Isla Grande lies about 40–50 minutes by boat from Cartagena, nestled within the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo, which spans 120,000 ha and boasts the widest coral platform in Colombia—~420 km². Its coastal waters average 1.5–3 m deep, warmed to 28–30 °C year‑round tomplanmytrip.com.
Beneath the surface, visibility between 5–10 m unveils coral species and reef fish—parrotfish, snapper, sergeant majors—and occasional sightings of sea turtles, rays, and moray eels . Mangrove tunnels along the shoreline host birds like herons and kingfishers.
Ocean currents along the Caribbean coast feed the reefs with clear, nutrient-rich water—a factor crucial for coral health, according to sediment and hydrodynamic studies .
On land, vestiges of local history include the old Escobar-era villa. The island celebrates community and culture during events like the Festival del Mar, where islanders share culinary traditions and music furnished by local DJs or live bands.
Currents & ecology: Northeast trade winds and Caribbean currents promote clarity and nutrient flow—ideal for corals, sponges, and reef fish like parrotfish, snapper, surgeonfish, rays, moray eels, and 3 types of sea turtles (loggerhead, green, hawksbill) .
Mangroves & wildlife: Coastal mangrove fringes host red, white, black, and buttonwood mangroves, refuge for herons, kingfishers, pelicans and juvenile fishes
Activities: Early kayak tours through mangroves, scuba diving at marked trails (e.g., Punta Brava, Luis Guerra), and sourcing fresh seafood through local fishers.
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