Private islands and saltwater air in one day.

This Rosario Islands sport-boat outing from Cartagena mixes a fort stop, a reef-and-shipwreck snorkeling window near Isla Grande, and real time at Hotel Isla del Encanto on a resort private beach. I like that the schedule is built around a couple of core moments—water time and lunch—then adds short sightseeing breaks so you’re not stuck moving nonstop.

I especially like the small-group feel (up to 22 people) and the way the day flows from Cartagena out into the Islas de Rosario archipelago of 27 islands. For a full day at sea, you also get a solid lunch setup at the resort with buffet food, plus resort access like a pool and beach time. One thing to consider: meeting the boat can be tricky if you show up without a solid landmark plan, and on at least one day the timing and a party-island style stop changed due to a major event in Cartagena.

Key points to know before you go

• Up to 22 people means less crowding on the ride and easier group handling at stops
• Snorkeling at Isla Grande includes time over a coral reef and an area with a sunken plane
• Hotel Isla del Encanto (private beach) is where lunch and downtime happen, with pool access
• Two-hour sailing through the 27-island Rosario chain gives you the big-picture views without rushing
• Playa Blanca Barú and Cholon viewpoints add variety beyond the water and buffet
• Towel, bottled water, and alcohol are not included, so pack smart or budget for extras

A 9-hour Rosario Islands day built around water time and lunch

This is the kind of day trip that works when you want more than a quick boat hop. You’re out about 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am, with a mix of history, open-water sailing, a focused snorkeling window, and a longer resort break. Price is $134 per person, and it’s the sort of outing that tends to sell ahead—on average, people book about 15 days in advance.

The best part of the structure is that you get two anchor experiences: snorkeling (the fun, physical part) and lunch on a resort private beach (the relaxing, payoff part). Everything else—fort stop, viewpoints, beach viewing—is there to add context and variety without turning the day into a series of roadside photo stops.

Also, the experience is run by Vip Tour Cartagena, and the day ends back at the same meeting point in Bocagrande.

Getting to Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande2nda without stress

Your start point is Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande2nda, Cartagena de Indias. The start time is 8:30 am, and like many Cartagena boat days, being early matters because the whole schedule tightens after departure.

I’d treat this as a day where getting your bearings fast pays off. One unhappy experience I’ve read about described the meeting place as hard to find because the exact meeting description didn’t match the real name on-site. If you want this day to feel smooth, message the provider after booking and confirm what nearby landmark you should use (for example, what sign, building, or street corner to target in the marina area).

If you’re traveling with a service animal, note that service animals are allowed on this activity. Most people can participate, but you’ll still want to be comfortable with a day at sea and snorkeling time.

Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica: a quick history stop that still matters

The first stop is Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica, with an on-the-spot historical review. You’re there about 15 minutes, and the admission ticket is free.

Even though it’s short, this fort stop gives you a useful frame for the water you’re about to see. Bocachica is part of the Cartagena harbor world, and seeing fortifications (even briefly) helps the rest of the day feel connected, not random. It’s also a good timing move: you get a little land-based context before you’re fully out on the islands.

If you’re someone who hates “history stops” that feel like wasted minutes, this one is at least brief. Just keep your eyes up for the fort’s role in protecting access to the bay and harbor approaches.

Sailing through the Rosario Islands (27 islands) from open water

Next you’re off for 2 hours sailing through the Islas de Rosario—an archipelago that includes 27 islands. Admission tickets for this part are free, and this is where you get the wide, easy-motion part of the day: boat time, sea air, and horizon views without the stress of rushing between landings.

Why I like this segment for value: it’s not just filler. When you sail between islands, you naturally learn what kind of coastline you’re dealing with—more than what you’d guess from a quick beach postcard. It’s also the best moment in the day to grab photos, settle in, and take in the scale of the area.

Practical note: bring sun protection. Out on the water you’ll feel the sun fast, especially if you’re heading straight from a harbor into open daylight.

Isla Grande snorkeling: reef time plus an area with a sunken plane

At Isla Grande del Rosario, you get 25 minutes for snorkeling. The activity focuses on the coral reef area and also on a spot where you can observe a sunken plane area. Admission tickets for this part are also listed as free.

This is the adrenaline-and-wonder segment of the day—short enough to feel doable, but long enough that it doesn’t feel like you just dipped your head and left. I’d think of it as a “taste” snorkeling experience: enough time to enjoy the water and look around, but not a multi-hour swim session.

A balanced word of caution: snorkeling quality can vary by day and by water conditions, and I’ve seen a negative comment about the reef looking less alive than expected on one day. That doesn’t mean it’s always like that, but it does mean you should go with realistic expectations: enjoy the experience, don’t plan your entire trip around seeing one perfect scene.

