Tierra Bomba: Island History, Forts and Nature

Tierra Bomba combines a boat journey with an island history that reaches back to Cartagena’s buildings. Kilns tell the story of ceramics, lime and building materials; a repurposed cistern and a well still used for fresh water reveal other aspects of everyday island life. Nearby Bocachica brings the entrance to the bay and several fortifications into focus. This gives you different travel interests to choose from: archaeological sites, nature experiences and routes to the forts.

Getting There by Boat

You can reach Tierra Bomba by lancha from Muelle de La Bodeguita or by private boat from private marinas or jetties in the city. The island village of Bocachica is accessible by lancha from Muelle Turístico La Bodeguita in the historic centre. If you are looking for a holiday rental, match the specific location of the accommodation to your planned journey and the places you want to visit.

Kilns, Cistern and Well

In the 17th century, Tejar de San Bernabé, also known as Tejar de los Jesuitas, was the main production centre on Tierra Bomba island. It was located in the north of the island and comprised two kilns: one for ceramics and one for lime. Its output supplied numerous buildings in Cartagena. One of the kilns was preserved and converted into a cistern by local residents. There is also the Tejar de los Jesuitas well in the island village of Tierra Bomba, which the community still uses to supply fresh water. These structures reveal their different functions, from firing materials to supplying water.

The Horno del Gran Diablo in the island village of Tierra Bomba was also used to make bricks, roof tiles and other materials for residential, church and military buildings in Cartagena. In a broader context, the Ruta de los Hornos comprises 38 archaeological sites of lime kilns. During the viceroyalty, the kilns were used to fire materials for the city’s forts and defensive walls. The kilns thus add the story of how the city’s fortifications were built to the history of its defences.

Bocachica and the Bay’s Fortifications

Nearby Bocachica vividly illustrates the military role in the island’s history: Bocachica is the access channel to Cartagena Bay. The Batería del Ángel San Rafael and the forts of San Fernando and San José defended the city against pirates and other enemies. Ships had to enter through the channel and could be fired upon from both sides. Fort San Fernando stands at the entrance to the bay; the Sociedad de Mejoras Públicas carried out restoration work there.

Nature Experiences and Routes to the Forts

Nearby Punta Arena is known for its beaches and the view of Cartagena from there. Nature and canoe activities on the island include birdwatching, night-time swimming to observe bioluminescent plankton and local fishing. Alongside the historic sites, nature observation and water activities therefore offer distinct travel interests.

The forts of Bocachica can be reached by sea or on planned excursions from Punta Arena through the island’s interior. Land options include a walk of about two and a half hours, a horseback ride or a motorcycle journey. If you are planning this option, check in advance whether a suitable excursion is available.

Choose the Right Holiday Rental for Your Travel Interests

When choosing a holiday rental, it is worth comparing your travel interests: will the archaeological sites and the history of the kilns be the deciding factor, or would you prefer to focus your plans more on Bocachica and the forts? Match the location of a specific accommodation option to your journey and the places you want to visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Coco, Carreto, Punta Canoas, Mompós, El Carmen de Bolívar, Cartagena, Turbaco, El Jobo.

For the broader travel overview: Bolívar.