Cartagena: Rosario Island Beach Club Day Trip and OPEN BAR

If you’re dreaming of a day spent lounging on soft white sands with a cold drink in hand, the Rosario Islands trip from Cartagena promises just that. This tour combines scenic boat rides, a lively beach club atmosphere, and some of the best views Colombia has to offer—all wrapped into a manageable six-hour experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the unlimited open bar keeps the drinks flowing amid stunning Caribbean scenery, and second, the variety of lunch options caters to different tastes, from grilled chicken to vegetarian Chaufa rice.

A potential snag? The trip involves boat transportation that can be bumpy depending on sea conditions, so if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more relaxed boat ride, it’s worth considering.

This experience is ideal for travelers craving a lively beach day, eager to enjoy great food and drinks, and interested in seeing Rosario Island’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort. It’s particularly suited for those who want a hassle-free trip that combines sightseeing with relaxing beach time.

Key Points

• Includes unlimited national drinks and three lunch options, ensuring a filling and fun gastronomic experience.
• Scenic boat rides provide a panoramic view of Rosario Islands and Oceanarium, perfect for photo lovers.
• All-day access to a well-equipped beach club with umbrellas, sun shades, and showers.
• Flexible cancellation and reservation policies make planning worry-free.
• Suitable for families with children, thanks to a children’s menu and wheelchair accessibility.
• Potential for choppy seas due to the speedboat trips, so pack accordingly if sensitive to rough waters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: An Exciting Day in the Rosario Islands

Imagine spending a full day in a Caribbean paradise, with brilliant turquoise waters, soft white sands, and a lively beach vibe—all within easy reach of Cartagena. While diving into the marine life or exploring the islands’ natural beauty on your own might be tempting, this tour offers a smooth and enjoyable way to experience Rosario Islands with minimal hassle.

What we love about this trip? First, the value-packed inclusions like unlimited drinks and multiple lunch choices make it a great deal for a day out. Second, the easy-to-follow itinerary ensures you get a taste of the oceanarium, the island, and plenty of beach time.

On the flip side, the boat rides can be quite fast and sometimes bumpy, depending on sea conditions, so if you’re sensitive to motion, pack seasickness remedies or opt for a different mode of transfer (if available).

This tour is perfect for those looking for a balanced day of adventure, relaxation, and good food without the stress of planning every detail. It suits families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a straightforward Caribbean escape.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour offers a comprehensive package designed for comfort and fun. The boat transportation—starting at Muelle de la Bodeguita—sets the tone for a scenic adventure. The speedboat ride to Rosario Islands is quick, around 45 minutes, offering opportunities for photos and anticipation of what’s ahead.

Once on the islands, you’ll visit the Oceanarium Rosario Islands for a quick photo stop, guided tour, and scenic views. While entrance to the Oceanarium isn’t included, the stop adds a touch of educational fun. Next, the main event: a 5-hour beach break at the beach club, where you can sunbathe under umbrellas, swim in clear waters, or just relax on the sand.

The highlight? The all-you-can-drink open bar featuring house cocktails like Piña Colada, Mojito, and Caipirinha, plus beers, sodas, waters, and fresh juices. It’s a refreshing way to stay cool and social as you soak up the Caribbean vibes.

Your lunch options—fish, grilled chicken, or vegetable Chaufa rice—are served at the beach club, giving you nourishing fuel to enjoy your time in the sun. Many reviews note the food is delicious and satisfying, making it a great value considering the included drinks and scenic setting.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at Muelle de la Bodeguita

Arrive by 07:15 am; the departure window is between 07:20 am and 08:00 am. This early start means you get a full day in the Caribbean sun, but it also requires promptness. The meeting point is straightforward—door #4 at the pier—and the staff is usually efficient.

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Speedboat to Rosario Islands

The boat ride lasts about 45 minutes, offering exhilarating rides that some mention can be bumpy, especially depending on the sea’s mood. The speed of the boat is determined by the sailor pilot, who’s an expert, but if you’re prone to seasickness, bringing medication or seasickness patches is wise.

