Cartagena: Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena and dreaming of those picture-perfect Caribbean islands, the Rosario Islands tour might catch your eye. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting to see multiple islands in one day, enjoy snorkeling, and relax on some stunning beaches. We’ve looked into this experience to give you a clear picture of what it’s like—so you can decide if it’s your kind of adventure.

What we really like about this tour is how it covers several key spots around the islands, giving you a taste of everything—beautiful beaches, lively beach clubs, and cozy private spots. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling gear and guided commentary makes the day feel both fun and informative. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the itinerary is quite packed, which might leave some travelers wishing for more time at each stop. This tour suits those eager to check off multiple highlights in one go, especially if you love being on the water and soaking up sun with a good mix of activity and relaxation.

• Multiple Islands in One Day: Visit Isla Grande, Baru Island, and Tierra Bomba, each offering unique scenery and vibes.
• Snorkeling & Water Fun: Equipment is included, allowing you to explore coral reefs and colorful fish at your own pace.
• Diverse Beach Clubs: From private, chill spots to lively party scenes, there’s a variety of atmospheres.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: The tour is structured with specific times for photo stops, free time, and meals.
• Authentic Local Experience: Learn about native culture and enjoy local cuisine during lunch.
• Group Size & Guide: The tour generally has a small to medium group with guides praised for their helpfulness and knowledge.

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins early at the Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande, with travelers expected to meet around 7:30 am for an 8:00 am departure. The primary mode of transport is a speedboat, which whisks you across the water for about 45 minutes to reach the first stop. The boat ride is a highlight for many, offering fantastic views and a chance to shake off any early-morning grogginess.

While the speedboat is exciting, it’s worth noting the choppy waters can be a bit of a rollercoaster—so if you’re prone to seasickness, bringing motion sickness tablets might be a good idea. The ride is fast and fun, but also means you’ll arrive at each island feeling ready to explore rather than relax.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Isla Grande: The First Stop

Your first island is Isla Grande, which often receives high praise. This is where you’ll find the Encantada Beach Club, a perfect spot to unwind on white sandy beaches and take in the clear waters. It’s a classic Caribbean postcard setting, and many reviews highlight the beauty here. Vanessa from New Zealand appreciated how well the group was taken care of, mentioning the helpfulness of the guide and boat crew.

This stop gives you about 2 hours to lounge, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. If you’re into snorkeling, this is a good place to do so, as you’ll be in the water over coral reefs with colorful fish. For those who prefer to just soak up the sun, Isla Grande offers privacy and calm—an ideal break from any busy touring schedule.

Moving to Playa Blanca on Baru Island

Next, the boat whisks you off to Playa Blanca on Baru Island. This is the most popular stop, often described as the highlight for its stunning beach and lively vibe. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with options like fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes. The food gets good reviews, with visitors noting the quality and variety.

You’ll have roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes to explore, relax, and enjoy the beach. You might find vendors nearby offering souvenirs and local snacks—be prepared for some commercial energy, especially at the beach, which can feel a little crowded and noisy, as some reviews mention. Still, the scenery is incredible, and many say Baru Island’s beaches are worth the trip.

Tierra Bomba: The Final Island

The last stop is Tierra Bomba, home to the Vista Mare Beach Club, a more exclusive spot with private beaches and pools. This is where you can unwind in a more relaxed environment, enjoying panoramic views and the calm of a less crowded beach. It’s a good place to reflect on your day and soak up the last rays of sun before heading back.

The tour allocates around 2 hours here, giving you enough time to take photos, dip in the pool, or simply relax with a cocktail. The views from Tierra Bomba are often praised for their beauty—something you’ll definitely want to capture.

Returning to Cartagena

After the last break, the boat heads back to Cartagena, a quick 15-minute ride, and you’ll arrive around 5 pm, wrapping up what is generally a full and energetic day.

The tour costs around $95 per person, which many reviewers find to be good value considering the number of stops, the guided commentary, snorkeling equipment, and boat rides included. You also get bottled water and travel insurance—a thoughtful touch.

However, there’s a port tax not included in the price, so be sure to carry some cash to cover this. Also, while lunch and snorkeling gear are provided, extras like souvenirs, additional drinks, or snacks aren’t included, so plan accordingly.

Group Size & Guide Experience

This tour tends to operate with a small to medium-sized group, often praised for its friendly guides. Many reviews mention guides like Jesus, Benjamin, and others who are attentive, knowledgeable, and helpful. For example, one traveler shared that their guide Franklin was “phenomenal and incredibly attentive,” making the overall experience more enjoyable.

Some reviews highlight that the tour is quite fast-paced, which is great if you want to see many spots but might feel rushed if you prefer lingering at each location. The guides are generally well-rated and able to answer questions in both English and Spanish.

Pros:

• The chance to visit multiple islands in one day provides varied scenery and experiences.
• Snorkeling gear allows you to explore underwater life, often a favorite part for visitors.
• The lunch options are generally tasty, with seafood, chicken, and vegetarian choices.
• Many travelers praise the guides for their friendly attitude and extensive knowledge.
• The combination of private beach spots and lively beach clubs caters to different moods.
• The stunning views and photo opportunities make it a memorable day.

Cons:

• The itinerary is quite packed; some may find the time at each stop isn’t enough to fully relax or explore.
• The popular Cholon party island can feel overly commercialized and loud, with some reviews describing it as “not worth” the price of drinks or the noise.
• Transportation issues, such as long waits or disorganization, have been mentioned but are not universal.
• The waters can be rough, so seasickness might be a concern for some.

This tour is ideal for those who want a full day of island hopping, with plenty of opportunities for photos, snorkeling, and beach relaxation—if you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and moving quickly. It suits travelers eager to see the diverse sides of the Rosario Islands without taking multiple trips, especially if this is your first visit and you want a rundown.

If you’re after deep relaxation or prefer more time at fewer spots, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s also a good pick for those who enjoy guided experiences and the company of other travelers, but not for anyone with mobility issues or under 2 years old.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 2 years or those with mobility impairments, as the activity involves boat rides and walking on uneven surfaces.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat rides between stops last around 45 minutes, with some shorter segments. Be prepared for choppy waters, especially if you’re prone to seasickness.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, water, and cash for extras like port taxes or souvenirs.

Does the tour include snorkeling?
Yes, snorkel equipment is provided, and you can explore coral reefs and fish at designated spots. If you don’t snorkel, you can relax on the beaches instead.

How early do I need to arrive?
Meet at the marina by 7:30 am; the tour departs promptly at 8:00 am. Arriving early helps avoid missing the departure.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch with options like fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes is included at Baru Island.

How many people are on the tour?
The group size varies but tends to be small to medium, often with attentive guides praised for their friendliness.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case your plans shift.

The Cartagena Rosario Islands Day Tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and exploration. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking to see multiple islands, enjoy snorkeling, and experience lively beach clubs—all within one day. The guides’ helpfulness and the scenic spots make it a memorable outing, especially if you’re okay with a busy schedule and are eager to pack in diverse experiences.

If you love the idea of island-hopping, snorkeling, and sampling local cuisine, this tour delivers good value and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Just keep in mind that some stops can be crowded, and the pace might be fast for those wanting leisurely days on the beach.

Overall, it’s best suited for curious travelers and water lovers who want a comprehensive taste of what the Rosario Islands have to offer without staying overnight. It’s a lively, well-organized, and scenic way to spend a day in Colombia’s Caribbean paradise.

You can check availability for your dates here: