catamaran tour rosario islands

Excursions to Rosario Islands

Daily excursions on board of the sailing catamaran bonavida.

From Cartagena de Indias we sail towards the National Natural Park of the Rosario Islands. We leave from the Muelle de la Bodeguita, pier in front of the walled city contemplating the spectacular skyline of the modern part of the city.

Discover the Rosario Islands National Natural Park

On board the catamaran BONA VIDA you will enjoy sailing and motor sailing for approximately one hour and a quarter to the Rosario Islands. Our catamaran is equipped with very comfortable seats with nice cushions where you can sit and stretch comfortably, both in the shade and in the sun. We offer Bar service on board with all kinds of drinks during the whole excursion. While sailing, you will discover a new and very pleasant feeling as the catamaran glides silently over the water. We stop at an idyllic beach with turquoise waters and white sands in the Natural National Park of the Rosario Islands, where you can swim enjoying our fun inflatables, and practice snorkeling, if you wish, admiring the fascinating underwater life with its colorful tropical fish and various types of coral. Meanwhile, on board, the crew prepares a delicious seafood rice for you to enjoy in such an exclusive environment.

Full day excursion

Excursion of 7.5 hours to the Rosario Islands with 2 stops of 1.5 hours, includes: 

• Direct boarding without waiting at the dock
• Welcome cocktail
• Lunch of seafood rice (vegetable rice upon express request)
• Non-alcoholic drinks
• Snorkelling

Rosario Islands Full Day Excursion from Cartagena – Book Now / Excursión de Día Completo a las Islas del Rosario desde Cartagena – ¡Reserva Ya!

Description.

Cartagena – Rosario Islands National Natural Park

-> BOOK NOW

ROSARIO ISLANDS

Full day excursion: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (7.5 hours)

* Summary: 7.5-hour excursion to the Rosario Islands with 2 stops of 1.5 hours, includes direct boarding without waiting at the pier, welcome cocktail, snack appetizer, seafood rice lunch (with vegetables upon express request ), non-alcoholic beverages, snorkeling, and taxes.

From Cartagena de Indias we sail to the Rosario Islands National Natural Park. We leave the wharf of La Bodeguita, in front of the walled city contemplating the spectacular skyline of the modern part of the city.

Onboard the catamaran you will be able to enjoy sailing and a motor sailing for approximately one hour and a quarter to our destination. The catamaran is equipped with very comfortable seats with nice cushions where you can sit and stretch comfortably, both in the shade and in the sun.

We offer Bar service on board with all kinds of drinks throughout the excursion. During sailing, you will discover a new and very pleasant sensation as the catamaran glides silently on the water. We stop at an idyllic beach with turquoise waters and white sands in the Rosario Islands National Natural Park, where you can bathe enjoying our fun inflatables, and go snorkeling if you wish, admiring the fascinating underwater life with its colorful tropical fish. and the various types of coral. Meanwhile, on board, the crew prepares delicious seafood rice for you to enjoy in such an exclusive environment.

We have the possibility of renting the catamaran for private tours, write to us and ask, let’s put together the experiences that excite you so much, let’s make it real

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Private Catamaran Sail to Rosario Islands

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Hop on board a comfortable and fully-equipped catamaran with your group of friends to explore the Cartagena bay and admire the city's landmarks from a unique perspective.

Get acquainted with the crew and set sail, giving yourself the opportunity to relax to great music while taking in the most breathtaking views this city has to offer! Visit the exotic spots around Rosario Island or the lively bay of Cholon, a renowned party destination that attracts boat enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you groove to your favorite playlist and soak up the energetic vibes.

Spend a day on your own luxury catamaran and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on this lively day at sea, to the rhythm of your favorite playlist. The yachts feature a spacious salon, showers, and a kitchen that opens onto a large back deck with seating and a dining area. The bow of the boat offers relaxing seating with bean bag chairs and two decks, perfect for enjoying the breeze and where you can relax to enhance your tan.

47 FEET Includes:  Price listed for up to 15 pax  Crew  Insurance  Cabins: 4  Bathrooms: 4  Air conditioning   More pics here

51 FEET Includes:  Price listed for up to 15 pax  Crew  Insurance  Cabins: 3  Bathrooms: 3  Air conditioning   More pics here

Not included: Additional consumption expenses Meals and drinks you can bring your on board Transfers

Schedule: Departure time 09am Return to Cartagena 5pm

Important information: Maximum capacity: 35 pax* Additional person $47usd Life jackets available on board High-heeled shoes not allowed The reservation will be confirmed with the payment of 100% of the contracted value and the balance must be paid no later than 7 days before departure. No boat can leave the dock without having paid 100% of the reservation. If due to natural conditions it is not possible to make the trip, the client may reschedule a new departure or request the full refund paid. Rain is not an impediment to navigation, so it will not be a valid cause for cancellation of the reservation unless there is a red flag that forbids navigation. Any deduction or reimbursement due to complaints and claims must be made by mutual agreement between the company and the agency provided the company has been informed during the provision of the service or 3 days after the end of the service. All reimbursement will be made to the person or company and by the method in which the payment was made.

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Rosario Islands Day Trip

From: $ 115

7,5 hours (8.30 am – 4 pm)

Rosario Islands

We accept credit / debit card payments in dollars or Colombian pesos.

Description

What's included.

• Welcome Cocktail
• Unlimited Non-alcoholic beverages
• Appetizer and lunch** by a professional chef
• Rice and seafood, vegetarian option*** with fruit buffet or fruit cocktails
• Snorkel (mask & tube) free with deposit
• Entry fee to the NNP of the Rosary Islands
• Sweet water showers
• Bilingual personal in the crew

Meeting Point

Los Pegasos Pier, boarding at 08:00, departure at 08:30, return at 16:00. Prices: USD 115 adult Low season, high season USD 135 adult, USD 80child 7-14 years What to bring: Swimsuit, towels, cameras, sunscreen, sun protection, money to buy extra drinks

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Book the 'rosario islands day trip', vip services.

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• 4hrs $250 | 8hrs $450

Private Chef Experience

• 3 & 4 course menu available
• Enjoy your favorite dishes
• Any kind of cuisine available

6hrs $150 Groceries not included in the price

• Enjoy your favorite Drinks
• Margaritas, Mojitos, Cuba Libre, Moscow Mule
• Signature Cocktail
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• Open Bar – 4hrs $300,  8hrs $550
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Practical Guide to Cartagena’s Gorgeous Rosario Islands

• Post author: Adam McConnaughhay
• Post published: June 2, 2023

When you planned a trip to Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, did you have in mind any of the following:

Sunshine and white sand beaches?

Crystal clear and turquoise waters?

Piña coladas, margaritas, or mojitos with a side of Caribbean sea views?

Some time to kick back and relax?

The best place to find all this is without a doubt a visit to the nearby Rosario Islands!

The beaches in the islands are by far the best beaches near Cartagena and some of the best in all Colombia. They are basically a must do on any trip to Cartagena.

In the decade plus I lived in Cartagena, I had the chance to visit the Rosario Islands many times. At least a couple times a year we did a bit of staycation or touristing in our home town.

They are just so pretty, we couldn’t help but keep going back, and the beaches here are so much nicer than those in the city.

I also had the opportunity to visit the Rosario Islands in various ways.

From private boat rentals (our favorite way when we could get a group together), to day passes at resorts, to shared tours, to overnight stays at several of the resorts and ecolodges, we’ve done it all.

Here, I’m going to use all that experience to help give you the best tips for visiting the Rosario Islands of Cartagena, Colombia for yourself.

So, read on for a complete guide to visiting the Rosario Islands from Cartagena , including how to get there, the merits of a day trip vs staying overnight, the best tours, and the best hotels so you don’t miss this must see destination and are sure to enjoy them to their fullest and have an unforgettable time in Colombia’s Rosario Islands!

Ultimate Guide to the Rosario Islands – Contents

• Overview and Quick Tips for Visiting the Rosario Islands from Cartagena
• Doing a Private Boat to Rosario Islands
• Best Day Tours to the Rosario Islands
• Day Passes at Beach Clubs and Resorts
• Spending the Night in the Rosario Islands

Packing List for the Rosario Islands

• Practical Tips for the Islas del Rosario
• FAQs about the Rosario Islands

Last Updated: March 13, 2023

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am a member of Amazon Associates, LLC and other affiliate programs and earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking those links. There is never any additional cost to you. To learn more please consult our Disclosure Policy.

Overview and Quick Tips for the Rosario Islands

I like to give as much detail as possible with in depth guides, especially for places like the Rosario Islands in Cartagena that I know so well.

However, I know that sometimes, you just want some quick tips and may not have time to read about all the details.

So, in this first section I’ll go over the most important information give some quick tips for planning a visit to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena and try not to be too long winded. This section will also be a good introduction for those looking to read on and get even more details about the Rosario Islands below.

First off, what are, or maybe better ,where are the Rosario Islands?

The Rosario Islands are an island chain roughly an hour to an hour and a half off the coast of Cartagena. Called the Islas del Rosario in Spanish, they are a tiny chain of coral islands, some with barely more than a few square yards area. You can even see tiny little houses on their own private islands!

The waters here are really pretty and the entire area is actually a national park.

The islands are also fairly undeveloped. Originally settled by fisherman, there is one small community on Isla Grande plus a handful of hotels, eco-lodges, and private homes scatted around on the islands.

In my opinion, the best way to experience the islands is a private boat to the Rosario Islands. With a private charter, you have a lot of flexibility in how you spend your day and can stop at several stops for swimming, snorkeling, hanging on the beach.

Or you can just have a dance party on your boat all day!

Whatever you want, you can do. Plus you get to enjoy all the lovely scenery a lot more than on a shared tour or just going to one beach area and back.

While, yes, it’s the most costly way to visit the Rosario Islands, it’s surprisingly affordable, especially if you can get a group of 10 plus people together. Even if you can’t though, this is one of the things that is totally worth splurging a bit on.

You can check out prices for a private boat here .

You can also do shared boat tours to the island if you can’t put together a group or have the budget for a private boat. My top pick for this would be doing the catamaran tour of the Rosario Islands , which includes lunch and snorkeling.

There are also multi-island boat tours , that go on boats similar to the boats chartered for private rentals. While not quite as snazzy, they offer a good way to see multiple places at a much more affordable prices.

For those looking to snorkel at the reef and enjoy the neat scenery around the islands, one of these tours on boats from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands should be your top choice.

If you’re more interested in having lots of time relaxing on a beach, then you could opt for a day pass at a beach club or hotel, many of which also have overnight accommodations.

There are some great little eco-resorts and lodges out in the Rosario Islands. It’s worth keeping in mind there isn’t much else out here and you are an hour plus boat ride away.

So, I only recommend staying in the islands if you have 4 or more nights in Cartagena. Doing so is terrific if you have the time though!

Most of the hotels and beach clubs in the Rosario Islands are located on the largest island, appropriately named Isla Grande, or the smaller islands clustered around it like Isleta.

In fact, Isleta is where our favorite place IslaBela is located, It has lovely bungalows and one of the best beach areas in the islands.

You can also buy a day pass there (use the discount code ExploreColombia10 for a discount!). Those first two photos at the very top of the post is at IslaBela’s main beach area, which I think is the best overall beach area in the Islas del Rosario.

There are a number of other places around this general area to stay as well, many of which also offer day passes.

I’m going to discuss some more ideas in the more detailed sections below but you can also take a glance at some other options on Isla Grande and the vicinity .

There are also options, including some more luxurious options in Barú. Isla Barú, or Barú Island in English, is often included as part of the Rosario Islands.

That’s sort of incorrect, as technically Barú was a peninsula that only became an island after the Spanish cut the narrow Canal del Dique across it, separating it from the mainland.

However, parts of Barú are included in the protected area of the national park and there are some gorgeous beaches here.

Perhaps the most well known of these is Playa Blanca. I have a guide to Playa Blanca , and you can click that link to read more about it.

However, due to overcrowding, I don’t recommend it anymore and I would consider it a different type (and not as nice) of an experience as what you get in the Rosario Islands.

Now, there are some less crowded beaches and a few lovely resorts near the tip of Barú that I would categorize as more like the idyllic islands.

Hotel Las Islas and the new Sofitel Calablanca offer great luxury style resorts in this area of Barú.

