‌

How to get to Cartagena for Cruises, Day Trips and Island Hopping?

Getting to Cartagena City Tours meeting points

Cartagena City Tours start from different points across the city. Island and catamaran tours usually depart from La Bodeguita Dock, the party boat starts at Muelle de los Pegasos, the walking tour begins in the historic center, and the San Basilio de Palenque tour includes hotel or hostel pickup. Most meeting points are easy to reach by taxi from Bocagrande, Getsemaní, San Diego, or the Walled City.

Where do Cartagena City Tours start?

TourMeeting point Best way to get there Notes

5 Rosario Islands Day Experience

La Bodeguita Dock

Taxi or short walk from Walled City

Arrive early for boat check-in

San Basilio de Palenque Day Tour

Hotel/hostel pickup

Pickup included

Confirm pickup time on voucher

Cartagena’s Great Center Tour: Walled Old City & Getsemaní

Botero’s “Gertrudiz” sculpture, Santo Domingo Square

Walk or taxi

Look for the guide at the square

Catamaran Sunset Open Bar Tour

La Bodeguita Dock, Gate #4

Taxi or short walk from Walled City

Fixed 5pm departure

Sunset & Night Boat Party

Muelle de los Pegasos

Taxi or walk from Getsemaní/Walled City

Ends at a nightclub in Getsemaní

Cartagena tour meeting points: time & distance

  • From Walled City: 5–15 min by walk or taxi
  • From Getsemaní: 5–10 min by walk or taxi
  • From Bocagrande: 10–20 min by taxi
  • From Cartagena Airport: 15–25 min by taxi
  • By tour pickup: Available for San Basilio de Palenque

Guided tours recommended

Booking a guided Cartagena tour is the easiest option because meeting points, boat boarding, transfers, and route planning are handled for you.

  • Island tours include an organized boat departure from La Bodeguita Dock.
  • Palenque tours include hotel or hostel pickup.
  • Walking tours have a fixed central meeting point.
  • Sunset cruises avoid the hassle of finding private boat operators.
  • Final vouchers confirm the exact meeting instructions before travel.

How to get to Cartagena?

By taxi

Taxis are the easiest way to reach most Cartagena City Tour meeting points. They are useful if you are staying in Bocagrande, Marbella, Manga, or near the airport. Ask to be dropped at La Bodeguita Dock, Muelle de los Pegasos, Santo Domingo Square, or your listed pickup point.

  • Duration: 10–25 min from most tourist areas
  • Best for: Families, boat tours, early departures
  • Cons: Traffic near the historic center can slow you down

On foot

Walking works well if you are staying inside the Walled City, Getsemaní, or San Diego. La Bodeguita Dock, Santo Domingo Square, and Muelle de los Pegasos are all close to the historic center. Avoid walking long distances late at night after party cruises.

  • Duration: 5–20 min from central areas
  • Best for: Walled City and Getsemaní stays
  • Cons: Heat, crowds, and uneven streets

By public bus

Public buses are not the best option for reaching the Cartagena City Tour meeting points. Routes can be confusing for visitors, and they rarely drop you directly at piers or historic-center squares. Use taxis or walk from central stations instead.

  • Duration: Varies by route
  • Best for: Budget travelers familiar with Cartagena
  • Cons: Not ideal for fixed tour departures

Getting around Cartagena before your tour

  • Walking: Best inside the Walled City, Getsemaní, and San Diego. Streets are scenic but can be hot during the day.
  • Taxi: Best for piers, early departures, and airport transfers. Keep extra buffer during evening traffic.
  • Hotel pickup: Best for San Basilio de Palenque, since the tour includes return transport from your stay.
  • Piers: La Bodeguita Dock and Muelle de los Pegasos are busy, so arrive early and check the exact gate or meeting point.

Handy tips to get around Cartagena

  • Best time: Reach boat meeting points at least 15 minutes before departure.
  • Booking hack: Check your final voucher for the exact gate, pickup time, or guide landmark.
  • For piers: La Bodeguita Dock can be busy, especially before island departures.
  • For walking tours: Wear comfortable shoes; historic streets can be uneven.
  • For night tours: Use a taxi back if your tour ends late in Getsemaní.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Cartagena

Several Cartagena boat tours depart from La Bodeguita Dock or Muelle de los Pegasos. Always check your voucher for the exact dock, gate, and reporting time.