Toucans, iguanas, howler monkeys, and other regional animals greeted us at the Cartagena port oasis. This was an unexpected yet wonderful surprise as we disembarked a cruise ship in Cartagena. This award-winning sustainable port oasis is part of a 1,000-square-metre garden, sharing samples of Colombia’s flora and fauna.
A government initiative, the Cartagena port oasis encourages arriving passengers to discover a variety of the country’s natural resources. It reminds us of Colombia’s desire for a sustainable environment while at the same time protecting certain animal species. Not “wild” animals per se, yet many appear to be free to come and go.
There is an impressive collection of animal species at the port oasis, especially once you realize that entry is free.
The Cartagena port oasis initiative won the Organization of American States (OAS) First America’s Maritime Award in the category of Sustainable Tourist Destination Port.
Birds at the Cartagena port oasis
The birds are in multiple areas, some enclosed while others are open, allowing the birds to come and go as they please. Nesting boxes offer food, encouraging their continual return.
Tips for your time at the Cartagena cruise port oasis
While our goal was to get out and discover the city, we saved time at the end of our day for exploring this Cartagena zoo. Bypassing it when we first arrived gave us two advantages. First, it wasn’t crowded when went. Secondly, by coming back early to see the port oasis, we were less stressed about being sure we were back to port before the ship sailed.
Here is more to know:
- Cartagena port oasis, the sustainable zoo, is free to enter and located on the Cartagena cruise port grounds.
- Aside from flora and fauna, there is also a replica emerald mine at the port oasis. We found it a bit too dark for photos, but interesting. Here, we found precious stones and other artifacts.
- A few stores and booths offer a final chance for some Cartagena shopping and souvenir opportunities.
- The cafe was our chance to get one more Colombian coffee before our ship sailed out of Cartagena.
For us, Cartagena was our last stop before crossing the Panama Canal with Princess Cruise.
Some of the animals at the Cartagena port oasis
Again, most of the animals are free yet choose to stay in their port oasis. In addition to the animals photographed here, there are deer. Sadly, we somehow didn’t see them.
See the Cartagena port oasis animals in action
Check out this video from the Grupo Puerto de Cartagena (the Cartagena Port Group) to see a few more of the animals:
More animal opportunities in Cartagena Colombia
While there are no other zoos in Cartegena, there are two other interesting options to see the animals.
Aviario Nacional Baru Cartagena (National Aviary of Colombia)
Colombia has some of the greatest bird diversity in the world, and there is no better place to discover it than the National Aviary. About an hour’s drive from Cartagena, it is home to over 2,000 birds representing 190 bird species. In an effort to support sustainable and responsible care, the birds live in 21 natural environments.
You will discover birds from Colombia as well as other Latin American countries. The diversity of species live in environments including tropical rainforest, coastal, and desert. You’ll want to allocate about 2.5 hours to see the park, and if you can time it right, enjoy a presentation at 11.30 am or 3.30 pm daily.
Oceanarium
The Oceanarium is the place to go if you want to learn more about the marine life of the Colombian Caribbean Sea. It is located on Rosario Island (Islas del Rosario), and will require a boat trip from La Bodeguita Pier. The pier is a 15-minute drive from the Cartagena port. There are several boat tours to pick from, each with different options and pick-up points. Pick your own boat tour to Rosario Island here.
Tips for leaving the Cartagena port
Cartagena is one of my all-time favourite cruise ports. There is plenty to do in this town outside of the port. In fact, we hired a driver for the day at the port and toured the city before exploring the port. If you’re going to do the same, here are a few quick tips:
- There are two areas to hire a driver. One inside the port gates, the other outside. Only official guides can recruit tourists on the port grounds. You will pay more than will if you go outside and hire someone, but you take less risk this way.
- Although the official guides claim fixed prices, we were able to negotiate.
- While we needed an English-speaking guide, our ability to speak some Spanish helped in the negotiation. However, if everyone in your group doesn’t speak Spanish, you will need to be sure your guide speaks English that you can understand.
