Cartagena: Makani Luxury Beach Club Day Pass

Makani Luxury Beach Club gives you a polished island day without sending you far from Cartagena. A short boat ride from Bocagrande brings you to Tierra Bomba, where the day centers on the pool, music, food, and sun, not on a long stretch of open-sea swimming.

I like the easy round-trip boat transfer and the fact that the pass includes a welcome drink, Wi-Fi, and use of the pool. I also like the choice of three schedules, which lets you pick a six-hour outing that fits your morning. The main drawback is clear: the beach is not the star attraction, and the boat ride back can be bumpy.

Makani at a glance

• Boat access from Bocagrande: Meet at the back of Bocagrande Hospital and travel by maritime shuttle to Tierra Bomba.
• Three six-hour schedules: Leave at 9, 10, or 11 am, with return departures at 3, 4, or 5 pm.
• Kai Zone included: Your basic pass covers this area, the pool, a nonalcoholic welcome drink, and free Wi-Fi.
• Pool-first experience: This is better for lounging and swimming in a pool than for swimming in the sea.
• Optional private upgrades: Mahalo Pool, Ohana Daybeds, Luau Lounge, Makai Viewpoint, and Maha Jacuzzi cost extra.
• Good for celebrations: Makani lists options for romantic dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, BBQs, yoga, dance, fitness, and Tantra.

The short boat ride from Bocagrande to Tierra Bomba

Your day begins at the meeting point behind Bocagrande Hospital. A person from the hotel waits there to help direct you, so arrive with enough time to find the spot without rushing. The transfer runs from Cartagena to Makani at 9, 10, or 11 am.

The return boats leave at 3, 4, or 5 pm, matching the departure you choose. That creates a straightforward six-hour visit. You are not signing up for an open-ended beach day where you must arrange your own ride home.

The boat transfer is part of the value. Cartagena’s beach clubs can become awkward and expensive when you must organize separate transport, negotiate a boat, or worry about finding your way back. Here, the return is built into the day. Still, this is a boat, not a smooth city bus. One person specifically found the return ride bumpy, so keep your camera and other loose items secure.

Wear comfortable shoes for the transfer and bring a change of clothes. A waterproof bag would be sensible, though it is not listed as required. Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent, both specifically recommended for the island setting.

What your COP 272,000 pass actually covers

The standard day pass costs COP 272,000 per person, or about $69 based on the supplied price. Children ages 4 to 11 pay COP 189,000. Since exchange rates change, check the current amount at booking rather than treating the dollar figure as fixed.

Your basic access includes:

• Kai Zone
• Boat transport from Bocagrande to Tierra Bomba and back
• Pool access
• A nonalcoholic welcome drink
• Free Wi-Fi

That package makes the pass easiest to understand as a pool club day with transport, rather than an all-inclusive beach resort package. The food and alcoholic drinks are not listed as part of the pass, so budget separately for anything you order on site.

The value is strongest if you want a complete day away from Cartagena’s streets and prefer a ready-made setting. You pay for the boat, a pool, a defined place to relax, and the convenience of a scheduled return. The value is weaker if your main goal is a long, natural beach or open-water swimming.

Food and drinks receive high praise in the available comments, and one person felt the day offered good value. That makes dining part of the appeal, but you should still ask about current menu prices and what your pass covers before ordering.

A pool day, not a sea-swimming day

Makani sits on a privileged shore of Tierra Bomba, but the practical point is how you will use it. The pool is the reliable center of the experience. You can spend the day moving between water, loungers, food, and music rather than planning a series of activities.

One useful warning deserves plain treatment: the beach is not considered a major swimming beach. If you picture yourself walking straight into clear Caribbean water for most of the afternoon, this may disappoint you. If you are happy with a pool hangout near the coast, the setting makes more sense.

The pool setup also works well for people who want a low-effort day. You do not need to carry a list of excursions or fill every hour. Bring beachwear, your camera, sunscreen, and a change of clothes, then settle into the club’s rhythm.

Makani is smoke-free, which will matter to anyone looking for a cleaner pool environment. Pets are not allowed, and outside food and beverages are prohibited. Alcohol and drugs are also not allowed, including alcoholic drinks inside the vehicle used for transportation.

Choosing the right schedule

The three time slots are easy to compare:

• 9 am to 3 pm: Best if you want the earliest start and a full afternoon back in Cartagena.
• 10 am to 4 pm: A balanced choice for most schedules.
• 11 am to 5 pm: Useful if you prefer a slower morning and do not mind returning later.

The early boat gives you more time at the club before the hottest part of the day, while the later option may suit anyone who does not want an early meeting point. The supplied information does not identify a preferred departure, so the right choice depends on your Cartagena plans.

Once you book, contact Makani. That is particularly important because the meeting point involves a staff member waiting behind Bocagrande Hospital, and you will want clear instructions for the exact pickup process.

Upgrades for privacy, comfort, and special occasions

The standard pass gives you the basic club experience. Makani also offers several paid upgrades, each with a different capacity and price. These are not small add-ons, so compare them with the number of people in your group.

Mahalo Pool: COP 280,000 per person, maximum two people. This is the most intimate option and may suit a couple wanting a more private pool setting.

Ohana Daybeds: COP 650,000 per person, maximum four people. A daybed setup can make sense for a small group that plans to spend most of the day lounging together.

Luau Lounge: COP 550,000 per person, maximum 10 people. This is aimed at a larger group that wants a shared base for the day.

Makai Viewpoint: COP 850,000 per person, maximum 12 people. It is the costliest upgrade listed, so ask exactly what access and seating it provides before committing.