So does the Isla del Encanto , which we loved when we stayed there and also offers day passes. Since they are closer to the mainland, these are definitely the best choices for those looking for nicer places to stay with A/C and amenities like pools.

That about covers the basics in this overview with the most important information you need to know to visit the Rosario Islands.

Below, I’ll discuss in more detail all those options mentioned above as well as discuss more in depth how you should determine if it’s worth spending the night or not, and even share a few more insider tips based on our many visits.

If you’d like even more extra expert assistance and would like to plan a customized trip with an agent, fill out this form , and my partner agency BnB Colombia Tours will contact you about planning an all inclusive, tailor made itinerary for your Colombia trip starting at $200 a day per person.

In Depth Guides to the Best Ways to Do the Rosario Islands

If you’ve made it this far, first thanks for reading! Second, let’s get into some more nitty gritty details of the Rosario Islands.

The way I see it there are four main ways to do the Rosario Islands. They are:

• Rent a Private Boat and See the Rosario Islands in Class – The Best Way!
• Do a Shared Boat Day Tour to the Rosario Islands
• Do a Day Pass at One of the Rosario Islands Hotels
• Spend the Night at One of the Hotels in the Rosario Islands

Susana and I have done all of these.

While we have not done every single tour or been to every hotel and beach club, we have been to enough to where I feel confident our experience can help you get the most out of the Rosario Islands.

Hopefully you’ll find some tips or gleam some information here that you won’t find in the cookie cutter travel advice websites out there or the same parroted advice in Facebook groups and travel forums.

For each option mentioned above, I’m going to discuss why it’s a good way to do the Rosario Islands, give you some suggestions for the best ways to do it, and give you an idea of what to expect.

Now just to be clear, that list above should not necessarily be seen as a ranking.

Well, doing the private boat is absolutely the best way if you can swing it.

However, as I mentioned above, if you have more than 4 nights total in Cartagena, spending the night in the Islas del Rosario is totally worth it and I think you should absolutely do it!

If you only have 4 or fewer nights, I’d recommend staying in town the whole trip and doing one of options 1-3.

By the way, if you still need to make your Cartagena hotel reservations, check out my guide to the best boutique hotels and luxury hotels in town or my in depth guide to the best areas to stay . Those on a tighter budget might also want to check out my picks for the best Cartagena hostels .

But, I digress.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each of these best ways for how to get to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena.

Option 1: Why You Should Do a Private Boat to the Rosario Islands

This is hands down the best way to do the islands!

Really and truthfully, you should try your best to figure a way to do a private boat to the Rosario Islands.

Even if you have the time and want to spend the night, do this and have them leave you where you’ll stay and get the best of all worlds.

We’ve done this a bunch of times, and it is surprisingly affordable .

Of course that’s with the catch that you do probably need to put together a group to make it cost effective.

Generally, you want a group of 7+ to get a good value here, and if you can get 15-20 people together, you can get a really nice boat for not too much per person.

In all honesty, the per person price will probably be cheaper than a day pass or shared tour.

Why is this the best way to do the Rosario Islands?

Well, you’re on your own boat, duh!

Obviousness aside, besides just being on a boat, what’s nice about doing it this way is you have a lot of flexibility.

Want to go snorkeling all day? Perfect!

Want to head to beaches where there are fewer people? You got it!

Want to do a full day booze cruise rocking your favorite jams cranked up on the stereo? No problema!

I would actually recommend doing some combination of the above.

Most rentals have a sort of preset suggested itinerary but will also let you customize the day to your liking, usually including 3 or 4 stops.

We have done private boat rentals a bunch of times with friends. During that time, we sort of settled on a nice route that has a little bit of everything.

Usually what we do is head out to the area known as La Piscinita first.

Here you can swim out and snorkel over the nearby reef.

I’ll be honest, the snorkeling in the Rosario Islands is good, not amazing.

The reefs here are unfortunately dying, but you can often see some colorful fish hanging out.

Nearby there is another good swimming and snorkeling spot where there is an underwater plane that works well as an alternative first top or a second stop.

By the way, there is a popular myth, propped up by lots of tour agencies and guides, that this plane was one that belonged to Pablo Escobar and went down in the islands while running drugs.

That is completely made up.

The plane was actually put there by a marine biologist as part of a doctoral thesis.

I had heard this was the true story a while back and went in search of evidence to be mostly frustrated at the lack of it. I did manage to track down a listing for the thesis but unfortunately the text is not published online. It is cited near the bottom of page 35 in this thesis as well.

Now, there is a variation that claims that the plane may have been owned by Escobar because the Colombian government did sink some planes used for drug trafficking off the coast that had been seized, including at least one in the Rosarios. You can read about that in this article .

However, that was 1998, 4 years after the thesis was published, so that story doesn’t add up either.

Speaking of Escobar myths and the islands, there is another older myth that Escobar had a giant mansion in the islands where he would have massive parties and live the good life.

This is also entirely false.

The supposed Escobar estate belonged (and as far as I know still does) to Antonio Turbay, cousin of a former president. At some point they built out a big, swanky hotel.

However, the hotel was shut down by the authorities due to its environmental impact and has basically become an abandoned ruin. If you want some evidence for that, this article discusses a visit by authorities to the property (known as Casa Blanca) in 2013, clearly identifying Turbay as the owner. This video also has an interview with a native of the islands that states the same.

Unfortunately, both of these myths have been perpetuated by tour guides taking some creative liberties. Then they get repeated by bloggers and youtubers. Even some larger publications like Business Insider and The Daily Mail have published articles repeating them. Even Discovery Channel did a bit on it. Ughh, you’d think maybe these outfits would do their homework, but I guess this is the brave new world we are in.

The truth is, these myths are so commonly parroted that I had to kind of go down a rabbit hole to try to disprove them, and well, now I’ve taken you down that rabbit hole too.

So please, don’t perpetuate this myth!

Ok, out of the rabbit hole and back to discussing the islands.

The plane is neat to see it in the water below. So, if it interests you, be sure to include it. The area around here is also pretty and has some neat scenery.

In fact, that is one of the things I really like about doing the private boat to the Rosario Islands. Since you get several stops, you get to see more of the islands and really enjoy the scenery.

It’s so neat seeing some of the tiny private islands that have nothing but one little house on them, all surrounded by the gorgeous waters.

