Night Kayak Ride in Castillogrande Bay

Why Castillogrande Bay is Perfect for Paddling at Night

If there is one activity few tourists know about in Cartagena, it is getting into a kayak when the sun goes down and the city starts to light up. Castillogrande Bay is not just any place: its waters are calm almost all year round, with no strong waves or treacherous currents, making it an ideal setting for beginners and experts alike. Plus, from the water you see a side of Cartagena that you don't see from the street: the tall buildings reflecting in the sea, the lights of the Historic Center twinkling in the distance, and the silence broken only by the splash of the paddle.

In June 2026, this activity remains one of the most authentic for those seeking something different from partying or the beach. Here I tell you everything you need to know to launch yourself onto the water without a hitch and enjoy the experience like a local.

What to Do: The Complete Night Kayak Experience

The Gear You Need (and What They Lend You)

You don't need to be an athlete or have your own equipment. Most operators in Castillogrande provide you with a double or single kayak, paddle, life jacket, and a waterproof flashlight. If you go on your own, make sure to bring:

• Life jacket mandatory, even if you know how to swim.
• Waterproof flashlight or headlamp, with white and red light (red light doesn't blind other boaters).
• Cool clothing that can get wet (lycra, shorts, quick-dry shirt). No jeans.
• Water-resistant sunscreen even though it's night: the reflection of the city lights can still burn.
• Dry bag for your phone and documents.

The kayaks are usually rotomolded plastic, stable and hard to tip over. If it's your first time, ask for a double kayak: paddling with a partner is easier and more fun.

Recommended Launch Points

There are two main places to launch the kayak in Castillogrande:

• Club de Pesca Ramp: located at the end of San Martín Avenue, right where the seawall begins. It is a concrete ramp with direct access to the water. It is usually free and has parking nearby. However, there are no public restrooms or security, so don't leave valuables in the car.
• Hotel Dock: some hotels facing the bay (like Hotel Caribe or Holiday Inn) have private docks that sometimes allow access if you buy a day pass or if you book with an operator that has an agreement. Ask at the reception before you arrive.

If you go with an organized tour, they will pick you up at the Club de Pesca ramp and give you all the equipment. It is the most relaxed option if you don't want to deal with logistics.

Suggested Route: Hugging the Coast Toward Fuerte de San Sebastián

The classic route lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on the pace. It starts from the Club de Pesca ramp and follows the coast south, hugging the buildings of Castillogrande. After 20 minutes of gentle paddling, you pass in front of the Fuerte de San Sebastián de Pastelillo, a 17th-century fortification that is now a restaurant and viewpoint. From the water, the fort's lights look spectacular, and if you're lucky, the guard will wave from the wall.

Afterwards, you can continue to Isla de Manzanillo, a small spit of land that separates the bay from the open sea. I don't recommend going beyond because the waves get strong. Better to return along the same side, enjoying the view of the illuminated city. If the wind is in your favor, the return is faster.

A fun fact: on full moon nights, the water turns silvery and you can see schools of fish jumping near the kayak. Locals call this "the procession of the fish," and it happens especially between May and August.

Where to Eat or Drink Before or After Paddling

Castillogrande is not as famous for its nightlife as the Centro or Bocagrande, but there are good options to replenish your energy. Here are my recommendations:

• El Punto del Mar: an informal restaurant facing the bay, specializing in fried fish and rice with shrimp. A main dish costs between $25,000 and $40,000 COP. They are open until 10:00 p.m., perfect for dinner after paddling. It is located on San Martín Avenue, two blocks from the ramp.
• La Terraza de Castillogrande: a terrace bar with a sea view, ideal for a cold beer or a cocktail after exercise. They have 2-for-1 deals on aguardiente on Thursdays. Prices are around $12,000 COP per beer.
• Heladería Mimos: if you want something quick and sweet, this artisanal ice cream shop is on the same avenue. A double cone costs $8,000 COP. Perfect for a craving before getting into the kayak.

If you prefer something more formal, the Club de Pesca Restaurant has seafood dishes and a wine list, but prices go up to $60,000 COP per dish. The advantage is that it is right next to the ramp, so you don't have to walk.

How to Get There and Transportation

Getting to Castillogrande from any point in Cartagena is easy. Here are the options:

• By taxi or Uber: from the Historic Center, the trip costs between $12,000 and $18,000 COP (reference prices from June 2026). From Bocagrande, it's about $8,000 COP. Ask to be dropped off at San Martín Avenue with Calle 7, right in front of the Club de Pesca.
• By bus: routes T-101 and T-102 pass through Castillogrande. The fare is $2,600 COP. Get off at the Hotel Caribe stop and walk three blocks towards the sea.
• Walking: if you are staying in Bocagrande, you can get there in 20 minutes by walking along San Martín Avenue. It is a pleasant walk, with a breeze and a sea view.
• By private car: there is public parking on Calle 7 with Carrera 2, but it fills up quickly on weekends. Better to arrive early.

If you are coming from the airport, a taxi costs about $25,000 COP and will drop you off in 15 minutes, as long as there is no traffic.

Local Tips to Make the Experience Awesome

These tips will save you trouble and make the night more enjoyable:

• Check the wind before you go out: in Cartagena, the wind is usually strongest between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The ideal is to paddle after 7:00 p.m., when the wind dies down and the sea calms. If you see the palm trees are very swaying, better to wait.
• Wear light-colored clothing: white or yellow shirts reflect moonlight and make you visible to other boats. Avoid black, which is almost invisible on the water.
• Bring cash: at the Club de Pesca ramp, there is no card machine or ATM. Local operators sometimes only accept cash. Bring bills of $10,000 and $20,000 COP.
• Don't paddle alone: although the bay is safe, it is always better to go in a group or with a guide. If something happens, having someone nearby can save the trip.
• Respect the mangrove: near Isla de Manzanillo there are small patches of mangrove. Don't go in among the roots because you can damage the ecosystem and there are also mosquitoes.
• Tell someone on land: before you go out, tell a friend or the hotel receptionist what time you plan to return. Just in case.

Testimonial from a Resident

I asked Carlos Márquez, a resident of Castillogrande who has been night kayaking for three years, what the experience is like from his perspective:

"Look, I go out once a week, almost always on Saturdays after 8 at night. The best part is the silence. In the city everything is noise, but in the kayak you only hear the water and the crickets on the shore. Once I saw a small dolphin, about a meter long, that swam next to the kayak for about ten minutes. That is priceless. The only bad thing is that sometimes fast boats pass very close and leave a wake. That's why I always carry the red flashlight and stick to the coast. If you respect the sea, the sea respects you."

Carlos recommends going out during the new moon, when the sky is darkest and you can see the stars without light pollution. "Turn off the flashlight for a while, lean back, and look up. It seems unbelievable, but from the water you can even see the Milky Way."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Prior Experience to Do Night Kayaking in Castillogrande?

No, not at all. The bay waters are very calm and the kayaks are stable. Most operators give you a brief 5-minute instruction before you go out. If you have never paddled before, ask for a double kayak and go with someone who knows how, or hire a guide. The only important thing is that you know how to swim, just in case.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Kayak for Night Paddling?

Prices vary depending on the operator and whether it includes a guide. In June 2026, a single rental for 2 hours costs between $30,000 and $50,000 COP. A double kayak is between $50,000 and $70,000 COP. If you hire a guided tour with a flashlight and photos, the price goes up to $80,000 - $120,000 COP per person. Always ask if it includes a life jacket and flashlight, because some charge extra.

Is It Safe to Paddle at Night in Castillogrande Bay?

Yes, as long as you take basic precautions. The bay is occasionally patrolled by the Coast Guard, and there are no reports of robberies or attacks on kayakers. The main risks are strong wind (which can tip the kayak if you don't know how to handle it) and fast boats. To avoid them, don't paddle if there is a wind warning (check the weather on Windy or a similar app), and carry a red light flashlight so you can be seen. If you go with a local operator, they know the safe routes.

What Is the Best Time to Go Out?

The best time is between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. At that time the wind has already died down, the moon is starting to illuminate (if there is one), and the city lights are on. If you go out later, after 10:00 p.m., the sea is darker and there is less boat traffic, but also less visibility. On weekends there is more movement, but also more atmosphere.

Can I Bring My Own Kayak?

Yes, you can bring your inflatable or rigid kayak. The Club de Pesca ramp is public access. Just make sure you have a permit if the kayak is motorized (it isn't, but just in case). Bring your own life jacket and flashlight, because there is no equipment rental on site. And remember: don't leave the kayak unattended on the ramp, because the sea rises and falls with the tide and it can float away.

Historical or Contextual Introduction

Castillogrande Bay is not only a visual spectacle because of the lights reflected on the water at nightfall, but it also has a rich history dating back to colonial times. This area, which was one of the most exclusive zones during the conquest era, has seen how Cartagena transformed into a strategic point for trade and defense. The construction of fortifications and the arrival of ships loaded with gold and emeralds marked the history of this bay.

Today, the night kayak ride not only offers an adventure experience but also allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of the city from a different perspective. As you paddle, you can hear the waves and the soft murmur of the breeze, which tell stories of pirates and sailors who once sailed these waters.

If you decide to venture out on this ride, here are some tips to make the most of the experience:

• Book in advance: Especially in high season, it is advisable to book your kayak in advance to secure your spot, as demand can be high.
• Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes and, if possible, a swimsuit. Although the weather is warm, you might get a little wet getting in or out of the kayak.
• Choose the right time: The ideal time for the ride is just before dusk, when you can enjoy the sunset and then the illuminated bay.

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