6 Cartagena Fishing Trips That Earn Their Price

1.Cartagena: Mangrove Eco Tour & Fishing with Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 185 reviews · 2 hours · from $55Our pick

Travel from Cartagena to La Boquilla for a two-hour boat tour led by bilingual local guides such as Yeimy, Jamie, or Andres. Sip fresh coconut water, visit Fisherman Island, learn about mangrove ecology, try casting a fishing net and catching crabs, then enjoy local drums and dancing. Hotel pickup and return are included.

“We did it today and OMG everything was amazing Andres and Yamil were so friendly and explained everything perfect 100% recommend Thank you guys ☺️🙌”

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2.Cartagena Fishing & Crabbing • Unique Local Experience with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $89Top rated

Travel from Cartagena to La Boquilla and the Ciénega de la Virgen lagoon for a private canoe trip through mangrove tunnels. With a local fisherman and guide such as Andrés, you’ll set crab traps, try weighted-net fishing, spot birds, and sample snails. Finish with a beach lunch of fish, chicken, or vegetarian fare.

“Wear sunscreen, hat, long sleeve swim shirt & water socks were helpful. Really fun time traveling through the mangrove tunnels. Caught 6 crabs & 2 snails. Also visited the small island.”

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3.Typical lunch on beach, mangrove tour & fishing with natives

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 79 reviews · 4 hours · from $84

Meet guides such as Yeimy, Jamie, or Yamil in an Afro-descendant coastal community north of Cartagena. You’ll tour mangroves, visit Fisherman Island, try net and crab fishing, hear local drums, and eat fried fish, coconut rice, patacones, salad, and soup beside the sea.

“absolutely loved the mangrove experience! it was extremely relaxing and fun. my guide for the day, Alyer, was the best. He explained everything well and made the experience fun. the lunch was amazing. 10/10 would recommend!”

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4.Mangroves, cultural fishing, black heritage town and lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 3 hours · from $49

Travel from Cartagena’s Crespo district to La Boquilla for a private three-hour visit with guides such as Alex and Luis. Cruise mangrove tunnels, try casting a local fishing net, learn about Afro-Caribbean culture, eat seafood with coconut-seasoned sides, and walk briefly along the beach.

“Het was erg leuk om door de mangroves te varen en te horen over hoe het daar werkt. We hebben een paar keer het visnet mogen uitgooien om te kijken hoe dat werkte en toen gingen we weer terug om te lunchen. Ik denk dat we niet een uur in de boot hebben gezeten en daarna hebben we nog niet een uur geluncht. Lunch was overigens top. De gids was erg gezellig en kon goed kletsen, maar ik merkte wel dat hij op tijd zat. Het was duidelijk dat hij nog een afspraak na ons had. Al met al was het de ervaring ten goede geweest als het iets minder…”

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5.Cartagena Fishing, Crabbing, Birdwatching Experience + Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 4 hours · from $79

Meet at Restaurante El Ñato in La Boquilla for a private four-hour canoe trip through Ciénega de la Virgen. An English-speaking guide such as Andrés, Erika, or Jon joins local fisherman Elias to teach crabbing and net fishing, followed by fish or chicken lunch at a beachfront restaurant.

“Nous avons passé un excellent moment en compagnie de Andres et Elyas. Nous avons beaucoup appris sur les techniques de pêches et surtout l’eco-environnement de ce lieu. Nous avons énormément apprécié pouvoir participer activement à cette matinée. Nous avons pris l’option visite de l’île aux pêcheurs en plus et c’était génial!! Un moment hyper convivial et chaleureux, où nous avons pu échanger, danser et jouer des instruments. Un vrai moment plein d’authenticité, chaleureux et amical dont nous chérirons le souvenir. Nous recommandons à 100%. Encore merci à eux.”

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6.Cartagena: Artisanal fishing through the mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours · from $45Best value

Just minutes from Cartagena’s Historic Center, this two-hour small-group outing takes you into the mangroves near La Boquilla. A bilingual native host explains the ecosystem, community, and local fishing traditions before teaching you to cast a net for fish and crabs. Yeimy is one named guide associated with the experience.

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