Boat Tour of the Rosario Islands From Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a coastal city in the northern region of Colombia, known for its stunning beaches and brightly colored backdrops within its fortified “Old Town.” A coveted getaway for those looking to relax by the water, Cartagena is situated along the Caribbean Sea and offers prime access to the Rosario Islands – a 27 island archipelago known for their coral reefs and clear waters.

While some choose to spend up to a week on some of the remote islands of Rosario, you can also get a good taste of them on a day trip from Cartagena! Continue reading to learn what to expect on a “Five Island Boat Tour” of the Rosario Islands from Cartagena, Colombia.

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*While this guide will walk you through what to expect on a group day tour from Cartagena, you can also hire private boat tours of the Rosario Islands if you prefer to move at your own pace or with a smaller group. Availability on your travel dates for each tour can be checked below.

Boarding Your Boat

To start the day, you can choose to request a pickup from your hotel in Cartagena or simply make your way to the group “meet up” location to begin your tour. Together you will make your way down to the docks.

While the boat is being prepped, you will likely be offered water by local vendors. While there will be opportunities to purchase drinks and food farther into the boat tour, it may be a good idea to buy some water up front (or even pack yourself some in advance) so that you have it available as needed (and can save a few dollars).

Sail & Snorkel in the Archipelago

Once aboard your boat, your group will embark on a ~45 minute journey to your first stop. This initial cruise will provide your first look at Colombia’s coast from its clear blue waters.

After circumnavigating the island of Bocachica and sailing through the Bay of Cartagena, you’ll arrive at Isla Grande. Here you will not only have the chance to stretch your legs, but also go snorkeling! With more than just fish & coral hidden beneath the Caribbean, your snorkeling adventure will also offer a look at a sunken plane of Pablo Escobar, showcasing a piece of the region’s history.

Enjoy Drinks at an Ocean Bar in Cholón

Once you’ve worked up an appetite in the water, your boat tour will resume its journey and drop you off at Cholón, where an ocean bar will be waiting for you! Cholón is located on the island of Baru, and is famous for its party atmosphere. Truly a bar in the ocean, here you will have the option to enjoy food, music, and drinks while waist-deep in the Caribbean.

While hanging out in the water, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a few extra water activities – from inflatables to paddle boats to jet skis – if you’re interested as well. These excursions are offered by local vendors, with prices that are often negotiable.

Enjoy Sunset & Look For Bioluminescent Plankton

Once back on the boat, you will begin your journey back to the mainland. This last stop drops you about 45 minutes up the coastline of the pier you began your day at. This stretch of beach is tailored specifically for tourists, with many accommodations lining the sand.

Your group will make its way to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a custom meal. The tour guides will take your order ahead of time so that your food is ready to go upon arrival.

After eating, you will have the option to either head back to your starting point & end your day, or wait until sunset for a chance to see the bioluminescent plankton that are local to the area. While it’s always cool to see the natural glow that these plankton create, their effect will be less bright in the ocean than when they are in more concentrated areas like pools or rivers. Nonetheless, seeing the sun set over the water is worth the wait itself.

And that’s a wrap! By way of an absolutely beautiful star-filled sky, at sundown you will finally make your way back into the heart of Cartagena after your tour of the Rosario Islands. Please let us know your favorite part of the trip in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How far are the Rosario Islands from Cartagena? The Rosario Islands are about a 45 minute boat ride from Cartagena. Visitors often choose to turn the event into a full day tour.
2. Why are the Rosario Islands so popular? The Rosario Islands are loved for their clear blue waters, soft white sand, and convenient accessibility. Not many picturesque island getaways are located only a short boat ride away from a populous tourist hub like Cartagena.
3. How much is a boat to the Rosario Islands? The cost to go to the Rosario Islands will depend on your chosen method of transport. The cheapest way to the islands is by public transport, though it isn’t very popular with tourists since it is a less secure approach than reserved tours. A boat to the Rosario Islands with a group tour costs roughly $140 USD (~ 600,000 COP), but the exact price will vary with the company you book with. A private boat to the Rosario Islands will cost around $700 USD (~ 3 million COP) for a full day excursion with a reputable company, but the prices will again vary with who you hire.
4. Who owns the Rosario Islands? As one of Colombia’s national parks, nobody owns the Rosario Islands! The islands are protected by the Colombian government to preserve the region’s biodiversity.
5. Are the Rosario Islands safe? Yes, the Rosario Islands are safe to travel to – especially when explored with an established tour guide. The islands are a popular day trip for tourists year-round.

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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.

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