Cartagena: La Punta Beach Club Day Pass (Lunch included)

A beach day with music and lunch awaits. La Punta Beach Club gives you a simple escape from Cartagena: a short boat ride, a shaded beachfront bed, included lunch, pool time, and a DJ playing House, Disco, and Latin music. I like the easy bay crossing and the choice of activities, from swimming and volleyball to lounging with a coconut cocktail.

The main drawback is the beach itself. The water near Tierra Bomba may not look as clear as beaches farther from Cartagena, and one recent visitor found the shore less impressive than other island options. If perfect Caribbean water is your top priority, keep that in mind before paying $76.

Quick points to know

• The boat leaves from Muelle de la Bodeguita: Departures run hourly from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Your $76 pass includes a beachfront bed and lunch: Choose from six main dishes, plus a soft drink and seasonal dessert.
• The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes: You cross Cartagena Bay and pass the Virgin of the Fishermen statue.
• The mood is social and musical: Expect House, Disco, and World Latin music from the resident DJ.
• You can stay past sunset: Return boats leave at 4:30, 5:30, or 6:30 p.m., with an evening fire option until 10 p.m.
• Bring sunscreen and extra cash: The pier boarding tax is COP 14,000, while massages and kayaks cost extra.

Leaving Cartagena from Muelle de la Bodeguita

Your day begins at Muelle de la Bodeguita on Avenida Blas de Lezo, near Cartagena’s historic center. This is a central boat departure point, so allow time to find the correct meeting area amid vendors, tour desks, and general dock activity.

The boarding tax is not part of the pass. Budget COP 14,000 for this required pier charge. That extra cost is modest, but it is the sort of fee that can catch you off guard if you arrive with only the tour price in mind.

Boats leave approximately every hour between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This gives you some flexibility, though the later departures leave less time at the beach. If you want the full day, choose an early boat rather than treating the first departure as an optional suggestion.

The crossing takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. As you leave the city, you pass across calm water in Cartagena Bay and see the Virgin of the Fishermen statue. It is a pleasant start, not a major sightseeing cruise, but the short ride keeps the transfer from becoming a chore.

The boat ride also shapes the day’s appeal. You are not spending hours on a bus to reach a beach. Within a short time, the city gives way to a resort setting on Tierra Bomba Island.

Arriving at a beachfront bed under the palms

At La Punta, staff greet you with a welcome drink and direct you to a beachfront bed. The bed is positioned beneath palm fronds, giving you a fixed place to leave your things, rest between activities, and watch the bay.

That reserved bed is an important part of the price. A basic beach visit may cost less, but it does not necessarily give you a shaded place to settle in. Here, you arrive with your main relaxation spot already arranged.

The setting is designed for photos as much as rest. You will find sea-facing swings, Phoenix-winged doors, small nest-style seats, and other decorated spots overlooking the water. These features give the club a polished, picture-friendly feel, though people looking for a quiet and natural beach may find the design a little theatrical.

The staff received some of the strongest praise in the available feedback. Alma from Mexico specifically described the welcome and service as warm, and praised spa workers Venus and Kandy for their professional treatment. That is useful if you are considering a massage, though spa services are an extra charge.

Music, pool time, and the social side of La Punta

La Punta is not a silent beach retreat. A resident DJ supplies the soundtrack, moving through House, Disco, and World Latin music on a high-fidelity sound system. The music gives the club its party feel and makes the dance floor and sea-facing bar more than decorative features.

I would choose this day pass if you like having options. You can dance, swim in the crystal-clear pool, play beach volleyball, sit on a swing, or simply stay on your bed with a drink. The 360-degree bar and floating platform add variety without requiring you to leave the club.

The atmosphere will suit couples, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys a beach day with a social pulse. It may be less appealing if you want a quiet stretch of sand, gentle natural sounds, or a secluded setting.

The shore and water deserve a realistic note. One person rated the experience only three out of five because the beach did not compare well with islands farther from the mainland, particularly because the water was less clear. Another Italian visitor praised the beach and the staff but also expressed reservations about the sea. In practical terms, La Punta offers convenience and entertainment, but not necessarily Cartagena’s finest swimming water.

What the included lunch really covers

Lunch is one of the clearest value points in the pass. You choose one of six dishes:

• Island-style fish
• Grilled chicken breast
• Pizza
• Sushi
• Poke bowl
• Garden paella

A soft drink and seasonal dessert accompany the selected dish. This is helpful because you do not need to search for another restaurant during the busiest part of your beach day.

The menu mixes local and familiar choices. The island fish and garden paella give you a taste of regional cooking, while pizza, sushi, chicken, and poke bowls make the meal easier for mixed groups with different preferences.

There is also a broader menu for an additional COP 25,000. That expanded selection includes vegetarian choices, pastas, burgers, soups, and traditional rice dishes. If you have a specific dietary preference, the extra fee may be worthwhile, but the standard pass already includes a reasonable set of options.

The food arrangement makes the $76 cost easier to judge. You are paying for boat transportation, a reserved beach bed, facility access, lunch, a soft drink, dessert, and entertainment. You are not simply paying for a chair on the sand.

