Oceanario Acuario San Martín de Pajarales
Discover vibrant marine life, from dolphins to sharks, at this aquarium, often a highlight of Rosario Islands tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Oceanario Acuario San Martín de Pajarales
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant marine life, from dolphins to sharks, at this aquarium, often a highlight of Rosario Islands tours.
"A fun stop with plenty of variety of fishes, turtles, dolphins, sharks to check out."
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Visiting on a Monday means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience with the exhibits and shows.
💰 Dolphin Swim Extra Cost
Be prepared for an additional $40 USD for a short dolphin swim experience. It's a group activity.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin and Shark Encounters
Main exhibits
Witness thrilling dolphin shows and get up close with nurse sharks. A truly immersive marine adventure awaits!
Diverse Marine Life Exhibits
Various tanks and enclosures
Explore vibrant tanks filled with groupers, turtles, stingrays, and a variety of colorful fish.
Interactive Animal Experiences
Designated interaction zones
Get hands-on with marine creatures in a safe and educational environment. Touch and see animals up close.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding Dolphin Swim Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rosario Islands - Cartagena
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Visiting on a Monday means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience with the exhibits and shows.
💰 Dolphin Swim Extra Cost
Be prepared for an additional $40 USD for a short dolphin swim experience. It's a group activity.
🚤 Boat Trip Essential
The aquarium is typically accessed via boat trip from Cartagena, often included in island tours.
🍹 Tiki Hut Drinks
Don't miss the tiki hut for refreshing drinks after your aquarium visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Visiting on a Monday means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience with the exhibits and shows.
💰 Dolphin Swim Extra Cost
Be prepared for an additional $40 USD for a short dolphin swim experience. It's a group activity.
🚤 Boat Trip Essential
The aquarium is typically accessed via boat trip from Cartagena, often included in island tours.
🍹 Tiki Hut Drinks
Don't miss the tiki hut for refreshing drinks after your aquarium visit.
🎟️ Entry Fee Details
Entry fee was around 40,000 COP paid at the dock. Dolphin swim is an extra $40 USD.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Oceanario Acuario San Martín de Pajarales to be a worthwhile stop, especially when visiting the Rosario Islands. The variety of marine life and the engaging dolphin shows are frequently praised. However, the optional dolphin swim experience is often noted as being expensive for its short duration and group nature.
"Swimming with dolphins and nurse sharp is an option. Bunch of fishes like large groupers, turtles, sting rays, dolphins and sharks shows. We went on a Monday. Less crowded. It took an hour from Cartagena by boat. You can take a tour or charter a boat. Either way, it was worth a visit."
M Jeero
"A fun stop if you’re already visiting the Rosario Islands. Most hotels will offer a daily stop to/ from or could be coordinated with your day trip to the islands. Plenty of variety of fishes, turtles, dolphins, sharks to check out with knowledgeable and fun guides providing talks while feeding and doing shows. Entry fee was 40,000 COP paid right at the dock."
Daniel Austin
"We went on this tour and learned that swimming with dolphins is not included—you must pay an extra $40 USD per person for only 5 minutes. It’s not a private activity either; several groups are in the water at the same time, so it feels crowded. The staff also don’t take pictures for you, which made it difficult to capture the moment. My partner asked and was told no. We even saw a couple from Spain who didn’t get to do it at all because their boat was leaving, and they were very upset.
On top of the dolphin fee, you first have to do a mandatory 45–50 minute guided tour around the Oceanario before your turn. Between the long wait and the short time with the dolphins, it honestly didn’t feel worth it. Be prepared for the extra charges and delays if you plan to add this activity."
America Calvario
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oceanario Acuario San Martín de Pajarales is typically accessed via a boat trip from Cartagena. Many visitors coordinate their visit as part of a day trip to the Rosario Islands. You can opt for a tour or charter a private boat. The journey takes about an hour by boat.
Most hotels and tour operators in Cartagena offer daily stops to and from the Oceanario as part of island tours. It's advisable to confirm this when booking your trip.
The boat trip from Cartagena to the Oceanario Acuario San Martín de Pajarales generally takes around one hour.
Yes, you can charter a boat for a more personalized experience, though tours are a common and convenient way to visit.
Boat departures are usually from the main tourist docks in Cartagena. Confirm the exact departure point with your tour operator.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee was approximately 40,000 COP, paid directly at the dock. This fee grants access to the aquarium exhibits.
No, swimming with dolphins is an additional cost, typically around $40 USD per person for a 5-minute session.
While advance booking might be possible through tour operators, tickets are often purchased at the dock upon arrival, especially if you're part of a group tour.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring with tour providers or at the ticket counter.
Operating hours can vary, but it's best to check with your tour provider or local information sources for the most up-to-date schedule, especially regarding show times.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of marine life including dolphins, nurse sharks, large groupers, turtles, stingrays, and many other species of fish.
Yes, the aquarium features dolphin shows and feeding sessions where knowledgeable guides provide talks about the animals.
Yes, swimming with dolphins is an optional activity, but it comes with an extra charge of $40 USD for a brief, group session.
The aquarium is generally suitable for children, offering close-up views of marine life and interactive experiences. However, the dolphin swim is short and may not be ideal for very young children.
Before any optional activities like the dolphin swim, there's a mandatory guided tour that lasts approximately 45-50 minutes.
🍽️ 🍹 Food & Dining
Yes, there is a tiki hut on-site that serves drinks. It's recommended for refreshing beverages during your visit.
Information on bringing outside food is not readily available, but it's common for island destinations to have on-site vendors. It's best to check with your tour operator.
The tiki hut is primarily known for serving drinks, offering a place to relax and refresh.
As the aquarium is often part of an island tour, other dining options might be available on nearby islands or back in Cartagena.
Prices for food and drinks at tourist attractions can be higher. The tiki hut is noted for having good drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you can take photos of the marine life exhibits. However, during the dolphin swim, staff may not assist with taking pictures, making it challenging to capture moments.
Generally, photography is allowed during shows, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules posted.
The close-up views of marine life in the tanks and the dolphin encounters offer great photo opportunities.
The areas with clear tanks showcasing diverse marine life and the dolphin interaction zones are prime spots for photography.
There is no mention of professional photographers being available for hire at the aquarium. Visitors are generally expected to take their own photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning, consider that the dolphin swim is an extra cost and very short. For families, focusing on the main aquarium exhibits and the dolphin shows might offer better value and a more relaxed experience. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid peak crowds, making it easier for children to navigate and enjoy the displays.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid higher weekend pricing if applicable, and to maximize your experience without feeling rushed by crowds. Bringing your own snacks or planning to eat before/after the visit might also help manage overall expenses, though the tiki hut offers refreshments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Oceanario Experience
While the aquarium itself is described as small, the interactive elements and shows are highlights. A significant point of consideration for visitors is the optional dolphin swim. This activity comes with an additional cost and is a brief, group-oriented experience, which some visitors found to be not entirely worth the extra expense due to its short duration and lack of personal attention.
Practical advice from visitors suggests that going on a weekday, particularly a Monday, can lead to a less crowded and more enjoyable visit. The tiki hut is a recommended spot for refreshments. Be prepared for potential extra charges and factor in the time for the mandatory guided tour before any optional activities.
Understanding the Dolphin Swim
Reviews suggest that the staff may not actively assist with taking photos during the dolphin swim, which can be a drawback for those hoping to capture professional-looking memories. Some visitors have expressed disappointment with the perceived value for money, citing the short duration and crowded conditions. It's advisable to have clear expectations about the nature of this interaction before committing to the extra fee.
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