Cholón, Barú: what it is and which tour takes you there
Cholón is a stop, not a day pass: it comes as part of an island day. Here we answer what it is, what it costs to go, how long it takes and which of our three tours suits your plan.
The essentials
What Cholón is
Cholón is a calm-water cove on Barú island, south of Cartagena. Boats anchor side by side, music plays and people stay in the water: it is the liveliest stop of an island day.
On DYK tours, Cholón is one of the stops: you arrive by boat after the Rosario, enjoy the cove and continue to Playa Tranquila. We do not sell Cholón as a single-spot plan.
Which tour takes you to Cholón
| Tour | Before Cholón | At Cholón | After | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Islas Recargado | Rosario panorama, snorkeling at the sunken plane and the coral area, Cocoloco | Boats, music and sea, with a seafood cocktail tasting | Lunch and afternoon at Playa Tranquila | By boat to Marina Rosales; with plankton, by bus to the Muelle de los Pegasos area |
| Aventura 4 Destinos | Bocachica, sunken plane (from the boat), Oceanarium and Cocoloco | A stop in the cove before continuing to Barú | Lunch and afternoon at Playa Tranquila | By boat to Marina Rosales; with plankton, by bus to the Muelle de los Pegasos area |
| 5 Islas | Island and sunken-plane views, snorkeling and lunch on a private island; with plankton, snorkeling at the plane and reefs and a second island | Seafood cocktail tasting; with open bar, beer, rum and aguardiente while supplies last | Beach time in Barú; with plankton, a snack and the nighttime activity | By boat around 4:00 p.m.; with plankton, by bus to the Pegasos area |
The order of the route may adapt to sea conditions. Per-person prices on each tour page.
How the stop works
- You arrive by boat from the Rosario
Cholón sits on the route between the archipelago and Playa Tranquila; the boat enters the cove and anchors.
- Seafood cocktail tasting
Included on 4 Islas Recargado and 5 Islas.
- Music and time in the water
Follow the guide’s instructions before entering the water and use the equipment they specify.
- We continue to Playa Tranquila
On 4 Islas Recargado and Aventura 4 Destinos, lunch by the sea; on 5 Islas, beach time (lunch came earlier, on a private island).
Who it is for, and who it is not for
- Yes: groups of friends, couples and travellers who want atmosphere, music and sea in one stop.
- Yes: anyone who wants to see several places in a day, because Cholón never comes alone.
- Better another option: if you want quiet or travel with small children, Cocoloco (private island) or Playa Tranquila Classic make for a calmer day.
- Keep in mind: anything extra you buy at Cholón is paid directly; alcohol is only included on 5 Islas with open bar.
The three tours that stop at Cholón
Keep exploring
Quick answers
How much does it cost to go to Cholón from Cartagena?
With DYK, Cholón is included on 4 Islas Recargado, Aventura 4 Destinos and 5 Islas. The per-person price of each tour is on its page and covers transport, guide, stops and lunch; anything extra you buy at Cholón is paid on site.
How long does it take from Cartagena to Cholón?
Cholón is visited by boat as part of a tour that leaves Marina Rosales at around 9:00 a.m. The time to the cove depends on the sea and the order of the stops; your guide gives you the estimated time on the day.
Where is Cholón beach?
On Barú island, south of Cartagena, within the Rosario Islands and Barú area. More than a beach, it is a cove where boats anchor.
How much is lunch in Cholón?
On our tours you do not have lunch at Cholón: the included lunch is served at Playa Tranquila (4 Islas Recargado and Aventura 4 Destinos) or on a private island (5 Islas). At Cholón we include a seafood cocktail tasting on 4 Islas Recargado and 5 Islas; any additional purchase is paid directly.
Is there a party at Cholón every day?
The atmosphere depends on the day: at weekends and in high season there are more boats and more music; on weekdays it is usually calmer. The stop is the same either way.
Can I go to Cholón on a private boat?
Yes. With DYK 1, DYK 2 or Love you build the route your way; capacity and rate are confirmed with your enquiry.
Other destinations and stops
Updated on 2026-10-24 · Information taken from the current DYK VIP Tours catalogue and itineraries.