5 Islands with Snorkeling, Beaches, and a Buffet Lunch

Highlights

• Visit four or five different islands near Cartagena in a single day, with a mix of swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.
• Travel by boat past Bocachica and other coastal points while you enjoy music and sea views on the way to the Rosario and Barú areas.
• Snorkel in clear water near Isla Grande or another reef area, with time to look for tropical fish and underwater rock formations.
• Relax on island beaches such as Playa Blanca or other calm spots, with chances to walk the shore or rest in the shade.
• Enjoy a simple buffet style or set menu lunch with typical Caribbean dishes so you can refuel between swims.
• Experience both lively social islands and quieter stretches of sand, giving you a broad feel for the Cartagena island region.

Tour Overview

This tour is designed for travelers who want to see more than one island without planning separate boat trips. You will be picked up from selected areas in Cartagena or meet at an agreed point, then head to the pier and board a shared boat bound for the islands. From there, the day weaves together history, snorkeling, and beach time across several stops.

Depending on the option you choose, your route may include a look at Bocachica fort from the water, a snorkeling stop near Isla Grande or another reef, lively moments at Cholón, and quieter time at Barú or Playa Blanca. Along the way, there is time to swim in shallow turquoise water, float near the boat, or sit back and enjoy the music and scenery.

Lunch is usually served at one of the island stops and keeps things simple with local flavors so you can get back to the water quickly. By the end of the afternoon you will have visited several different islands, each with its own character, before sailing back toward Cartagena with views of the city and bay.

Typical Itinerary

1. Pickup in Cartagena - Join the group at one of the designated pickup areas such as Bocagrande, Marbella, or nearby neighborhoods, then travel to the departure pier.
2. Boat departure toward Bocachica - Board the boat, listen to a short safety briefing, and start your journey out of Cartagena Bay toward the islands.
3. View of Fort San Fernando - Pass near the historic fort at Bocachica, where you can hear a brief explanation and take photos from the boat or during a short stop, depending on the day.
4. Snorkeling near Isla Grande or a reef - Continue to a calm area near Isla Grande or another Rosario island where you can snorkel, swim, or stay on the boat if you prefer to relax.
5. Island stop and coastal cruising - Visit another island or glide along the Rosario area, taking in views of small coves, mangroves, and other islets as you move between stops.
6. Cholón or similar social island - Spend time at a more lively island area where music, shallow water, and small boat gatherings create a social, festive atmosphere.
7. Beach time and buffet style lunch - Head to Barú or Playa Blanca or another beach club style stop for lunch and extra time to swim, sunbathe, or rest on the sand.
8. Final island or swim break - Depending on the plan for the day, enjoy one more short stop or swim before beginning the journey back.
9. Return boat ride to Cartagena - Cruise back toward the city and disembark at the pier, then follow instructions for transport back to your original pickup zone if included.

The number of islands visited, time spent at each location, and exact route can change based on sea conditions, safety rules, and local authorities. Your crew will explain any adjustments and keep the day running smoothly.

What's Included

• Boat transportation for a full day of island hopping from Cartagena.
• Guided orientation about safety, timings, and main points of interest along the route.
• Visits to several islands in the Rosario, Barú, and nearby areas, with time to swim and relax.
• A snorkeling stop at or near Isla Grande or another marine area, with guidance on where to enter the water.
• Buffet style or set menu lunch with typical Caribbean dishes such as fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option.
• Pickup from selected areas in Cartagena as part of some tour options, when specified at booking.

Not Included

• Port or dock tax, which is usually paid in cash at the pier before boarding.
• Entrance fees for any optional Oceanarium or extra island activities not mentioned as included.
• Extra drinks, cocktails, or snacks purchased at island bars or beach clubs.
• Rental of masks, snorkels, or other gear when this is not bundled with your selected option.
• Return transport to your accommodation if your specific option does not include drop off.
• Personal insurance, medical costs, and tips for crew or island staff.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This tour is not suitable for guests with serious back, neck, heart, or mobility issues, or for travelers who are very sensitive to boat movement.
• Reaching the boat and islands usually involves walking on docks and stepping into and out of boats, sometimes with uneven surfaces and small waves.
• The sun is strong and shade may be limited, so bring reef safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and light clothing to cover up.
• Pack swimwear, a towel, and sandals or water shoes that can handle sand and shallow water.
• Carry cash in Colombian pesos for taxes, optional activities, and any personal purchases on the islands.
• Mobile signal can be weak or inconsistent on some islands, so plan to be offline during parts of the day.
• Children should be watched closely near the water and on docks at all times during boarding, swimming, and beach time.
• Routes and timing are sometimes modified due to rules from maritime authorities or changing weather, always with safety as the main priority.