4 Islands

The "4 Islands" tour off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia promises an exciting day of adventure for travelers. Departing at 7:30 am, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, lunch, and snorkeling equipment for around $60 per person. While some guests rave about the snorkeling experience, others note logistical challenges like lengthy boarding times and crowded conditions at the stops. The tour operator is committed to addressing customer feedback and improving the overall experience. Those looking for a unique day exploring the islands should consider this tour, but be prepared for potential logistical hurdles.

Good To Know

• The "4 Islands" tour departs from Cartagena, Colombia, and is priced from $60 per person with a maximum capacity of 35 travelers.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, roundtrip transportation, lunch, and snorkeling equipment, with the meeting point at Monumento Torre del Reloj.
• Participant reviews highlight logistical challenges, such as lengthy boarding times, uncomfortable boat rides, and crowded conditions, which may impact the overall experience.
• The tour seems more suitable for younger, adventurous travelers willing to overlook the reported issues, as it offers unique island destinations.
• The tour operator acknowledges the feedback and aims to address concerns, including improving guide training, language skills, and overall tour logistics.

Tour Overview

The "4 Islands" tour whisks visitors away on a captivating journey from Cartagena, Colombia, offering a chance to explore a diverse array of islands. Priced from $60 per person, the tour lasts from 7:30 am until the group returns to the meeting point.

With a maximum capacity of 35 travelers, the tour includes hotel pickup, roundtrip transportation, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. The meeting point is the Monumento Torre del Reloj in the heart of Cartagena.

While personal expenses are excluded, the tour provides a convenient way to experience the islands’ natural beauty and cultural highlights.

Pricing and Inclusions

How much does the "4 Islands" tour cost? The tour starts from $60.00 per person, though the exact price can vary depending on the group size.

The tour includes hotel pickup within a specified area, roundtrip transportation by bus or van, a lunch, and snorkeling equipment. However, personal expenses aren’t covered.

The maximum number of participants allowed is 35 travelers, with the tour starting at 7:30 am. The meeting point is the Monumento Torre del Reloj in Boca del Puente, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, and the tour returns to the same location.

Meeting and End Points

Travelers meet for the "4 Islands" tour at the Monumento Torre del Reloj in Boca del Puente, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. The tour begins promptly at 7:30 am and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

Logistics	Details
Meeting Point	Monumento Torre del Reloj, Boca del Puente, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia
Start Time	7:30 am
End Point	Returns to meeting point
Transportation	Roundtrip via bus/vans

Participants will enjoy hotel pickup within the specified area, a provided lunch, and snorkeling equipment during the tour. The end point is back at the original meeting location, allowing for a convenient return to their starting point.

Review Highlights

Reviews of the "4 Islands" tour in Cartagena, Colombia reveal a mix of feedback.

While the tour boasts an overall rating of 4.0 out of 6 reviews, there’s no 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star ratings.

Participants reported logistical challenges, including long boarding times, uncomfortable boat rides, and a rushed schedule at the islands.

Despite some enjoying the snorkeling, the crowded conditions at multiple stops left others unsatisfied.

The tour operator acknowledges the feedback and aims to improve, though some travelers have expressed intentions to seek refunds or report issues due to their negative experiences.

The tour seems best suited for younger, adventurous travelers willing to overlook the logistical hurdles.

Logistical Challenges

Despite the tour’s 4.0 overall rating, participants encountered a number of logistical challenges during the "4 Islands" experience in Cartagena, Colombia.

Lengthy boarding times for the boat, uncomfortable boat rides, and a rushed schedule at the islands all contributed to frustrations.

Specifically:

• Long boarding times for the boat
• Uncomfortable boat rides
• Crowded conditions at multiple stops

These logistical issues limited the time available for activities and contributed to an overall sense of a disorganized experience.

While the tour offered unique island destinations, the operational challenges detracted from the participants’ enjoyment.

Participant Experiences

Despite the logistical challenges, some participants found the snorkeling enjoyable, though many struggled with the swimming aspects.

While some travelers were able to experience the underwater sights, others encountered difficulties navigating the waters.

The tour’s suitability appears to cater more to younger, adventurous visitors.

Recommendations for improvement include ensuring English-speaking guides and addressing the logistical issues that impacted the participant experience.

The mixed feedback suggests the tour may not be suitable for all travelers, with the crowded conditions and rushed schedule at the islands being a common point of concern.

The tour operator acknowledges the feedback and aims to enhance the service provided.

Customer Feedback

The tour operator acknowledges the feedback and aims to enhance the service provided.

They’ve noted the concerns raised by participants, including the language barrier of the tour guide, logistical challenges, and crowded conditions at multiple stops.

To address these issues, the operator is:

• Reviewing the training and language proficiency of their guides to ensure clear communication.
• Evaluating the tour schedule and logistics to minimize wait times and improve the overall flow.
• Exploring ways to better manage group sizes and island capacities to provide a more comfortable experience.

Operator’s Response

The tour operator has acknowledged the feedback provided by participants and is committed to addressing the concerns raised.

According to the operator, they’re working to improve the tour’s logistics and enhance the overall experience for travelers. This includes addressing issues like long boarding times, uncomfortable boat rides, and rushed schedules at the islands.

The operator recognizes the need for better-trained, English-speaking guides to improve communication and ensure a smoother process.

While the operator aims to address these concerns, they understand that some participants may still seek refunds or report problems due to their negative experiences.

The focus is on enhancing the tour to better meet the needs of adventurous travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The tour brochure doesn’t mention the weather, but Cartagena has a tropical climate year-round. Travelers should expect warm temperatures, moderate humidity, and potential for rain showers. Bringing light, breathable clothing and sun protection is recommended for the outdoor activities.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

The tour company doesn’t allow participants to bring their own snorkeling equipment. They provide the necessary gear to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s primarily suitable for younger, adventurous travelers. Some physical activity and swimming ability are required, so the tour may not be ideal for older participants or those with mobility challenges.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

The tour operator offers private group bookings, but the maximum group size is 35 travelers. Private groups can book the 4 Islands tour, which provides hotel pickup, transportation, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. Pricing varies based on the group size.

Are There Any Additional Optional Activities Available?

The tour operator does not list any additional optional activities. The focus seems to be on the included boat trips, snorkeling, and visiting the islands. Participants should expect a fairly structured schedule without much flexibility for additional activities.

The Sum Up

The 4 Islands tour offers an adventurous day for travelers, with snorkeling, lunch, and transportation included. While some guests enjoy the experience, others report logistical challenges. The operator is committed to addressing feedback and enhancing the overall experience for future travelers. The tour provides an opportunity to explore the islands, though guests should be aware of potential crowding and boarding times.