The bustling port of Cartagena delivers excellent value through its well-organized shore excursions. The standout options combine efficiency with authentic experiences – exactly what cruise travelers need.
My favorite picks include the Cartagena and Murcia full-day tour (perfect for history buffs who want to see both cities’ highlights), and the private 4-hour city exploration (ideal for those who prefer a more intimate experience).
For food lovers, the private culinary walks offer real-deal Spanish cooking and market visits without tourist traps.
The city also nails the basics with reliable hop-on-hop-off buses and walking tours.
More unique offerings, like traditional drumming classes and colonial photo tours, provide memorable cultural moments.
Let’s examine the top shore excursions worth your time and money in Cartagena.
Key Points
- For a comprehensive Cartagena tour, consider the Full Day Cartagena Tour which covers major landmarks like Torre del Reloj, Plaza de la Aduana, and Castillo de San Felipe.
- Opt for the Customizable Private Shore Excursion to tailor the experience, which includes visiting the Monastery of La Candelaria and Saint Pedro Claver Church.
- Explore Cartagena’s culinary and architectural highlights through the Murcia and Cartagena Private Tour, which includes tastings of local delicacies.
- Experience the city’s history and culture through the Cartagena Highlights Walking Tour, which offers personalized guidance and special food experiences.
- The 4-Hour City Tour provides a cost-effective way to discover Cartagena’s key landmarks like San Felipe Fort, Las Bovedas, and Church of St. Peter Claver.
Cartagena and Murcia – Full Day Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests
The full-day shore excursion for cruise guests in Cartagena, Spain, offers an intimate experience, limited to just 18 participants.
The tour highlights key attractions like Cervantes House and the Roman Theater, with pickup directly from the Cartagena port in an air-conditioned vehicle. Priced at $80.56 with a lowest price guarantee, the tour emphasizes local history and culture with a professional guide.
Participants can choose to return to the ship or stay in town after the tour, which features a mix of guided walking tours and free time for exploration.
While not recommended for those with mobility issues, the excursion provides an informative and scenic look at both Cartagena and Murcia.
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Private 4-Hour Shore Excursion of Cartagena With Driver and Official Guide
Cartagena’s cruise port offers a more immersive experience with the Private 4-Hour Shore Excursion. This private tour includes a visit to key attractions like the Roman Theater, Naval Museum, and Archeological Park.
Travelers will enjoy a personalized experience with a private vehicle and official guide. The tour includes entrance fees to the Roman Theater and museum, along with local taxes.
However, other entrance fees, food, drinks, and gratuities are excluded. While most travelers can participate, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
With an overall 4.5/5 rating, this shore excursion provides a knowledgeable guide and an enjoyable exploration of Cartagena’s history and culture.
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Murcia and Cartagena Shore Excursion Private Tour
Frequently, travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of the historic Spanish cities of Murcia and Cartagena opt for the Private Shore Excursion.
This private tour provides an in-depth look at the region’s culinary and architectural highlights. Guests can savor local meat pies and Asiático coffee while admiring the Punic Wall and Royal Casino.
The knowledgeable guide enhances the experience with historical insights and flexibility to make the most of limited cruise time.
With 5-star reviews praising the tour’s organization, comfortable transportation, and engaging guides, it’s an excellent choice for those wanting to enjoy the rich culture of this Spanish coastal area.
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Cartagena Highlights Shore Excursion Private Walking Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Cartagena’s rich history and culture will find the Cartagena Highlights Shore Excursion Private Walking Tour an engaging and enlightening experience.
This private tour offers a personalized journey through the city’s highlights, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Priced from $102.05, the tour includes port pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities.
With a maximum of just your group, the experience is tailored to your interests. Previous travelers have praised the tour, citing the guide’s expertise and the inclusion of special food experiences.
Offered by Top Private Tours, this shore excursion is a convenient and highly recommended way to discover the best of Cartagena.
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City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Shore Excursion
The City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Shore Excursion offers visitors a convenient and flexible way to explore the city’s top attractions.
This 90-minute loop tour includes 14 stops at 10 key points of interest, with a frequency of one bus every 45 minutes. Passengers can hop on and off as they please, taking advantage of the included audio guide in six languages and a guided walking tour.
While the tour generally receives positive feedback, some customers have reported issues with poor customer service, confusion over schedules, and delays due to traffic.
To optimize the experience, it’s recommended to take a taxi to the Old Town and verify tour details beforehand.
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Cartagena Private Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers
For those seeking a more personalized and intimate shore excursion in Cartagena, the Cartagena Private Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers offers an excellent alternative to the hop-on hop-off bus tour.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this private tour provides a customizable experience at a reasonable price of $163 per person. Guests will enjoy transportation by private air-conditioned SUV, guided commentary in English and Spanish, and access to key historical sites like the Monastery of La Candelaria and Saint Pedro Claver Church.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it suitable for a range of travelers. While some participants noted confusion with the pickup process, overall reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and personalized nature of this shore excursion.
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Cartagena City Shore Excursion
Cartagena City Shore Excursion offers an immersive exploration of the historical city, providing a rundown for cruise passengers.
Priced from $100 per person, this 3.5-hour private tour showcases the city’s highlights, including the iconic La Popa Monastery, the impressive San Felipe Fort, and the charming Old Walled City with its shopping opportunities.
