Coves & Beaches Private Shore Excursion

All our tours are flexible but this is a suggested itinerary for cruise ship guests. A visit to the beautiful port of Cabo De Palos, the gateway to Las Islas Hormigas, a protected marine reserve and diving hotspot. See diving boats, sailing boats and traditional fishing boats leaving the quaint harbour which is lined with bars and restaurants. We will then visit the Lighthouse which offers amazing views if you are brave enough to climb the hill or stairs up to it. The lighthouse is an interesting neoclassical building. situated on a rocky headland, it sits at the furthest south east point of Spain, at the end of the range of the coastal mountains of Cartagena. At this point you can also view the full length of La Manga (The sleeve) a 21km sandbank which was developed to be a holiday resort in the 1960´s & 1970´s. It is now a playground for wealthy Spaniards. The lighthouse sits proud on the highest point of the cape, where there was once an artillery emplacement and watch tower.

We will now visit La Manga del Mar Menor (the literal translation into English is ¨the sleeve´ ). It is a 21 km long sandbank, which separates the Mediterranean from the Mar Menor (minor sea), the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe, spanning 170 square kms. Today it is the playground of many wealthy Spaniards and its population grows from around 5000 year round to nearer 250,000 during the months of July and August. There are many traditional Spanish beach chiringuitos dotted along both shores, as well as some ultra hip & trendy bars, restaurants and clubs. La Manga has been a Mecca for lovers of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and hustle and bustle. Despite the huge number of visitors that descend here every summer, this paradise still has many spots to explore, surprises to offer and secluded places to discover. . We have time for 2 beach/drinks stops while we show you La Manga, ofen referred to as the Caribbean of Spain

After stopping for drinks at 1 or 2 bars or chiringuitos, we will drive through the salinas de marchamalo (salt flats) Unfortunately production here halted several years ago, and It is now a protected nature reserve. You can still see where the salt forms within the basins and if you are lucky, you may even see a flamingo or 2 and other bird life.

En route back to Cartagena, if we have time, we will take a drive through the famous 5* La Manga Club where there are 3 golf courses, a tennis academy and football pitches where you can often catch a glimpse of some big name football teams training out of season. After venturing through this luxury resort, into the mountains, we are blessed with some incredible vistas.

Another potential stop on our shore excursion is the beautiful bay of Cala Cortina which is a real hidden gem, tucked right around the corner from the port, but feels a million miles away. We may have time for a quick photo stop here before dropping you back at your ship.