Best Quality Places To Stay: Mucura Island & Tintipan Island

What are the best islands to visit in Colombia’s San Bernardo archipelago? Hands down, the winners are Mucura Island and Tintipan Island. 

If you want a completely relaxing beach vacation in an eco-friendly destination with wonderful mangroves, amazing coral reefs, mesmerizing marine life, turquoise waters, and glorious sunsets, your wish will come true in these two islands of sheer beauty. 

Keep reading this article as we will share some important information about the islands of Mucura and Tintipan. 

Best Things To Do at Mucura Island and Tintipan Island – Activities

1. Get in the Total Relaxation Zone 

The best thing to do in these islands is, well, nothing. That’s right! These are the perfect destinations to relax and be totally idle. 

Just lounge around, enjoy the seaside view, get a massage, snooze, swim, sunbathe, and repeat. 

2. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is the first of many activities that you can do on these islands. Hotels provide the equipment for additional charges. 

The view of the deep ocean is an unforgettable experience. Moreover, you can also see some marine life enjoying life underwater. 

3. Swimming With Bioluminescent Plankton

The plankton tour is a must-do activity. It is usually done mid-night when the sky is dark, and plankton shine in the sea like small lamps. 

These planktons are completely safe to swim with, but ensure that they are not going through an algae bloom event when they can be harmful to humans.

4. Ride a Kayak

Kayaking is the best way to explore the islands. You can go alone or with your partner into the deep sea to have a panoramic view of the nearby islands. 

It’s safe for beginners. You just need to paddle effectively and enjoy the atmosphere around you.

Best Things To Do at Mucura Island and Tintipan Island – Sights

5. Experience the Colorful Beaches

An island with pearly white sands and turquoise water, enhanced by the dark and rich green mangroves, is a dream site to behold. Just sit back, grab a drink, and relax under the sky with mesmerizing views in front. 

6. Watch the Sunset

Tintipan and Mucura have the best sunsets you will see in the world. The setting sun lights the sky with an orange tone turning the environment darker with every passing minute. 

We advise you to pick a sling-back beach chair and lay down on it just before sunset to get the best experience.

Best Things To Do at Mucura Island and Tintipan Island – Food

7. Grab a Drink at Casa en el Agua

Casa en el Agua is a hotel where you can find quality drinks with amazing views of the sea to enjoy. The boat ride to this place costs only 15,000 COP ($3) per person, so you will have more money to spend on food and drinks once you reach there. 

We recommend you order Menu del Dia (menu of the day), which costs only 20,000 COP ($4).

8. Savor the Delicious Lobsters

Lobsters are one of the elite seafood in Colombia. There are also the most expensive ones, with a single lobster costing around 45,000 COP ($10). 

If you are a seafood lover, spending that amount is reasonable, considering the quality and taste you will get at Isla Mucura’s restaurants.

9. Try the Famous Colombian Ceviche

Both Isla Mucura and Isla Tintipan have langoustine ceviche available at their hotels. The price of the ceviche depends upon the ingredients. A good ceviche costs around 35,000 to 55,000 COP ($8 to $12). 

10. Eat the Freshest Fish 

Nothing is better than watching the locals catch fish and cook it on the spot. Various fishes are available to eat, such as barracuda, sierra, cojinua, and chino. 

Most Colombian restaurants serve them with either fried or cooked bread to add a bit more flavor to the dish. 

Where To Stay On Tintipan Island

1. Sal Si Puedes 

Sal Si Puedes is perfect for a few days at Tintipan. It has a restaurant, garden, bar, and private beach area. It also provides a terrace to its guests. 

The best thing about this hotel is the continental and a la carte breakfast options in the morning. 

The hotel rooms are spacious with good Wi-Fi, and the staff speaks good English, so you will always feel at home.

Pros:

• Offers a wide variety of seafood
• Picnic area
• Provide board games for entertainment

Cons:

• Sandflies in the area
• Limited beverage selection at the bar

2. Santa Lova Eco-Hostel 

Santa Lova Eco-Hostel is a place that provides accommodation options for adults only. There is a restaurant, a private beach, and a bar that adds to the special features of the place. You can also enjoy the entertainment stuff and a tour desk. 

