Imagine a hostel floating in the middle of the ocean, just a short boat ride from Cartagena. Sounds unreal, right? Well, that’s Casa en el Agua for you—an off-the-grid paradise that promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
When I first heard about Casa en el Agua, I thought it was too good to be true. A hostel perched on a tiny piece of land, floating in the ocean? Really?
Seeing the photos made me panic a bit since I’m not a fan of water. But I knew staying here would be an epic experience, so I decided to go for it.
Booking Casa En El Agua
Booking a stay here can be a challenge. They open reservations only one month in advance, and spots fill up fast. If you’re like me and don’t have your schedule nailed down months ahead, this can be tricky. I managed to snag a bed in their dorm three weeks out and adjusted my trip around it.
The place is tiny, offering a few private rooms, one dorm with six beds, and about a dozen hammocks. Surprisingly, it’s pretty affordable, especially the hammocks. Just imagine, you’re staying on a private island! The dorm and private rooms book up quickly, so you might end up with just one option: sleeping in hammocks.
Sleeping in a hammock isn’t for everyone, especially with the strong winds that can make the whole hostel shake at night. It might get pretty chilly, too. Some days are less windy, but remember, you’re in the middle of the ocean. Be prepared—bring a blanket, as a jacket won’t cut it.
How to get to Casa en el Agua?
Getting to Casa en el Agua is a bit of a puzzle. There’s a boat that leaves every morning except Sunday. Other routes are complicated and not really worth the hassle. I booked my stay from Sunday to Tuesday but had to cancel Sunday night because I couldn’t get there. The boat ride is one of your biggest expenses, almost double the cost of a bed in the dorm.
I had a rough time with the boat rides. On the way there, it took twice as long, and we got soaked from the waves. On the return trip, strong winds forced us onto a longer route that took hours.
So, was it worth it? I think so.
Here’s what you need to know about Casa en el Agua:
- You can only bring a small backpack. Leave the suitcase or big backpack behind—there’s no room on the tiny boat.
- Since you’re on a small island, there’s limited power. You can charge your phone, but there’s no reception. Water is scarce, too. You get a bucket for showering around 6 pm, which worked fine for me, even for washing my hair.
- Food options are limited. You’ll need to bring some supplies or buy meals there. The typical fare includes rice, veggies, and fish or seafood. Water is so limited they can’t wash your food properly, so it all needs to be cooked.
- Bring your own snacks—bread, spreads, fruit, etc.—so you’re not stuck buying all your meals at the hostel. They do offer free coffee and tea throughout the day.
A final note: when I visited (January 2017), there were issues with bed bugs. If you see anything moving on your bed, insist they change your sheets.
So, what’s the best part of Casa en el Agua?
Chill out, relax, and unwind. The hostel has awesome floaties tied to the dock and hammocks everywhere. Meet other travelers who made it to this incredible spot. Use the isolation as an opportunity for a cell phone detox.
Being so far from civilization, just lying in the sun and doing nothing can get old quickly. I recommend staying for a maximum of two nights.
For more details and to book your stay, check out their official website.