Maha Jacuzzi: COP 750,000 per person, maximum eight people. This may appeal to a group focused on a private relaxation area rather than standard pool seating.

The upgrade prices can quickly exceed the basic COP 272,000 admission. I would only add one if privacy, a dedicated place to sit, or a celebration matters more to you than keeping the day economical.

Makani also advertises facilities and arrangements for romantic dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, BBQs, yoga, dance classes, fitness classes, and Tantra. These sound like special programming or event options, not automatic inclusions in the standard pass. Contact the club after booking if you are planning a celebration and need to confirm availability, pricing, or setup.

Food, drinks, and the feel of the day

Food and drinks are among Makani’s strongest selling points. The standard experience does not include meals, but the club environment allows you to build the day around ordering food and relaxing by the pool.

The available feedback is especially positive about the food and drinks, with one person calling the experience worth the money. That is useful because a day club can feel expensive when you must pay admission, transport, and meals separately. Makani’s value depends partly on whether the menu and service meet your expectations once you arrive.

You cannot bring your own food or beverages. That rule is common at upscale clubs, but it matters here because it removes the budget option of packing lunch. Alcoholic drinks are also prohibited in the vehicle, so do not plan to start the party during the boat transfer.

The atmosphere is not adult-only. One person wished the club had fewer children and described the setting as relaxing overall. If you want quiet, ask about the expected family atmosphere or consider a paid upgrade that gives your group a more defined area. If you are bringing children, the reduced rate for ages 4 to 11 helps, though the activity is not listed as adult-only.

Wi-Fi, activities, and what to pack

Free Wi-Fi is included, a useful touch if you want to check messages, arrange a dinner reservation, or share photos without relying entirely on mobile service. It also helps if you are combining the beach club with a busy Cartagena schedule.

The activity listing includes yoga, dance, fitness, and Tantra among the possible offerings. Do not assume every class runs every day. Ask Makani what is scheduled for your chosen date.

Pack lightly but practically:

• Beachwear
• Comfortable shoes
• A change of clothes
• Camera
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Biodegradable insect repellent

A camera is worth bringing for the island setting and club areas. Comfortable shoes are useful because the day includes a meeting point, a boat transfer, and time around pool and beach areas. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare for the possibility of a rough ride, especially on the way back.

The space is smoke-free, but insect repellent remains on the recommended packing list. That tells you to prepare for an island environment rather than assume the club feels exactly like an indoor Cartagena venue.

Who will enjoy Makani most

I would recommend this day pass to couples, small groups, families, and anyone who wants a planned island break with a comfortable pool at its center. It also fits birthdays, anniversaries, and romantic plans, provided you arrange the special details ahead of time.

It is a good match for you if:

• You want round-trip transport included.
• You prefer a pool to open-sea swimming.
• You like ordering food and drinks at a beach club.
• You want Wi-Fi and a polished setting.
• You are willing to pay extra for a daybed, lounge, viewpoint, or jacuzzi.
• You want a six-hour outing rather than a full overnight island stay.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet adults-only retreat, a natural swimming beach, or an activity-heavy day. The standard pass is built around relaxation. The club’s listed classes and celebration options add variety, but they do not change the basic pool-centered format.

The activity is not suitable for people over 70, according to the provided conditions. The listing does not give more detail about mobility needs, so ask the provider directly if you have concerns about boarding the boat or moving around the club.

Booking, cancellation, and practical value

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Cartagena schedule is still shifting. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The host or greeter can assist in English or Spanish. An emergency phone number is provided: +57 318 335 6186. Save it before leaving Cartagena, especially because the pickup point and boat schedule matter.

The $69 price looks reasonable for a boat-access club day when you use the pool, stay for the full six hours, and enjoy food or drinks on site. It is less compelling if you arrive late, leave early, or expect the admission to cover meals and alcohol.

The biggest budget trap is the upgrade menu. A private area can cost more than the basic admission, and the Makai Viewpoint reaches COP 850,000 per person. Decide what kind of day you want before paying. The standard pass is enough for a relaxed pool day, while an upgrade makes sense for a group celebration or a couple seeking a more private setting.

Should you book the Makani day pass?

Book it if you want an easy Cartagena escape with included boat transport, pool access, food, drinks, and a relaxed club setting. The schedule is simple, the return ride is arranged, and the pass avoids the work of planning your own Tierra Bomba visit.

Skip it if your ideal island day means swimming in the sea for hours, finding a quiet adults-only beach, or keeping every expense inside one upfront price. Makani is best understood as a social pool club on Tierra Bomba, with the beach as the backdrop rather than the main activity.

FAQ

Where is Makani Luxury Beach Club located?

Makani Luxury Beach Club is on Tierra Bomba Island, a short boat ride from Cartagena de Indias in Bolívar, Colombia.

Where do I meet the transport?

The meeting point is at the back of Bocagrande Hospital. A person from the hotel waits there to help direct you.

Is boat transportation included?

Yes. The day pass includes maritime transportation from Bocagrande to the island and back to Bocagrande.

How long does the activity last?

The pass is valid for one day. The available schedules run for six hours: 9 am to 3 pm, 10 am to 4 pm, or 11 am to 5 pm.

What does the standard day pass include?

It includes Kai Zone access, round-trip maritime transportation, pool access, a nonalcoholic welcome drink, and free Wi-Fi.

Is food included in the price?

Food is not listed among the included benefits. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, so plan to purchase anything you eat or drink at the club.

Can I bring alcohol on the boat?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Children ages 4 to 11 have a listed price of COP 189,000 per child.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed at the activity.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.