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Magdalena River Cruise

Expedition River Cruise- Colombia

A journey into Magical Realism

As pioneers of expedition cruising in the Galápagos Islands since the 1960s, as well as designing cruises on the Ecuadorian Amazon for several decades, we’re delighted to launch our newest and most exciting experience to date. We put learning, exploration and sustainability at the heart of our guest experience.

The first expedition cruise on the Magdalena River

Join us on the first expedition river cruise along Colombia’s Magdalena River. With decades of expertise in South America to guide us, we’ve created a journey inland from the Caribbean coast aboard our specially designed ship to explore the region’s natural, historical, musical, gastronomical and cultural riches. We’ll share
our knowledge and expertise of all the small villages, Colonial
towns, busy markets, fascinating wetlands and intriguing lives conjured to literary life in the works of Gabriel García Márquez.

"The only reason I would like to be young again would be the chance to travel again on a ship going up the Magdalena."

Gabriel García Márquez, Nobel Prize-winning Colombian writer

Talk to our Destination Experts

Why explore with us?

Expedition
Focus

Our Expedition Leader and expert teams connect you with this mesmerizing river region, whether on foot, aboard launches or paddling kayaks.

Cultural Immersion

Meet musicians and craftspeople, wander UNESCO World Heritage Sites, delight in Colombia’s rich and diverse geography, gastronomy and traditions.

Sustainability is part of our DNA

State-of-the-art engines, four-stroke outboards, biodegradable amenities and detergents, local purchasing, and strict waste management policies.

Positive Social Impact

Beyond employing local people and purchasing locally, we create a positive impact through programs run with grass-roots organizations.

Decades of Expertise

We pioneered expedition cruising in the Galápagos Islands in the 1960s and in the Ecuadorian Amazon from the 1970s.

One size fits one

Our hotel manager, expedition leader and all our team will be on-hand to take care of every detail, to create a personalized experience — no detail is too small.

Exclusive Access

Thanks to our experience as tour operators in Colombia for over a decade, our guests enjoy exclusive experiences and meet fascinating local people.

Expedition
Activities

Wander The Streets Of A Stunningly Preserved &Quot;El Dorado&Quot; Town — Wander the streets of a stunningly preserved "El Dorado" town

Discover The Caribbean Jewel Of Cartagena — Discover the Caribbean jewel of Cartagena

Immerse In A Waterworld Ecosystem Of Rivers, Creeks And Ciénagas — Immerse in a waterworld ecosystem of rivers, creeks and ciénagas

Learn About The Land Of A Thousand Rhythms — Learn about the land of a thousand rhythms

Get Inspired By Gabriel García Márquez’s “River Of Life” — Get inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s “River of life”

Encounter The World Of Afro-Caribbean People, Language, Traditions, Music And Rhythms — Encounter the world of Afro-Caribbean people, language, traditions, music and rhythms

Learn The Ways Of “Amphibian” Life And Lore — Learn the ways of “Amphibian” life and lore

Discover The “Backbone” Of South America'S Development Over Centuries — Discover the “Backbone” of South America's development over centuries

Savor The Flavors Of A Tropical Land — Savor the flavors of a tropical land

Learn About Cries Of Independence And Struggles For Freedom — Learn about cries of independence and struggles for freedom

Observe Fascinating Wildlife With Our Expedition Team — Observe fascinating wildlife with our expedition team

Discover the wonders of the lower Magdalena River with the Colombia Experts

The Magdalena River flows through the heart of Colombia, from the Andes to the south, on a relentless 1,500-kilometer (1,000-mile) rush down towards the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean.

As it nears the sea, it floods huge expanses of lands, creating an intricate archipelago of islands and channels, creeks and wetlands, where the inhabitants of the Lower Magdalena have adopted an “amphibian” lifestyle — both on land and on water — as the water levels ebb and flow.

Like Colombia itself, the Magdalena’s array of ecosystems, livelihoods, races and rhythms is dizzying and diverse. Come discover it with us.

Destination Highlights

The Colors & Culture of Cartagena

Come wander the streets of Cartagena de Indias, an exuberant jewel set on the shores of the Caribbean, a compelling World Heritage Site of narrow streets lined with imposing, brightly-painted mansions, high-towered churches, and tree-shaded squares. An irresistible, heady mix of history, color and culture.

Mompox: Colonial Gem

Discover the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, amazingly and stunningly intact today, the perfect place to stroll its riverbank lined with colorfully-painted houses and mansions, enter the cool of its intriguing churches, meet its talented local artisans and delight in its musical and dance heritage. Mompox captures the hearts of all those who visit it.

Fish Market of Calamar

We visit this small town right on the banks of the Magdalena — which feels a bit like a Californian gold rush town of yore — to discover its bustling street fish market, to which fishermen and their families bring their catches from across the region to be traded every morning.

"Little Venice"

A fascinating canoe ride from the Magdalena River, we enter a vast “inner sea”: the Great Wetlands of Santa Marta. We reach Nueva Venecia, which is unlike any town you’ve visited before: its population of about 400 families lives entirely in wooden houses built on stilts, their lives completely dominated by water.

Barranquilla

Here, the Magdalena River ends its long, winding run from the Andes and disgorges finally into the Caribbean Sea. We explore this port city’s regenerated riverside, historic and cultural attractions, and dive into the fascinating heritage of its exuberant Carnival celebrations.

Voyages of discovery designed by Colombian Connoisseurs

With our decades of experience in expedition travel, and over seven years exploring the Lower Magdalena, we have curated the perfect itineraries to provide memorable and engaging journeys along the river. These can be combined with extensions to other fascinating destinations in Colombia.

Depending on the Saturday departure date you choose, your 8-day voyage will either begin in Cartagena and end in Barranquilla, or begin in Barranquilla and end in Cartagena.

Cartagena - Mompox - Barranquilla

To enrich your 700-km (435-mile) river voyage with us, we’ve designed a diverse selection of complimentary expedition activities, including guided strolls through historical and UNESCO sites, live musical performances, birdwatching adventures, biking through verdant landscapes, paddling kayaks along waterways, and exploring vast wetlands aboard our launches.

DAY	DESTINATION	INCLUDED ACTIVITY
1	CARTAGENA	WALKING EXPLORATION
2	PALENQUE + CALAMAR	WILDLIFE + BIKING + CULTURE + MUSICAL EXPRESSIONS
3	CALAMAR + TENERIFE	FISH MARKET + VALLENATO MUSIC + CULTURE + WILDLIFE + KAYAKING
4	LA MOJANA + EL BANCO	CRUISING + KAYAKING + WILDLIFE + CUMBIA MUSICAL CULTURE
5	EL BANCO TO MOMPOX	WILDLIFE EXPLORATION + BIKING + KAYAKING + WALKING EXPLORATION + MUSICAL CULTURE
6	MOMPOX	WALKING EXPLORATION + CRAFTS + WILDLIFE EXPLORATION + KAYAKING + MUSICAL CULTURE
7	GREAT CIÉNAGA OF SANTA MARTA + BARRANQUILLA	WETLAND + KAYAKING + COMMUNITY EXPLORATION + CARNIVAL PARADE
8	BARRANQUILLA	CITY EXPLORATION

BARRANQUILLA - MOMPOX - CARTAGENA

With our decades of experience in expedition travel, and over seven years exploring the Lower Magdalena, we have curated the perfect itineraries to provide memorable and engaging journeys along the river. These can be combined with extensions to other fascinating destinations in Colombia. Depending on the Saturday departure date you choose, your 8-day voyage will either begin in Cartagena and end in Barranquilla, or begin in Barranquilla and end in Cartagena

DAY	DESTINATION	INCLUDED ACTIVITY
1	BARRANQUILLA	CITY EXPLORATION + CARNAVAL CULTURE
2	GREAT CIÉNAGA OF SANTA MARTA + CALAMAR	WILDLIFE + KAYAKING + COMMUNITY EXPLORATION + MUSICAL EXPRESSIONS
3	CALAMAR + TENERIFE	FISH MARKET + VALLENATO MUSIC + CULTURE + WILDLIFE + KAYAKING
4	LA MOJANA + EL BANCO	CRUISING + KAYAKING + WILDLIFE + CUMBIA MUSICAL CULTURE
5	EL BANCO TO MOMPOX	WILDLIFE EXPLORATION + BIKING + KAYAKING + WALKING EXPLORATION + MUSICAL CULTURE
6	MOMPOX	WALKING EXPLORATION + CRAFTS + WILDLIFE EXPLORATION + KAYAKING + MUSICAL CULTURE
7	PALENQUE + CARTAGENA	CRUISING + CULTURE + MUSICAL EXPRESSIONS
8	CARTAGENA	WALKING EXPLORATION

The perfect ship for just 50 guests to explore the lower Magdalena

River Cruise Expedition

Explore the treasures of this remarkable region in complete style, from our ship’s interiors, decorated with rich fabrics and locally commissioned artworks, to our observation deck, the perfect place to soak up sweeping scenic vistas, a cocktail or a fresh cup of coffee in hand.

When you’re not out discovering Colonial towns, lagoons and creeks and bustling markets, relax on board in one of our 25 comfortable staterooms, our ample, air-conditioned social areas, enjoy a soothing spa treatment and delight in our delicious cuisine.

Spaces Aboard

Ample and stylish ship
Expansive observation deck
Fine international & Colombian cuisine
Spacious expedition lounge for talks
Swimming pool
Bar-lounge with locally-inspired cocktails and drinks
Wellness space
Fitness Room
Infirmary
Specialized library
Boutique with local crafts and produce
Culture & speciality coffee Corner

Suites

Air-conditioned, spacious, modern suites featuring French balconies.

Expedition Exploration

Motorized launches, bikes and expedition kayaks

Dedicated Crew

Hotel Manager and Expedition Leader, medical officer and English-speaking expert guides.

Safety First

Communications, life rafts, and medical officer 24/7.

Explore

with our expert guides on the journey of a lifetime

Observe

wildlife and local life as you cruise in comfort

Decide

how active or relaxed you want your experience to be

Choose

from a selection of spacious cabins and suites

Relax

aboard as we navigate the river by day and night

Savor

our inspired and delicious drinks and dishes

Gallery

Our Awards

Trusted by

Looking to take the stress out of your Colombia vacation and travel planning?

Our Destination Experts are here to arrange every little detail and give you the smoothest arrival and departure process available for our Magdalena River Cruise!

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Michelle Pozo

We’ve been exploring the Magdalena River since 2015, getting to know every stretch, every creek, its natural riches, its secrets, and its fascinating people and their culture — particularly their music! We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard our specially-designed ship in 2024.

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