An Island Gal Is hard to please: San Bernardo Islands

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An Island This Secluded, Peaceful, and Blissful.

I’m flat out from taking in the rays of the sun from the edge of a coast quite pristine. Might I add that I am an Island Gal and when it comes on to coastlines I am hard to please, but this one right here was the real deal.

Before this last adventure, I have never been to an Island this secluded, so peaceful and unimaginably blissful. Might I introduce you to the San Bernardo Islands.

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Let me explain. Born and bred on an island of about 2.8 million people and surrounded by a coastline that is the main attraction for the island itself, it is hard or nearly impossible for me to be wowed by any other ‘divine coastal life’. Let me tell you, from waking up to the chirping of birds, to the sounds of clear blue waters bashing against the rocks, and to the feeling of smothering toes in the glistening soft white sand, I have been royally spoilt by my home scenery. Still, I go looking as I am curious about what is out there.

Here’s how I ran into this one.

Travelling throughout Colombia’s mainland,  I was in search of something somewhere, secluded, quiet, off-the-beat. A location that would give me an ideal Island-feel; a Colombian perspective.

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I headed 2hrs driving south of Cartagena and arrived at a small town called Tulú. Though, only 2 hours from the well-known tourist destination, it is not commonly on the frequent route for many foreign travellers, but a well-known spot for higher-end locals– The San Bernardo Islands. 

The zone itself is made up of 8 different islands, with only real access to about 2-3, with The Múcura Island being the main one for over-night stays.


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If you have the time, spend the dime.

Access to the islands is only by boat w from the access point town, Tulú. Day trips are available but if you have the time, spend the dime and stay a little longer.

The Islands have their peak and specifically, Múcura Island. Due to it’s ‘hidden paradise’ appeal not much can be found on the island, so if you care for more traffic, schedule your visit during a national holiday. This might add a truly rich dynamic to your trip as this would be a great way to connect with the locals.

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The other islands can be seen from your boat ride, depending on the tour agency you choose. With regards to reservations, the town of Tulú has many options to choose from so booking in advance may not be necessary.

Prices vary depending on the season, breaks and holidays of the locals but if you are looking for a completely secluded experience to load up in ‘Colombian Island life’ then this might be one to consider.

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(Múcura Island pictured)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Andrea juteau
    December 22, 2016

    HI there !

    Love your blog and your pictures, I just found your post on Mucura Island while I was desperately looking for a way to get to this beautiful archipelago .
    Since you’ve been there already, maybe you would have some good tips …. I will be in Cartagena in february and I would like to go there for 2 nights (in the Hostal Isla mucura) and one Night in this crazy Hostel above the water called Casa en el agua.
    The problem is I have to leave on a sunday but I didn’t find any boat rides for this day except the one for Punta Faro but you need to be a hotel customer…
    So I was thinking to go to Tulu like you and my question is what bus company did you get ? Was it easy to find when you are not speaking spanish ? From Tulu, how did you find a boat company to take you to the islands ? Did you book in advance ?

    Thank you so much for your answer and great job on your blog !

    Andrea

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