Casa en el Agua Review: Everything You Need To Know About Colombia’s Floating Hostel

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Is Casa en el Agua worth it? You’ve probably seen the viral videos of a hostel sitting in the middle of the ocean, with people jumping off the deck into crystal clear turquoise water and hammocks swaying over the sea. And thought… wait, is it actually like that? Or is this one of those places overhyped by social media? Ya’ll, the hype is real. I went there, and in this blog I’ll walk you through exactly what you can expect and everything you need to know about Casa en El Agua so you can decide for yourself if it’s the right hostel for you. 

On my last trip to Cartagena, I took a weekend and headed out to Casa en El Agua for two nights. I’m not exaggerating when I say this was one of the best hostel experiences I’ve ever had. It really is what it looks like online. You’re literally floating in the Caribbean Sea surrounded by nothing but water, spending your days swimming, sunbathing, and just hanging out. 

If you love being in the water, enjoy a fun and social (but still pretty chill) vibe, and want to disconnect for a couple of days, Casa en El Agua is the perfect addition to your Colombia trip. 

The best part? It’s accessible on a budget. You can stay here starting at around $20 USD per night for a hammock. Prices do vary by day of the week and by season. That price is wild for an overwater experience like this. 

Let’s get into the details and I’ll walk you through exactly what it is like to stay at Casa en El Agua. 

What Is Casa en el Agua?

Casa en El Agua is a floating hostel located in the San Bernardo Islands just off the coast of Cartagena. To get there, you’ll take a boat from Cartagena. The ride takes just under two hours depending on the conditions. Once you arrive, you’re literally dropped off in the middle of the ocean. There’s no beach, no land, just water in every direction. 

It’s exactly what it sounds like. A multi-level wooden house built on a platform, floating in the Caribbean Sea, literally una casa en el agua. You can jump straight into the water from the deck, climb back up, and do it all over again all day. 

It does feel remote, but you’re not completely isolated. You can see a few nearby islands in the distance, including Isla Tintipan right next door. Depending on your cell carrier you may or may not have service. Casa en El Agua is entirely self-sufficient and sustainable; all electricity is generated from solar panels. So, the electricity can be a little spotty. This mix of being off-grid but not totally cut off is what makes Casa en el Agua such a unique place to stay.

How to Get to Casa en el Agua Colombia

Getting to Casa en el Agua is part of the experience. Since it is a floating hostel in the middle of the sea, you will need to get there by boat. I’m not going to lie, it feels a little chaotic at first, but it’s actually very straightforward once you know what to do. 

After you book your stay, Casa en el Agua will send you instructions to reserve your boat with Tranq It Easy. This is the company that runs transfers to Casa en El Agua from Cartagena. You will want to book in advance, especially during busy seasons, as they also make stops at other islands and spots can fill up. 

The boats leave from Muelle La Bodeguita in Cartagena’s historical center. 

When you’re leaving from Cartagena, the boats leave at 9:00 am. You’ll want to arrive earlier so you have time to find Tranq It Easy and get checked in. The boat ride is about two hours, and you’ll arrive at Casa en El Agua around 11:00 am. 

Boats leaving Casa en el Agua back to Cartagena typically depart between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

As of March 2026, the price per person for the boat transfer from Cartagena to Casa en El Agua is 140,000 COP (or about $38 USD). 

Depending on the weather and the sea conditions, the boat ride may be smooth or bumpy, there’s really no way to predict it. If you’re prone to sea sickness, take something for it before you go. 

Once you get closer to the San Bernardo Islands, the water gets calmer and that bright Caribbean blue starts showing up. And then you’ll see it… Casa en El Agua just floating in the middle of the ocean.

One thing to be aware of regarding the boat transfer is that you are limited to 8kg (about 17lbs) of luggage. So, leave the big suitcase in storage in Cartagena, and just bring backpack with the essentials. 

What It’s Like Staying at Casa en el Agua

The Vibe

As someone in my early 30s who still likes to be social and have fun, Casa en El Agua hit the perfect balance. It’s not a chaotic party hostel, but it’s definitely not boring. There was a really good mix of people, mostly travelers in their 20s and 30s, with a couple folks older than that sprinkled in.  Most people were solo travelers or with friends and really open to hanging out and being social. Overall, it was super easy to meet people. It has that instant community feel where everyone’s there for the same reason.

A Typical Day at Casa en el Agua

Days here are simple in the best way. You wake up, and the first thing you see is the ocean. No traffic, no noise, just water.

For me, my days staying here looked like: breakfast at the hostel, doing some yoga on the deck, jumping in the water to swim, joining one of the daily activities, and relaxing with my book. 