Party spot Cholón is another popular spot to include as a stop on a private boat tour.

Here, you’ll find lots of other boats pulled up and a big party.

If you want to have dance parties on your boat between dips in shallow waters, it’s the perfect spot for it. We used to go here a lot and a handful of Susana’s girlfriends and gay guy friends absolutely love it. Like, if it was only up to them, we would just go here all day.

It is fun, and the truth is it is a cool little spot with the covered areas in the water that is about waist deep and all the boats pulled up around it. I always thought this would be a sweet spot for a reggae concert, although you’ll mostly hear reggaeton.

I feel like we’ve kind of outgrown it or maybe just done it too many times though. Or maybe we’ve just seen other people puking in the water one too many times.

Also, like getting here at 10 am usually leads to a day of a bit too much imbibing because well, there’s not a whole lot else to do. Just to be clear, I’ve never puked in the water!

We started coming here after stopping for swimming, staying for a while, and then heading somewhere for lunch, and actually the last time or two we did the islands we skipped it entirely, opting to just have the dance parties on the boat in a less crowded spot where we weren’t competing with other tunes.

It does get crowded during high season and weekends. Similar to Playa Blanca, I think it’s become a bit of a victim of its own success.

Also, it’s worth noting that there have been a few accidents where the mix of booze, along with lots of swimmers, boats, and jet skis in close proximity have combined for tragic consequences. So, do be extra careful swimming outside the central circle area of boats.

You can learn more about what to expect at this Rosario Islands party spot in my full post on Cholón .

Just to be clear, don’t let me deter you from partying at Cholón all day! Like I said, we enjoyed it many times, and especially if you can avoid busy days, it is neat. I would suggest at least stopping by even if you’re not that interested.

Plus, another big advantage of doing the private rental is if it is too crowded or you’re not really feeling it, you can just head somewhere else!

The island known as Agua Azul is a good stop to enjoy the beach and get lunch.

We have made this our lunch spot of choice on our last few trips out to the Rosario Islands. Just make sure you double check prices for lunch as it has become a more popular stop and I’ve heard of prices going up.

Finally, you can also head to Playa Blanca for lunch and chilling in the afternoon. I would strongly recommend heading to the far end of the beach where it’s less crowded if you do though.

We used to do this a lot because it was cheaper, but with ever increasing crowds (not to mention prices), I actually generally recommend just avoiding Playa Blanca all together now.

Generally private boats will include a cooler full of ice, sometimes with some courtesy waters or beers thrown in.

Be sure to take along some water along with your booze and try to get the earliest start time you can so you can take full advantage of the day!

You’ll generally meet the boats at the marina in Manga (a short taxi ride from the Walled City), the docks by the Walled City, or at small docks in Bocagrande.

Option 2: Shared Boat Day Tours to the Rosario Islands

Ok, let’s get this out of the way to start. You should avoid like the plague the guys selling shared day tours in town on the street!

These tours are the cheapest way to do the Rosario Islands, but generally, they consist of lots of people being packed onto little boats, with lots of upsells during the day, in an experience that isn’t ideal.

In full disclosure, I’ve never actually done this standard Rosario Islands tour myself, because all I’ve heard is that it’s not worth it.

However, Susana has done it and agreed, it’s not worth it.

Besides being packed into the boat, at the first stop they had the choice of paying an additional entrance fee to enter the oceanarium or hang out on a tiny mediocre beach. There they could pay for chairs if they wanted them or they could pay more to go snorkeling.

This was how the whole day went. They did go to other, nicer places, but overall it was a lot of waiting around and a subpar experience.

So, I don’t recommend these tours. You’re so much better off just spending a bit more and doing a nicer tour.

However, there are some other good options for doing day tours that are better options than these standard, not so good tours. If you’re on a tight budget, I’d recommend skimping somewhere else and opt for either one of these tours or a day pass at a decent hotel or beach club.

I’ve actually put together an entire post on the best day tours to the Islas del Rosario , which you can check out at that link. However, here I’ll run down a handful of the top options I’d encourage you to consider, starting with what I think is the very best option for a shared tour on a boat to the Rosario Islands.

Best Shared Boat Tour – Sailing on a Catamaran

The Bona Vida Catamaran offers a nice day tour to the Rosario Islands that includes snorkeling gear and lunch.

In my opinion, sailing on the catamaran is the best way to do the islands in a shared boat tour.

We’ve done their sunset tour and loved it. You can read about it and see some more photos of the boat in my review .

The boat is great and has lots of space, so no worries about being crammed in or having a bumpy ride.

Plus, you get to sail and enjoy a bit of a unique way to get out of the islands and enjoy all the scenic views on the way to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena.

The only downside to choosing this tour as your way to get to the Rosario Islands is it does not stop at any beaches. So, if you need to feel some sand between your toes, you’ll want to consider one of the other shared tours mentioned below or a day pass at a hotel or beach club.

I’d definitely recommend doing this tour if you want a day trip to the islands on a boat and can’t swing the private and can live without laying on a beach. You can book ahead of time on GetYourGuide or on Viator .

Some Other Ideas for Shared Tours on Boats to the Rosario Islands

I think the catamaran is the best choice for a shared day trip , but here are some other decent options for shared tours on boats from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands. Keep in mind that there are more options for day passes at specific beaches discussed in option 3 below.

• La Fantástica Pirate Ship : On this tour, instead of sailing on a catamaran, you get to sail on a mock pirate ship. It looks like a really fun and unique experience. It might be a particularly good fit for families with children who will enjoy the pirate vibes, and also grownups too.
• Shared 4 Islands Tour : This is a good choice for those that want to be on a boat, see several spots in the islands, and need that fix of sandy beach. These tours stop at several stops and include lunch. They mimic the traditional standard tours but are on nicer, larger boats and with smaller groups.
• Shared Cholón Boat Party Boat : If you want the party experience at Cholón but can’t put together your own group, these shared party boats that include lunch and an open bar could be a good option and will let you have a fun time with other travelers.

Option 3: Day Pass at a Rosario Island Hotel or Beach Club

If you would prefer to spend less time on a boat and more time with your toes in a sandy beach, then doing a day pass at a beach club or resort out in the islands is another great way to do a day trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena.

Generally, day passes include the ride on the boat to the Rosario Islands and back, lunch, and either chairs with an umbrella or a beach bed.

