Where to Go Ashore: 11 Cartagena Shore Excursions

1.Shore Excursion PRIVATE City tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $163Our pick

See Cartagena by private vehicle and on foot with a guide such as Nico, Julia, Ismael, or Eduardo. You’ll visit La Popa Convent, the old walled city, Saint Peter Claver Church, Las Bóvedas, and a major colonial fortress. Port pickup, air-conditioned transport, light refreshments, and a flexible pace are included.

“The tour was great. Nico seemed to know everyone, was very informative and spoke English well making it easy for us to communicate. We didn't get as much time to plan the day out as we had to change the date within the week as our cruise itinerary changed, but the driver (and wow, did he do a good job, driving in Cartagena is not something to try on your own if you are used to actual lines on roads that mean something - the taxi driver that passed us on the right sidewalk will always be part of my trip memory) was able to do a special request stop…”

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2.Cartagena and Murcia – full day shore excursion for cruise guests

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $131

This 6 to 8-hour small-group tour links Cartagena and Murcia by air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup at the cruise port. Expect guided walks, Roman and naval history, city time, and a flexible finish in Cartagena. Guides such as Gema, Diego, Inma, and Enrique have received especially strong praise, though timing and guide quality can vary.

“Gema, the tour guide is very knowledgeable and explained everything very clearly. She is an archeologist and has a very good knowledge of details in the history of Murcia and Cartagena”

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3.Cartagena Unforgettable: Half Day Private City Tour (Also for Cruisers)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $188

Spend about four hours with a bilingual guide and private driver, visiting Bocagrande, Castillo de San Felipe, La Popa Convent, the Walled City, and Plaza de San Pedro Claver. Guides such as César, Katherine, Nelson, and Walter tailor the pace and stops to your interests, with fortress and convent admission, water, and port transfers included.

“After a little hiccup with finding our guide, my wife and I were met by Catherine and taken to our air conditioned taxi piloted by Victor. Catherine’s warm and friendly nature immediately settled us into our adventure for the day. She asked about us, what we would expect and any concerns. Catherine was very knowledgeable and spoke clearly and always made sure we understood, asked if we had questions, and queried us on what we had seen and the knowledge she had imparted. That was something we had not experienced in a private tour before and it helped to reinforce the information of what we had seen. At the fortress…”

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4.Shore excursion Cartagena city tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $75

Spend four hours touring Cartagena by air-conditioned vehicle and on foot. Visit La Popa Convent, San Pedro Claver Church, Las Bovedas, the walled city, and Manga, with a fortress photo stop. Guides such as Benny and Ben Torres add local stories, while the schedule is built around getting cruise passengers back on time.

“Benny did an excellent job of introducing us to Cartagena. He included a large variety of sights including the Fortress, beach area, shopping area, and a magnificent cathedral.”

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5.Cartagena City Tour: 4-Hour Cruise Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 31 reviews · from $65Best value

See Cartagena in four hours with an English or Spanish guide, starting at the cruise pier. Visit Manga’s fine houses, San Felipe Fort, Las Bovedas, the Old City, St. Peter Claver Church, the modern city, and an emerald museum. Benny and Brian receive special praise, though the tour involves walking and a 10 to 15-minute pier transfer.

“Guide was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain things.”

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6.Shore Excursion: 4-Hour Cartagena Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Meet your guide at Cartagena’s Mare Nostrum marina for a private four-hour walk through Punic, Roman, and Modernist Cartagena. See the Punic Wall, Casa de la Fortuna, panoramic city views, and Roman Theater Museum. Guides such as Daniel, Jordi, and Ula tailor the pace and explain the city’s layered past. Entry fees are extra.

“Our guide Daniel was so knowledgeable and thoughtful. Wonderful tour. We enjoyed learning about the excavation of the old Roman amphitheater.”

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7.Murcia and Cartagena Shore Excursion Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $589

Travel from Cartagena to Murcia with a private English-speaking guide, stopping at the Fuensanta shrine, Royal Casino, cathedral, and historic center. Taste Murcia’s traditional meat pie, then return to Cartagena for the Punic Wall, a city walk, and café Asiático. Guides such as Ursula, Danny, Veronica, and Pedro have led this route.

“The tour guide Veronica was very knowledgeable about the area and the cultural history of Cartagena and the surrounding towns. A very enjoyable day trip.”

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8.Shore Excursion: Cartagena Half-Day Private Tour with transport

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

See Cartagena with a private driver-guide in an air-conditioned car or minivan. Visit the Punic wall, Castillo de la Concepción, Calle Mayor, and the Naval Museum, while allowing time for La Manga, Cabo de Palos, and Portman Bay. Guides including Jordi, Jorge, and Ana adjust the pace to suit your group.

“Excellent well informed tour guide who was also a history professor. Very personable. He adapted the pace of the tour and walking to accommodate our needs.”

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9.Coves & Beaches Private Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $251

Travel privately from your Cartagena ship or accommodation with an English-speaking driver-guide, visiting Cabo de Palos, La Manga del Mar Menor, salt flats, and Cala Cortina. The route is flexible, with air-conditioned transport, chilled drinks, and time for local beach bars. Kim and Craig are among the guides associated with Chiringotours.

“Kim is the most magnificent of tour guides. She was punctual, professional and ever cheerful. She took us to several sites and her storytelling was funny and engaging. The highlight of our tour was the trip to 1975 Escuela De Pieter, an exquisite restaurant on the beachRead more”

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10.Cartagena Highlights Shore Excursion Private Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $218

Meet your guide at Cartagena’s cruise terminal for a private four-hour walk through the old quarter, Punic Wall, archaeological sights, Art Nouveau streets, and the city’s high point. Guides such as Isabel and Veronica have led past tours. Expect a small hill, warm weather, and time for tapas or a drink.

“We had a delightful experience on a very hot day in Cartagena. Our guide enthusiasticly made sure we accomplished everything we wanted to during the tour. The food experience was also a special surprise. We recommend this tour if you are including Cartagena in your travel plans.”

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11.Private 4-hour Shore Excursion of Cartagena with driver and official guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $487

You’ll tour Cartagena with a private driver and official guide, visiting the Roman Theater Museum, Punic Wall, naval and underwater archaeology museums, Molinete ruins, and the castle viewpoint. Guide David has earned praise for his warm, entertaining explanations. Pickup is available at your cruise port, hotel, or another city location.

“Thoroughly enjoyed this small group tour of Cartagena. David was an excellent and knowledgeable tour. The pace was perfect for our group of retirees.”

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