There are only few hostels that you end up staying while telling yourself… “This is unreal, I never want to leave!”
Casa en el Agua is one of those.
A little paradise located in the middle of the ocean, the hostel is the first and only one in the San Bernado Islands on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia.
The archipelago consist of ten tiny islands featurning white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. This place provides a perfect mix of tranquility, nature and fun.
Casa en el Agua opened just recently in the end of 2014 and is therefore still a hidden gem in the Caribbean. The owners are easy going, amazing hosts and will help you to connect to locals who organize boat trips to all nearby places.
Contents
The Accomodation
You can choose between hammocks 40.000 COP ($15), a dorm $50,000 COP ($20) or a private suite for 75,000 COP ($30) per person per night.
Choose the extremly comfortable Wayuu hammocks with a 270-degree view on the Caribbean – you won’t regret it!
Things to do
- Snorkel – The ocean is basically at your doorstep. Grab a snorkel and explore the amazing reef.
- Yoga – Wake up with the sun, get off your hammock and find yourself doing yoga on the patio while overlooking the ocean.
- Night snorkel in the Mangroves – One highlight is a night boat trip through the mangrove forests of la Isla Mucura while snorkeling in flourescent plankton, a beautiful experience.
- Kayak – Take a kayak and explore the mangrove forests and nearby beaches.
- Eat fresh seafood – After a day in the water you probably want to grab some local food. You can either eat at the hostel or ask the owners about nearby beachside restaurants.
- Rent the whole house for all your friends! – This is true, you can rent the whole house which sleeps more than 20 people.
- Fishing – You can either take a boat out on the sea or just head out on the patio to fish your dinner.
Places nearby to visit by boat…
- Isla Tintipan – The largest island with a beautiful beach to spend an afternoon. A restaurant run by locals provide fresh seafood and cool beverages.
- Isla Palma – A favourite spot for snorkeling.
- Isla Mucura – Swim and snorkel along the mangrove forests.
Santa Cruz Islote – The World’s Most Populated Island!
The world’s most populated Island is a must visit, 1,200 people live in 97 buildings on 2.4 acres. Only a five minute boat ride from the hostel, this Island is an exciting experience. Take a walk around and have a drink with the locals.
How to get there?
Casa en el Agua is only about 3 hours away from the famous colonial city of Cartagena. Take a 2 hour bus ride to San Onofre for 25,000 pp($10). From there change to a moto to Rincon del Mar, 30 min, 10,000 COP ($4) and take a boat to the hostel 45 mins 35-45,000 COP ($14-18).
TIPS:
- Swing by at the local restaurants in Rincon del Mar for some delicious arepas con huevo or fresh seafood!
- Note, there are no ATMs, no Internet and stores in Casa en el Agua, but the hostel provides a full daily menu, also small stores can also be found on Isla Santa Cruz.
- For reservations check out their website: Casa En El Agua.
This article was written by:
Regina Röder has traded home for the road nine years ago in order to seek adventures all the way from the wavy beaches of Australia to the mountains of Canada and lots of places in between. Her excitement and passion for photography and film production has driven her journey, but her love for the outdoors has always brought her back to her favourite two elements: The oceans and the mountains. Currently based in South America, she is looking forward to explore remote places, catch waves, climb mountains and chase sunsets while documenting her journey. You can follow her journey on instagram and tumblr.
Yuck. Why would you add spearfishing. How cruel.