Cartagena: Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch

Planning a day trip from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands? This popular tour offers an enticing mix of pristine beaches, lively islands, and underwater adventures. We’ve gathered plenty of details to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What we love about this tour is how it packs multiple island visits into a single day—giving you a taste of Colombia’s Caribbean beauty without the need to stay overnight. The tour’s expert guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, helping ensure you get the most out of each stop. Plus, the lunch options and snorkeling gear included make it a good value.

On the flip side, some travelers find the pace a bit fast, especially if you prefer relaxing at a single spot. Also, the trip can be crowded on popular days, and vendors at some stops might be a distraction. Still, if you’re eager to explore a variety of islands and enjoy good food in a relatively short time, this tour could suit you well. It’s especially suitable for those who want an active, scenic experience with plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, and fun.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary with visits to Isla Grande, Playa Blanca, and Tierra Bomba
• Knowledgeable guides making the experience engaging and informative
• Well-organized transportation via speedboats, with a total tour length of about 8 hours
• Includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a hearty lunch—good value for the price
• Vibrant, picturesque beaches and panoramic views that are postcard-perfect
• Fast-paced adventure; ideal if you want to see many spots but may feel rushed for those seeking total relaxation

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What to Expect from the Rosario Islands Tour

If you’re visiting Cartagena and looking to escape the city hustle for a day, this Rosario Islands tour promises a full-day of sun, sand, and sea. It’s designed for travelers eager to experience Colombia’s Caribbean coast without the hassle of organizing transport or activities themselves—an all-in-one package that packs in visits to three different islands.

Two things we really like about this experience are the variety of locations and the friendly guidance. You’ll hop between Isla Grande, with its tranquil beaches, and Playa Blanca on Baru Island, famous for its lively atmosphere and delicious lunch options. Plus, the view from Tierra Bomba offers some of the best panoramas around.

One potential drawback is the fast pace—if you prefer to linger or relax longer at a single spot, this tour might feel a bit rushed. Also, some reviews mention crowds and vendors, which can slightly detract from the serenity. But if you’re up for a dynamic day with lots of different sights, this trip is a solid choice. It’s perfect for active travelers, photo enthusiasts, and those wanting to sample the highlights of the Rosario Islands.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off early at the Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande around 7:30 am, with the group departing promptly at 8:00 am. Expect a 45-minute speedboat ride across the Caribbean waters to the first stop, Isla Grande. Speedboats are the norm here—quick, exciting, and a great way to cover ground efficiently.

Isla Grande: Relaxation and Photo Opportunities

Your first island stop is Isla Grande, where you’ll be welcomed at the Encantada Beach Club. Here, the white sands and crystal-clear waters are perfect for snapping photos or just lounging. The stop lasts about 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax on beach chairs and umbrellas, go for a swim, or explore the nearby surroundings.

Several reviews praise Isla Grande as a stunning beach—one traveler described it as the most spectacular beach they’ve visited and appreciated the chance to just relax amid beautiful scenery. The beach’s calm waters provide ideal conditions for snorkeling, and equipment is provided by the tour.

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Play Blanca on Baru Island: Food and Fun

Next, you’ll hop back onto the boat for a 30-minute ride to Playa Blanca on Baru Island, which is the trip’s highlight for most. Known for its turquoise waters and soft sand, Playa Blanca often feels like a Caribbean postcard. Here, you’ll have about 2 hours to snorkel, take photos, shop for souvenirs, or just soak up the sun.

The tour typically includes a lunch break with options like fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes. Several reviews highlight the delicious, satisfying food—one traveler called it “great food and tapas.” The lively atmosphere here is a contrast to Isla Grande’s tranquility, which some appreciate, though others note the overcrowding and noisy vendors can detract from the experience.

Tierra Bomba: Scenic Views and Private Beach Clubs

The last island stop is Tierra Bomba, home to the exclusive Vista Mare Beach Club. It’s known for breathtaking panoramic views and a more secluded feel. You’ll have around 2 hours to unwind, swim in the pool, or simply take in the scenery. Several reviews mention that this part of the trip offers a relaxing break after the busy morning.

