In short
- Boats depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita or near the Naval Hospital.
- The ride takes 10 to 30 minutes.
- Public boats cost 20,000 to 25,000 COP one way.
In this article
Tierra Bomba Island sits just south of mainland Cartagena. You cannot drive there. Visitors must take a speedboat to cross the bay. Planning your transport depends on whether you visit a public beach or book a private beach club.
Where do you catch the boat to Tierra Bomba?
Most boats leave from Muelle de la Bodeguita or the pier near the Naval Hospital in Castillogrande.
Muelle de la Bodeguita is the main tourist pier in the city center. Many private beach club boats depart from here. The area near the Naval Hospital in Castillogrande is the primary departure point for public lanchas.
How long is the boat ride to Tierra Bomba?
The boat ride takes 10 to 30 minutes.
The exact time depends on your departure pier and your specific destination on the island. Tierra Bomba has four main localities. Punta Arena is the closest area, while Bocachica at the southern tip takes slightly longer to reach.
Should I take a public boat or a beach club boat?
Book a beach club pass for a prepaid transfer, or take a public boat to access public areas.
Public lanchas offer flexibility but require price negotiation. Beach club passes usually include round-trip transport in their $40 to $80 USD price. These private boats run on set schedules, often departing at 10:00 AM or 11:30 AM.
How much does a boat to Tierra Bomba cost?
A typical one-way ride on a public local boat costs 20,000 to 25,000 COP.
Always negotiate and confirm the total price with the captain before boarding. If you book a day pass, the boat transfer is usually included. You may still need to pay a separate port tax at the pier.
How do I return from Tierra Bomba Island?
Confirm your return time with your boat captain before they leave.
Public boat schedules vary throughout the day. If you travel on a public lancha, set a clear pickup time. Beach clubs provide fixed return times, usually departing the island in the late afternoon.
What should I know before the boat ride?
Bring small Colombian Pesos and keep your electronics safe from water splashes.
- Pack a dry bag to protect your phone during the ride.
- Bring cash to pay for public boats.
- Do not accept rides without agreeing on the price first.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Tierra Bomba from Cartagena?
The island is located directly south of Cartagena, separating the bay from the open sea. It is just a 10 to 30-minute boat ride from the mainland.
How do you get to Bocachica?
You can take a local boat to Bocachica to see the Castillo de San Fernando. Ask your captain for a boat heading to the southern tip of the island.
Do I need to pay a park fee?
No. Unlike the Rosario Islands, visiting Tierra Bomba does not require paying a national park entry fee.
