The Forgotten WWII Bunkers: Accommodation in the Coastal Batteries of Isla de Tierra Bomba

Introduction

Cartagena has a history that goes far beyond the walls of the historic center. While tourists crowd at the Castillo de San Felipe, few know that on Isla de Tierra Bomba, just 20 minutes by boat, the remains of coastal batteries built during World War II still stand. These concrete bunkers, designed to defend the Panama Canal from a possible Nazi attack, were abandoned for decades until a couple of locals decided to turn them into extreme accommodations. Today, sleeping in one of these bunkers is an experience that combines military history, breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, and the feeling of being on a movie set. In June 2026, only 8 spots are available to live this adventure. Here's how to do it.

The coastal batteries of Isla de Tierra Bomba: WWII bunkers forgotten by time

Between 1939 and 1945, the United States and Colombia signed agreements to install coastal artillery batteries at strategic points in the Colombian Caribbean. Isla de Tierra Bomba, right in front of the bay of Cartagena, was one of those points. Three main batteries were built: Batería del Morro, Batería de las Américas, and Batería del Faro, each with 155 mm cannons capable of hitting ships more than 20 kilometers away. They never saw real combat, but for decades they were kept as military secrets. After the war, they were abandoned, consumed by the bush and saltpeter, until a few years ago a historical tourism project rescued them.

The curious thing is that it is not a traditional hotel. The bunkers were restored with a minimal intervention approach: debris was cleared, beds, dry toilets, and solar panels were installed, but the concrete walls, tunnels, and cannon platforms remain intact. Sleeping there is literally lying down inside a piece of World War II.

List of the 3 best bunker-hotels

Bunker del Morro

This is the largest and has the best views. It is located at the northern tip of the island, right where the Caribbean Sea meets the bay. The original bunker had two levels: the firing platform above and the troop quarters below. Today, the platform has become a terrace with hammocks and a campfire, while the underground quarters house two double beds with mosquito nets. There is no electricity 24 hours a day (only from 6pm to 10pm), so get ready to sleep to the sound of the waves and wind. The bathroom is dry, with composting, and the water is heated with solar energy. Reference price for June 2026: $180,000 COP per night per person, includes basic breakfast and a guided tour of the battery.

Bunker de las Américas

This is the smallest and most hidden. It is in the center of the island, surrounded by mangroves and thick vegetation. It was originally an observation and communications post, not a combat battery. It only has capacity for two people in a single room with a queen bed and a small desk. The special thing here is the absolute silence and the feeling of being in a secret base. There is no cell signal or WiFi, only an emergency radio. Access is on foot via a 15-minute trail from the beach. Ideal for couples looking to disconnect from the world. Reference price: $220,000 COP per night per couple, includes a light dinner and a flashlight.

Bunker del Faro

This is the most photogenic and has the most history. It is right next to the island's lighthouse, which is still operational. The bunker has a semicircular shape and preserves the marks of the original cannons. It was restored with three single bunk beds, ideal for small groups or families. It has a basic kitchen with a gas stove and portable refrigerator, and a bathroom with a cold water shower (no heater). The terrace faces directly onto the sea, with sunset views over Cartagena. It is the only one of the three that allows campfires on the beach. Reference price: $250,000 COP per night for up to 4 people, includes snorkel gear and a trail map.

The experience: sleeping among cannons, Caribbean Sea views, and historic trails

It is not a luxury hotel. If you are looking for air conditioning, a jacuzzi, and room service, this is not for you. The experience is raw, authentic, and powerful. Upon arrival, you are given a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a brief talk about the bunker's history. During the day you can explore the trails that connect the three batteries, walk along the Tierra Bomba beach (which is almost empty), or go snorkeling in the nearby reefs. At nightfall, the island becomes completely dark. The stars are visible with impressive clarity, and the only noise is the waves and, sometimes, the iguanas moving through the bushes.

Fun fact: at Bunker del Morro you can still see the original inscriptions of the American soldiers who were stationed there. One reads: "John, 1944, miss Miami." It is a reminder that these places are not just concrete, but human stories.

Map or how to get there

To get to the bunkers, you first need to go to Isla de Tierra Bomba. From Cartagena, take a ferry or public boat from Muelle de la Bodeguita (near the Torre del Reloj). The trip takes between 20 and 30 minutes and costs approximately $15,000 COP per person round trip. Ferries leave every hour between 7am and 5pm. Once on the island, you must walk or take a mototaxi to the bunkers. Bunker del Faro is a 10-minute walk from the dock; Bunker de las Américas requires a 30-minute walk along a marked trail; Bunker del Morro is further away, about a 45-minute walk or 15 minutes by mototaxi.

Important: There are no stores or restaurants near the bunkers. You must bring your own food, water, and insect repellent. The hosts recommend arriving before 3pm to settle in with natural light. The visit is not recommended for families with small children or people with reduced mobility, as access is uneven and there are steep stairs.

Conclusion or final recommendation

If you are one of those who get bored in traditional hotels and are looking for something that truly takes you out of your routine, the bunkers of Isla de Tierra Bomba are a hidden gem. It is not a plan for everyone: you need an adventurous spirit, tolerance for the basics, and a love for history. But one night there, looking at the sea from a cannon platform that never fired in war, is something you will not forget. Remember that there are only 8 spots available in total among the three bunkers, so if you are interested, book in advance. Ask at the Cartagena tourism office or search on social media for "Bunkers Tierra Bomba" to contact the operators directly.

Book your bunker on Isla de Tierra Bomba for a night of history and adventure; only 8 spots available.

Numbered list (minimum 5 items with mini-review)

1. Batería de San José

   Built in 1741, this battery is an excellent example of the military architecture of the time. You can still see the cannons that once defended the coast. Insider Tip: Visit at dawn to enjoy impressive views and fewer tourists. Bring a camera, as the light is perfect for photographs.