A little boat ride, a lot of relaxation. Makani Luxury Beach Club is set on the Tierra Bomba Island shore near Cartagena, and a day pass turns that scenery into an easy, structured beach-club hang. I particularly like the included pool setup and the mix of wellness and fun options like yoga and fitness classes.

The second thing I like is how the pass is built for convenience: maritime transport from Bocagrande plus a welcome drink (non-alcoholic) and free Wi-Fi. One heads-up though: there’s not much real beach swimming. And when you return by boat, it can feel a bit bumpy, so it helps if you’re comfortable on rides.

If you want a low-effort day that still feels special—like a romantic dinner or a birthday/anniversary vibe—Makani can fit. Just be ready for a pool-first day, plus possible kid noise since it’s not adult-only.

Key things to know before you go

• Pool-forward day pass: the main action is around the pool and lounge areas, not long beach swims
• Boat transport included: you’re shuttled by sea from Bocagrande to the island and back
• Three time slots: 9–3, 10–4, or 11–5, so you can match your day plans
• Kai Zone is included: you get access as part of the base day pass
• Upgrades are real money: Mahalo Pool, daybeds, lounge, viewpoint, and jacuzzi each cost extra
• No outside food or pets: plan snacks and belongings around the club rules

Makani Luxury Beach Club: what kind of day you’re buying

Makani is the kind of place where the schedule matters, even if your main job is to relax. You’re paying for an on-island beach-club environment with a real “destination day” feel—transport, a pool, a welcome drink, and access to areas designed for lounging.

The club also leans into activities, so it’s not only passive sunbathing. Expect things like yoga, a dance spot, fitness classes, and even tantra-themed programming listed as available options. That matters because it gives you something to do besides just sit there—without forcing you into a workout-heavy plan.

Also, the tone is designed for occasions. The experience highlights romantic dinners, and it also calls out birthdays and anniversaries. That’s useful if you’re planning a special moment and want it to feel packaged, not improvised.

Getting to Makani from Bocagrande: boat ride and timing realities

Your day starts in Bocagrande. A representative waits at the back of Bocagrande Hospital to meet you. From there, you’ll take maritime transportation to the island, and you’ll return the same way at the end of your time slot.

Two practical takeaways from the setup:

1. You’ll want a little buffer for the transfer. Sea trips are weather- and water-condition dependent in real life.
2. If you’re sensitive to motion, plan for the return ride. The boat trip can be bumpy, so it helps to bring a calm mindset, and if you’re prone to seasickness, consider packing what usually works for you.

The experience is also set up for bilingual hosts (English and Spanish), which is handy if you want directions or help on the day.

Your day pass time slot: match it to your Cartagena plans

You get one day of access, but you choose the window. Makani offers three day pass time slots:

• 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

That’s a big deal for value. Those slots let you either start early, sleep in a little, or align with whatever else you’re doing in Cartagena (morning tours, lunch plans, or a later dinner outing). Because the boat ride and return are tied to the slot, picking the right window can prevent your day from feeling rushed.

If your goal is maximum chill time at the pool, pick a slot that gives you the most daylight overlap with your actual schedule. If you want to pair it with something else the same day, pick the slot that protects your morning or afternoon.

What’s included in the base pass: Kai Zone, pool, welcome drink, Wi-Fi

Here’s what the day pass includes:

• Kai Zone
• Maritime transportation from Bocagrande to the island and back
• Pool access
• A welcome drink without alcohol
• Free Wi-Fi

So you’re not just paying for a beach view. You’re paying for the framework of a beach-club day. Transport is a big part of that, because getting to an island venue on your own can add cost and effort (and the timing might not match what you want).

The welcome drink being non-alcoholic is also a detail worth knowing. If you’re hoping for a beer or a cocktail at arrival, you’ll likely need to buy it on-site rather than rely on the included drink.

And yes, Wi-Fi matters more than you’d think. If you want to share photos, message family, or just check maps for whatever you’re doing next in Cartagena, you’ll have it.

On-site rules that affect your experience

Makani runs as a controlled, venue-style day pass. That means there are rules, and they shape how smooth the day feels.

Key rules to plan around:

• Smoke-free space
• No pets allowed
• No outside food and beverages allowed
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed
• Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle are not allowed

This changes how you pack. Bring what the club requests (see below), but assume you won’t be able to bring snacks or drinks to “save money” or avoid buying on-site.

What to bring (and what makes the day easier)

The “what to bring” list is practical, and I agree with it. You’ll want:

• Comfortable shoes
• Change of clothes
• Camera
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Biodegradable insect repellent

Two small tips from experience with warm coastal climates:

• Bring repellent even if you plan to stay mostly by the pool. If you’re outside between activities, insects can still find you.
• Pack a change of clothes even for a short day slot. You’ll finish with salt, sunscreen, and pool water. Comfort afterward matters.

If you run into trouble, you also have an emergency phone number: +57 318 335 6186.

Pool day reality: great for hanging out, light on beach swimming

Let’s talk about the most important expectation-setting piece: this is pool hangout first. The venue has a pool, and that’s where most of the relaxation happens.

If your dream day at a beach club includes frequent ocean swimming, you might feel slightly let down. The beach area isn’t set up like a swim beach in the way you might expect.

