Cartagena Spain, The Tourist Boat trip across the bay, sometimes the boat is hijacked by marauding Berber pirates.

The Tourist boat, the Barco turistico, operates from the Muelle de Alfonso XII, which is the waterside area of Cartagena.
It is basically a pleasure boat trip which takes about an hour and follows the Cartagena coast around its' most historical points.
Cartagena has been a most fought over port for much of it's history, not only because the hills surrounding it are rich in valuable minerals, but also because its' sheltered bay made it an ideal trading post, connecting the riches of Spain with the old Mediterranean trading routes.
This strategic importance made it highly coveted, and it has been forced to defend itself many times throughout its history, hence the vast fortifications which surround and protect it from all angles. The last big build took place in 1926-1934, when the 1926 defense plan called for the construction of a series of military batteries to take into account the increased firing range of weaponry developed a a direct result of the First World War and also the new menace to the armed forces - attack from the air.
Many of the batteries this boat trip follows are positioned along the coast and the boat basically follows the route around the port and its'immediate area.

Depart from the  Muelle de Alfonso XII
 Arsenal Militar / Navantia submarine yard
 Castillo de Galeras
 Batería de Navidad
 San Juan de la Podadera
 Batería Trincabotijas
 Fuerte de Santa Ana
 Batería de San Isidoro y Santa Florentina
 Batería de San Julián
 Batería de San Leandro
 Puerto de Pescadores
Return to the  Muelle Alfonso XII

You can either opt to stay on the boat and do the trip around which is one price, or stop off to visit the Fuerte de Navidad, the Christmas Fort which is on the far side of the bay, which is extra.
The Fuerte de Navidad is an interesting fortification to visit as it has been refurbished recently and has great views across to Cartagena.
To read a full report about it, Click, Fuerte de Navidad

It's a good place to take a picnic and sit by the lighthouse watching the shipping going in and out , and is a really nice stop-off if you have the time. The only point to note is that access to the fort is quite steep, so is really not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility difficulties.

Ticket Prices
Individual 5.50
Reduced 4.50

Combined ticket, Boat and Fuerte de Navidad
Individual 8 euros
Reduced 6 euros

Nb. To qualify for reduced status- children under 12, retirees, disabled or groups. Status must be produced for reduced tariffs. Children under 3, Free of charge.

Cartagena Spain, Hours of Departures for the Tourist Boat

From 1st July-13th September
Every day, 10:30-11:30-12:30-13:30-15:30-16:30-17:30-18:30-19:30
From 19th March to 1st November

Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30-11:30-12:30-13:30-15:30-16:30-17:30-18:30

From2rd November to 9th February
Closed from Tuesday - Friday
Saturdays and Sundays, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm

Semana Santa Holy week, Easter)
Mon-Sunday, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm.

Atrocious behaviour by local pirates

During the summer months and at holiday times you'll often find pirates hijacking the tourist boat and attacking the fort once they get to the other side. This disgraceful behaviour normally takes place at weekends and there is no extra charge for being held at swordpoint by marauding pirates. Check " Fun things to do, Cartagena" for the latest updates, but be aware, on the dates that this happens you will need to book up, as the pirates are very popular with families.

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