For the best full-day experiences in Cartagena, get straight to the action with well-organized tours that pack real value. The Rosario Islands excursion stands out – you’ll boat through crystal waters, snorkel vibrant reefs, and feast on fresh seafood. History buffs will love the city’s fortification tours, especially the mighty Castillo de San Felipe, where expert guides bring colonial stories to life. The San Basilio de Palenque cultural tour is a personal favorite, offering authentic connections with the Americas’ first free African settlement.
These tours avoid tourist traps and focus on meaningful experiences. The guides speak clear English, provide cultural context, and help navigate local customs. Most tours include lunch, transportation, and entrance fees – making them an efficient use of your travel time.
Let’s explore our carefully selected top tours for maximizing your Cartagena visit.
Key Points
- The Rosario Islands Tours offer a serene, full-day escape from Cartagena with snorkeling, lunch, and boat rides, though concerns over registration and safety have been reported.
- Private and family tours to the Rosario Islands provide a personalized experience with flexibility, excellent snorkeling spots, and customizable amenities within a range of $621.43 to $911.95.
- The Cartagena Shore Excursion is a highly-rated, small-group tour that covers key attractions like the Castillo de San Felipe, La Popa Convent, Gold Museum, and the old city, with transportation and expert guides.
- Specialized day tours, such as the Isla Cholón Tour, offer a mix of activities like snorkeling, beach parties, and jet skiing, but have received mixed reviews regarding organization and vendor issues.
- Tours in Cartagena provide a range of amenities, culture experiences, and small group sizes, allowing for personalized and environmentally-conscious exploration of the city’s natural and historical offerings.
Full Day Tour of 5 Must-See Places in the Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands, located just off the coast of Cartagena, offer a serene escape from the bustling city. A popular full-day tour takes visitors to 5 must-see places in this archipelago.
With over 500 reviews and a 93% recommendation rate, this €91.44 per person tour is a great option. The tour includes a local guide, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and lunch.
Highlights include beautiful islands, great snorkeling, and enjoyable boat rides. However, some travelers have reported issues with the registration process, inappropriate behavior on board, and concerns about safety.
Read our full review: Full Day Tour of 5 Must-See Places in the Rosario Islands Review
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Cartagena Shore Excursion Full Day Tour
Cartagena Shore Excursion Full Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historic landmarks and cultural highlights. Priced at $239 per person, this 6-hour small-group tour (limited to 8 participants) provides private transportation, expert guides in English or Spanish, and entry tickets to key attractions like Castillo de San Felipe and La Popa Convent.
Highlights include walking through the old city, exploring the charming streets of Getsemaní, visiting the Gold Museum and Palace of Inquisition, and ending at Las Bóvedas for Colombian handicrafts.
With a 5/5 rating based on customer reviews, this tour provides excellent value, safety, service, and organization for those seeking an immersive Cartagena experience.
Read our full review: Cartagena Shore Excursion Full Day Tour Review
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Private Boat Tour Full Day Trip to Rosario Islands, Cholon, Baru
A private boat tour takes travelers on a full-day excursion to the stunning Rosario Islands, Cholon, and Baru.
With a badge of excellence and 93% recommendation, this tour offers a personalized experience for up to 10 guests.
The package includes a certified driver, cooler with ice, Bluetooth sound system, and snorkeling gear.
Lunch is available at an additional cost.
The tour departs from a private marina, avoiding the chaos of public docks.
Guests can expect a professional crew, though some language barriers may arise.
Reviewers praise the customization and stunning views, though they recommend planning for any additional beach club costs and food expenses.
Read our full review: Private Boat Tour Full Day Trip to Rosario Islands, Cholon, Baru Review
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Private Full Day Tour 5 Spots Rosario Islands
For those seeking an immersive adventure in the Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena, a private full-day tour offers a comprehensive experience.
Recommended by 97% of travelers, this adventure-focused tour includes boat transfers and water sports across popular islands like Islas Rosario, Barú, and Isla Grande.
Activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing are included, complemented by a beach lunch with meat and non-meat options.
The tour provides bottled water, snacks, and snorkeling equipment, and departs from the Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande at 8:30 am.
While not wheelchair accessible or recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour is priced at $1,950 for up to 15 people and is non-refundable.
Read our full review: Private Full Day Tour 5 Spots Rosario Islands Review
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Cartagena and Murcia – Full Day Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests
This full-day shore excursion takes visitors on a captivating journey from the port of Cartagena to the historic cities of Cartagena and Murcia.
With a 4.5-star rating from 62 reviews, the tour features personal pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable local guide.
Highlights include walking tours highlighting the cities’ rich history and architecture, as well as visits to notable sites like the naval museum and Roman Theatre.
However, some reviewers note excessive detail leading to boredom and issues with communication.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, it offers good value compared to larger cruise ship tours.
Read our full review: Cartagena and Murcia – Full Day Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests Review
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Full Day Premium Five Islands Tour in Cartagena
Cartagena’s Five Islands Tour provides an immersive full-day experience for travelers seeking to explore the city’s stunning archipelago. Priced at $90 per person, the 14-hour tour takes visitors to multiple islands, offering snorkeling opportunities and a chance to witness bioluminescent plankton.
While the tour includes lunch and water, travelers should bring personal towels, swim gear, and cash for additional purchases, as reports suggest issues with crowding, lack of proper equipment, and aggressive vendors. Caution is advised regarding personal belongings due to theft concerns.
Although the guides are praised for their knowledge and engagement, some travelers have faced a rushed itinerary and missed activities. For a more personalized experience, consider alternative tours focusing on specific islands.
Read our full review: Full Day Premium Five Islands Tour in Cartagena Review
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Private Full Day Family Tour To The Rosario Islands
The Private Full Day Family Tour to the Rosario Islands offers travelers an immersive experience exploring the stunning archipelago off the coast of Cartagena.
Featuring a 100% traveler recommendation, this private tour provides a personalized journey with a bilingual guide, snorkeling equipment, and a cooler filled with bottled water.
Pickup is conveniently located at the historic center’s wooden dock, and the tour operates daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate and enjoy the exceptional snorkeling spots and carefully selected lunch locations.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a flexible and enjoyable way to explore the Rosario Islands.
Read our full review: Private Full Day Family Tour To The Rosario Islands Review
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Full Day Guided Tour to Isla Cholón
Departing from central Cartagena, the Full Day Guided Tour to Isla Cholón promises an immersive island adventure. For $90 per person, travelers can explore this picturesque destination, snorkel, swim, and soak up the beach party atmosphere.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, lunch, alcoholic beverages, and snacks. While the high-energy vibe and attentive guides are highlights, some travelers note organizational issues, late meal service, and aggressive vendors on the island.
Safety and language barriers have also been concerns for some. The tour offers a lively experience, though the high prices and mixed reviews suggest weighing expectations accordingly.
Read our full review: Full Day Guided Tour to Isla Cholón Review
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Full Day Boat Tour to Cholón Island Forever With DJ on Boat
This full-day boat tour to Cholón Island offers travelers a lively experience with a DJ spinning crossover music onboard.
Departing from various pickup points in Cartagena, the tour includes lunch options, alcoholic beverages, and the opportunity for jet skiing.
Though reviews are mixed, positive feedback highlights the fun atmosphere and chance to meet new people.
However, some customers have reported issues with disorganization, late starts, and high prices for drinks on the island.
Travelers are advised to bring their own drinks and keep track of purchases to avoid overcharging.
Read our full review: Full Day Boat Tour to Cholón Island Forever With DJ on Boat Review
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Full Day Tour to the Playa Blanca National Aviary and Plankton
For travelers seeking a more immersive nature experience in Cartagena, the full-day tour to the Playa Blanca National Aviary and Plankton offers a chance to explore diverse ecosystems.
Priced at $136 per person, the 11-hour tour includes access to the national aviary, a plankton activity, and use of the Mambo Beach Club facilities.
Highlights include spotting exotic birds and witnessing the bioluminescent plankton.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some guests have noted issues like loud music at the beach club and limited food options.
The tour operator has acknowledged this feedback and committed to improving the experience.
Read our full review: Full Day Tour to the Playa Blanca National Aviary and Plankton Review
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Full Day Private Tour of the Rosario Islands by Boat 29/30 Ft
Exploring the idyllic Rosario Islands by private boat offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Cartagena’s Caribbean paradise.
This full-day tour, which accommodates up to 10 people, takes visitors on a 29/30 ft boat to the stunning Rosario Islands. Included in the $621.43 per group price are all fees, taxes, bottled water, a cooler with ice, crew, fuel, lunch, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages.
The tour departs from the Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande and runs daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with seasonal schedule variations.
While the majority of reviews are positive, one guest noted environmental concerns, which the host addressed. This private tour provides an idyllic island escape.
Read our full review: Full Day Private Tour of the Rosario Islands by Boat 29/30 Ft Review
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Full Day Private Tour to Islas Del Rosario by Boat 33/34 Ft
Cartagena’s idyllic Rosario Islands beckon travelers to explore their natural beauty further with the 33/34 ft private full-day boat tour.
Priced at $911.95 for up to 15 people, this tour offers exceptional value, including bottled water, a cooler with 15 kg of ice, fuel, crew, life vests, lunch, and alcoholic beverages for adults.
The tour departs from the Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande, located just 5 minutes from the historic center, and returns to the same point.
With a 5-star rating based on 5 reviews, this private tour ensures an unforgettable experience exploring the stunning islands at your own pace.
Key details include daily availability, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Full Day Private Tour to Islas Del Rosario by Boat 33/34 Ft Review
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Private San Basilio De Palenque Experience Full Day Tour
Travelers seeking a unique cultural experience can embark on the Private San Basilio de Palenque Experience Full Day Tour in Cartagena.
This tour, priced from $130 per person, takes visitors to the historic town of San Basilio de Palenque, known as the first free town of the Americas. The full-day tour includes air-conditioned transportation, meals, local drink tastings, and an expert guide.
With a maximum group size of 15, the tour offers an intimate experience. Participants should be able to travel without a wheelchair and avoid any serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: Private San Basilio De Palenque Experience Full Day Tour Review
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Sum Up
Cartagena offers a variety of full-day tours to nearby islands and attractions. Whether you choose a private boat tour to the Rosario Islands, a shore excursion to explore the city’s highlights, or a visit to the Playa Blanca National Aviary, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests. These tours provide an excellent way to experience the best of Cartagena’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in a single day.