So who will love it?

• People who want a structured, comfortable day: towels, loungers, and a place to cool off
• Couples who like a calm vibe and want time together without doing logistics

Who might not love it?

• People who mainly want water time in the sea and feel disappointed if the shoreline isn’t swim-ready
• Anyone expecting an adult-only peace bubble

Upgrades: where your money changes the day

The base pass is good, but the club also offers upgrade locations. Each upgrade costs extra and has a maximum group size, which changes the feeling from “common pool area” to something more controlled and private.

Upgrade options and additional costs (per person):

• Mahalo Pool: COP $280,000 (maximum 2 guests)
• Ohana Daybeds: COP $650,000 (maximum 4 guests)
• Luau Lounge: COP $550,000 (maximum 10 guests)
• Makai Viewpoint: COP $850,000 (maximum 12 guests)
• Maha Jacuzzi: COP $750,000 (maximum 8 guests)

How to think about this value: upgrades are for comfort and space, not for “more time.” If you’re going as a couple, Mahalo Pool or Maha Jacuzzi can turn the day into a more intimate experience. If you’re going with friends, Ohana Daybeds or a larger lounge upgrade can make it feel like your own little section of the club.

One more note: each upgrade has a capacity limit, so it’s smart to decide early if you want the upgrade vibe.

Activities beyond lounging: yoga, dance, fitness, tantra

Makani lists a lineup that goes beyond pool time: yoga, dance spot, fitness classes, and tantra. That doesn’t mean you have to join every session. In fact, the smartest move is to pick one or two activities that actually match your mood.

Here’s how I’d use this kind of schedule:

• If you want a calmer day: do yoga once, then return to pool lounging
• If you want energy and photos: use the dance spot timing so you catch the fun moments
• If you like structure: attend a fitness class, then keep the rest of the day low-key

Because the experience includes these options, the day can feel like a real program rather than just “sit and wait.”

Food, BBQ, and romantic dinner options: how to plan your appetite

Makani highlights BBQ and romantic dinner options as part of the experience mix. I also like that the overall offering is described as food-and-drink focused, and in practice, it’s the kind of venue where you’d expect meals and drinks available on-site.

That said, the details of what’s included in your specific day pass price aren’t spelled out here. So the safest approach is to treat food and drink as available at the club, with some items possibly priced separately.

If you’re planning a romantic moment, aim for a timeframe that doesn’t force you to choose between activities and dining. For example, you can lounge earlier, then eat later while the day slows down. If you’re hungry on arrival, remember your included welcome drink is non-alcoholic, so plan any full meal needs accordingly.

Price and value: what $69 gets you (and what costs extra)

The summary price shown is $69 per person, and the detailed pricing provided is COP $272,000 per person (with COP $189,000 per child ages 4–11). On top of that, upgrades cost extra.

Here’s the value logic I use:

• Your base day pass includes transport by sea, pool access, Kai Zone, a welcome drink, and Wi-Fi.
• That can add up fast if you were trying to arrange island transport and beach-club entry on your own.
• The upgrades are where you choose “more comfort” rather than “more access.”

So if you’re budget-minded, the base pass makes sense for a relaxing pool day with included transit. If you’re marking an occasion, you’ll likely get more emotional value from an upgrade—because the space and vibe can feel more personal.

Who should book Makani’s beach club day pass

This day pass fits best if you want:

• A pool-centered beach-club experience
• Included transportation from Bocagrande
• A day with both relaxation and optional activities like yoga and fitness classes
• A venue that works for couples and celebrations (birthday or anniversary type moments are part of the concept)

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re mainly there to swim in the sea
• You strongly prefer adult-only quiet (the experience isn’t positioned as adult-only)
• You’re not comfortable with a boat ride that can feel bumpy

Also, it’s listed as not suitable for people over 70 years. If that’s you, ask directly before booking to avoid a rough day.

Should you book Makani: my take

If you want a low-effort, organized beach day from Cartagena, I think Makani’s day pass is a solid pick. You’re buying included boat transport, pool access, and a comfortable club setup, and the place is set up for relaxation with optional activities.

I’d book it when you’re okay with the pool being the main event and you can work around the fact that ocean swimming may not be the focus. If that matches your idea of a good day—plus you might add an upgrade for a more special vibe—this is the kind of splurge that can feel worth it.

If your top priority is quiet adult time and lots of beach swimming, I’d reconsider or plan your expectations carefully.

FAQ

What’s the meeting point for Makani’s day pass?

A representative meets you at the back of Bocagrande Hospital.

How long is the day pass valid?

It’s valid for 1 day. Starting times depend on availability, with three time slots offered.

What time slots are available?

You can choose 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What’s included with the base day pass?

The base pass includes Kai Zone, maritime transportation from Bocagrande to the island and back, pool access, a non-alcoholic welcome drink, and free Wi-Fi.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

No, outside food and beverages are not allowed.

What should I bring to the beach club?

Bring comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and biodegradable insect repellent.

Do you offer upgrades, and are there limits?

Yes. Upgrades include Mahalo Pool, Ohana Daybeds, Luau Lounge, Makai Viewpoint, and Maha Jacuzzi, and each has a stated maximum number of guests.