Cartagena: Private Island in Rosario Islands, Open Bar

Planning a day out in Colombia’s Caribbean paradise? This tour offering from Cartagena promises a mix of sun, sand, good food, and fun. While it’s not the cheapest day trip you’ll find, the combination of private spaces, included meals, and non-alcoholic drinks can make it a worthwhile escape from the city’s busy streets.

What we like most about this experience? First, the all-inclusive approach — unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and three lunch options mean you can relax without constantly reaching for your wallet. Second, the private island setting offers a peaceful, vendor-free environment, perfect for unwinding.

One consideration is the timing—the tour runs around six hours, which might feel a bit rushed if your goal is to truly lounge and relax, especially with the boat rides and sightseeing stops. Still, for those seeking a well-organized, activity-rich day, it’s a solid choice.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free trip that combines sightseeing, relaxing social spaces, and good food. It’s particularly appealing for those who prefer not to fuss over logistics or spend extra on food and drinks — the included amenities really add value here.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Includes transportation, lunch, social areas, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
• Private, vendor-free beach: Perfect for relaxing without constant sales pitches.
• Suitable for groups: Offers plenty of social space, volleyball, ping-pong, and hammocks.
• Optional activities: Visit to Rosario Islands Oceanarium is available but at an extra cost.
• Timing and duration: About six hours, with a well-structured itinerary that balances sightseeing and leisure.
• Price point: $132 per person, which includes many amenities but adds port fees and optional extras.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Works — A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Starting Point and Early Morning Departure

The tour begins bright and early at Muelle de la Bodeguita at 7:30 a.m., with departure by speedboat between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. The early start is typical for day trips in this region, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your day without feeling rushed. We appreciate that the boat ride lasts about an hour, providing a scenic preview of Cartagena’s coastline and fortresses along the way.

Scenic Ride to Rosario Islands and Fortresses

On the way, you’ll pass notable forts such as Fort of San Sebastián del Pastelillo and those on Tierra Bomba: San Fernando and San José. These historical structures protected the bay from pirate attacks, giving you a glimpse into Cartagena’s strategic past. While not part of the tour, these sights add a bit of context and charm to the journey.

First Stop — Isla Grande

Your first significant stop is Isla Grande, where you’ll have roughly two hours for sightseeing, photos, and free time. This stop offers a chance to explore the social spaces, including hammocks, beach chairs, and beach volleyball. We loved the way the space balances activity and relaxation, providing plenty of options to suit different preferences.

More Great Tours Nearby

Optional Visit to the Rosario Islands Oceanarium

After the initial break, you can choose to visit the Oceanarium on San Martín de Pajarales — an extra activity at $45,000 COP or about $13 USD. The visit is about 45 minutes and offers a chance to see local marine life. The tour mentions that this is optional, so if marine life isn’t your thing, you can skip it and enjoy more beach time instead.

Lunch and Relaxation

Back at Isla Grande, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch with three options — fish, chicken, or seafood rice. The meals are touted as delicious and generous, ideal for refueling after the morning’s activities. The open bar includes soda, lemonade, and water, allowing you to stay refreshed without additional costs.

Free Time and Social Spaces

Post-lunch, the focus shifts to relaxing or playing. The large freshwater pool with a bar is perfect for a leisurely swim, while the surrounding social areas—hammocks, volleyball courts, ping-pong tables, and sun loungers—give you plenty of choices for unwinding.

Return Journey and Final Stop

The return to Cartagena takes about an hour by speedboat, giving you a chance to reflect on your day and enjoy the views one last time. The tour wraps up back at Muelle de la Bodeguita around 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers round-trip transportation from Cartagena’s dock, a welcome cocktail, lunch with three options, and access to all social areas — pools, hammocks, volleyball, ping-pong, and sun loungers. Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are a nice touch, keeping hydration simple and stress-free.

However, you’ll need to budget an extra $26,500 COP (around $10 USD) for port fees, paid in cash. The optional Rosario Islands Oceanarium costs an additional $45,000 COP. Note that alcoholic beverages are not included, and activities outside the package—such as purchasing crafts or extra drinks—are at your own expense.

The Experience: What Travelers Can Expect

Most reviews highlight the good value for money — especially given the included meals and amenities. Many appreciate the peaceful, vendor-free environment that allows for genuine relaxation. The large social spaces and variety of activities make it suitable for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a fun, easy day.

Some travelers mention the delicious food, particularly the seafood options, which they felt were hearty and well-prepared for a beach buffet. The availability of unlimited soda, lemonade, and water is noted as a plus, especially in the hot Caribbean climate.

The optional oceanarium visit is a hit with those interested in marine life, although it is a paid extra and takes up a bit of time. Those who skip it report having plenty of beach time and relaxing options.

While the timing can feel tight for those wanting to linger, the itinerary’s structure ensures you get to see both the island and the oceanarium without feeling overwhelmed. The boat rides, while scenic, are about an hour each way, which might be lengthy for some, yet they contribute to that feeling of escape from the city.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring cash for port fees and any extras — the cash-only port fee is a small but necessary expense.
• Pack sun protection—sunglasses, hats, sunscreen—and swimwear for beach and pool time.
• Confirm your lunch preference in advance if possible, to ensure your choice suits your tastes.
• Arrive at Muelle de la Bodeguita early to avoid any last-minute stress.
• Remember that alcohol isn’t included, so if you want cocktails or beer, plan to buy them separately.
• If you’re interested in marine life, budget for the oceanarium add-on; if not, enjoy the free beach and social areas.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works particularly well for travelers seeking a well-organized, all-inclusive day trip with plenty of social and relaxing spaces. It’s ideal for families wanting a safe, vendor-free environment or groups of friends who want to enjoy beach games and good food together.

It’s less suitable for those looking for a luxury or very exclusive experience — the environment is casual, and the focus is on fun and relaxation, not high-end pampering. Pregnant women and people over 95 are advised to avoid due to the activity level and boat rides.

Final Thoughts

In terms of value, this tour hits a sweet spot for many travelers. The included meals, drinks, and social areas make it a practical choice if you’re after a full day of fun in the sun without breaking the bank. The opportunity to unwind in a private, vendor-free environment is a breath of fresh air compared to crowded beaches.

The optional oceanarium adds a dash of extra adventure if marine life excites you, but even without it, there’s plenty to enjoy—swimming in the pool, lounging in hammocks, playing volleyball, or simply soaking up the Caribbean sun.

This tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and good eats, making it a reliable option for travelers wanting a straightforward yet enjoyable escape from the bustling streets of Cartagena.

FAQ

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts about 6 hours, typically starting early in the morning and returning by mid-afternoon, giving you ample time to enjoy the island.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip boat transportation from Cartagena’s La Bodeguita dock is included, making logistics simple.

Are drinks included?
Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages—soda, lemonade, bottled water—are part of the package. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, beach shoes, and a towel. Also, carry cash for port fees and any extras.

Can I visit the oceanarium?
Yes, you can opt to visit the Rosario Islands Oceanarium for an additional fee of around $13 USD.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a buffet lunch with three options (fish, chicken, seafood rice) is included. You can select your preference upon booking.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women and those over 95 years old might want to reconsider due to boat rides and activity levels. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted onboard.

This comprehensive day trip to Rosario Islands offers a good mix of relaxation, scenery, and tasty food — perfect for travelers who want a worry-free escape with friends or family.

You can check availability for your dates here: