Rosario Islands Day Trip from Cartagena, Colombia
Are you wondering how to take a Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena, Colombia?
Read on for everything you need to know about visiting these tropical islands near Cartagena!
Visiting the Rosario Islands was one of the highlights of my time in Cartagena, and I think it’s the top day trip you can take while you’re here. I’d highly recommend this destination to everyone.
But there are some important things to know before you go. Below you’ll find information about visiting the Rosario Islands, including how to get there and the best tours to book from Cartagena.
Ready to plan your day trip to the Rosario Islands? Let’s get into it!
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Best Day Trips to the Rosario Islands:
- Catamaran tour to the Rosario Islands with lunch and snorkeling
- Rosario Islands beach club day trip by speedboat
- Private tour to Barú and Rosario Islands with local breakfast
What Are the Rosario Islands?
The Rosario Islands are an archipelago in the Caribbean off the coast of Colombia, located roughly 20 miles from Cartagena. There are 27 islands that make up the archipelago, some of which are tiny coral islands and others which are larger and contain more facilities like boutique eco-resorts and restuarants.
The islands are sparsely populated and not developed for mass tourism. This is because the Rosario Islands is actually a national park, home to some of the largest coral reefs in Colombia.
Some of the islands are privately owned by individuals or resorts. Pablo Escobar famously owned a massive compound on Isla Grande, the largest of the Rosario Islands, although it’s abandoned now.
The Rosario Islands are known for their beautiful beaches and pristine nature. If you’re into snorkeling and scuba diving, this is one of the best places in Colombia to do it thanks to the coral reefs. Diving down under the clear water, you’ll be able to see a vibrant array of sea life in these marine ecosystems.
Why Visit the Rosario Islands?
Cartagena is a city located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and it’s perhaps most famous for its historic Walled City, which is filled with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings dating back to the colonial era.
However, Cartagena also has beaches. About a 15-minute drive from the Walled City, you’ll find Bocagrande, a neighborhood that resembles Miami with its many modern high-rises. Bocagrande is home to Cartagena’s beaches, although I have to be honest with you, they aren’t actually the best beaches.
The water isn’t that magical azure color you expect of the Caribbean, and while the beaches are nice and sandy, you might have trouble finding a place to even put your beach towel given how crowded they get. The beaches of Bocagrande also have lots of hawkers constantly trying to sell you food, clothing, jewelry, massages, hair braiding services, and so on. So it’s not exactly a relaxing experience.
The Rosario Islands, on the other hand, are exactly what you think of when you picture a tropical Caribbean island. The beaches feature soft white sand and crystal-clear cerulean waters to swim in.
If you’re looking for a unique getaway from the bustling city, this is the place to go.
Best Rosario Islands Tours
The only way to get to the Rosario Islands is by boat. You’re looking at about one hour each way if you opt for a speedboat tour, or roughly two hours each way if you take a slower catamaran tour.
The easiest way to visit is by taking a tour. Sadly, the exact tour I took when I went to the Rosario Islands is no longer available to book online, but I’ve rounded up several good options for you below.
The first is this catamaran tour to the Rosario Islands. It’s a more comfortable, relaxed ride than a speedboat, and you’ll enjoy a welcome drink, non-alcoholic beverages, a mid-morning snack, and lunch. The tour also includes snorkeling equipment and all fees like the port tax and national park entry.
If you’re interested in relaxing at a beach club all day, this speedboat tour is a good option. It includes a welcome drink, lunch with an additional drink, beach club access, and a reserved day bed.
If you’re looking for something a little different, this private guided tour includes a visit to Barú, an island connected to the mainland by bridge. You’ll drive to Barú and enjoy local breakfast and a tour there, before taking a shorter boat ride to the Rosario Islands for snorkeling, swimming, and a tour. This tour gives you more of a unique local perspective rather than just focusing on time at the beach.
Tips to Know Before You Go
Before you visit the Rosario Islands, here are a few more important tips to know before you go:
The boat ride can be very bumpy. Especially on the way back in the late afternoon, expect a rough ride because the water gets very choppy. If you get seasick easily, consider taking Dramamine beforehand.
Bring plenty of cash with you. While most tours include some food and drinks, you might potentially want to buy something extra, and pretty much everywhere in the islands is cash-only.
Don’t forget sunscreen. You definitely don’t want to forget sunscreen in the Rosario Islands, since there’s nowhere to buy it if you do. The sun is strong and you’ll want to reapply throughout the day.
Bring a waterproof bag for your valuables. I recommend bringing a waterproof bag for your valuables like cellphone, wallet, etc. This is helpful to have when on the boat and on the beach.
Check to see if port taxes and national park fees are included. Some tours to the Rosario Islands include your port taxes and the national park entry fee, while others do not. Double-check this before booking.
Day Trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena
This guide showed you how to take a Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena, Colombia.
Visiting the Rosario Islands on a day trip from Cartagena is definitely worth it if you want to escape the city and discover some truly stunning tropical islands. If you have more time, you could even spend a night or two in the Rosario Islands at one of the resorts to soak up this Caribbean paradise even more.
However, I think a day trip is totally sufficient for enjoying this beautiful destination.
Enjoy your trip to Cartagena!
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