream, lemon, ice, and…vodka, rum and tequila BOOM!
- Mojito: here the difference in 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 drinks, 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 ecosystem conservation plans, so you can trust them to 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 uch 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 climate very pleasant.
Thousands of tourists visit us 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 dry season with no rainfall due to a phenomenon known as «Veranillo de 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.
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 wish, from now on it will be your compass to orient yourself.
What did you think of the article? 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.
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:
- If you are a traveler who wants to get your money’s worth in underwater experiences and sports, then reduce your daily budget by carrying extra food and some water in your bag.
- Bring some warm clothes, although during the day it is hot and generally humid, at night you will need a garment to cover yourself from the cold.
For those who want to snorkel and have their own personal sports equipment, you can bring it with you. And if you don’t have one, don’t worry, the service providers have one for you and you can rent it. - 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 one, borrow one, it’s a must to capture underwater moments with a sports camera. Come and make this adventure a lifetime memory.
- If you want to live experiences on the beach, day and night, we recommend that you bring plenty of money with you, as there are no ATMs on the island, Colombian pesos and US dollars are accepted.
- Remember to have your passport, documentation, sunscreen and some basic medicines in your bag in case something happens.
Take care of the environment, do not throw garbage or bags into the sea. Carry your own plastic bags in your pockets and carry everything you throw away with you until you find the nearest trash can. - The nature in Isla Múcura is in balance with a great ecosystem that includes coral reefs, mangroves, sandy coasts, 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’t touch them for any reason, you just follow the order.
- When you are about to leave the island, some companies make the return trip to Cartagena or Tolu in the afternoon. If you have vertigo, we do not recommend this option, since the tide rises the most in the afternoon and the trip will be safe, but somewhat abrupt. If you want to return to the mainland safely, take the return service in the morning.