Tour of Rosario and Barú Islands and White Beach With Lunch

Nestled off the coast of Cartagena, the Rosario and Barú Islands beckon with their stunning natural beauty. This captivating tour whisks you away on a speedboat ride, promising a day of relaxation and discovery. Unwind on the pristine sands of Playa Tranquila, where the crystal-clear waters invite you to take a refreshing dip. And as you savor a delectable Colombian lunch featuring fresh seafood, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant marine life that surrounds you. But the real question is, what other delights await those who venture to this tropical paradise?

Good To Know

• A tour that departs from Bodeguita Pier and takes visitors to explore the Rosario and Barú Islands off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.
• Includes round-trip speedboat transportation, a panoramic tour, sea bathing at Playa Tranquila, and a typical Colombian lunch.
• Optional activities like visiting the Oceanarium, snorkeling, and renting chairs and parasols are available.
• Meeting point is at Muelle de la Bodeguita, with emphasis on punctuality for a smooth start to the tour.
• Private tours are recommended by the host to address previous issues with organization, guide preparedness, and food quality.

Tour Overview

The tour offers travelers a chance to explore the Rosario and Barú Islands, located off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.

Departing from the Bodeguita Pier, the tour provides round-trip speedboat transportation to the islands, where visitors can enjoy panoramic tours and sea bathing at Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú.

The tour includes a typical Colombian lunch featuring fish, coconut rice, plantains, salad, and aguapanela.

Optional activities like visiting the Oceanarium, snorkeling, and renting chairs and parasols are available for an additional fee.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 500 travelers and runs from 9:00 am, with a meeting point at the Muelle de la Bodeguita.

Inclusions and Activities

The tour includes a round-trip speedboat transportation to the islands, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic island tours and sea bathing at Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú.

A typical Colombian lunch featuring fish, coconut rice, plantains, salad, and aguapanela is provided. A guide service is included to assist throughout the excursion.

Additional optional activities such as entrance to the Oceanarium, snorkeling, and rental of chairs and parasols are available at extra costs.

While some travelers have enjoyed the snorkeling and lunch, there have been complaints about the food quality and cleanliness at Playa Tranquila.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at the Muelle de la Bodeguita, next to the Pegasus dock and in front of the clock tower, to begin the tour. This is the designated meeting point.

From there, they’ll embark on the speedboat for the round-trip transportation to the islands. At the end of the tour, the boat returns to the same meeting point where the experience began.

The tour provider emphasizes the importance of being punctual, as late arrivals can delay the departure and impact the overall experience for everyone. Guests are advised to arrive on time to ensure a smooth and seamless start to their island adventure.

Booking Information

Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation immediately.

The tour offers a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, which provides flexibility for those who need it. Plus, the tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, giving customers the freedom to adjust their plans if necessary.

However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Pregnant travelers are also not recommended to join this tour.

Customer Reviews

Customers have provided a range of feedback on this tour, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 8 reviews.

Some travelers enjoyed the snorkeling and lunch, though there were complaints about the food quality and cleanliness at Playa Tranquila.

Negative feedback included confusing reception, unprepared guides, long wait times for departure, and poor organization, which led to a shuttle-like experience.

The host acknowledged these issues, noting delays due to unpunctual passengers and recommending private tours for a better experience.

Host Response

The tour operator has acknowledged the organization issues and delays that have led to a less-than-ideal experience for some customers.

To address these concerns, the operator recommends the following:

• Consider booking private tours for a more personalized and streamlined experience.
• Arrive promptly at the designated meeting point to ensure a smooth departure and minimize waiting times.
• Provide feedback directly to the tour operator to help improve the overall service and customer satisfaction.

While the operator regrets the inconvenience caused, they’re committed to enhancing the tour experience and addressing any shortcomings to ensure customers have an enjoyable and memorable visit to Rosario and Barú Islands.

Exploring Rosario Islands

Visitors embark on a delightful journey to the stunning Rosario Islands, an archipelago situated just off the coast of Cartagena. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of these islands, where turquoise waters and pristine beaches await. The itinerary includes a panoramic tour, allowing travelers to take in the stunning scenery from the comfort of a speedboat. Snorkeling enthusiasts can even venture beneath the surface to discover the vibrant marine life. The tour also includes a delicious lunch featuring local specialties, providing a authentic culinary experience.

Key Highlights	Description
Panoramic Island Tours	Explore the stunning archipelago by speedboat
Sea Bathing at Playa Tranquila	Swim and relax on the pristine beaches of Isla Barú
Typical Lunch	Savor a delicious meal showcasing local flavors
Snorkeling	Discover the vibrant underwater world (optional activity)
Guide Service	Knowledgeable guides provide insights throughout the tour

Relaxing at Playa Tranquila

After exploring the scenic Rosario Islands, the tour heads to Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú. This beautiful white sand beach offers a relaxing escape from the bustle of the city.

Visitors can:

• Take a refreshing dip in the warm Caribbean waters
• Lounge under the shade of swaying palm trees
• Savor a typical Colombian lunch of fresh seafood, coconut rice, and plantains

However, some past travelers have reported issues with the food quality and cleanliness at Playa Tranquila.

The host acknowledges these concerns and recommends private tours for a more personalized and well-organized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the tour departs at 9:00 am and includes round-trip transportation, island tours, sea bathing, and a typical lunch, suggesting it likely lasts several hours but the exact duration is unclear.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour has a fixed itinerary and doesn’t offer customization options. However, travelers can choose from optional activities like the Oceanarium, snorkeling, and renting chairs or parasols to personalize their experience within the tour’s structure.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour provider does offer discounts for group bookings, though the specific rates aren’t detailed in the provided information. It’s best to inquire directly with the tour company to get the latest group discount options.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a typical lunch, and outside food and drinks are not allowed. This policy helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography During the Tour?

Travelers are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, but they should avoid interfering with the guide’s presentation or disrupting other passengers. Some areas may have restrictions, so travelers should ask the guide for guidance.

The Sum Up

This tour provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Rosario and Barú Islands. Guests can enjoy a relaxing day at the stunning Playa Tranquila, swim in crystal-clear waters, and savor a delicious Colombian lunch. While the speedboat ride and on-time arrival are important for a smooth experience, the tour offers breathtaking scenery and vibrant marine life that make it a memorable adventure.