Return Journey and End of Day

After a final 15-minute speedboat ride back to Cartagena, the tour concludes at the original meeting point around 4 pm, giving you a full 8 hours of adventure.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour’s cost of $95 per person packs in a lot: boat transportation, snorkeling gear, bottled water, a guide, and travel insurance. The not-included port tax is a small extra fee to remember.

You’ll want to bring essentials like passport or ID, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, towel, water, and cash—especially for shopping or optional extras. The tour is not suitable for children under 2 or travelers with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.

Group Size and Guides

Reviews highlight that the guides are attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, with many describing guides like Jesus, Santiago, or Benjamin as “phenomenal” and “helpful.” Group sizes tend to be small to medium, making it easier to ask questions and feel cared for. On some trips, the VIP experience with fewer people (around 6) is available, offering more comfort and personalized attention.

Snorkeling and Beach Time: Highlights and Tips

One of the big draws is the snorkeling opportunity. The water is described as beautiful, with vibrant fish and clear visibility. Travelers who snorkel often say it’s a unique experience—some compare it favorably to other Caribbean snorkeling, noting the colorful fish and proximity to the reef.

However, one review mentions small jellyfish stings, so bringing a little Reef Safe sunscreen or protective wear might be wise. You might also find some islands crowded with vendors, especially at Playa Blanca, so a good tip is to set expectations and perhaps agree on a meeting point if you want some privacy.

Additional Observations from Reviews

• Some travelers felt they did not have enough time at each stop, especially if they wanted to relax more.
• The crowds at Playa Blanca can be substantial, and the loud music and overpriced drinks might not suit everyone. If you prefer serenity, arrive early or skip the party scene.
• The organized transportation to and from the marina is generally considered efficient, though some reviews note delays during pickup, so plan for some flexibility.

Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability

This Rosario Islands tour offers an affordable, well-organized way to see a handful of Colombia’s most beautiful islands in a single day. At $95, it includes most essentials — snorkeling gear, lunch, and guided transportation — making it a good value for those eager to maximize their time.

The experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of beach lounging, swimming, and sightseeing, rather than those seeking complete relaxation. It’s also perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of the islands’ highlights, especially if they’re short on time.

The guides’ professionalism and friendly attitude shine through in almost every review, ensuring you’ll be well taken care of. Just be prepared for a fast-paced day with some crowds and vendors, especially at the more popular stops.

The Rosario Islands tour from Cartagena is a colorful, lively way to explore some of Colombia’s most stunning Caribbean scenery without the need for overnight stays. It balances adventure, sightseeing, and good food within an 8-hour window, making it ideal for travelers looking to pack a lot into a single day.

If you’re someone who enjoys variety and vibrant beach scenes, this trip delivers plenty of both—along with friendly guidance and plenty of photo opportunities. Just keep in mind the fast pace and the crowds, and you’ll come away with memorable views, a full belly, and maybe a few new snorkeling skills.

It’s a solid pick for those who want a well-organized, fun-filled day that covers the top highlights of the Rosario Islands. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Caribbean beach lover, this tour offers a good balance of activity and relaxation in some of Colombia’s most picturesque spots.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande at 8:00 am, with check-in recommended by 7:30 am. It typically concludes around 4:00 pm.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the tour, allowing you to explore the underwater world at your leisure.

How much free time will I get?
You’ll have about 2 hours at Isla Grande, 2 hours at Playa Blanca, and 2 hours at Tierra Bomba — enough for relaxing, swimming, or shopping.

Are the stops suitable for children and those with mobility issues?
The tour is not recommended for children under 2 or travelers with mobility impairments, as the activities involve boat rides and walking on uneven surfaces.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, water, and some cash for extras or souvenirs.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially if your kids enjoy beaches, swimming, and guided explorations. Just be mindful of the fast pace and the need for active participation.

In essence, this Rosario Islands tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-led adventure perfect for those wanting a full taste of Colombia’s Caribbean charms in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: