Colombia · ROSARIO ISLANDS TOURS

The 15 Best Rosario Islands Tours from Cartagena

23 tours  ·  from $36

An archipelago an hour out of Cartagena bay, reached by catamaran, speedboat or shared launch. These 15 are compared on sailing time, how long you actually get on an island, and whether lunch and the park fee are in the price.

Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel - The catamaran ride across open water
Cartagena Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rosario Islands Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

1.Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,479 reviews · 7h 30m · from $107Our pick

You’ll sail from Bodeguita Dock to two calm-water stops near the Rosario Islands, with snorkeling gear, swimming time, a welcome fruit drink, snacks, lunch, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. This is a roomy catamaran day, not an island walking tour, and the captain may adjust stops for weather.

“The activity is exactly what is stated, the private waiting area before boarding was great to get out of the hustle. They accommodate for English and Spanish speaking and explain each location in both so you won’t miss out on information. One thing they could add is how long each stop will be, at stages we weren’t sure if we had time for another swim after sun baking. The boat does honk its horn before departing The lunch was amazing, fresh salad and fruit with choice of seafood or chicken or vegetarian with rice. The chef loads your plate and if you want more salads you can help yourself to…”

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Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Bocachica & Playa Blanca - San Fernando de Bocachica, a short history stop
Cartagena Tours, Full-Day, Playa Blanca Beach Trips, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews

Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Bocachica & Playa Blanca

2.Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Bocachica & Playa Blanca

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,729 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend about eight hours on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, visiting San Fernando fort, Isla Grande, Cholón, Playa Blanca, and Anaho Beach Club. Expect snorkeling, local food, rum shots, music, and a fast boat ride. Guides may include Franklin, Milton, Angel, Cesar, Mike, or Nicher.

“Our experience with The Backpackers staff was great. Our guide Nicher was beyond welcoming and attentive. We had a blast!”

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Excursion to the Rosario Islands with Lunch and Snorkeling - First stop: the Luis Guerra reef near Isla Grande
Cartagena Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rosario Islands Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours

Excursion to the Rosario Islands with Lunch and Snorkeling

3.Excursion to the Rosario Islands with Lunch and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 569 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $106

Sail from Cartagena to Isla Grande and Barú aboard Bona Vida Catamaranes. You’ll get snorkeling equipment, lunch, soft drinks, music, shaded seating, and time to swim from the boat. This is a spacious, relaxed day on the water, not a beach-hopping or all-inclusive party cruise.

“We had a fantastic time up until the second island stop where some guys came up to the boat offering banana boat rides. They took us out and threw us off the banana and they “helped” us back on and in doing so ripped my husbands gold chain off his neck. My advice don’t wear any jewelry and you will have a great day.”

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Cartagena: Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch - The 45-minute run to Isla Grande
Cartagena Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cartagena: Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch

4.Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 402 reviews · 8 hours · from $95

You’ll speed across the Caribbean with an English or Spanish speaking guide, snorkel near Isla Grande, eat lunch at Playa Blanca on Barú, then relax at Tierra Bomba’s Vista Mare Beach Club. Guides such as José, Franklin, Jesús, and David Santiago are known for attentive service.

“A great day trip to visit a few islands...the guide David was awesome. The island people are very friendly and need traveler's support. As in everywhere, covid has crushed economy.”

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5-Island Speedboat Tour in Cartagena and the Rosario Islands - Bocachica and the forts guarding Cartagena
Cartagena Tours, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

5-Island Speedboat Tour in Cartagena and the Rosario Islands

5.5-Island Speedboat Tour in Cartagena and the Rosario Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 258 reviews · 8 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $85

Spend a long day racing from Cartagena to Bocachica, Isla Grande, a private beach, Playa Blanca, and possibly Tierra Bomba. You’ll snorkel, eat lunch, and may add a nighttime swim with glowing plankton. Guides such as Sergio, Charlie, Franklin, and Caesar have earned strong praise.

