What if I told you there’s a hostel floating in the middle of the ocean, just a short boat ride from Cartagena? Welcome to Casa en el Agua—an unforgettable experience unlike any other.
When I first heard about Casa en el Agua, I couldn’t believe it was real. A hostel on a tiny platform, essentially floating on the sea? It sounded unreal! But once I saw the photos, I knew I had to go—despite my fear of water. Something about this surreal place drew me in, and I decided to face my fears and book the stay.
Booking Casa en el Agua: Plan Ahead!

Booking a stay here can be a challenge. Casa en el Agua only opens bookings one month in advance, and spots disappear almost immediately. If you’re like me and don’t always plan your trips far ahead, this can throw off your entire route. I was lucky to snag a dorm bed three weeks before my trip and had to organize my schedule around that.
The hostel is small and intimate, offering a few private rooms, a dorm with six beds, and about a dozen hammocks. Prices are surprisingly affordable—especially if you opt for the hammocks. But keep in mind, the dorms and private rooms are the first to go, so often you’re left with one option: sleeping in a hammock.
If you’re not used to sleeping in a hammock, this can be tough. The ocean winds at night shake the entire hostel, and it can get pretty cold. So, while it may be hot during the day, nights are often windy and chilly. I recommend bringing a blanket—trust me, a jacket won’t cut it! Some nights are less windy, but you’re in the middle of the ocean, so be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you.
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.
Now, a word of caution: my boat ride to Casa en el Agua was rough. On the way there, the trip took twice as long, and we were all soaked from the waves. Coming back, the winds were so strong that we had to take a longer route, adding hours to the journey. But despite the bumpy rides, I’d still say it was worth it.
Things to Know Before Before You Go


- Pack light: You can only bring a small backpack. There’s no room for suitcases or large bags on the boat.
- No electricity (mostly): The hostel has some lighting at night and limited power for charging phones, but that’s about it. And don’t expect phone reception.
- No running water: You’ll get a bucket of water for a quick shower around 6 PM. It’s enough to rinse off, even wash your hair—but don’t expect luxury!
- Limited food: The hostel serves meals (usually rice, veggies, and fish/seafood), but I’d recommend bringing some of your own snacks like bread, spreads, or fruit. You won’t want to rely on the hostel for every meal. Free coffee and tea are available throughout the day.
- Beware of bed bugs: When I visited (January 2017), there were issues with bed bugs. If you spot anything suspicious on your bed, insist on fresh sheets right away.

What makes Casa en el Agua truly special is the pure relaxation it offers. There’s not much to do—and that’s exactly the point. You can lounge on the dock, float on giant inflatables tied to the hostel, or sway gently in one of the hammocks. It’s the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and take a break from the digital world.
The vibe is friendly and laid-back, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers who’ve also made the journey to this remote paradise.
For more information and to book your stay, visit their official website.