Some may include a welcome drink or the option for an all inclusive package with open bar or additional snacks.

There are places that offer more relaxed atmospheres as well as more party atmospheres.

Below, I’ll go over a few of the best options for day passes out in the Rosario Islands, starting with my top recommendation at our favorite place we’ve been to in the islands.

Best Place for a Relaxed Beach Day: IslaBela

If you’re looking for a nice relaxed beach to spend the day, I suggest IslaBela.

They have a great beach area, one of the very best in the islands. It’s fairly large and there aren’t a lot of rocks. There is a bit of seaweed, but it’s not too bad, and the sand is softer to the left hand side of the beach.

The water here is good for swimming and snorkeling. I saw lots of fish by their dock. It’s also usually not as crowded as other popular beach clubs.

There are kayaks you can use, and the place is nestled up in a tiny bay that is just gorgeous (all the photos here with that blue roofed house on its own little island are from IslaBela’s main beach area).

I think they hit the right mix of having some music playing and some tasty drinks (we loved their margaritas) but also maintaining a mellow atmosphere.

I think this is without a doubt the top choice for those looking for a relaxing beach day. While there aren’t a lot of activities for little kids or indoor areas with A/C, I would consider it overall very family friendly while also being a good spot for couples and adults too.

It’s also one of my top picks for staying the night (more on that below), but you can book a relaxed day pass with our partners BnB Colombia (use the code ExploreColombia10 for a discount!).

Some Other Relaxed Beach Day Pass Spots

Here are a few more good options for a more relaxed day at the beaches in the Rosario Islands.

• Isla del Encanto : With a nice pool and gorgeous beach area, Isla del Encanto is also great for a relaxed day in the islands. We spent a couple nights here and loved it. It is also very family friendly. Book a day pass here .
• Isla del Sol : This is another good spot that has a nice pool. The beach area is decent but a bit rocky. When we went here, we were able to do a very cool tour of the mangroves nearby. Book a day pass here .
• San Pedro Majagua : We’ve never been here but their beach area looks spectacular every time we pass it on a boat.
• Gente del Mar: Another place we have not been, but they have a neat location right on a little point on Isla Grande and photos look very nice.
• Luxury Island: Another place we haven’t been. We have gone by it on boats though, and they have a large beach area on Isla Grande. It’s one of the larger beach clubs.

Check out Bora Bora Beach Club for a Party Atmosphere

Bora Bora has long been a popular spot for those looking for a hip atmosphere for a day in the Rosario Islands.

They have gorgeous beach beds, a nice area for swimming, and always have a DJ.

We have not actually ever been here, but you can read a review of Bora Bora Beach Club here by someone who has. We have gone by it on boats and seen it from a distance at IslaBela. They do have a great looking beach area and a large space.

It looks like a lot of fun. A few Colombian celebrities have even been spotted here, and it’s definitely a popular Instagram spot.

The only caveat I’d say is I have heard some people disappointed by Bora Bora.

My understanding is you have to pay extra to reserve a first row bed overlooking the beach and that there is a special VIP area that you also have to pay more for, but that isn’t always clear to people. So, is the disappointment from unrealistic expectations and not reading the fine print or is it from false advertising? I’d say it’s probably a little bit of both, and I’ve heard even more people rave that they loved it.

So, I’d just advise making sure you are clear on what is and is not included when booking so you don’t have any false expectations. Do that and you should have plenty of fun at this famous Rosario Islands beach club!

It can get crowded, so it’s best to make reservations ahead of time. You can do so via Viator . You can also check out their smaller and more exclusive new place at Pao Pao Beach Club .

See more good day pass ideas both for shared tours and day passes at hotels and beach clubs at my post on the best day tours to the Rosario Islands .

Option 4: Stay at a Hotel in the Rosario Islands

Finally, if you want to go all out and really enjoy some nice rest and relaxation on your visit, why not spend a couple nights at one of the hotels in the Rosario Islands?

Besides being able to escape and disconnect a bit, you’ll have fewer people at the beach after the day pass visitors go home.

Plus, it’s tough to beat Caribbean island sunsets!

As mentioned above, I would only suggest spending the night in the Rosario Islands if you have more than 4 nights total in Cartagena.

Keep in mind, you’re a hour plus boat ride away. So, staying in the islands means you’re relaxing in the islands and not much else. You can’t head into town for the day or for dinner or to go dancing.

I would also recommend against spending your first or last night in the islands.

While it’s possible to hire private boat transportation, it is quite pricey. So, you’re better off getting the shared boats that depart in the morning and head back in the afternoon.

Therefore, unless you have a very early arrival or very late departure, I wouldn’t risk trying to get from the airport to the islands or vice versa. It’s way to much hassle for what is supposed to be some relaxed island time!

If you have 4 nights or fewer in Cartagena, it’s best to stick to doing one of the day tour options above so you have time to see everything in town and avoid all that hassle.

However, if you have more time, read on for some options for where to spend the night in the Rosario Islands.

Luxury Options

If you’re looking for nicer resort style properties in the Rosario Islands, there are three good options.

Las Islas has gorgeous private bungalows nestled in the mangroves here on the tip of Barú offer a amazing mix of rustic luxury. It’s on the pricey side but is arguably Cartagena’s most luxurious and most unique beach resort. Check prices and availability at Las Islas here .

Isla del Encanto also makes for a nice higher end option at a bit more affordable price. They have really nice rooms in townhouse style bungalows. We really enjoyed staying here and thought the service was great, the food and drinks were very good, and the room was gorgeous. The beach area is also really large and very nice.

You can read our review of it here or check prices and availability at Isla del Encanto here .

The new Sofitel Calablanca is also on Barú and looks very nice. It is actually probably the most like a large resort style hotel like what you would find in town. You can check prices and availability at the Sofitel Calablanca here .

Our Favorite Place (and Best Value): IslaBela

IslaBela is our favorite place in the islands and my pick for the best value for an overnight stay in the Rosario Islands.

Located on Isleta in the islands proper, not Barú, it has one of the best beach areas of any of the hotels in the islands and overlooks that gorgeous little bay.

The bungalows are very pretty and comfortable and feel very private.

They are actually located a short walk from the main beach area, and each has their own little private ocean view. While more rustic than the more luxury style resorts above, the room was still very comfortable and cozy.

You can read our review of it here or check prices and availability at IslaBela here .

A Few Other Ideas

Here are a few more idea for places to stay in the Rosario Islands.

Gente del Mar looks really good. I think they are a bit on the pricier side, but all photos of the place looks very nice.

Coralina Island has a neat area nestled up in the mangroves near IslaBela on Isleta. The only downside is there is not really a true beach here.

San Pedro de Majuagua has a gorgeous beach area, and the rooms and bungalows look very nice. I would like to stay here sometime.

Isla del Pirata basically has an island all to itself.

Finally, the fairly new and neat looking Centro Ubuntu offers a similar rustic but nice look like IslaBela.

Secreto Hostel is the best choice for those looking for dorms or more budget friendly accommodations in the Rosario Islands. El Hamaquero Hostal also has pretty favorable reviews.

You can see some photos and learn a bit more about all these options in my writeup on the best hotels in the Rosario Islands .

Obviously, you’ll want your beach gear for the Rosario Islands. Here, I’ll also share some ideas for what to take for your trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena.

• Ladies will want a fun bathing suit. This leaf print bikini would go great in the Caribbean vibes of the Rosario Islands. So would this cute one-piece . Susana has this coverup dress and loves it, and it’s perfect for the Islas del Rosario of Cartagena. This bag would also be great for both a day trip and could probably even work as an overnighter.
• For the guys, these palm tree board shorts are perfect for the Islas de Rosario.
• Good snorkeling gear will come in handy. My dad always tells me he loves these full face snorkels .
• I definitely recommend taking along a a good dry bag for the boat from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands.
• The Rosario Islands are coral islands and can be quite rocky. If you have sensitive feet, you might appreciate a good pair of water shoes . I like that the ones linked there are not goofy looking.
• I love my pair of bamboo sunglasses that fit in perfectly for a day in the Caribbean.
• Finally, you’ll want a good beach towel. These microfiber towels dry quick, making them perfect for travel. Plus they have a cool, retro look.

Practical Tips for the Islas del Rosario of Colombia

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your trip:

• Be sure to take some cash. Some places for lunch and stuff might be able to take cards, but most still can’t. Hotels and resorts usually can but it may be worth verifying before going just to be sure. There are no ATMs in the Rosario Islands.
• The islands are 60-90 minutes away by boat and there is little real development out there. Be sure to take along any medications or other necessities you might need.
• Like most everywhere else in Cartagena, if you are buying something from a vendor on the beach or from a passing boat, be sure to negotiate and agree on price before. Remember there are no true free samples.
• There have been some accidents, especially at Cholón where lots of drinking goes on, so be sure to listen to your boat captain and watch out for other boats, doubly so if you’re doing a booze cruise.

Rosario Islands FAQs

Still have some outstanding questions about the Rosario Islands?

See if you can find the answers in the frequently asked questions below.

I’ve tried to include some additional info that isn’t covered somewhere above. As an added bonus, I’ve put in some of my favorite photos in the Rosario Islands that didn’t fit somewhere above too.

Are the Rosario Islands worth it?

Yes, the Rosario Islands are absolutely worth a visit! They have the prettiest clear waters and nicest beaches near Cartagena.

The only downside is they can be a bit pricey.

Still, they are worth spending a bit more to see and should be considered one of the must do activities in Cartagena.

What are the Rosario Islands known for?

The Rosario Islands are known for being a beautiful chain of islands off the coast of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. They feature a number of islands with resorts and ecolodges and are popular for overnight stays as well as day trips for their crystal clear waters.

Why are the Rosario Islands popular?

The Rosario Islands are popular for their crystal clear waters and relative lack of development. That makes them great for spending a day or a few relaxing days at one of the ecolodges or resorts. Boat day trips are also popular. Finally, diving and snorkeling are fun activities in the Rosario Islands as well.

Is there good snorkeling in the Rosario Islands?

The snorkeling in the Rosario Islands is good, not spectacular.

The waters are very clear and you can see some sea life. However, due to the decay of the reef, you won’t see tons of sea life.

Some good Rosario Islands snorkeling spots include the reef near La Piscinita and the submerged airplane. These are sometimes included on shared boat tours and make for good stops on a private boat rental.

How many islands are there in the Rosario Islands?

There are 28 islands that make up the chain. Most of them are tiny (in fact there are people with their own private island), but there are a few larger ones. The largest island is Isla Grande .

How far away from Cartagena are the Rosario Islands?

The Rosario Islands of Colombia are located about 100 km southeast off the coast of Cartagena . They take roughly an hour to an hour and a half to reach via boat.

How do I get from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands?

You will need to take a boat to get from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands. It is possible to reach Barú island, technically not part of the archipelago but part of the national park that includes the Rosario Islands by traveling overland.

Is the boat to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena bumpy?

The boat to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena can be bumpy. Usually, in the morning, it is pretty calm with minimal bouncing. However, in the afternoon sea currents often make the ride bumpy. For this reason, most boats leave the islands to return to Cartagena by 3 pm.

Are there flights to the Rosario Islands?

No. There are no public flights to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena or elsewhere.

Is there a ferry from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands?

No. There is no ferry from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands. Most people travel either on private boat rentals, shared boat tours, or boats owned by hotels and beach clubs that provide transportation.

Are there public boats from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands?

I have seen suggested elsewhere it is possible to get public boats to the Rosario Islands from the Bazurto Market or possibly from the docks by Centro.

I have not tried this, nor do I have much desire to do so to be honest, and I would not recommend it. Now, I do know there are boats to Playa Blanca and Barú from Bazurto, but again, I wouldn’t recommend doing that. They are there primarily to carry supplies and people that work on the beach. You should expect being crowded on a small boat without a clear departure time that leaves when full.

Whether you can do this out to Isla Grande as well, I’m not sure. I would think that yes, there is a way for the residents of the island to get back and forth from Cartagena, but I just don’t know enough about it to recommend trying it.

Can you sail in the Rosario Islands?

Yes. The little islands and reefs can make navigation a bit tricky if you’re sailing in Colombia , but you can certainly sail in the islands. There is not to my knowledge anywhere you can dock though, so keep that in mind.

Are the Rosario Islands safe?

Yes. The Rosario Islands are generally very safe to travel.

In the actual islands themselves, there is only a very small community of local residents, and they respect the privacy and safety of the hotels and resorts. Crime is virtually unheard of on the islands.

I would not recommend camping on the islands or walking around at night on your own due to the lack of public lighting and risk of trespassing, but you should not worry about robberies at the hotels and lodges on the islands.

The exception to this is at Playa Blanca, which I don’t consider part of the islands but some people do. Due to the large crowds and many non-native vendors, there have been robberies at Playa Blanca. If you spend the night at Playa Blanca, I’d suggest trying to keep valuables locked up, in Cartagena if possible.

The one other safety note is to be careful when swimming at crowded beaches, especially Cholón and Playa Blanca. Watch out for boats and jet skis. Also, never jump off a moving boat.

Finally, do be on the lookout for excessive charging by vendors .

This is especially the case at Cholón, Playa Blanca, Agua Azul, and from vendors on small canoes or boats selling things. Be aware there are no true free samples and be sure to always agree on price before consuming anything.

Which is the best Rosario Island to visit?

It depends.

The largest of the Rosario Islands is Isla Grande, where you’ll find most of the resorts and eco-lodges. Nearby Isleta usually is less crowded. Barú, which is technically a peninsula but often considered part of the Rosario Islands is another choice and can be reached over land and offers the well known Playa Blanca as well as some more exclusive resorts on the farther end of the peninsula.

See the above on my recommendations for actual places to go in each.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to the Islas del Rosario of Cartagena?

There you have it, a complete guide to visiting the Rosario Islands from Cartagena. If you do go, I hope it helped you plan and, more importantly, I hope you have a wonderful time.

I’d love to know which option you chose and about your experience in the comments below!

Cheers and Happy Exploring!

Did you like this post?

If you enjoyed reading about the Rosario Islands, you might also want to consider including a visit to their sister chain the San Bernardo Islands farther south. Likewise, San Andrés Island makes for a great addition to a Colombia itinerary for beach bums.

You’ll also want to make sure you check out the best sunset spots in Cartagena . You might want to head up the coast to the hip beach town of Palomino , the undeveloped beaches of Tayrona National Park , or get a break from the beach entirely and take in the fresh mountain air of Minca .

Planning your trip to explore Cartagena?

Do check out my guide to the best areas to stay in Cartagena . Not to mention, check out my list of 75+ things to do in Cartagena (spoiler: you’ll find the islands near the top!), see my picks for the best restaurants in Cartagena , and see my recommended Cartagena packing list .

And if you want some help planning your trip, do consider booking with my partner agency BnB Colombia Tours. They can design a perfect trip for you to Cartagena, the Rosario Islands, and everywhere else you want to see in Colombia. You can fill out the form here to start and inquiry and they’ll get back to you to plan the Colombia trip of your dreams.

Also, get a free planning checklist here .

Adam McConnaughhay

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This Post Has 8 Comments

Do you need a yellow fever vaccine to go to the islands?

Hi Aaron, no, it is not required, although it’s often recommended. You can actually get it at the Dadis Health Office in Cartagena or at the Bogotá airport or bus terminal for free. If you are unable to get it, I wouldn’t worry too much about it though.

Hey! Wondering what you think about going to bora bora beach club vs Cholon as a solo traveler. I’d want to party/dance and meet people.

Hi Alyssa. Hmm, I think both are good options. If you can find a shared boat to Cholon, it might be better as you’ll be going as a group on the boat where as at Bora Bora, each reservation will have its own little beach bed so maybe a tad harder to mingle. Or, see if you can put a group together for either at a hostel or something.

So how do you get there one way to stay for a few days? Not mentioned in part 4.

Hi Toby. Best to ask your hotel if they have boat transportation (some do, some don’t, some charge for it, some it’s included) or if they work with a boat that stops at several places.

Thanks for the info. I was looking into Coralina Island, which looks great, but from what I’m seeing, it is not located on Isla del Pirata. Is this correct?

Hi Lea. Yes, this is a mistake in the article I need to fix in an update. It’s located on Isleta. We haven’t been there but have been to Islabela not far away and the spot where Coralina is has a gorgeous view of sunset.

Best Day Trip from Cartagena: Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands are the perfect day trip from Cartagena. This archipelago is made up of 28 islands and reefs that are protected as part of the only underwater National Parks in Colombia. A short boat ride away from the city, there is plenty to do in the Rosario Islands to keep you busy. Relax by the warm Caribbean Sea, go snorkeling, and enjoy the local Colombian cuisine. There are many options to explore the Rosario Islands, I visited the Islabela private resort and it was perfect for a day of relaxing and snorkeling. I wanted something that wasn’t swarming with beachgoers so spending a little bit more money to have some space was worth it. It was the perfect way to cap off two weeks in Colombia .

This post contains affiliate links , If you make a purchase through these links I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Table of Contents

Rosario Islands Day Trip

Are the rosario islands worth visiting.

Absolutely, yes. The Rosario Islands are worth visiting even if you only have a day or two in Cartagena. It was easily the highlight of my time in Cartagena and one of the most memorable destinations on my vacation in Colombia. I highly recommend at least a day trip to the Rosario Islands. If you have time in your itinerary it would also be worth staying a couple of nights in the Rosario Islands.

Private Resort vs Playa Blanca on Baru

I knew that a visit to the Rosario Islands was a must while in Cartagena . When I first started looking at how to visit the Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca came up a lot as the classic recommendation.

Playa Blanca certainly looks like a beautiful beach. However, because of its popularity, it also has a reputation for becoming crowded and having a lot of vendors. I wanted to snorkel and swim and Playa Blanca didn’t seem like a good option for either as I would have nowhere to safely store my belongings while swimming. Because of this, I started looking at day trips from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands where snorkeling was an option. The only two options I could come up with were to visit a resort on the islands or to take a catamaran tour.

On a future trip, I would love to take this catamaran tour as it visits several locations and has a couple of options for snorkeling. However, I’m quite happy I went to a private resort as it was great to be on the beach and the snorkeling location nearby was absolutely fantastic.

