Cartagena's UNESCO-listed walled city packs centuries of Spanish colonial history into pastel-painted streets, while Castillo San Felipe stands sentinel over a harbour that once sheltered a fortune in New World gold.
Ships dock at the Cartagena de Indias Cruise Terminal in the Manga district. Free shuttles run to the terminal building; taxis and minibuses take you the rest of the way.
💡 Pro move: Uber and InDrive apps work in Cartagena and are often cheaper and air-conditioned.
The Manga terminal accommodates up to five ships simultaneously and is the standard berth for all major cruise lines.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Cartagena de Indias Cruise Terminal, Manga📍 | Docked |
| Some expedition ships | Club de Pesca marina or anchorage📍 | Tendered |
From the fortress-crowned hills to coral-fringed Caribbean islands, Cartagena's shore excursion menu rivals any port in the Americas.
One of the largest Spanish fortifications in the New World, this 17th-century hilltop fortress features an impressive network of tunnels and panoramic views over Cartagena. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and must-do on any first visit.
Find Castillo San Felipe tours →Wander the cobbled lanes of Ciudad Amurallada past Plaza Santo Domingo, the Torre del Reloj, and the colourful Getsemaní neighbourhood. Colonial architecture, street art, and excellent coffee at every turn.
Find Old City walking tours →A 45-minute speedboat or catamaran ride delivers you to the Islas del Rosario, an archipelago of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean water. Snorkelling gear usually included.
Find Rosario Islands tours →Soak in a natural mud volcano about 50 km northeast of Cartagena. The crater is surprisingly deep and locals help you in; a river-side wash-off and lunch are typically included.
Find El Totumo mud volcano tours →Sample arepas de huevo, fresh tropical fruit, Colombian coffee, and Caribbean ceviche through the markets and side streets of the Old City and Getsemaní with a local guide.
Find Cartagena food tours →Isla Barú's Playa Blanca is one of Colombia's most photogenic beaches — white sand, turquoise water, hammocks, and fresh seafood shacks. Go early to beat weekend crowds.
Find Playa Blanca beach tours →The Walled City is entirely walkable once you arrive; the main loop is flat and rewarding even in the heat.
Enter through the Torre del Reloj gate and walk clockwise along the inner streets to Plaza Santo Domingo, Plaza Bolívar, and the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, then loop back along the restored city walls.
Cross through the Puerta del Reloj into the Getsemaní neighbourhood and follow the mural-lined streets around Plaza de la Trinidad, one of Cartagena's most vibrant local squares.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 88°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 4 | 6:24 AM | 5:58 PM |
| Feb | 89°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | 1 | 6:22 AM | 6:10 PM |
| Mar | 90°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | 5 | 6:09 AM | 6:12 PM |
| Apr | 89°F / 32°C | 77°F / 25°C | 14 | 5:51 AM | 6:12 PM |
| May | 87°F / 31°C | 78°F / 26°C | 23 | 5:40 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Jun | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 24 | 5:40 AM | 6:24 PM |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 78°F / 26°C | 21 | 5:48 AM | 6:27 PM |
| Aug | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 23 | 5:52 AM | 6:19 PM |
| Sep | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 24 | 5:51 AM | 6:02 PM |
| Oct | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 27 | 5:50 AM | 5:44 PM |
| Nov | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 22 | 5:57 AM | 5:35 PM |
| Dec | 87°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 9 | 6:11 AM | 5:42 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Buses run every 35–45 min. Some tickets include San Felipe Castle entrance. May need taxi to reach the starting point from the cruise terminal.
Official taxis wait at the cruise terminal stand with posted rates (~32,700 COP) to the Old Town. Agree on price before boarding; the ride takes about 10–15 minutes.
Uber and DiDi operate in Cartagena and offer cheaper fares than taxis. Walk past the port gate to the main sidewalk to request a pickup.
A free internal shuttle runs from the ship pier to the main cruise terminal building. From there, the Old Town is too far to walk comfortably in the heat, so continue by taxi or rideshare.
Traditional horse-drawn carriages are available in the Old City for scenic rides around the walled center. Negotiate the rate and route before boarding.
Upcoming cruises that call at Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.