If you are already in Coveñas or Tolú and want to add a real diving adventure to your beach holiday, Isla Fuerte is within easy reach. The island sits a little farther south, off the Córdoba coast, and getting there is a straightforward mix of a short road leg and a boat crossing. This guide gives clear, step-by-step directions on how to get from Coveñas or Tolú to Isla Fuerte, so you can plan the trip with confidence.
The route in brief
The journey from Coveñas or Tolú to Isla Fuerte has two parts: a road leg south to the port of Paso Nuevo, on the Córdoba coast, and then a boat crossing of eleven kilometers to the island. Coveñas and Tolú sit side by side, so the directions are essentially the same from either town.
Plan on the road leg taking a couple of hours, then the boat crossing on top of that. It is a half-day trip, best started in the morning.
Step one: road to Paso Nuevo
From Coveñas or Tolú, head south along the coast toward the Córdoba department and the small port of Paso Nuevo. You can drive your own vehicle, hire a car, or take local transport toward the coast south of the Gulf of Morrosquillo.
The road becomes more rural as you go, a sign you are leaving the busier gulf towns behind. Paso Nuevo is a modest fishing port, so keep an eye out for it rather than expecting a large terminal.
Step two: the boat crossing
Paso Nuevo is the departure point for boats to Isla Fuerte. From here you cross eleven kilometers of open Caribbean water to reach the island, a short but scenic passage as the mainland fades behind you.
Boat schedules depend on weather and demand, so it is wise to coordinate your crossing in advance rather than just showing up. Arranging the boat as part of a planned trip avoids long waits at the port.
Tips for a smooth trip
Travel light and pack for the sea: sun protection, water and a dry bag for anything you want to keep safe on the boat. Start early so you arrive on the island with the day still ahead of you.
It also helps to plan your lodging and, if you dive, your dives before you leave Coveñas or Tolú. Isla Fuerte is deliberately quiet and remote, so a little coordination goes a long way.
Let Nautilus handle the details
The easiest way to get from Coveñas or Tolú to Isla Fuerte is to plan it around your diving. Nautilus is the PADI dive center on the island, and we help coordinate your arrival, lodging and dives so the logistics stay simple. Full gear and insurance are included, and groups are small.
Once you arrive, 29 dive sites in warm 27 to 29 degree water are waiting. Start with our courses and dives, sort your stay through lodging, and preview the reefs on the interactive dive map.