What you can plan for: you’ll likely want to be ready to put your face in the water and move calmly, and you should pay attention to safety instructions before you start. Also, snorkeling time is short—so if you’re slow to gear up or you keep stopping to adjust equipment, you may feel like you’re running out of water minutes.

Hotel Isla del Encanto: private beach, pool time, and buffet lunch

This is the payoff. You arrive at Hotel Isla del Encanto, where you’ll have 2 hours to enjoy the private beach, use the pool, and eat a buffet lunch. Lunch on the private island is included in the price.

If you’re trying to decide whether this trip is worth it, this is why it tends to score well: you don’t just get a snack on a boat. You get a proper resort-style break, with time to cool off after snorkeling and a meal that isn’t limited to a single plate.

What to expect here:

• a private beach setting (not just a public strip)
• pool access, which can help if the sea is choppy
• buffet lunch service after you arrive, with enough time to eat and reset

Two practical gaps to plan for: bottled water is not included, and a towel is not included. That means you should pack (or buy) those essentials. Alcoholic drinks are also not included, so if you want something besides water at the resort, budget for it.

Cholon viewpoint and Playa Blanca Barú: beach variety without full-day commitment

After the resort time, you’ll get a panoramic view of Cholon and you’ll also be able to observe Playa Blanca Barú, described as one of the most visited public beaches.

This portion is best understood as variety. You’re not getting a long beach stay here like you do at Isla del Encanto—you’re getting looks, views, and a sense of how busy the popular beaches can be. That matters if you’re choosing this day trip specifically for solitude. The private beach at Isla del Encanto is your calmer anchor; the public beach observation is more about context and scenery.

If you love beach photos, this segment will help. If you want hours of sand time, you’ll likely feel like you’re “transitioning” rather than settling.

Price and value: what $134 buys in the Rosario islands day

At $134 per person, the value is mainly in three places: transport to multiple islands, snorkeling time (25 minutes), and that private-island buffet lunch at Hotel Isla del Encanto. Admission for the fort and the island segments listed is free, which keeps the day from turning into a bunch of surprise ticket fees.

What’s not included is where you’ll want to do a quick budget check:

• alcoholic beverages
• bottled water
• towel

I’d plan to bring or purchase water and a towel. If you like cocktails, add that cost up front so it doesn’t feel like the day got more expensive than you expected.

How this pricing tends to work for your decision:

• If you want one day that includes snorkeling and a resort-style lunch break, this can feel like a fair bundle.
• If you only care about beach time and would rather snorkel on your own, you might be able to find cheaper options. But you’ll lose the “all-in-one” convenience of this schedule.

The group size also influences value. With a maximum of 22 travelers, it’s more likely you’ll get a managed experience rather than a chaotic pile of people at each stop.

Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a good match if you want a balanced day: a little history, a lot of sea views, snorkeling time, and a proper lunch break on a private beach. It’s especially suitable if you like structure. You know when the water part happens, when you eat, and when you head back.

I’d think twice if you hate schedule changes or you’re very particular about one specific outcome—like expecting a particular snorkeling scene every single day. One negative account also mentioned that a party-island style stop didn’t happen because it was closed on that day, and the start timing changed due to a major event in Cartagena (Iron Man marathon). That doesn’t mean it always happens, but it’s a reminder: big city events can affect timing, and island access can shift.

Also, if you’re sensitive about meeting points, come prepared. When a marina start is confusing, the whole day’s energy can drop fast.

Should you book the Sport Boat Rosario Island private island lunch?

I’d recommend booking if your top priorities are snorkeling at Isla Grande and a real resort lunch + private beach at Hotel Isla del Encanto. The schedule is built to hit those highlights, and the small-group limit helps keep things from feeling too crowded.

I’d book with a couple of smart expectations. Confirm the exact meeting point with the provider so you don’t lose time at the marina. Bring essentials you know you’ll need—especially a towel and your own water plan—since bottled water and towels aren’t included.

If you’re looking for a stress-free day that feels like a bundle deal rather than a patchwork of activities, this one makes sense. If you’re chasing perfect snorkeling conditions or you want zero schedule surprises, you’ll sleep better by choosing a more flexible plan and keeping your itinerary mindset calm.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande2nda, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 9 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $134.00 per person.

What is included in the price?

Lunch on a private island is included.

Do you snorkel?

Yes. At Isla Grande del Rosario you have snorkeling activity in the coral reef area and in the area where there is a sunken plane.

Is admission required for the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the fort, the Rosario Islands sailing segment, and the snorkeling activity.

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and a towel are not included.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 22 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do you return to the same meeting point?

Yes, the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Final note

If you’re planning a Cartagena day trip and you want the Rosario Islands with snorkeling plus a proper private-beach lunch setup, this is one of the more straightforward ways to do it. Just confirm the meeting spot early and pack for what isn’t included, and you’ll give yourself the best shot at a smooth, fun day.