Book Your Day Trip From Cartagena In Advance

I highly recommend booking your tour to the Rosario Islands in advance. Most importantly because they do sell out, especially if you are going to a resort. Secondly, while walking around Cartagena you will be bombarded with advertisements and vendors trying to sell you on a Rosario Islands trip. It’s nice to have it already booked so you aren’t distracted while trying to enjoy Cartagena.

Choosing Which Rosario Islands Resort to Visit

There are many options to choose from when picking a resort in the Rosario Islands. The packages tend to include the same things, transportation, lunch, access to kayaks, and options to snorkel for an extra fee. I ended up picking Islabela as the vibe for this one seemed to be very relaxed and chill. If you are looking for more of a party vibe, then Bora Bora Beach Club could be a good option as they have a DJ on the beach.

Getting to the Rosario Islands

The only way to visit Islabela is by boat. Luckily, the boat docks in Cartagena are just a short walk outside of the city walls. At the docks, you need to walk all the way down to the furthest end at Dock 1 to find the boat for Islabela. You do need to pay a port fee in cash only to get admitted to the dock area. At the time of writing, the fee was 20,000 pesos each.

Because of having to travel over open water, the boat schedule is quite strict and you do have to arrive early. I arrived at the dock at 7:30 am to sign in and the boat left at about 8:30 am. The boat ride to Islabela took 1 hour. It was quite a calm trip to the island (spoiler: it won’t be on the way back!).

Arriving to Islabela

On arrival to Islabela, you are greeted with a coconut-pineapple juice and shown your assigned lounger. The lounger was really nice and I was lucky enough to have one that was right in front of the water. I was really pleased by the assigned lounger and that it was shaded as I honestly did not realize that was included. Only the welcome drink and lunch are included but it is easy to order extra drinks and snacks.

The swimming area is really nice. There are quite a few photo opportunities they have set up here including a staircase above the water and a photo frame. The water is so nice and calm and warm and perfect for relaxing in.

Snorkeling in the Rosario Islands

After some swimming, they do a call to see if anyone wants to go snorkeling. You should definitely say yes to this. The snorkeling trip did cost extra, at the time I visited it was 50,000 pesos per person. Anything extra can be paid by credit card so you don’t have to have cash on you. It was well worth the extra cost.

The snorkeling trip will take you on a short boat ride to the reef near Isla Grande where you will have plenty of time to snorkel. The guide was fantastic, diving down to show us interesting fish and crabs. After spending a decent amount of time snorkeling over the reef, it’s back in the boat. I thought this would be the end of snorkeling but after pointing out Pablo Escobar’s now abandoned island mansion we stopped for one quick snorkel. Not far from this mansion is a sunken former drug-running plane. You get to snorkel over it and you can dive down to it if you feel like it. This plane was intentionally sunk by the Colombian government after it was seized from Escobar. A very unique spot to snorkel and something that was totally unexpected to me on this excursion.

My only regret with snorkeling here was not having an underwater camera.

Lunch at Islabela

After snorkeling, it will be time for lunch. Lunch is included with your ticket and when you signed in this morning you should have picked a meal type. The vegetarian option was iced tea and buttered noodles with vegetables, which was good, but I was jealous of the plantains I saw other people have. The seafood option looked really good, snapper with coconut rice, plantains, and a salad. This seems to be quite a traditional Colombian meal for the Caribbean Coast. After lunch, there should be some time to relax and swim in the water before heading back to Cartagena.

Returning back to Cartagena From the Rosario Islands

The boats departing from the Rosario Islands to Cartagena have to head back fairly early as the water starts to get very choppy. It’s bad enough that I was warned by the manager at the hotel that the ride home would be rough. Indeed, we left by 3 pm and at some points, the boat felt more like a rollercoaster as it went over quite large waves.

After a great day trip to the Rosario Islands, you should be back in Cartagena with time to explore the city a bit and head off to dinner. This day trip to the Rosario Islands was a highlight of my two weeks in Colombia and was a great break from the hustle and heat of Cartagena. You can see my full-guide to Cartagena here .

With More Time in the Rosario Islands

Even though you can visit the Rosario Islands as a day trip, if your schedule permits it, you can stay for a night or two. You can also stay there overnight at Islabela in one of the rooms or charming seafront bungalows if you want a bit more time to relax and explore the area.

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14 comments.

This sounds like paradise! I love including day trips in my travels and these islands sound like the perfect choice. What could be better than a reserved lounger, some shade, and a lunch?!

Thanks for your comment Chelsea! It was the perfect day trip!

Sounds like the most beautiful trip! I can’t wait till I can explore the Caribbean🤞🏼

It was a fantastic day trip to the Rosario Islands, hope you get a chance to explore the Caribbean soon 🙂

Thanks for the “heads up” about the ride back. I have a tendency to get seasick so I would definitely need to bring something to help with that. It sounds like a fun day trip.

It was a surprisingly bumpy boat ride, good idea about taking something to help with the seasickness.

A day trip from Cartagena sounds awesome. I would like to snorkel in that beautiful water!

It was a great day trip and such a fun place to snorkel!

The island of Islabela looks phenomenal! What a gorgeous place to visit. Sounds like paradise!

It was a little bit of paradise for the day! Thanks for your comment 🙂

Hi Brianna, I realized that you posted this like a year ago and we are now January 2024 but because I get sea sick easily I would like to ask you how was the snorkeling? Was it rough when you went in the morning? Also, which company did you used. We are in Medellín right now and will be in Cartagena after Bogotá and Salento. I thank you in advance for your help.

Hi Francine, in regards to sea sickness I found the boat to the Rosario Islands in the morning was quite calm. In the afternoon, returning to Cartagena is extremely rough, and my understanding is that it is the typical experience. For snorkeling, the boat used for that was also on very calm waters and the boat ride wasn’t very long. I went to Islabela Resort, which I have linked in the article above, and snorkeling was available from the resort. You don’t have to book the snorkeling in advance as you can just join the tour when you get to the resort and pay when you leave. Enjoy your time in Colombia!

What island and where you would recommend a family with kids going? We are adventurous but also love beautiful water, beaches, and relaxing!

Hi Christa, I would recommend the island I went to, Islabela, as suitable for kids. The beach here isn’t really a sandy beach as there is broken coral in it so I would also recommend watershoes for swimming here. The sandy beaches that are closer to Cartagena, like Isla Baru, I wouldn’t really recommend because of the amount of harassment you will get from vendors.

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