Isla Grande, located off the coast of Colombia, is an ideal destination for adventure lovers. With clear waters and stunning scenery, Isla Grande offers a wide range of activities for anyone seeking a good adrenaline rush.
Whether you’re into hiking, diving, or ziplining, there’s certainly something for everyone on this beautiful island. Below, we’ll tell you all about the top 10 Isla Grande activities for adventure lovers, so you know exactly what to explore on your next trip to this gorgeous island.
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Thanks to its clear waters and abundant marine life, Isla Grande is an amazing destination for both snorkeling. When snorkeling, you’ll see lots of colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and several other sea creatures.
Luckily, you don’t need any major equipment to go snorkeling. You can easily rent snorkeling gear and swim around the coral reefs near the shore without any prior experience. You’ll likely see several schools of tropical fish, but if you’re lucky, you may also spot bigger creatures like turtles or rays.
For a more immersive experience, scuba diving is a great option. Isla Grande has many dive shops that offer classes and packages for all skill levels. You can explore different dive sites that range from shallow reefs to deep underwater canyons, and you’ll possibly encounter marine life you typically wouldn’t see in shallow snorkeling areas.
Ever heard of snuba diving? Snuba diving is like a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, for a more intense dive without needing a diving certification. If you want to try it, visiting Isla Grande is the perfect opportunity!
During a snuba diving experience, you’ll wear a scuba mask and fins, and breathe through a regulator that’s connected to a surface-supply tank, which is attached to a raft on the surface. You’re connected to this tank through a long hose giving you air to breathe while you explore the world below the surface.
Many tour operators on Isla Grande offer snuba diving experiences, and they often include equipment rental, a guided tour, and instruction on how to use the equipment, since it isn’t always familiar to tourists. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting to explore deeper underwater but don’t have a scuba diving certification.
Since you’re on an island, you should expect to spend some quality time on a beach somewhere. However, you don’t have to stop at one! Isla Grande actually has over a dozen beaches, each with its own unique charm.
Visitors to nearby Colombia may frequently find themselves beach hopping throughout the coast, as the region has many beautiful beaches to discover. Plus, it’s relatively easy to travel from one beach to the other. For example, it only takes around an hour to travel from Cartagena to Isla Grande by boat.
Many boat tours also include stops for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring some of the island’s underwater attractions, so you can accomplish several activities in one go!
If taking a boat doesn’t sound like your kind of adventure, you can always rent a bike or take a guided bike tour around the island. This allows you to explore the island’s beaches at your own pace.
Kayaking is a popular activity to explore Isla Grande’s beautiful beaches and coastline. By renting a kayak, you can enjoy the sun and the island’s stunning natural scenery while getting some exercise to work off those heavy vacation meals!
There are several kayak rental shops dotted along Isla Grande’s coast, where you can choose from single or double kayaks, depending on your preference and group size.
One popular kayaking route in Isla Grande is to paddle around the island’s coast to find its many secluded beaches and hidden coves. You can also paddle to nearby islands, such as Isla Mucura or Isla Tintipan, and explore their own beaches and attractions.
Isla Grande offers a variety of fishing opportunities to both locals and tourists, from shore fishing to deep-sea fishing.
Isla Grande’s waters are home to several types of fish including tarpon, snapper, and grouper. There are many local fishing charters and tour operators on the island that offer fishing excursions for those interested. These tours typically range from half-day trips to full-day outings depending on your desires.
These tours usually include an experienced guide to help you find the best fishing spots and provide tips and advice, so you don’t go home empty-handed!
Shore fishing is also popular on Isla Grande, and you can find many good spots around the island’s coastline, piers, and rock formations. You can also rent your own fishing gear and go on your own fishing adventure if you prefer.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) gives you a fun and unique way to explore Isla Grande’s calm waters and stunning scenery. If you’ve never done it before, SUP involves standing on a large, stable board and using a paddle to move through the water.
There are several locations on Isla Grande where you can rent a SUP board, and many tour operators offer guided SUP tours around the island.
One of the most popular places to paddleboard through is the mangrove forests, which are great for those wanting to sightsee some local wildlife.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, SUP is a great way to experience the beauty of Isla Grande while still getting some exercise in the process.
If you’re not as much of a water adventurer, Isla Grande also has many hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. These hiking trails will take you through the island’s most beautiful landscapes, and you’ll likely see some wildlife like monkeys or iguanas along the way!
One of the most popular hiking trails on Isla Grande is the “Jungle Trail,” which takes you through the island’s dense jungles and leads to a beautiful lookout of the sea. While the Jungle Trail is usually considered a beginner-friendly trail for most hikers, it can be muddy and slippery in some sections, so we recommend bringing footwear with good grip.
Another popular hike on the island is to the top of El Faro, the island’s lighthouse, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. This hike is a bit more challenging than the Jungle Trail for inexperienced hikers, since it has steep climbs and rocky terrain. However, the reward is worth it for those able to take on the challenge.
Cliff jumping is a popular activity for lots of thrill seekers, as it’ll give you a rush of adrenaline and an unforgettable experience. Isla Grande has several spots that are perfect for cliff jumping, including some of its rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes.
One of the most popular spots for cliff jumping on Isla Grande is a natural pool called “La Piscinita.” This pool is surrounded by rocky cliffs of varying heights, ranging from a few meters to over 10 meters high. It’s a great spot for cliff jumping, with deep, clear water that’s safe for jumping into.
There are also several other cliff-jumping spots around the island, including some waterfalls and rivers that flow through the island. Some of these jumps can be more challenging, so make sure you take caution and follow safety guidelines when jumping.
It’s recommended to go cliff jumping with an experienced guide or tour operator, who can provide instruction, guidance, and equipment if necessary. It’s also important to check the water depth and make sure the area is safe for jumping before taking a leap.
If you’re an adventurer who’s never been ziplining, you’re missing out! Ziplining involves sliding along a cable from one platform to another, suspended high above the ground. It’s a thrilling experience that is a combination of fun and incredible views of the surrounding area.
There are several zipline tours available on Isla Grande, ranging from short courses to longer tours that take you through the heart of the jungle.
One of the most popular zipline tours on Isla Grande is the “Canopy Tour,” which takes you through the island’s dense jungles and over a series of platforms and cables. This ride will give you a great view of some beautiful waterfalls and local wildlife.
Zipline tours on Isla Grande are suitable for most ages and skill levels, although some tours may have weight and height restrictions. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent so you can remain comfortable for the entire ride.
If you want to connect with some local animals on your adventure, you should consider going horseback riding!
Horseback riding tours in Isla Grande give you a chance to see some of the island’s most gorgeous spots, taking you through the island’s jungles, beaches, and mountainous terrain.
Some popular horseback riding tours on Isla Grande take you through the island’s lush jungles, passing by hidden waterfalls and natural swimming holes. Coastline tours take you along the island’s edge, where you can see secluded beaches and rocky cliffs.
Isla Grande is a paradise for adventure lovers, offering a wide range of activities for those seeking an adrenaline rush. From hiking to horseback riding, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this beautiful island. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, Isla Grande is a destination you won’t want to miss.