Cartagena, Colombia Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to one of the Caribbean's most enchanting gems, a city where colonial history seamlessly blends with vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. As a highly favored stop for major cruise operators like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises, this destination offers passengers a captivating glimpse into Spain's imperial past.
From the moment your ship docks, you will be swept away by the cobblestone streets, brightly colored buildings, and romantic, flower-draped balconies that define this coastal treasure.
For more information on Cartagena, visit our sister site Amazing Atlas to read the Cartagena City Guide
In This Guide
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Key Cartagena, Colombia Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Visiting Cartagena, Colombia Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Cartagena, Colombia Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in Colombia
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Monthly Pricing
Shore Excursions & Tours
Cartagena Cooking Class with Local Chef (Small Group Experience)
Not a typical class, this highly rated Cartagena culinary experience features over 400 five-star reviews and a relaxed, social atmosphere for authentic, hands-on cooking. You will actively cook every step of the way rather than just watching, guided by a passionate local team trained by top professionals.
Cartagena Rum & Chocolate Tasting with Castle Views (Small Group)
This relaxed, social rum tasting in a beautifully designed indoor space features small groups and stunning views of iconic landmarks. You will enjoy a curated selection of premium Colombian rums paired with artisanal treats in an atmosphere that is easygoing rather than technical.
Rum and Chocolate Tasting in Cartagena
This experience delights the senses by pairing eight diverse Colombian rums, each with a distinctive flavor, with local artisanal chocolate. You will discover how these two emblematic products complement and enhance each other.
Drumming and Dancing in Cartagena/La Boquilla
This joyful experience for all ages supports a group of young people using art to produce lasting change in their community. It also provides an opportunity to see the areas surrounding Cartagena.
Full Day Boat Rental in Cartagena
To address post-COVID-19 safety concerns, this private maritime transport service provides a safe and comfortable way to reach the Islas del Rosario Natural Park. It allows travelers to visit these idyllic locations without sitting next to potentially infected strangers.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez Shared Tour: the magical Cartagena
Guided by Beyond, this tour visits the real streets and locations that inspired Gabriel García Márquez’s literary universe and novels like “Love in the Time of Cholera.” You will discover how Cartagena marked the Nobel laureate’s life and see the scenarios that birthed his work.
Walking Tour in Walled City and Getsemani Cartagena
Join a friendly local guide and other travelers at Plaza de la Aduana for a free walking tour of the walled city and Getsemani neighborhood. You will walk the main streets to see the contrast between history and youthful spirit, including a visit to Las Bovedas.
Your Local Photographer in Cartagena
A native professional photographer with over 15 years of experience guides this fun, romantic, and spontaneous photo shoot in beautiful corners of Cartagena. Travelers are encouraged to express emotions through laughter, poses, looks, dancing, jumping, and kisses while sharing conversation and moments.
Cartagena Fishing & Crabbing • Unique Local Experience with Lunch
This authentic fishing and crabbing adventure is led by a skilled local fisherman in a wildlife-rich lagoon with stunning mangroves. You can engage in local culture through crabbing, net fishing, and bird-watching, with additional options available.
Private Boat Rental To The Rosario Islands Up To 17
This one-of-a-kind day trip to the Rosario Islands offers a positive, lively vibe and a warm welcome from local residents. The company has no commission agreements with restaurants and encourages you to explore as many places as possible.
Gabriel García Márquez Myths and Legends Private Walking Tour
Discover the history, myths, and legends of Cartagena’s historic center that served as the Magic Realism inspiration for Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez. This tour explores the magical stories behind the streets that influenced Gabo’s famous books and novels.
Zipline Canopy Adventure by the Ocean in Cartagena
Cartagena's first zipline tour combines nature and adventure, offering countryside and ocean views as you soar over trees to the water’s edge. This experience includes lunch and transportation and is the only tour in the city allowing you to ride at full speed.
Cartagena Efoil FliteBoard Baru con transport y daypass
Experience efoiling in Colombia, a water activity for ages 12 and up that combines surfing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and kite surfing. You can glide through Caribbean waters anytime, independent of wind or waves.
Cartagena Urban Party Boat to Cholón: 5 Stops with Lunch & Drinks
Cruise the Caribbean to five stops including the Rosary Islands, Barú, and Cholón to enjoy white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The trip includes drinks, a Caribbean lunch, and a musical selection of Hip-Hop, Rap, Reggaeton, and Electronic Beats.
Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena
This experience for sybarites and foodies explores native gastronomy with a local guide to showcase the culture of the Colombian Caribbean through its foods. It offers an authentic look at the region’s identity and native ingredients.
Private Surf Class with Certified Instructor in Cartagena
This surfing experience focuses on the feeling of balance and connection as you glide across waves, making time feel as if it aligns and slows down. It is shared through years of dedication to studying technique, flow, and therapeutic surfing.
professional photographer Cartagena de Indias
This guided city tour with a professional photographer of 10 years experience ensures the best photos for friends or partners while allowing you to forget your camera or phone. You can preview the work in a gallery to see the quality of the experience.
LPG Spa Experience – Advanced Beauty & Wellness in Cartagena
Located in the heart of Cartagena, Mónica Cruz Hair & Spa offers a ritual combining aesthetic innovation and holistic relaxation through the LPG Spa Experience. This non-invasive treatment uses Endermologie LPG technology to stimulate tissues, sculpt the body, firm skin, and reduce cellulite.
Private Surfing Adventure in Cartagena
As Cartagena’s first surf school and the training center for the Bolivar Surf League, we are endorsed by the Colombian Surf Federation and recognized as the best sports club and school in the country. Our instructors are high-performance athletes from the Colombian surf team who have participated in professional competitions.
Historical Tour of Cartagena
Crossing the city walls reveals a magical world of churches, squares, and vibrant yellow, red, and blue houses with wooden balconies and flowers. This walking tour allows you to discover hidden corners and experience the city as if it were a book.
Key Cartagena, Colombia Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
No visit is complete without exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town Cartagena, which is located just a 15-minute taxi ride from the port terminal. Here, you can wander past beautiful landmarks like the iconic Cartagena Cathedral (St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral) and the historic Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo).
History enthusiasts should also visit the formidable San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas), a massive 17th-century fortress situated about 10 minutes from the historic center. For local shopping and culture, the historic cells of Las Bovedas offer an array of vibrant local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Last updated on June 27, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
For a unique island escape, many passengers opt for a boat excursion to the breathtaking Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario), located about 45 minutes off the coast by speedboat. Here, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters invite visitors to engage in premier snorkeling and swimming at exclusive beach clubs like the beautiful Isla del Encanto.
Alternatively, adventurous travelers can head 45 minutes northeast of the city to experience the restorative mud baths of the famous Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo).
Last updated on June 27, 2026
Port Location
The cruise ships dock securely at the terminal located in the industrial Manga neighborhood, approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the historic city center. Cruising vessels dock directly alongside the pier, meaning tendering is almost never required.
The terminal itself is famous for its lush, oasis-like environment featuring a mini-zoo with free-roaming parrots, peacocks, and monkeys, alongside duty-free shops, cafes, and accessible taxi stands.
Last updated on June 27, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). While US Dollars are widely accepted by street vendors, taxi drivers, and tourist shops, it is highly recommended to carry some local currency for small purchases. Credit cards are commonly accepted in major restaurants, boutiques, and established shopping malls like Plaza Bocagrande.
ATMs are readily available throughout the historic center and at the cruise terminal, offering the safest and most convenient way to withdraw local cash.
Last updated on June 27, 2026
Safety Considerations
The main tourist areas, particularly the walled city and Getsemani, are heavily policed and generally very safe for cruise passengers to explore independently during the day. However, pickpocketing and minor scams can occur, so visitors should keep a close eye on their belongings and avoid flashing expensive jewelry or electronics.
It is best to avoid poorly lit areas at night and stick to authorized transportation. Booking a guided walking tour or a cruise-sponsored shore excursion is a highly recommended way to navigate the bustling streets with complete peace of mind.
Last updated on June 27, 2026
Weather & Climate
This destination enjoys a hot, tropical climate year-round, with average daily temperatures consistently hovering between 80°F and 90°F (27°C to 32°C). High humidity is common, so visitors should dress in lightweight, breathable clothing, wear comfortable walking shoes, and pack plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.
While the region is generally outside the primary Caribbean hurricane belt, the wettest months typically span from September to November, making a compact umbrella or light rain poncho a smart addition to your day pack.
Last updated on June 27, 2026
Getting Around
Taxis are the most convenient way to travel from the cruise terminal to the historic center, with flat-rate fares typically costing around $10 to $15 USD one way. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are also active and widely used by travelers looking for pre-determined pricing.
For a structured sightseeing experience, many cruise visitors enjoy booking a ride on the local City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus or arranging private tours through local operators directly at the port terminal exit.
Last updated on June 27, 2026
Shopping
Shopping in this vibrant city is a highlight, especially for those looking to purchase world-renowned Colombian emeralds, high-quality leather goods, and fine Colombian coffee. The historic vaults of Las Bovedas are perfect for browsing local artisan crafts, colorful hammocks, and traditional hand-woven bags.
While prices in boutique stores and upscale malls like Plaza Bocagrande are fixed, polite bargaining is highly expected and welcomed when purchasing from street vendors and open-air market stalls.
Last updated on June 27, 2026
Visiting Cartagena, Colombia Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Cartagena, Colombia Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
No ships scheduled in port today.
Other Cruise Ports in Colombia
Frequently Asked Questions about Cartagena, Colombia
Last updated on June 13, 2025
❓ 1. What is the best way to get from the cruise terminal to the main attractions?
Official taxis are readily available at the cruise terminal and are the most common way to reach the Walled City (Old Town), typically a 10-15 minute ride; agree on the fare beforehand. Some cruise lines may offer shuttles.
❓ 2. What are the must-see attractions and landmarks within walking distance or a short ride from the port?
The historic Walled City (Old Town) with its colonial architecture, plazas, and churches, and the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress are must-sees. Both are a short taxi ride from the port.
❓ 3. What local foods or restaurants should I try near the port?
Try local delights like arepas con huevo (egg-filled corn cakes), fresh seafood, ceviche, and tropical fruit juices from street vendors or restaurants in the Walled City or Getsemaní.
❓ What is the local currency and what is the exchange rate?
The local currency is Colombian Peso (1 USD = 4186.17 COP). ATMs are widely available in shopping malls, banks, and within the Walled City; use those in secure locations. Exchange houses (casas de cambio) are also found in tourist areas, offering better rates than typically found at the port.
❓ 5. What is the typical weather when cruises visit, and what should I pack?
Cartagena is typically hot and humid year-round, with average temperatures from 25-31°C (77-88°F). Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
❓ 6. Are there good beaches nearby, and how do I get to them?
Bocagrande beach is nearby and accessible by a short taxi ride, offering an urban beach experience. For pristine beaches and clearer water, consider an excursion to the Rosario Islands, which requires a boat trip.
❓ 7. What are the best shore excursion options - through the cruise line or independent?
Both cruise line and independent tours cover major attractions like the Walled City, Castillo San Felipe, and the Rosario Islands. Independent local operators can offer competitive pricing and more personalized experiences; book with reputable companies.
❓ 8. What shopping opportunities are available, and what are good local souvenirs?
Popular souvenirs include Colombian emeralds, leather goods, coffee, 'mochila' bags (colorful woven bags), and handicrafts. Find these in Las Bóvedas within the Walled City or at various shops and street vendors.
❓ 9. What other interesting places or towns are within a reasonable distance to visit?
The Rosario Islands, known for their coral reefs and beaches, are a popular boat trip. The Totumo Mud Volcano offers a unique, albeit rustic, spa-like experience, typically visited as a half-day tour.
❓ 10. What's a surprising or interesting fact about Cartagena, Colombia?
Cartagena's Walled City and its fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage site, impressively preserved from colonial times when it was a key Spanish port.
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Cartagena, Colombia
On average Cartagena, Colombia is somewhat expensive as a port of call. The illustration below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Cartagena, Colombia. Sailings visiting Cartagena, Colombia during the the peak season of summer are much more expensive than the the low season of fall.