There is a restaurant and bar on site where you can order your meals and snacks throughout the day. The bar has everything from beer, soft drinks and smoothies, to all your tropical cocktail favorites. Midnight is when the bar officially closes, but especially on the weekends, if people are having fun they might stay open just a little longer. 

Evenings were fun and social. There’s a group dinner, and after everyone is usually hanging out, having some drinks, and playing cards or dancing and enjoying the music. 

It felt like an adult summer camp, but floating in the Caribbean Sea. 

What is the bathroom situation like?

Casa en el Agua is a floating, sustainable hostel, so things work a little differently than a typical hotel. Remember, you are on a floating building in the middle of the sea. So everything, including water and waste, has to be shipped in or out by boat. 

Water is very limited. For showers, there is a schedule. At the scheduled time, in the evening, you’re given a bucket of water to use to wash up. There is a regular shower stall with a drain, so other than using the bucket, everything works pretty much like normal as far as taking a shower goes. 

For toilets, Casa en El Agua uses sustainable, compost toilet with a wet and dry system. I was so impressed by this. Honestly, I was expecting this to be the worst part, but it ended up being totally fine. It was very well managed, super clean, and there was absolutely no smell. There’s a whole system to keep wet and dry waste that comes out of you separate. Don’t worry they’ll go over this in your intro briefing when you arrive, and there are signs up in the toilets so you can’t forget. 

Accommodation Options 

One of the best things about Casa en el Agua is that you can experience staying in a floating hostel in the Caribbean without blowing your budget. There are a few different accommodation options depending on your travel style and how much comfort you want. There are shared dorms as well as private rooms for two to up to six people. 

When I stayed, I went with the cheapest option, the hammock. And honestly? I loved it.

Falling asleep to the sound of the water and waking up to the sunrise over the sea was such a cool experience. You’re right there, completely immersed in it. No walls, no barriers, just you and the ocean.

If you want to check out all the room options and current pricing, you can browse them here.

Food, Drinks, and Costs

I really enjoyed the food at Casa en El Agua. Meals were simple and served communal style which really adds to the whole feeling of being at summer camp or in a shared house with friends. Breakfast is included in your stay. You’ll pay 40,000 COP each for lunch and dinner. Meals are served at set times and you’ll be given an option, usually one meat or seafood option and one vegetarian option to choose from. If you get hungry between mealtimes they also have different snacks like empanadas and fries you can order as well. 

Outside alcohol isn’t allowed, but the on-site bar has plenty of options and it’s open until midnight. 

For payment during your stay, you’re given a wristband that you scan each time you order. I loved this system because you don’t have to worry about carrying your cash or cards with you. Your tab is all recorded and you settle up and pay at check out. They prefer cash, so definitely bring enough Colombian pesos to cover your stay. If you don’t have enough cash, they are able to take card if needed. 

Based on the menu, prices are pretty reasonable considering you’re literally in the middle of the ocean. As of 2026, I’d budget about $20-30 for food per day and then some extra for any drinks. Beers started at 10,000 COP (about $3 USD) and cocktails started at 30,000 COP (around $8 USD).

How Many Nights Should You Stay?

In my opinion, two nights is the sweet spot for staying at Casa en el Agua. It gives you enough time to fully settle in, meet people, and enjoy the whole experience without feeling rushed, but not so long that it starts to feel repetitive. 

One night feels too short. You arrive mid day the first day and then leave again after breakfast the following day.  Personally, I’d like a little more downtime to enjoy the water especially given how long it takes to get out there. 

On the flip side, if you’re someone who really wants to slow down, disconnect, and spend a few days just swimming, reading, and doing absolutely nothing, then staying longer could be worth it.

Is Casa en el Agua Good for Solo Travelers?

Casa en el Agua is honestly one of the best places I’ve stayed as a solo traveler. While there were a few couples and groups of friends, most people during my stay were also traveling solo, which makes it really easy to connect with others. The whole setup naturally brings people together, from shared meals to hanging out on the deck or jumping in the water, so you’re never really alone unless you want to be. It has a fun, social energy without feeling overwhelming, and if you’re heading to the San Bernardo Islands solo, this is probably the best place to stay.

Can You Work Remotely from Casa en el Agua?

Short answer… absolutely not. I have T-Mobile and was able to get a little bit of cell service here and there depending on where I was standing on the structure and which way the wind was blowing. It was very inconsistent. There is no wifi provided here. 

This is not the place to be taking Zoom calls, answering emails, or trying to be productive.