- Once outside of the port gates, the petty crime rate might be higher than what you are used to at home. Our best advice is to be vigilant and not flaunt your wealth. Also, be sure to check out our best South America safety tips.
- Before we negotiated with a driver at the port, we had a list of what we wanted to see in Cartagena.
- Had we not felt comfortable negotiating, we would have taken this City Tour of Cartagena for Cruises from Viator.
- For the complete do-it-yourself option, you can take a taxi cab to the Cartagena old city. It should cost about $20 USD.
Start Your Planning Here: Highlights of Cartagena Colombia in a Day
Click here to see our South American itinerary or here for general tips for visiting Colombia.
More from South America
Starting with our South American itinerary and our general safety tips for travelling in the region.
Aditi Sharma
We’ve yet to travel to Colombia and I’ve been pouring over posts and documentaries trying to plan our trip there of late. I hadn’t heard about Cartagena Port Oasis though until I read your post and it sounds like an amazing experience for kids and adults alike. I really appreciate the fact that the animals at this oasis are free and choose to stay here – sounds like the place to go to in order to see the flora and fauna in a sustainable environment.
Alexandra Booze
Such a treat to see all of these unique animals in such a cool city! I am dying to go to Cartegena
Megan
How cool to see all of this wildlife up close and personal!
Jasmine
The wildlife is so beautiful! I’d love to see the keel-billed toucan once in my life! Definitely a place I need to visit, thanks so much for sharing!
Leah
I love places like this! Especially when the animals seem free to come and go. It’s a great way for visitors to see the wildlife without disturbing their actual habitat and even better if you’re on a time budget! Good to know that the prices can be bartered too!
Abbie
Ahh definitely adding this one to the bucket list!! Love the photos of the animals 🙂
Mark Binnie
We were there this month (Feb 2019). I spent so much time in the zoo area as it was very enjoyable I did not see the monkeys though. While walking through the aviary I had a toucan nipping at my toes as I was wearing open toe sandals. A great story to tell when I got back.
Kim
How awesome that you got to see all these in the “wild.” And got such great photos to remember them with! My husband spent a few years in Panama and always tells me how much I would love all the wildlife. Not much of that where we live now. Hope the rest of the cruise was great too!
Nancy
All of these are great shots, but WOW! That macaw is stunning!
Lady Fi
These shots are delightful!
Anda
Cartagena has been our our list for so long now. I wish we could do a more extensive trip across South America, like you guys did. You took your time and explored the entire region in detail, while we only rushed through it in 3 weeks. Your pictures are awesome, Rhonda. I fell in love with the toucans last time I was at Iguazú.
Kelly
I really liked that area with all the animals! We stopped there during our Panama Canal cruise with Celebrity last October. However, the small deer in the “zoo” were rubbing up against people and I found two little ticks on myself later! Made for a good story, haha. Loved getting the close-up photos of the wildlife, though!
Lexa Cain
Those toucans are just beautiful. I never realised they came in different colors. This is probably because my only experience with toucans is Toucan Sam from the old Fruit Loops breakfast cereal commercials. That was one cute animated bird! LOL!
stephanie jefferson
Wow! such magnificent animals! I love the toucan and the iguana.
Comedy Plus
I’ve not been there, but I would have loved to see all the animals. Beautiful.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Teresa Kindred
Oh my, I love the birds and the colors. Wish I would take the grands there!
Teresa from NanaHood
L. Diane Wolfe
The iguana has so much texture. You captured so much detail I almost think I could touch him and feel his skin.
Deb Nance
Wow! Amazing color! Such cool animals!
stevebethere
Brilliant captures Rhonda nice close ups and you can see every detail 🙂
Have a tanfabulous time 🙂
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – absolutely amazing critters … what brilliant photos … and Cartagena – definitely a place to put on my bucket list … cheers Hilary
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Some colorful birds!