Scuba Diving in Rosario Islands

Scuba diving in the Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, is an unparalleled adventure. Divers can explore a vibrant marine reserve teeming with diverse marine life, from playful sea turtles to schools of tropical fish. With the guidance of PADI-certified instructors and high-quality gear, even beginners can safely enjoy the stunning underwater world. The picturesque surroundings and rich ecosystem make this excursion a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking to discover the hidden wonders that lie beneath the surface. But to truly appreciate the breathtaking beauty of this destination, one must experience it firsthand.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Scuba Diving Experiences In Cartagena.

Good To Know

• The Rosario Islands off Cartagena, Colombia, offer scuba diving in the National Park of Corals, with a maximum depth of 40 feet.
• The scuba diving tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, all necessary scuba gear, a PADI-certified instructor, and lunch.
• Divers must adhere to safety guidelines, such as proper breathing and equalization, and the tour is not suitable for individuals with back problems.
• The marine protected area features a vibrant underwater ecosystem, including colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and the possibility of encountering sea turtles.
• The scuba diving experience is highly rated, with reviews praising the quality of the equipment, the convenience of the tour, and the expertise of the PADI-certified instructor.

Overview of Scuba Diving Experience

The Rosario Islands, located just off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, offer an exceptional scuba diving experience for adventure seekers.

Explore the underwater world of the National Park of Corals, diving to depths of nearly 40 feet (12 meters). This all-day trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, scuba gear, a PADI certified instructor, and a tasty lunch.

Afterwards, you can purchase alcoholic drinks as you relax on the beach. However, this activity isn’t suitable for those with back problems or wheelchair users.

Safety is paramount, so be sure to follow guidelines like breathing normally and equalizing frequently during descent.

Tour Inclusions

This scuba diving tour includes a comprehensive package to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off service makes transportation a breeze. All necessary scuba diving gear, including tanks and regulators, is provided. A PADI-certified instructor guides the diving adventure, ensuring safety and maximizing the underwater exploration.

Lunch is included, allowing participants to refuel after the dive. While alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

With these thoughtful inclusions, guests can focus on seeing the wonders of the Rosario Islands’ marine reserve without worrying about logistical details.

Itinerary

Pickup from the accommodation, whether hotel, airport, or cruise ship port, marks the start of this scuba diving adventure. After gear fitting at the scuba store, a 1-hour boat ride whisks you to the Rosario Islands. Here, you’ll explore the marine reserve through an exhilarating scuba dive, reaching depths of nearly 40 feet (12 meters). Midday, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch on the beach before returning to Cartagena around 3:00 PM.

Step	Location	Duration
1	Pickup from accommodation	–
2	Gear fitting at scuba store	–
3	Boat ride to Rosario Islands	1 hour
4	Scuba diving in marine reserve	–

Safety Guidelines

Maintaining safety is paramount when scuba diving. Divers mustn’t hold their breath during the descent, as this can lead to a dangerous condition called an air embolism. Instead, they should breathe normally and frequently equalize the pressure in their ears and sinuses to avoid discomfort.

Those with back problems should avoid this activity, as it can be strenuous. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so participants must be able to navigate the boat and ocean environment.

Reviews and Ratings

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants, with a perfect 5-star rating across all 5 total reviews.

Reviewers consistently praise the organization and high-quality equipment provided, indicating a well-run and professional operation.

Customers highlight the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the knowledgeable PADI-certified instructor who guided the dive.

The inclusion of lunch and the opportunity to purchase alcoholic drinks are also noted as attractive features.

Exploring the Underwater World

Descending beneath the waves, visitors enjoy the vibrant underwater realm of the Rosario Islands. This marine protected area boasts a diverse array of tropical marine life, offering a captivating glimpse into the world beneath the surface.

Highlights of the scuba diving experience include:

1. Exploring the National Park of Corals, home to an abundance of vibrant coral formations and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.
2. Encountering playful sea turtles gliding gracefully through the clear waters.
3. Discovering a lively ecosystem teeming with schools of tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and clownfish.

The Rosario Islands’ underwater landscape provides a truly remarkable and unforgettable diving adventure for visitors to explore.

Preparing for the Adventure

Preparing for the scuba diving adventure in the Rosario Islands requires a few key considerations.

First, you’ll need to ensure you have the proper scuba gear, which is included in the tour package. This includes essential equipment like tanks, regulators, and buoyancy control devices.

Plus, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the safety guidelines, such as breathing normally and equalizing frequently during the descent.

While the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, anyone in reasonable physical condition can participate.

Experiencing the Marine Reserve

Beneath the turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands lies a vibrant marine reserve teeming with diverse marine life. Scuba divers can explore this underwater paradise, discovering:

1. Colorful coral reefs that house a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and stingrays.

2. Schools of silvery fish darting through the crystal-clear waters, creating mesmerizing displays.

3. The eerie, yet majestic presence of submerged shipwrecks that provide a glimpse into the area’s maritime history.

Equipped with top-notch gear and led by PADI-certified instructors, visitors can safely enjoy this remarkable ecosystem, capturing unforgettable memories and gaining a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Scuba Gear?

It’s generally not allowed to bring your own scuba gear on this tour. The package includes all necessary equipment, and using the provided gear ensures proper fitting and functionality for a safe diving experience.

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Dive?

The difficulty level of the dive is moderate. The tour includes a PADI certified instructor, and the maximum depth is 40 feet, making it suitable for both experienced and beginner divers.

Are There Age or Medical Restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems and isn’t wheelchair accessible. There aren’t any explicit age restrictions mentioned, but participants should be in good health to safely participate in the scuba diving activity.

How Much Time Is Spent Underwater?

The scuba diving experience allows participants to explore the underwater world for nearly 40 feet (12 meters) for the duration of the dive, which is part of the all-day trip.

Can I Take Underwater Photos/Videos?

The tour allows guests to take underwater photos and videos during the dive. A PADI certified instructor is provided to guide the scuba diving experience and ensure safe use of the equipment.

The Sum Up

Scuba diving in the Rosario Islands off Cartagena offers an unforgettable experience. With depths up to 40 feet, divers explore vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life, including sea turtles and tropical fish. Led by a PADI-certified instructor and equipped with high-quality gear, this excursion is a must for both novice and experienced divers seeking to enjoy nature’s beauty.