The supplied details describe the pass as covering food and drinks, but the clearly stated meal inclusion is the selected lunch, soft drink, and dessert. If you expect unlimited alcoholic drinks, confirm exactly what is included before booking. Cocktails, including drinks served in natural coconuts, are available, but the information provided does not state that every bar drink is part of the base price.

Coconut cocktails and optional extras

After lunch, the club’s coconut cocktails become a natural choice. They fit the setting and make a fun photo, but they are also a reminder to watch your spending. The day pass includes a strong core package, while some of the more special touches cost extra.

A massage is available for an additional fee. The positive comments about Venus and Kandy suggest that the spa can be a worthwhile add-on, especially if you want your beach day to feel more like a resort visit.

Kayaks are also available at extra cost. The information does not specify the route, duration, or price, so ask at the club before committing. The same applies to any additional food, cocktails, or spa treatment.

I like that these choices are optional. You can enjoy a full day without paying for every activity, then decide once you see the setting and know your mood. That is a better arrangement than forcing a long list of extras into the initial price.

Sunset, return boats, and the bonfire option

The standard day can continue until sunset. Return departures are scheduled for 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m., with the transport coordinator helping arrange your trip back to Cartagena.

These times matter. A 4:30 return gives you a shorter visit, while 6:30 p.m. lets you stay for the day’s cooler final hours and sunset atmosphere. Check the available return time when you arrive so you are not left guessing later.

You can also ask about staying into the evening. Music and a fire continue until 10 p.m., creating a different mood from the daytime pool and DJ session. Hotel availability may also be possible, but it must be checked in advance and is not included in the day pass.

The evening extension is appealing for people who want more than a standard island afternoon. It also changes the transport question. Do not assume you can simply decide to stay late without confirming the return arrangement and any overnight availability.

Is $76 a fair price?

At $76 per person, La Punta is not the cheapest way to reach a beach near Cartagena. The value depends on how many included features you will use.

I think the price works best for you if you want convenience. Your transport is arranged, your beach bed is ready, lunch is included, and the club supplies a pool, bar, volleyball court, swings, music, and other places to relax. A self-planned beach day could look cheaper at first, but separate boat fares, food, seating, and activities can narrow the difference.

The price is less convincing if your only goal is clear seawater and a natural beach. The comments about water quality are important here. You may prefer a farther island beach club if swimming conditions matter more than music, design, and short travel time.

Also budget for the COP 14,000 boarding tax. Massages, kayaks, expanded-menu items, and likely some specialty drinks add to the final bill. The pass offers good convenience, but it is not a fully unlimited resort package in the strict sense.

Who should book this beach club day?

I would recommend La Punta to you if you want a polished day with built-in entertainment and little planning. It is especially suitable for:

• Couples who want a beach bed, cocktails, music, and sunset
• Friends who enjoy dancing, photos, volleyball, and pool time
• People who want a short boat ride rather than a distant island transfer
• Visitors who value an included lunch and organized return options
• Anyone interested in adding a massage or evening bonfire

I would be more cautious if you want untouched scenery, very clear water, or a quiet beach. The club’s greatest strengths are service, facilities, music, and ease. Its main weakness is that the sea may not match the postcard image you have in mind.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the club asks you not to bring food, drinks, alcohol, drugs, speakers, weapons, or sharp objects. Sunscreen is the essential item to pack. English and Spanish support is available from the host or greeter.

Should you book La Punta Beach Club?

Book it if you want a lively, convenient beach club day with lunch, a reserved bed, music, and several ways to spend your time. The staff service appears to be a strong point, and the short ride from Cartagena makes the outing easy to fit into a wider city visit.

Skip it if clear water is your main reason for leaving Cartagena. In that case, look at a beach club farther from the mainland, even if the boat ride takes longer. La Punta is best understood as a social resort day by the bay, not as a remote-island beach escape.

FAQ

Where does the La Punta Beach Club boat leave from?

The boat leaves from Muelle de la Bodeguita on Avenida Blas de Lezo in Cartagena, close to the historic city center.

What time do boats depart for La Punta?

Departures run hourly from 9:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m.

How long is the boat ride?

The crossing takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes across Cartagena Bay.

What lunch choices are included?

You can choose island-style fish, grilled chicken breast, pizza, sushi, a poke bowl, or garden paella. A soft drink and seasonal dessert are included with lunch.

Can I order other food?

Yes. For an additional COP 25,000, you can access the full menu, which includes vegetarian dishes, pastas, burgers, soups, and traditional rice dishes.

Is transportation included?

Round-trip transportation by boat is included. The COP 14,000 boarding tax at the tourist pier is not included.

What facilities can I use?

The pass includes access to the crystal-clear pool, volleyball court, bar, restaurant, beachfront swings, and other beach club facilities. A beachfront bed is also included.

When can I return to Cartagena?

Return departures are available at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. A later evening option with music and a fire is available until 10 p.m.

Are massages and kayaks included?

No. Massages and kayaks are available for an additional fee. Availability and pricing should be checked at the club.