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plus a 6,000 COP port tax and 6,000 COP national park tax. The smaller, quicker
speed boats are 40,000 COP - 50,000 COP and you must also pay both taxes.
You can book these trips through your hostel/hotel or you can walk down to the
Muelle de la Bodeguita (boat launch) and purchase directly. Many vendors will
try to sell tickets outside the gates, but it's better to purchase directly at the port
office. The boats leave between 8:00 - 9:00 AM and return in the evening at
around 5:00 PM. Check with the operators for exact departing and returning
times. Food, snacks and drinks are available on the islands, but at a slightly
higher cost. There are available packages that include food and a visit to the
Oceanario Islas del Rosario. At the oceanario, there is a dolphin show, sharks,
eels, turtles, and an educational museum on the ecology of the area. If you want
to visit a good beach, but want to skip the tourist trap, it's best you go directly
to Playa Blanca. The boats may have different routes, but ask to be put on the
boat that goes to Playa Blanca first. It's possible to spend the night in Playa
Blanca. There are hammocks for rent for 10,000 COP at a place called Estrella. A
few feet down the beach from Estrella there may be two nice young men renting
tents for 10,000 COP a person. It was a fly-by-night operation, but they seemed
determined to establish a tent renting service.
Volcano Totumo. A little over an hour from Cartagena there is a giant mound
that houses a pool of mud at the top. The mud contains sulfates, phosphates,
and magnesium. This compound is believed to be a healing agent for the body.
There are local women who will massage you and whisk you off to a lake around
the corner to rinse you off. The entrance to the volcano is 5,000 COP which
does not include tips for the massagers. The best way to reach the volcano is to
go with a group. This tour costs 40,000 with lunch or 30,000 without lunch;
contact Casa Viena to book if your hostel does not offer it.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS/MUSEUMS
For history buffs, lovers of architecture, walkers and those with a romantic soul,
Cartagena's sites will be heaven. There is a tourism booth outside the Torre del