Travelers will enjoy the insights of knowledgeable local guides, who bring the city’s rich history to life. The tour also includes a drive through the modern Bocagrande area, and complimentary bottled water.
With a 5.0 rating from 9 reviews, this shore excursion is a highly recommended option for those seeking a personalized experience beyond the standard cruise line offerings.
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Cartagena Shore Excursion Full Day Tour
Priced from $239.00 per person, the Cartagena Shore Excursion Full Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and cultural attractions.
Over 6 hours, you’ll walk through the old city, visiting landmarks like Torre del Reloj, Plaza de la Aduana, Plaza De Bolivar, and the impressive Castillo de San Felipe.
Explore Getsemani’s charming streets, browse for handcrafted products in Las Bóvedas, and discover the Gold Museum and Palace of Inquisition.
With an expert guide, you’ll enjoy live commentary in Spanish and English.
The tour includes private transportation, entry tickets, and a small group size limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
Flexible cancellation and customization options make this an ideal shore excursion in Cartagena.
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Cartagena City Tour: 4-Hour Cruise Excursion
This 4-hour Cartagena City Tour offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the city’s highlights. Priced at $36.97 per person, the tour covers key landmarks like the San Felipe Fort, Las Bovedas, and the Church of St. Peter Claver.
You’ll stroll through the old city, visit an emerald museum, and enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Cartagena. The tour’s air-conditioned transportation and English-speaking guide ensure a comfortable and informative experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this shore excursion is a convenient and cost-effective way to discover Cartagena’s rich history and culture.
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Emerald Shore Excursion
Discover the captivating world of Colombian emeralds on this private Emerald Shore Excursion in Cartagena. Priced from $90 per person, this tour offers a personalized experience with pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, and time for personal purchases.
Suitable for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, the tour is also accessible via public transportation. Reviewers praise the educational aspect and the quality of the jewelry on offer.
With a 5-star rating from a single traveler, this excursion promises an insightful exploration of Cartagena’s emerald heritage. Reserve now and pay later to secure your spot on this unique shore activity.
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Private Shore Excursion Cartagena and La Manga Tour
Set out on a captivating journey through the historic city of Cartagena and the serene coastal retreat of La Manga on this private shore excursion.
Explore the Punic Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take in panoramic views from the Conception Castle esplanade.
This 5-hour tour, limited to a group of up to 6 people, provides a personalized experience with a private driver and licensed guide.
Cruise passengers can arrange for convenient port pickup and drop-off, while the tour’s accessibility features make it suitable for most travelers.
With free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, this private shore excursion offers a flexible and enriching way to discover the highlights of Cartagena.
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GOD 6- to the BEAT of the CARIBBEAN Rythm. LESSONS Shore Excursion
Dive into the rhythmic heart of Cartagena on this captivating shore excursion, where you’ll get to the beat of the Caribbean.
Discover the art of drumming through interactive lessons, then marvel at the energetic Cumbia and Champeta music and dance shows.
Enjoy the vibrant culture with free souvenirs and samples, followed by a short walk through the Old City and a photo stop at the impressive San Felipe fortress.
With round-trip transportation, welcome drinks, and even gratuities included, this excursion offers a comprehensive and hassle-free way to experience the rhythms of this Colombian gem.
Maximum 15 travelers ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
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GOD 4- COLONIAL PHOTO STOP in CARTAGENA Shore Excursion
After seeing the rhythmic beats of the Caribbean, the tour continues with a captivating stop at a colonial landmark in Cartagena.
Travelers can explore the historic San Felipe fortress, known for its impressive architecture and strategic location.
With up to 15 people per group, the walking tour provides personalized attention and ample opportunities for photographs.
Complimentary refreshments, including a choice of water or cold beer, keep everyone energized.
The excursion also includes free time for shopping and photography at a typical colonial site, allowing participants to soak in the city’s timeless charm.
With wheelchair accessibility and flexible booking options, this shore excursion caters to a diverse range of travelers.
Read our full review: GOD 4- COLONIAL PHOTO STOP in CARTAGENA Shore Excursion Review
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Cartagena Shore Excursion
Cartagena Shore Excursion is a private tour offered by Cartagena Caribbean Tours, starting from $99 per person.
The tour includes pickup from the port, round-trip transportation, water, and a professional guide. Highlights include visiting the San Felipe Castle and Popa Hill, with entrance fees included.
The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Travelers can also opt for the Reserve Now and Pay Later option for added flexibility.
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Shore Excursion Private Luxury City Tour of Cartagena
For those seeking a more elevated Cartagena experience, the Shore Excursion Private Luxury City Tour offers an immersive journey through the historic heart of this vibrant coastal city.
Priced from $250 per person, this private tour includes entry to the Convent of la Popa and Saint Pedro Claver Church, as well as bottled water, coffee, and a knowledgeable guide.
The tour departs from the Cartagena port, with staff waiting to greet guests near the gangway.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, though those with back problems may want to reconsider.
With a 5.0 rating and free cancellation, this private tour provides a personalized and memorable Cartagena experience.
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The Sum Up
Cartagena offers a diverse array of shore excursions that cater to various interests. From guided walking tours showcasing the city’s colonial architecture to hop-on hop-off bus experiences and culture activities, there’s something for every cruise guest. Whether you’re looking to explore the historic sights, learn about the local rhythm, or capture stunning photographs, Cartagena’s shore excursions provide a comprehensive way to make the most of your time in this vibrant Colombian city.