“Honestly, not worth the price tag. They were incredibly disorganized from pick up. My group was the first group picked up in the walled city, then we went to the hotels in Boca Grande, and then back to pick up more passengers in the walled city. We then waited over 30 minutes in the sun for the boat to arrive. Every time we asked the guide how much longer, she would say 10 more minutes. Out of all the tours we've been on in Colombia, we've unanimously agreed that this was terrible. There was nothing informative provided. Also, lunch isn't really included. You get a credit at one of the…”

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Full Day 5 Best Rosario Islands Spots Make Friends & do Snorkel - Bocachica and the fort that may be a boat-side stop
Cartagena Tours, Full-Day, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews

Full Day 5 Best Rosario Islands Spots Make Friends & do Snorkel

6.Full Day 5 Best Rosario Islands Spots Make Friends & do Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 240 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $79

Spend about nine hours on a bilingual speedboat tour from Cartagena, visiting Bocachica, Rosario Islands, Isla Grande, Cholón, and Barú. You get snorkel gear, a COP 30,000 lunch allowance, bottled water, and one beer or soda. Guides such as Franklin and Niche are known for keeping the day lively.

“This was a really great experience. Everyone was very knowledgeable and helped us throughout the entire trip. The water was beautiful. The boat ride was extremely memorable. We wanted to do this tour again the next day. I would recommend this tour to everyone who wants to see the islands.”

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5 Island Tour with Lunch Snorkel in Cartagena Rosario Island - Isla Grande, where island life continues
Cartagena Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

5 Island Tour with Lunch Snorkel in Cartagena Rosario Island

7.5 Island Tour with Lunch Snorkel in Cartagena Rosario Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 94 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $110

Spend about seven hours by speedboat visiting Bocachica, Isla Grande, Rosario reefs, Cholón, Agua Azul, and Playa Tranquila Baru. You get a fish, chicken, or vegetarian lunch, beach chairs, bilingual guidance, and a mask for snorkeling. Expect music, vendors, strong sun, and a fast, bumpy return ride.

“Horrible, only lies, no snorkels only mask, the places where we stop, too bad, and the man that drives, was as if he has a racing with other boat. Iven with people in bad conditions x the speed and jumps, they didn’t stop. The worst trip that I did Don’t promote trips that don’t give smithing, only view people sobering and now body take care”

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Private Boat Rental To The Rosario Islands Up To 17 - La Piscinita snorkeling stop
Cartagena Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews

Private Boat Rental To The Rosario Islands Up To 17

8.Private Boat Rental To The Rosario Islands Up To 17

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) Top rated

Spend about eight hours on a private boat from Cartagena to Isla Grande and the Rosario Islands. You can snorkel at La Piscinita, see Pablo Escobar’s mansion and an abandoned plane, relax on beaches, and stop for lunch. The fee covers up to 15 people, with a captain, bilingual host, water, ice, fuel, and snorkeling gear.

“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…”

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Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena - Isla Grande and the snorkeling stop
Cartagena Tours, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena

9.Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $110

Leave Cartagena at 7:30 a.m. for an eight-hour speedboat trip through the Rosario Islands, with snorkeling at Isla Grande, beach time, Cholón, Playa Blanca, and Tierra Bomba. Expect music, swimming, lunch, and guides such as Daniel, César, Angel, or Frankie, with stops and timing shaped by weather and group pace.

“Our tour guide Daniel was great. He did a great job of making us all feel informed and included in the experiences throughout the day. The tour company was well organized and communicated with us well from the time of booking through concluding the experience. It was enjoyable to ride around and see the islands but really the stop at Playa Blanca was the only spot I’d care to return to again in the future.”

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Cartagena: Rosario Island and Mangroves Private Day Trip - Leaving Cartagena for Barú village
1-Day Tours, Cartagena Tours, Private, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Rosario Island and Mangroves Private Day Trip

10.Rosario Island and Mangroves Private Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 73 reviews · 9 hours · from $244

Travel by private vehicle and boat from Cartagena to Barú and the Rosario Islands. With guides such as Luis, Sofia, Valentina, or Jonathan, you’ll eat breakfast and lunch in a local home, tour mangroves, snorkel coral reefs, visit a beach, and meet village artisans.