In the morning, you will get an American or Continental breakfast that you can enjoy with the amazing views from the terrace.

Pros:

• Friendly and hospitable staff
• Great overall design of the rooms
• Delicious food
• Great price (Only 23,000 COP or $51 for a double room)

Cons:

• Small dorms if you are traveling with a group of friends

3. Hostel Villa Luz Beach 

Hostel Villa Luz Beach is a great accommodation option located 1,312 ft (400 m) from Isla Tintipan. The hotel features various facilities, such as a terrace, a private beach area, and a garden. 

In addition, all the rooms in the hotel are fitted with a balcony so that you can get the beach views from your own private space. 

Pros:

• Very affordable rooms (22,000 COP or $49 per night for a quadruple room with complimentary breakfast)
• Very friendly staff 
• Comfortable beds and great interior design.

Cons:

• No Wi-Fi availability
• Mosquitoes 

4. Casa Tinti Hotel Boutique 

Located 656 ft (200 m) from Isla Tintipan, Casa Tinti Hotel Boutique provides rooms equipped with a patio with a garden view. You can also enjoy snorkeling and fishing in this area. 

If you are traveling with your partner, we highly recommend staying at this hotel.

Pros: 

• Cozy rooms 
• Friendly staff
• Great food

Cons:

• A bit expensive at 79,000 COP ($179) per night for a deluxe double room 

You may click on the map for more accommodation options on Tintipan Island.

Where To Stay On Mucura Island

1. Hotel Punta Faro 

The main highlight of Hotel Punta Faro is its quality restaurant and private beach area. 

There are 2 activities offered by the hotel: canoeing and windsurfing. The hotel’s theme is maritime, which compliments the overall beach environment. 

The rooms in this hotel have air conditioning and high-speed Wi-Fi, and almost all have a minibar, a private bathroom, and a cable TV.

Pros: 

• Restaurant menu with a wide variety of international dishes
• The beach with a volleyball court for guests

Cons:

• A bit overpriced

2. Dahlandia

The best thing about staying in Dahlandia is the easy access to bioluminescent plankton at night. There is also a garden where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful phenomenon under the full moon. 

To explore the local food options, you can get to the in-house restaurant that serves delicious Caribbean cuisine. This place is only 50 mi (80 km) away from Cartagena and is easily accessible by speedboat.

Pros:

• A private beach area and bar
• Great Caribbean food options, especially fish
• Welcoming staff

Cons:

• Small beach area
• Loud music late at night 

3. Hotel Isla Mucura 

Hotel Isla Mucura is the biggest hotel on the Mucura islands, with different wooden buildings scattered in a vast open area. They offer clients a bar to enjoy amazing cocktails and beers but charge extra pesos. 

This hotel is a paradise for people who want luxury.

Pros: 

• Swings and games for kids
• Lots of birds, iguanas, and guacamayo to spot in the area.

Cons:

• Bad Wi-Fi 
• Hotel policy of playing music 24/7

4. Mucura Club Hotel 

The Mucura Club Hotel is quite famous among tourists who visit the Mucura Islands for the first time. It is located only an hour away from Tulu. 

If you are traveling from Cartagena, the boat trip will take around 2 hours to reach the hotel. 

The hotel also provides opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and canoeing. The rooms are made of wood and have private showers and toilets. 

Pros: 

• Wide range of activities
• All rooms with air conditioning
• Generator for electricity
• Nice décor

Cons:

• Extra charges for activities
• Generator only available from 6:30 pm to 6:30 am 

5. Puerto Caracol 

Puerto Caracol in Mucura is famous for its list of amenities. The hotel provides activities such as fishing and snorkeling. 

Other amenities include a bar, complimentary breakfast, casino, 24-hour front desk, private beach access, shuttle service, etc. 

Moreover, the hotel allows pets at an extra charge. 