If you’re planning a workcation in Cartagena, I’d recommend saving Casa en el Agua for the weekend or your days off. Think of it as a full disconnect reset, not a work-friendly destination.

Best Time to Visit Casa en el Agua Colombia (Weather Guide)

The best time to visit Casa en el Agua is during the dry season, from December to April, when you’re more likely to get calm seas, sunny days, and that bright Caribbean water you’re probably picturing. This is also the most popular time to go so things will book quickly and be more expensive. 

You’ll want to avoid the rainy season if you can, which runs from May to November, since weather can impact both your experience and the boat ride getting there. Rougher seas and rain can make things a lot less enjoyable. The rainiest months are typically September and October.

That said, shoulder season can still be a good option if you don’t mind the chance of a few showers. You’ll likely get fewer crowds and still have plenty of time to enjoy the water, just with a bit more unpredictability in the weather. I visited in June and had perfect weather, so it really varies. 

Things to Do at Casa en el Agua

While most of your time will probably be spent swimming, relaxing, and hanging out, there are a bunch of activities you can sign up for if you want to do more. Most of these do come at an extra cost, so be sure to bring some extra cash for these (most activities ranged from 20K – 60K COP). 

The most popular is the plankton tour, where you swim in glowing bioluminescent water at night, and it really does feel like floating in sparkles. It’s even better during a new moon when it’s completely dark. This tour was my favorite out of the ones I did. 

You can also visit Santa Cruz del Islote, one of the most densely populated islands in the world, or go snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding around the surrounding reefs and mangroves. There are also day trips to nearby islands like Tintipán or Múcura if you want a beach day. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, they offer fun water sports like subwing, disc-go, and even scuba diving. 

Who Casa en el Agua Is Best For

Casa en el Agua is perfect for travelers who are a little adventurous, laid-back, and open to the experience. It’s not a luxury stay, so you have to be okay with things being simple and a bit out of your comfort zone.

It’s especially great for solo travelers, since it’s so easy to meet people and there’s a very social, welcoming vibe. But it’s also a really fun spot if you’re traveling with a partner or friends and still want that opportunity to connect with others.

If you like being in the water, don’t need a packed itinerary, and are down to just go with the flow for a couple of days, you’ll probably love it here.

FAQs About Casa en el Agua Colombia

Is Casa en el Agua Colombia safe?

Overall, yes, I felt safe during my stay. It’s a small, controlled environment where everyone is staying on the property together, and the staff does a good job of setting expectations and keeping things organized. Like anywhere, you should still keep an eye on your belongings, but the vibe is very relaxed and respectful.

Do you need to book Casa en el Agua in advance?

Yes, definitely. This place is popular and has limited space, especially for hammocks and weekends. I’d recommend booking at least a couple of weeks in advance, and even earlier if you’re traveling during peak season (December through April).

Is Casa en el Agua worth it?

In my opinion, 100% yes. It’s one of the most unique hostel experiences you can have, and it actually lives up to what you see online. If you’re into being in the water, meeting people, and trying something a little different, it’s absolutely worth adding to your Colombia itinerary.

Can you bring your own food or alcohol?

No, outside alcohol isn’t allowed, and meals are purchased on-site. There’s a full restaurant and bar available, so you’ll have plenty of options for food and drinks during your stay.

Do you need cash at Casa en el Agua?

Yes, you should bring enough cash (Colombian pesos) to cover your food, drinks, and activities. While they can take card payments if needed, it’s best not to rely on it since you’re in a remote location.

Is Casa en el Agua a party hostel?

Not really. It’s social and fun, especially in the evenings, but it’s not a wild party hostel. Think more chill, music, drinks, and dancing rather than all-night chaos.

My Honest Review of Casa en el Agua Colombia

Casa en el Agua is easily in my top 5 favorite hostel experiences.

I would 100% come back and honestly, I’d bring friends next time because it’s one of those places you want to share with people. The whole concept is so cool, but what really stood out to me is how well they’ve executed it. It’s not just a floating hostel, it’s a truly sustainable setup on the water, and they’ve made it work in a way that still feels comfortable and fun.

The vibes are immaculate. It’s social, it’s unique, and it’s one of those experiences that actually lives up to the hype.

10/10, I’d recommend it.

Ready to book your stay at Casa en el Agua? You can book a stay on Hostelworld or on booking.com

Planning a trip to Colombia?

Take a look at these other guides:

2 Week Colombia Itinerary: Bogotá, Salento, Medellín, and the Caribbean Coast

3 Day Itinerary Cartagena

Things to do in Cartagena

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