The Wizard & Bar BARU

The Wizard is a fun, colorful, affordable hospedaje on Playa Blanca, Isla Barú, just a short boat ride from Cartagena. This was our second year staying here overnight, and we loved it! The staff really does whatever they can to welcome everyone. We checked out the recently-added deluxe room, a 2nd story with a private bathroom, amazing! WhatsApp communication with Maye was really helpful before we arrived. A great place to stay.

We would have loved boat transport to and from The Wizard. They provided several options, but they were independent contractors and only offered transport by taxi or private car.

Very friendly and helpful hosts. Organiser day trip and return journey for us at low prices. Good food Very nice vibe Only shack on the beach with hammocks and hanging beds Visually the nicest shack on the beach Significantly more space than most of the shacks Wifi worked more than expected (although not most of the time) Felt very safe

Everything was as expected and as advertised. The next points are just to be aware: There is no running water - limited water as rainwater collection. Shower is just a bucket with tap but works fine. Bring alcohol gel for toilet. Host gave us number for shared bus - quite chaotic arrival but the bus provider gave us directions. 15 minute walk from drop off. On way back hostel organized speed boat back to Cartagena wich was SIGNIFICANTLY easier and only 10,000COP more pp. There is no English on the Isla - the hosts were very patient with my appalling Spanish. Pre-download google translate and offline Spanish if you do not speak any Overall these things did not bother us and just added to the island experience. It was very simple but very relaxing

The way of life, the smiles of the staff, and the view of the beach and Caribbean from my bed.

Nothing.

The facilities were clean. Taking into account how basic it is and no running water, I was able to shower, use the bathroom in a reasonable manner and the bathroom area was clean. the hammocks and other chill areas were great! I especially enjoyed the area above the bar. The beach was amazing, not a ton of people and not too many people selling stuff. al though I’ve heard the weekends are super packed.

The people and the money is the only thing I didn’t like about the place. I got no useful information on how to get to the hostel, and was told it would cost 90k-120k to get to the place. I figured it out myself and I found a tour to take me for 20k. There was a weird emphasis on money, I got interrupted in the middle of my two night stay to pay what I owed them so far(dinner and 2 drinks). When I asked to go back to Cartagena, again I was quoted a ridiculous amount (80k) by David to go back by car and only 30k to go by boat. 30k which he made clear I pay to him(he probably takes half of it, I was sick so didn’t bother haggling but I’m willing to bet 20k can get you back by bus or boat). The rest of the staff were useless and just taking up the social area. and the massage therapists would also use up a lot of the other lounge chairs. Also, DO NOT BUY FOOD OR DRINKS FROM HERE. Horrible food and expensive. 4 buildings to the left, the restaurant past the restaurant/hotel with all the domes. MUCH better food quality and same/cheaper prices. Wasn’t told about any tours to take during my stay, which is better since it’s probably best if you go find a place yourself and pay much less. It’s really the worst when a Hostel takes advantage of you rather than have your back.