Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica
It's the fort that guarded the entrance to Cartagena bay through the Bocachica strait, on the island of Tierra Bomba. You get there by boat from La Bodeguita, and it gets far fewer visitors than the Castillo San Felipe.
- Hours
- Daytime; boats come back in the afternoon.
- Price
- Boat and port fee are paid; fort admission is not confirmed.
- Price level
- $$$$$
- Duration
- Over 4 hours
- Address
- Bocachica, Isla de Tierra Bomba, Cartagena
San Fernando was built in the 18th century, after the English attack of 1741, to close off the Bocachica entrance together with the San José battery on the other side of the channel. It sits at water level, with thick walls and sentry boxes.
Unlike the San Felipe, few visitors come here. You walk through the tunnels, the barracks and the walls looking out to the open sea.
The village of Bocachica has a beach and fish restaurants. Fort, lunch and a swim make a good day.
What to see
- The fort's walls and sentry boxes.
- The tunnels and barracks.
- The view of the Bocachica channel and the San José battery.
Getting there
- Boat from the Muelle Turístico de La Bodeguita: 25 to 45 minutes.
- Shared passenger boats also leave from the La Bodeguita area; ask the price before you get on.
Tips
- Agree with the boatman on the return time and the total price before leaving.
- Leave early: the sea gets choppy in the afternoon.
- Bring water and a cap; the fort has little shade.
FAQ
How do I get to the Fuerte de San Fernando?
By boat from the Muelle Turístico de La Bodeguita to Bocachica, on the island of Tierra Bomba.
How much does it cost to get in?
There's no official published rate. Some guides say it's free and others include admission in the tour; confirm when you arrive.
Why go if I've already seen the San Felipe?
Because it's almost empty, right on the sea, and shows how the entrance to the bay was defended.
On the map
Photos: Martinduquea, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Zandcee, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dagarciamarquez, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
