Cartagena: Makani Luxury Beach Club Day Pass

A polished island escape. Makani Luxury Beach Club gives you a full day on Tierra Bomba Island, just offshore from Cartagena, with boat transport, a pool, a welcome drink, Wi-Fi, and access to the Kai Zone. I especially like the easy boat connection from Bocagrande and the chance to trade Cartagena’s streets for a slower poolside setting. The main drawback is that this is more of a pool day than a sea-swimming day, and the return boat can be bumpy.

I also like the range of paid upgrades, from private daybeds to a Jacuzzi and a viewpoint, which lets you shape the day around your budget. Just keep in mind that food, drinks, and the upgraded areas cost extra, so the advertised price is only the starting point.

Key points to know before you book

• A short boat ride from Bocagrande: Maritime transport to and from Tierra Bomba is included, with pickup at the back of Bocagrande Hospital.
• The included experience is simple: Your pass covers the Kai Zone, pool, nonalcoholic welcome drink, and free Wi-Fi.
• This is mainly a pool hangout: The setting is by the beach, but the sea is not the main place for swimming.
• Three useful time choices: Current information lists departures at 9, 10, or 11 a.m., with return times that need confirmation when you book.
• Upgrades can cost more than the pass: Private areas range from COP 280,000 for the Mahalo Pool to COP 850,000 for the Makai Viewpoint.
• Plan for a boat ride with some motion: Bring comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, and only the items allowed by the club.

Getting from Bocagrande to Makani on Tierra Bomba

Your day begins at the back of Bocagrande Hospital, where a representative waits for you before the boat crossing. The meeting point is practical, but you should allow enough time to find it. Once you book, contact Makani directly so the pickup details and schedule are clear.

The ride takes you from Cartagena to Tierra Bomba by boat. That crossing is part of the appeal: you leave the city behind and arrive at a beach club on one of the island’s privileged shores. It is not a long expedition, but it gives the day a clear change of pace.

Bring shoes that are comfortable around the meeting point and boat area. You will also want beachwear, a camera, a change of clothes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Biodegradable insect repellent is recommended as well.

The return ride deserves a little planning. One review describes the boat ride back as bumpy, so you should be ready for a lively crossing rather than a smooth ferry trip. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare accordingly, although the supplied information does not specify whether medication or other aids are available.

Choosing between the three day-pass schedules

Makani offers three departure choices:

• 9 a.m. departure from Cartagena
• 10 a.m. departure from Cartagena
• 11 a.m. departure from Cartagena

The information gives two different sets of return times. One schedule lists returns at 4, 5, and 6 p.m. The other lists a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. slot, a 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. slot, and an 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. slot.

That difference matters. Do not assume that a selected morning departure automatically guarantees the later return time. Confirm the exact boat schedule with Makani after booking, using the emergency phone number, +57 318 335 6186, if needed.

The early departure makes the most sense if you want a long pool day and time for lunch, drinks, or an upgrade. The 10 a.m. option offers a good middle ground. The 11 a.m. departure suits you if you prefer a slower morning in Cartagena, but it gives you less time at the club.

Since the pass is valid for one day rather than a fixed tour duration, the boat schedule defines your visit more than the wording of the pass does. Treat the crossing times as an important part of the booking.

What the included Kai Zone actually gives you

The standard day pass includes access to the Kai Zone. It also includes the pool, maritime transportation in both directions, a nonalcoholic welcome drink, and free Wi-Fi.

That package is best understood as a pool-club admission rather than an all-inclusive beach resort day. The basic cost gets you to the island and gives you a place to relax, but food and other drinks are not listed among the inclusions.

This is where the price needs a careful look. The supplied rate is COP 272,000 per person, also shown as about $69. The child price is COP 189,000 for children ages 4 to 11. Because the dollar figure and Colombian peso figure can shift with exchange rates, check the amount charged at the time of booking.

The pass offers decent value if you want the boat ride, pool access, and a well-organized place to spend the day. It becomes less attractive if you expect meals, alcoholic drinks, or a private lounging area to be included.

Food and drinks received strong praise in the available comments, but they are additional purchases. That can still work well for you if you want a comfortable day without arranging your own island transport. Just set a spending limit before arriving.

The pool, beach, and the real feel of the day

Makani is set on a beach, but the main activity is poolside relaxation. One useful point from the feedback is that there is not much opportunity for swimming in the sea, so you should not book this as a classic beach-and-snorkel outing.

I would choose Makani if your ideal day includes a pool, food, drinks, sun, and a comfortable place to sit. You might prefer another type of excursion if your priority is walking along the shore, swimming in open water, or taking part in water sports.

The setting also matters for families and couples. The club is not adults-only, and children of all ages may be present. That makes the atmosphere more mixed than a quiet couples retreat, even though the property presents itself as a luxury beach club.

For a couple seeking a calm day together, the pool and island setting can still work well. For a birthday or anniversary, the paid lounge areas may offer a more private setting, but you should ask exactly what each upgrade includes before paying.

Comparing the five paid upgrades

The standard pass gives you the basic Makani experience. If you want a more private or special setting, the club offers five upgrades, each with its own extra charge and maximum capacity.

Mahalo Pool

The Mahalo Pool costs COP 280,000 per person and allows a maximum of two people. This is the smallest upgrade, making it the clearest fit for a couple or two friends who want a more private pool setup.

It costs more than the standard pass, so think of it as a privacy purchase rather than a simple comfort add-on. Ask if the price is per person for the full booking and confirm what seating or pool access is included.

Ohana Daybeds

Ohana Daybeds cost COP 650,000 per person, with a maximum of four people. The name suggests a group lounging area, but the supplied details do not explain the exact furnishings, location, food, or drink benefits.

Because the price is high compared with the regular pass, I would only choose it after confirming the full arrangement. It could make sense for a small group marking a birthday or anniversary, but it may not be good value if you only need a place to sit by the main pool.

Luau Lounge

The Luau Lounge costs COP 550,000 per person and allows up to ten people. Its larger capacity makes it the most practical upgrade for a big group, especially for a celebration.

The listing does not state whether the fee includes a minimum food or drink order. Confirm that detail before committing, since the upgrade price alone may not cover what you expect from a private lounge.

Makai Viewpoint

The Makai Viewpoint costs COP 850,000 per person, with a maximum of twelve people. This is the highest-priced option listed.

The name indicates a view-focused area, but no exact view, seating plan, or included service is specified. It could work for a large celebration where the setting matters more than keeping costs low. For a normal pool day, it is a major extra expense.

Maha Jacuzzi

The Maha Jacuzzi costs COP 750,000 per person and allows up to eight people. This is aimed at a group that wants a more special relaxation area.

Again, clarify whether the price is charged individually and what time or access limits apply. The supplied information does not say whether the Jacuzzi is private for your party or shared.

Food, drinks, and celebration options

Food and drinks are among the most appealing parts of the Makani concept. The available comments praise both, and one assessment described the visit as good value because the food and drinks helped make the day feel worthwhile.

Still, food and drinks are not included in the day pass. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited. Alcoholic drinks are also not allowed in the vehicle.

That means you are relying on Makani’s own food and beverage service once you arrive. If you have dietary needs, ask about available choices before booking, since no menu or dietary information is provided here.

Makani promotes several possible uses beyond a normal pool day. These include yoga, dance, fitness classes, Tantra, romantic dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, and BBQ events. The day pass information does not say that all of these activities happen every day, so treat them as possible offerings or event options rather than guaranteed inclusions.

For a birthday or anniversary, contact the club before booking and ask what arrangements are available. The larger lounge upgrades may suit a group, while the Mahalo Pool could fit a couple. Do not assume decorations, meals, or entertainment are part of the basic pass.

Who will enjoy Makani most

I would recommend Makani to you if you want a straightforward island escape from Cartagena without planning your own boat transport. The included crossing removes one of the main practical hurdles, and the pool gives the day a clear focus.

It is especially suitable for:

• Couples wanting a relaxed day near Cartagena
• Friends who want pool time, food, and drinks
• Families comfortable with a mixed-age club
• Groups planning a birthday or anniversary
• Visitors who prefer a managed beach-club setting to a remote beach

I would be more cautious if you want open-sea swimming, a quiet adults-only atmosphere, or an all-inclusive price. The club does not allow pets, outside food, or outside drinks, and the pass does not include meals or alcoholic beverages.

The age guidance also matters. The activity is not suitable for people over 70 years old. That may relate to the boat transfer or the general nature of the experience, but the supplied information does not give a more specific explanation.

Practical packing and booking advice

Pack lightly. You need beachwear, comfortable shoes, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, biodegradable insect repellent, and a change of clothes.

Leave pets at home. Do not bring outside food or drinks, alcohol, or drugs. You should also avoid assuming that anything bought in Cartagena can be carried to the club, since outside food and beverages are not allowed.

The experience has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Cartagena schedule is still changing.

English and Spanish support are available. Since the schedule information is not perfectly consistent, contact Makani after booking and confirm the pickup point, departure time, return time, and any upgrade details.

Should you book Makani Luxury Beach Club?

Book it if you want a polished pool day on Tierra Bomba with transport included, and you are happy to pay separately for food and drinks. The strongest value comes from the simple package: boat transfer, Kai Zone access, pool use, a nonalcoholic welcome drink, and Wi-Fi.

Think twice if your idea of a beach day means swimming in the sea. Also reconsider it if you want a quiet adults-only setting, since children may be present and the atmosphere is not limited to couples.

For most people, I would start with the regular day pass rather than an upgrade. Enjoy the pool, check the food and drinks, and only choose a private area if you are marking a special occasion or traveling with a group large enough to share the cost.

FAQ

How much does the Makani day pass cost?

The listed price is COP 272,000 per person, also shown as about $69. Children ages 4 to 11 are listed at COP 189,000.

What does the standard day pass include?

The pass includes Kai Zone access, boat transportation from Bocagrande to Tierra Bomba and back, pool access, a nonalcoholic welcome drink, and free Wi-Fi.

Where do I meet the boat?

The meeting point is at the back of Bocagrande Hospital, where a representative waits for you. Contact Makani after booking to confirm the exact pickup details.

What time does the activity run?

Three departure choices are listed from Cartagena: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m. The provided information shows different return schedules, so confirm your exact return time with Makani after booking.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not listed as inclusions, and outside food and beverages are not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, including alcoholic drinks in the vehicle.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.