This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Isla Baru.
Guess what? Isla Baru is also named and spelled Isla de BarĂș, Isla Baru, Baru Island, BarĂș, Island Baru - It is the same destination. Goodbye confusion.
Isla BarĂș (Isla de BarĂș), Colombia, is a must-visit when traveling around the Caribbean coast in Colombia. This beautiful island have beaches with turquoise, crystal-clear waters that end up in white sand. Maybe that's what paradise looks like. And the best part is that it is only forty-five minutes away by boat from Cartagena, which is the easiest and fastest way, and is also reachable by land going through the town of Pasacaballos. Some hostels in Isla BarĂș (Isla de BarĂș), Colombia, do offer the option of direct transportation door to door, which is a great option.
Playa Blanca is the main beach in the island for tourists; as it is one of the few that is public, it tends to be a little bit crowded, especially during holidays. One recommendation is to walk toward the end of the beach, where normally fewer people arrive.
Many people go there only for a day tour, which normally has a schedule and leaves very early from the main port in Cartagena and returns at the end of the day. But it has to be said that one day is not enough -- it is worth staying on the island for at least a couple of nights, because this is the only way to really enjoy it. Hostels in Isla BarĂș (Isla de BarĂș), Colombia, can be found just along the beach, and the good thing is that many of them have their private beach, with nice spaces and hammocks hanging in between palm trees.
It is an amazing place for those who love aquatic sports, since there are many options around to do kayaking, stand up paddle-boarding, or going around in a water scooter. Don't forget that it is possible to try some snorkeling (if you don't have the equipment, it is possible to rent it in some Isla BarĂș (Isla de BarĂș), Colombia hostels or activities companies). Don't forget to ask for fried fish for lunch -- it's the best meal to have in the Caribbean.
Written by local enthusiast for Isla Baru hostels
Silvia Dubuc