“The trip is a delightful way to experience both the country outside of Cartagena and the Rosario islands. Be warned you have some lovely time on the beach and in the water snorkeling but it is not nearly enough! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the local wildlife (including fish), history of the area, and flexible to what we want. We ate local meals in a local home and had a place to wash off afterwards. Conditions at the home that serves as a base are primitive but authentic and sanitary. Great communication to make sure our questions were answered before the trip.”

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Boat rental for the Rosario Islands up to 15 people. - Leaving Todomar Marina at 9 A.M.
Cartagena Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews

Boat rental for the Rosario Islands up to 15 people.

11.Boat rental for the Rosario Islands up to 15 people.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Gather up to 15 people for an eight-hour private boat day from Todomar Marina in Bocagrande. Your captain and skipper can shape the route through Isla Grande, Caño Ratón, La Piscina, Cholón, and Aguazul, with snorkeling gear, ice, water, a cooler, and onboard music 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!”

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Cartagena: Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, Baru - Starting from Cartagena’s six pickup areas
Cartagena Tours, Playa Blanca Beach Trips, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, Baru

12.Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, Baru

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 20 reviews · 8 hours · from $36Best value

You’ll ride an air-conditioned bus from Cartagena to Barú, then take a panoramic boat through the Rosario Islands. The day includes an oceanarium stop, three lunch choices, and up to four hours at Playa Blanca. Guides speak English and Spanish, though guide Karen has been noted for speaking quickly.

“Une horreur, à fuir!! On paye pour ne faire que du bus, puis une heure de bateau pour nous demander d’attendre sur un banc à l’île rosaire ( on n’a pas le droit de se baigner) pendant plus d’une heure si on ne paye pas 15€ en plus pour d’autres activités, puis retour à Barú où nous n’avons même pas le temps de profiter de la plage qu’on doit déjà rentrer! Publicité mensongère, attrape touriste et ARNAQUE”

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Cartagena: All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour - Getting to La Bodeguita and onto the boat
Cartagena Tours, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cartagena: All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour

13.All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 19 reviews · 7 hours · from $85

Spend seven hours crossing from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands by speedboat, with a native guide, oceanarium or snorkeling, lunch at Playa Tranquila on Barú, and a return to La Bodeguita. The ride is fast, wet, and sometimes bumpy.

“les îles sont magnifiques et la visite à l'aquarium très intéressante. notre guide ne parlait pas un mot d'anglais, dommage notre espagnol n'est pas suffisamment bon pour tout comprendre.”

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Cartagena: Rosario Islands Daypass Ibbiza Island Beach Club - Arriving at Ibbiza Island Beach Club
Cartagena Beach Clubs, Cartagena Tours, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews

Cartagena: Rosario Islands Daypass Ibbiza Island Beach Club

14.Rosario Islands Daypass Ibbiza Island Beach Club

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · 8 hours · from $107

Spend eight hours sailing from Cartagena to Ibbiza Island Beach Club in the Rosario Islands. A Spanish-speaking guide, welcome drink, lunch, loungers, pool, live DJ, and beach time are included. The speedboat ride takes about 45 minutes each way, with a stop near Tierra Bomba.

“Second time doing the activity. However the service at the island was not what you expect, plus considering the fixed price, it has the standard service, where the prices increases even if you want the lunch to be served first.”

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Cartagena de Indias: Pasadia 5 Islas del rosario and Baru boat trip - Seeing the Rosario Islands from the water
Cartagena Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Rosario Islands Tours, Tour Reviews

Cartagena de Indias: Pasadia 5 Islas del rosario and Baru boat trip

15.Pasadia 5 Islas del rosario and Baru boat trip

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 8 reviews

Spend 13 hours visiting the Rosario Islands, Isla Grande, Cholon, and Barú from Cartagena. You’ll ride a speedboat, choose snorkeling or the Oceanarium, eat lunch, watch sunset, and possibly see luminous plankton. The tour is Spanish-speaking and returns by bus around 9:30 pm.

“la comida debe mejorar y el lugar donde la sirven. la experiencia de el phanton fue maravilloso...”

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