Cartagena · ROSARIO ISLANDS ISLAND-HOPPING
28 reviewed
The Rosarios are the day most people fly in for, and the boat you choose decides the whole thing. These are the best island trips from Cartagena: which run a fast catamaran and which a slow lancha, how many islands and snorkel stops each includes, whether lunch lands on the boat or a beach, and what a seat costs.
Sail from Cartagena on a comfy catamaran to the Rosario Islands for two swim stops, snorkeling gear, and a filling onboard lunch with drinks.
“Very well organized and the crew was nice! Would recommend this over going to Pao Pao or Bora Bora Beach Club.”
Sail Cartagena to the Rosario Islands on a roomy catamaran with snorkeling gear and lunch included, plus plenty of time to swim.
“Nice Catamaran, great staff! Good food and drinks. Sailing and stops were good. Snorkeling was Ok as there is limited coral and fish life. Swimming stop was nice though. This is NOT a party boat which is great of younare looking for a scenic, peaceful and family / friendly sail trip.”
Cartagena’s Rosario Islands by speedboat: snorkel at Isla Grande, lunch on Playa Blanca (Isla Baru), then relax at Tierra Bomba beach clubs.
“Our tour guide was Franklin, he was amazing; spoke Spanish and English and was very helpful. On this experience you stop on 3 islands. #1 is for snorkeling. If you don’t snorkel you can wait on the island beach shore. #2 is Cholon, the party island. For the group, we had a hut in water with table, we ordered drinks here and had a good time. And finally, #3 Baru island, my personal favorite. We had lunch here and then spent the remainder of our free time out on the beach. The sand and water here felt so good. I would go back to Baru island specifically.”
Five islands off Cartagena with snorkeling, a party stop, a beach swim, lunch included, and optional plankton magic at night.
“Jafet was the highlight of this entire excusion. Hopping from island to island. Food at least three. Just be careful not to get gouged at cholon which was the most fun”
Speedboat to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena for forts, snorkeling, Barú beaches, optional plankton glow, and a sunset finish.
“I believe that in general the descriptions of the Viator tours from Cartagena do not correspond to what really happens. In our case, there was no scheduled stop at Cholon, but we had to stay there for half an hour as a bonus. But Cholon is really a bastard as they say in the other reviews. We did not land to see the Fuerte de San Fernando, we only stayed observing from a very large distance... The snorkeling ride was reasonable. We also went to two private beaches, one at first was shallow, but the last one had a beautiful view of the modern part of Cartagena. We had lunch…”
9-hour Rosario Islands hopping from Cartagena with snorkeling gear, Bocachica fortress history, lunch, and optional Cholón party time.
“Very complete trip! The leader is amazing, she needs to get a raise! The first island personally was the best one but all are great!”
Speedboat day trip from Cartagena to IslaBela in the Rosario Islands with beach beds, lunch, welcome cocktail, and optional snorkeling.
“Wonderful way to see one of the many Rosario islands. The trip starts late. You get there around 10. It is 1 hour & 5 mins to get there. This is more of a laid back tour vibe. The boat ride was absolutely stunning. You get one welcome drink and lunch included. Excursions like snRead more”
A 7-hour 5-island Rosario tour from Cartagena with snorkeling masks, a party stop at Cholón, and an included lunch on Barú.
“Boat was over booked and uncomfortable. Ride back at end was rough and they seemed to deliberately enjoy throwing people around the boat. One passenger fell and scraped his leg.”
A 10-hour Cartagena speedboat day trip to 5 islands with snorkeling, lunch on a private beach club, seafood tastings, and night bioluminescence.
“Excellent crew and captain! The boat was so modern and powerful! The lunch was really good, at a great little island hang-out, and the party scene in the water, was a hoot! We would recommend this company!”
Private Rosario Islands boat from Cartagena with snorkeling at La Piscinita, beach time, and famous Escobar landmarks in one 8-hour outing.
“Our boat was not a Botogena boat. I believe when the owner realized we were two people instead of 17, he farmed us out to another smaller company. We specifically said we needed an English guide and was promised one by Adam, who apparently is the owner. We received two crew members who spoke no English. We were take to Paue, a private beach club, that was fine. You have to spend a minimum amount, which was fine. Then we were asked to also buy lunch for the crew members. I was happy to do so but very surprised by this. Our last stop was supposed to be Playa Tranquilla…”
Private Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena with mangrove boat tour, coral snorkeling, beach time, and homemade Barú breakfast and lunch.
“Great guide and fun activities. We loved snorkeling and having lunch and seeing the town.”
Speedboat day trip from Cartagena to four Rosario Islands with Oceanarium entry, snorkeling mask, Caribbean lunch, and beach and party stops.
“Deben mejorar el encuentro con los guias antes de empezar el tour y ademas de eso tener mejor logistica con el horario de inicio de la actividad ya que estuvimos 1 hora y 40 minutos sentados en el bus esperando a que empezara el tour”
Private Rosario Islands boat charter from Cartagena for up to 15 people, 8 hours, snorkeling gear, Bluetooth music, and water included.
“Great experience! The private tour is certainly the way to go for the Rosario Islands tour. Our last visit in Colombia, we took the public tour route snd it doesn’t come close to this one. Our host were great. Book it!”
Five islands from Cartagena with snorkeling, lunch, and big scenery—plus a party stop. Worth it if you plan for pickup and extra island costs.
“Reserved a specific pick-up location which the tour company refused to honor. Ended up taking a taxi to the meeting location, was promised a partial refund on that but never got it. The boat tour itself mainly involved a couple snorkeling stops and the rest were bar or restaurant stops where you were overcharged for drinks and food by people recommended by the guides.”
Isla Grande and Encanta Beach day trip from Cartagena with boat ride, beach-club access, and included lunch plus drinks for about $65.
“The beach was a good experience. Unfortunately we went on a cloudy day. Our boat returning was one hour late but our host waited with us until it came. The staff on the island are very friendly and helpful. Great drinks and delicious food offered. There is a lot of coral so please bring water shoes.”
