
Rosario Islands Cartagena
Escape to the Rosario Islands, a Caribbean paradise near Cartagena, offering turquoise waters, vibrant beaches, and lively island vibes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe.

Rosario Islands Cartagena
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to the Rosario Islands, a Caribbean paradise near Cartagena, offering turquoise waters, vibrant beaches, and lively island vibes.
"The Rosario Islands are a slice of paradise you can't miss, just a short boat ride from Cartagena."

catamaran tours are great! 🛥️
Enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, and snorkeling stops on a catamaran.
Book private tours for flexibility private
Customize your island hopping and avoid crowds with a private boat tour.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.5 · 4 reviews
Type
Tour Agency
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cholon Island's Lively Atmosphere
Cholon Island
Experience the ultimate party island with music, dancing, and vibrant energy. A must-visit for those seeking fun.

Crystal-Clear Waters and Snorkeling
Various Islands
Dive into turquoise waters for incredible snorkeling and swimming. The marine life is a major draw.

Bora Bora Beach Club
Bora Bora Beach Club
Enjoy a day of relaxation, music, and beachside fun at this popular spot. Offers day passes and VIP options.

Oceanario (Aquarium)
Oceanario
Discover marine life at this aquarium, a fascinating stop for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Trip in Advance
Beware of Weather and Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
catamaran tours are great! 🛥️
Enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, and snorkeling stops on a catamaran.
Book private tours for flexibility private
Customize your island hopping and avoid crowds with a private boat tour.
Pack light, bring essentials ☀️
Essentials include sunscreen, hat, swimwear, and a waterproof bag for your phone.
Beware of hidden fees 💸
Confirm what's included in your tour price to avoid surprises.
Tips
from all over the internet
catamaran tours are great! 🛥️
Enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, and snorkeling stops on a catamaran.
Book private tours for flexibility private
Customize your island hopping and avoid crowds with a private boat tour.
Pack light, bring essentials ☀️
Essentials include sunscreen, hat, swimwear, and a waterproof bag for your phone.
Beware of hidden fees 💸
Confirm what's included in your tour price to avoid surprises.
Cholon is the party island 🎉
If you're looking for music and a lively scene, head to Cholon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the stunning natural beauty of the Rosario Islands, with crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches being major highlights. Many enjoy the lively atmosphere of places like Cholon and the convenience of catamaran tours. However, some reviews mention issues with shuttle services, potential safety concerns on boats, and unexpected fees.
"Terrible experience with this shuttle service to Isla Grande from the Bodeguita dock.
On the return day, they decided not to pick us up at our hotel, and not only that, they pretended they had come to pick us up and we had refused to get on the boat.
Thanks to our hotel (Cocoliso), we were able to return to Cartagena in time to catch our plane.
Don't trust Mrs. Rosario's good manners; in the end, the company is a disaster and they could give you a bad time or even make you miss your flight.
I do not recommend it at all. Terrible experience."
Carlos Arranz
"Good experience to navigate Cartagena, you can dine inside the yacht, which has two floors, I suggest arriving early to access the second floor to get a good view, the music is adequate, however it could be better (there were audio problems this time I went). I suggest that you eat something light beforehand since the food they serve is gourmet 😅. There you can order drinks apart from the wine that is already included in your package that you purchase through their website. It is worth mentioning that you must make a reservation to access the yacht."
Kenyi Jean Pierre Mercado Garcia
"Good browsing experience"
Ani Ebotai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the Rosario Islands from Cartagena is by boat. Tours typically depart from the Bodeguita pier. Options range from shared speedboats and catamarans to private boat rentals. The journey usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
While dedicated public ferries are not the primary mode of transport, many tour operators offer boat services that function similarly to ferries, departing from the Bodeguita pier. Booking a tour is generally recommended.
Yes, private boat charters are available and offer a more personalized experience, allowing you to visit multiple islands at your own pace. This is a great option for groups.
The boat ride from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of boat and sea conditions.
Once you are in the Rosario Islands, you can travel between them via smaller boats or by arranging transport with your tour operator. Some tours include stops at multiple islands.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day trip costs can vary significantly. Shared catamaran tours often include lunch and drinks and can range from $50-$100 USD per person. Private tours will be more expensive.
It is highly recommended to book your Rosario Islands tours in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
Most day tours include boat transportation, lunch, and sometimes drinks or snacks. Some tours offer snorkeling gear and access to beach clubs. Always check what's included.
Some islands or beach clubs may have separate entrance or usage fees in addition to your tour cost. It's wise to confirm this with your tour operator.
While some last-minute tickets might be available, booking in advance is strongly advised to guarantee availability and avoid disappointment, especially for popular tours.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Popular choices include Cholon for its party scene, Bora Bora for its beach club vibes, Isla Grande for its natural beauty, and Isla Palma for its pristine beaches. The Oceanario is also a key attraction.
Activities include swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing on white-sand beaches, enjoying music and dancing at beach clubs like Bora Bora, visiting the Oceanario, and exploring different islands.
Cholon is famous for its lively party atmosphere, with music and dancing. It's a great spot if you're looking for a fun, energetic experience, but can be very crowded.
Pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a waterproof bag for your electronics, and cash for any extra purchases.
Yes, snorkeling is a popular activity in the Rosario Islands due to the clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Many tours provide snorkeling gear.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lunch is typically included in most day tours and often features fresh seafood like grilled fish, along with typical Colombian sides. Some tours offer gourmet options.
Many catamaran tours offer unlimited drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. It's best to confirm this when booking.
Yes, most islands and beach clubs have bars and restaurants where you can purchase additional food and drinks if they are not included in your tour.
While day trips focus on included meals, some islands have beach clubs and restaurants offering a range of dining experiences. For more extensive options, dining in Cartagena before or after your trip is recommended.
For seafood lovers in Cartagena, consider La Cevicheria, Buenavida Marisqueria, La Mulata, and Don Loló.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, vibrant beach clubs like Bora Bora, and the marine life at the Oceanario. The colorful boats and island scenery are also great subjects.
A waterproof camera or a good smartphone with a waterproof case is ideal for capturing underwater shots and protecting your electronics from the sea spray.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of privacy when taking pictures of other people. Some private beach clubs might have specific policies.
Morning light offers softer, more diffused light, while late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour shots. Midday sun can be harsh but is great for showcasing the vibrant water colors.
Consider drone photography (if permitted and safe), underwater shots, or capturing candid moments of island life and activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit