Walled City Kayak Tour

Highlights

• Take part in a relaxed kayak outing suitable for beginners and casual paddlers.
• See Cartagena's historic walls, clock tower, and bayside landmarks from the water instead of the sidewalk.
• Glide toward the San Lázaro lagoon and pass by mangroves and the only section of the wall that stands directly over the sea.
• Look and listen for birds around a small island area where many species gather to rest and nest.
• Hear simple stories about how the walls helped protect the city from pirates and other attacks.

Tour Overview

This short kayak trip is designed for travelers who want a calm activity with gentle exercise and strong views rather than a full day on the water. You will meet your guide at a small pier near the San Sebastián de Pastelillo fortress, where they will help you get into your kayak and explain how to paddle comfortably.

From the starting point you will cross a protected channel, moving at an easy pace until Cartagena's old city and the Pegasus pier come into view. Along the way your guide points out key buildings and explains how the fortifications once shaped the city's defenses.

The route continues past piers and walkways toward the Román bridge and into the San Lázaro lagoon, where mangroves line parts of the edge. As you move through this quieter water, the city sounds drop away and views of the walls, lagoon, and nearby bird island become the focus.

Typical Itinerary

1. Meeting at the pier - Meet your guide at the first pier next to the San Sebastián de Pastelillo fortress in Manga and put on your life vest.
2. Safety talk and paddling basics - Listen to a short briefing about safety, paddling technique, and the route you will follow around the bay.
3. Crossing toward the old city - Start paddling across the channel with your guide, taking regular pauses to enjoy the view of the clock tower and the Pegasus pier from the water.
4. Kayaking along the waterfront - Continue past landmarks such as the convention center and the Camellón de los Mártires area while hearing simple stories about the city and its walls.
5. Entering the San Lázaro lagoon - Paddle under or near the Román bridge and into the lagoon, where mangroves and calmer water create a quieter atmosphere.
6. Viewing the wall over the sea and Bird Island - Pass the only section of Cartagena's wall that stands directly over the sea and approach a small mangrove island where many birds gather.
7. Return to the starting pier - Follow your guide back along a similar route at an easy pace and finish the experience by stepping back onto the pier at Pastelillo.

Wind, currents, and boat traffic can influence the exact route and how far into the lagoon you travel. Your guide may adjust the path during the tour to keep conditions safe and comfortable.

What's Included

• Kayak, paddle, and life vest for the duration of the tour.
• Short safety briefing and basic paddling instructions at the start.
• Guided route around Cartagena's bay, old city waterfront, and San Lázaro lagoon.
• Water or a small drink to stay hydrated during the outing.
• Basic insurance coverage for the duration of the activity.

Not Included

• Transport to and from the meeting point at the pier in Manga.
• Food, extra drinks, or snacks before or after the tour.
• Gratuities for the guide, which are optional and left to your discretion.
• Personal items such as dry bags, water shoes, or change of clothes.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This kayak outing is generally gentle but does require basic mobility to get in and out of the kayak and to paddle for around an hour.
• Lightweight clothing that can get splashed, plus a change of clothes for after the tour, is recommended.
• Bring sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunscreen, as the sun reflects strongly off the water.
• Insect repellent and water shoes or sandals that can get wet can make the experience more comfortable.
• Weather, tide, and boat traffic may affect the route and pace. The guide will adapt the plan as needed to keep conditions safe.
• Participants should be comfortable wearing a life vest and being on the water for the duration of the tour.