Pros: 

• Proper health and security measures are taken by hotel staff
• Wide range of food options at the restaurant.
• Family-friendly

Cons:

• Cleanliness issues
• Bad wood material used for room decoration

You may click on the map for more accommodation options on Mucura Island.

The Twin Wonders of Mucura Island and Tintipan Island

Mucura and Tintipan islands are 2 paradises within the San Bernardo archipelago. Of the nine coastal coral islands, Mucura and Tintipan are the most tourist-friendly because of the quality hotels and wide variety of activities available. 

Isla Mucura is a smaller island than Tintipan, but the hotels here are much cheaper. On the other hand, Tintipan is bigger than Mucura and the largest island of the nine islands in San Bernardo. 

The main highlight of Tintipan is its pearly white sands and tall mangroves. On the other hand, Mucura is quite famous for its turquoise waters and quiet environment. 

How To Get to Mucura Island and Tintipan Island

If you have decided to visit the twin wonders of Mucura and Tintipan, here are the 3 places where you can get transportation. 

From Cartagena

Leaving for San Bernardo islands from Cartagena is the most expensive of the 3 options. You can take the boat from the dock at La Bodeguita for around 90k to 100k Colombian pesos (COP) or 20 to 23 US dollars per head. 

The total travel time is around 2.5 hours. Mucura and Tintipan islands are located at the end, so you will also have a panoramic view of the other islands, such as Boquerón and Isla Palma.

Remember that there is no direct route from Cartagena to Tintipan or Isla Mucura, so your first stop will be Tolu. You can hire another tour bus to take you to Tintipan and Mucura islands, which will cost around 150,000 COP ($34).

From San Onofre

San Onofre is a small town that belongs to the Bolivar Department. To reach Isla Tintipan and Isla Mucura from San Onofre, move towards Rincon del Mar first. 

You can hire a motorcycle for 8,000 COP ($2) or a taxi for 30,000 COP ($7). After reaching Rincon Del Mar, take a boat for around 25,000 COP ($6) to get to Isa Mucura. Depending on your chosen taxi, the trip costs around 33,000 to 55,000 COP ($7 to $12). 

From Tolu

Moving to Isla Mucura and Tintipan from Tolu is the best option. You can take the boat for as low as 40,000 COP ($9), but the greatest part of taking this route is the time. The whole trip lasts for only 45 minutes. 

Tips To Stay Safe And Enjoy on Mucura Island and Tintipan Island

Mucura and Tintipan Islands are a thing of beauty, but to get the best out of your trip, make sure to follow the below-mentioned tips.

• The boats to Mucura and Tintipan leave early in the morning, so make sure to be there before 8 am to get your ride on time. 
• Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and stay hydrated throughout your visit.
• Plan a trip for more than 2 days to completely explore the islands and participate in all the activities.
• When traveling by boat to and from the islands, ensure that the boat operator has safety equipment such as life vests. Be aware of the weather conditions.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.

Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind, knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Mucura Island and Tintipan Island

How Do I Get To Mucura Island From Cartagena?

To get to the Mucura islands from Cartagena, you can travel by boat, which takes around 90k to 100k COP ($20 to $23).

Which Is Better: Mucura Island or Tintipan Island?

Mucura and Tintipan both have their special features. Tintipan is bigger than Mucura, but Mucura has cheaper hotels and other accommodation options. 

Regarding views, both islands are on the same level of natural beauty.

What Is the Meaning of “Mucura”?

Mucura is a Spanish word that means “earthen jar.”

Conclusion – Mucura Island and Tintipan Island

Are Mucura Island and Tintipan Island worthy of being included in your itinerary? Certainly! These twin island wonders on Colombia’s Caribbean coast deserve all their good reviews. 

You can achieve the dual goal of experiencing ultimate relaxation and awesome communing with nature in these destinations. If you are an enthusiast of relaxing water activities, such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, and scuba diving, these islands are idyllic for observing magical underwater life.

Pick one or both; the islands of Mucura and Tintipan won’t disappoint. Enjoy your vacation!

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