Oceanarium Rosario Islands

A quick stop here lets you stretch your legs and snap some photos. The guided tour adds a bit of context about local marine life, but it’s primarily a scenic photo opportunity. As one reviewer pointed out, “the views on the way are breathtaking,” making this a worthwhile moment even if brief.

Main Beach Time

The bulk of your day is at the beach club—about five hours. You’ll enjoy the crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and floating, and the well-organized setup with umbrellas and sunshades. Beach shoes are advisable due to coral remains in the sand, a detail appreciated by many seasoned travelers.

Return Trip

The boat ride back takes about one hour, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights. The return to Muelle de la Bodeguita is smooth, with plenty of opportunities for photos and sharing your favorite moments.

The Value of the Experience

For $128, this trip offers a solid balance of scenery, relaxation, and comfort. The price includes boat transfers, unlimited drinks, and a hearty lunch, which overall provides good value, especially considering the lush setting and professional organization.

While there are extras like the Oceanarium entrance fee and port taxes ($26,500 COP), these are standard costs for Caribbean excursions and should be factored into your budget. The optional panoramic tour of Rosario Islands, which lasts 60 minutes, adds an educational twist but isn’t included in the base price.

Many guests rave about the quality of the food and drinks, citing the delicious typical Caribbean lunch and the convenience of the open bar. One review mentions, “the food was surprisingly good and more than enough,” highlighting the value of the meal options.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights

Beyond the sun and sand, this tour offers glimpses of local life and marine environments. The panoramic view of Rosario Island is breathtaking, with vibrant waters and lush greenery. The Oceanarium stop gives an idea of the marine diversity, although entrance isn’t included, so it’s more of a quick glimpse than an in-depth visit.

The beach club itself is well-equipped, with showers—so bring a towel—and parasols, making it easy to enjoy your day comfortably. Many reviews mention the beautiful views from the beach club, making it a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early at Muelle de la Bodeguita to ensure smooth boarding.
• Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and your swimwear.
• Pack cash for port taxes and optional extras. The tour provides bottled water and soda, but additional consumables are at your discretion.
• Prepare for the boat ride—seas can be choppy, and the speedboat is fast, so seasickness remedies might be helpful.
• Beach shoes are recommended to protect against coral fragments.
• If you prefer a less wet experience, consider bringing a light jacket or rash guard.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a viable option for travelers with mobility needs.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a hassle-free day in a tropical setting with plenty of drinks, good food, and scenic boat rides, this Rosario Islands trip hits the mark. Its value-packed inclusions make it attractive for families, friends, or solo travelers looking for a relaxing escape. You’ll appreciate the stunning views, the delicious Caribbean lunch, and the easy logistics that let you focus on enjoying your day.

However, if you’re sensitive to seasickness or prefer a more sedate boat ride, you might want to prepare accordingly or consider other options. The boat’s speed and occasional bumpiness are worth noting for comfort-focused travelers.

This tour offers a lively, scenic, and tasty taste of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, ideal for those who want to relax, socialize, and soak in beautiful vistas without fuss.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, there’s a children’s menu that includes bottled water, soda, orange juice, and lemonade, plus food options like fish, grilled chicken, and Chaufa rice. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it family-friendly.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for extras and port taxes. Towels aren’t included, so bring your own if you plan to swim.

How long is the boat ride?
The initial speedboat trip from Muelle de la Bodeguita to Rosario Islands takes around 45 minutes, with the return trip lasting about one hour. Expect some bumpiness depending on sea conditions.

Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, the open bar includes house cocktails, beers, soda, water, and fresh juices. It’s a great way to stay refreshed throughout the day.

Can I visit the Oceanarium?
You can enjoy a scenic photo stop and a brief guided tour at the Oceanarium, but entrance fees are not included in the tour price.

What happens if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

With its combination of scenic boat rides, delicious food, and lively beach atmosphere, this Rosario Islands tour offers a wonderful way to experience Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It’s perfect for those wanting a day full of sun, fun, and memorable views—without needing to plan every detail themselves.

You can check availability for your dates here: