In short
- Catch a local boat (20,000-25,000 COP one way) to Bocachica.
- Hire a local guide at the Castillo de San Fernando entrance.
- Bring small Colombian Pesos and wear sturdy walking shoes.
In this article
Visiting the forts on Tierra Bomba Island requires a little independent planning. The rustic village of Bocachica lacks major tourist infrastructure, but it rewards visitors with impressive colonial history and authentic island life.
How do you get to Castillo de San Fernando?
You need to take a shared speedboat (lancha) from Cartagena directly to Bocachica village.
Boats depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita or near the Naval Hospital in Castillogrande. The ride takes 10 to 30 minutes. Expect to pay around 20,000 to 25,000 COP for a one-way trip. Confirm your return time with your captain before you leave, as public schedules vary.
What is Castillo de San Fernando de Bocachica?
It is an 18th-century Spanish fortress built to defend the bay of Cartagena from pirates and enemy armadas.
This is the main fortification on the island. Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the grounds. You should hire a local guide at the entrance. This helps you learn the complex history and directly supports the local economy.
What other forts are near Bocachica?
You can also visit Batería de San José and Batería del Ángel San Rafael.
Batería del Ángel San Rafael sits on a hill and requires a short uphill walk. Wear sturdy shoes and bring bottled water. Batería de San José is a smaller coastal battery on an islet across the channel. You can view it from the water or hire a small local boat from Bocachica to reach it.
What is Bocachica village like?
Bocachica is a traditional fishing village with very basic infrastructure and unpaved roads.
Visiting the village gives you a look into authentic island life, far from the resort areas. Bring Colombian Pesos in small denominations for local vendors. Card machines frequently lose signal here, and smaller vendors only take cash.
What should I know before visiting the forts?
Always negotiate prices upfront and protect yourself from the tropical heat.
- Confirm the total price of boat rides and local services before accepting them.
- Drink only bottled water; do not drink tap water on the island.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen and wear breathable clothing.
- Bring insect repellent if you explore the island's interior.
Questions travellers ask
How much does it cost to enter Castillo de San Fernando?
Entry to the island and the public village areas is free. However, you should negotiate a fee to hire a local guide at the fort entrance to learn about the history.
Are there ATMs in Bocachica?
No, the village has very basic infrastructure. You must bring small bills in Colombian Pesos to pay for boats, guides, and food, as electricity is unreliable and card machines often fail.
Can I combine Bocachica with a beach club visit?
Bocachica is located at the southern tip of the island, while most beach clubs are in Punta Arena to the north. You will need to hire a local boat to travel between these different localities.
