Booking choice: The Bora Bora full day, from $143 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
There is no hotel pickup on the Bora Bora day: you make your own way to the pier. That is easy from the old city, but the dock is busy in the morning, with several gates and many boats leaving for the islands at the same time.
Get the gate right, bring cash and ID, and arrive early.
The quick answer
Go to Gate 4 (Puerta No 4) of Muelle La Bodeguita on Avenida Blas de Lezo, El Centro, by 7:30 AM. Say "Bora Bora" and staff take you to the check-in desk, where you show ID and pay about COP 40,300 in cash. Boats leave between about 7:45 and 8:30 AM and come back to the same pier around 4 PM.
Where is Muelle La Bodeguita?
On Avenida Blas de Lezo in El Centro, on the bay side of the walled old city, a few minutes' walk from the Clock Tower and Getsemaní.
The full address on the Viator voucher is Puerta No 4, Muelle de La Bodeguita, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. Search "Muelle La Bodeguita" in your map app; it is the main tourist pier for boats to the islands.
Know where you are going? Check your date for the Bora Bora full day.
Check dates for the Bora Bora full dayWhich gate is the Bora Bora boat?
Gate 4. Say "Bora Bora" at the gate and staff will guide you to the club's counter.
Other island days use other gates, so check your voucher. These are the gates the listings give:
| Day out | Gate | Meet |
|---|---|---|
| Bora Bora full day | Gate 4 | 7:30 AM |
| Pao Pao day pass | Gate 4 in the meeting point, Gate 3 in the small print: check your voucher | 7:30 AM |
| Three-island tour | Gate 3 (say "Top 3 Islas") | 7:45 to 8 AM, no-show after 8:30 AM |
| Bora Bora overnight | Gate 3 | 7:30 AM |
| San Fernando fort and beach | Door 1 | 8:30 AM |
What time should you arrive?
Before 7:30 AM. Boats leave between about 7:45 and 8:30 AM, and the check-in lines grow fast.
Guests report long queues and say the earlier you arrive, the better your sunbed on the island. Allow extra time if you are coming from Bocagrande in morning traffic.
How do you get to La Bodeguita?
Walk from the old city or Getsemaní, or take a short taxi from Bocagrande; no pickup is included.
The meeting point is listed as near public transport. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so there is nothing to change at the pier. The packing list is in what to bring to Bora Bora.
What happens at check-in?
You show ID and pay the pier charge in cash, then staff walk you to your boat.
The person who booked and everyone with them must show a photo of a valid ID or passport. The dock, park and insurance charge is about COP 40,300 per person, in pesos. Why it is not in the online price is explained in Bora Bora prices and the pier charge.
Ready with ID and pesos? The day pass covers the speedboat, a bed and lunch.
Explore the Bora Bora full dayWhy do all the island boats leave from La Bodeguita?
Because it is the authorised pier for public passenger boats to the Rosario and San Bernardo islands.
The maritime authority, DIMAR, names La Bodeguita as the authorised departure point, and the national park entry fee is collected there by Corpoturismo, which runs the dock. The pier was renovated with an investment of over COP 2 billion. Expect crowds: go straight to your gate.
What if the sea is rough?
The port authority, the Capitanía de Puerto, checks departures and can hold boats when wind and waves are high.
During a strong-wind advisory in February 2023, DIMAR restricted trips to the Rosario Islands to boats with at least two engines. Life jackets are compulsory on board. December to April is the windiest season, and the afternoon trip back is usually the bumpiest. If boats do not sail, ask the operator to move your date or refund you; the Viator ticket also cancels free up to 24 hours before.
Keep your plans flexible: the day pass cancels free up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Bora Bora full dayWhere does the day end?
Back at La Bodeguita: the boat leaves the island around 3 PM and you are at the pier by about 4 PM.
The sunset catamaran leaves from the same pier in the evening, two hours on the bay with drinks and snacks, from $38.
Energy left after the island? Two hours on Cartagena Bay at sunset, drinks included.
Explore the sunset catamaranFrequently asked questions
Where is Gate 4 at Muelle La Bodeguita?
At the La Bodeguita pier on Avenida Blas de Lezo, by the walled city. Say "Bora Bora" at Puerta 4 and staff guide you to the club's desk.
Does the Bora Bora tour include hotel pickup?
No. You make your own way to the pier, on foot from the old city or Getsemaní, or by taxi.
What do I need at check-in?
A valid ID or passport (a photo of it is requested for every guest) and about COP 40,300 per person in cash.
What time does the boat come back?
It leaves the island around 3 PM and reaches La Bodeguita at about 4 PM.
Ready to book
Choose your island day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Bora Bora Beach Club Full-Day Experience
- Round-trip speedboat from Muelle La Bodeguita (Gate 4), meet 7:30 AM
- A sunbed or beach bed, depending on the size of your group
- Typical Colombian lunch: fish, chicken or vegetarian
Three Islands: Bora Bora, Pao Pao & Isla Bela
- Speedboat for the whole tour with a bilingual guide on board
- Stops of about 2 hours at Pao Pao, Isla Bela and Bora Bora
- A welcome cocktail on each island and lunch (3 options)
