5 Must-See Rosario Islands Highlights with Lunch

Highlights

• Visit several of the most popular Rosario Islands in one day on a relaxed island hopping route from Cartagena.
• Swim in clear turquoise water and enjoy free time to float, snorkel in shallow areas, or simply rest on the beach.
• Pass by historic sites near the bay such as Bocachica fort and the remains of a well known mansion on the way to the islands.
• Choose to visit the Rosario Islands Oceanarium for a closer look at marine life if you would like to add this optional stop.
• Sit down to a simple Caribbean style lunch served near the sea with fish, chicken, or vegetarian options available.
• Enjoy a structured but relaxed schedule that balances boat cruising, swim breaks, and quiet time under the palms.

Tour Overview

This full day Rosario Islands experience is designed for travelers who want to see more than one island without having to manage the details on their own. You will travel from Cartagena by boat, make short viewing stops near historic points along the bay, and then continue to several islands where you can swim and relax.

The day combines sightseeing, beach time, and a simple lunch in a single itinerary. At each stop, you will have enough time to get into the water, look around the small island areas, or find a spot in the shade. If you want to see more marine life, you can choose to visit the Oceanarium, which has its own entrance fee paid on site.

Rather than rushing between locations, the schedule is built around a handful of key islands so you can enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere. The boat team will explain the plan for the day, share basic safety information, and guide you between stops while you focus on the sea views and island scenery.

Typical Itinerary

1. Check in at Cartagena pier - Arrive at the designated gate at the Muelle de la Bodeguita area, where staff will direct you to the correct boat and share a short introduction to the day.
2. Boat ride past Bocachica fort - Cruise out of Cartagena Bay and pass near Fort San Fernando de Bocachica, where you can see the historic structure that once guarded the entrance to the bay.
3. View Pablo Escobar mansion area - Continue across open water and slow near the remains of a well known island mansion for a quick look and photo opportunity from the boat.
4. First Rosario Islands swim stop - Reach the Rosario Islands and stop at a small island area where you can swim in clear water, relax on the shore, or buy a drink or snack if you wish.
5. Island stop with lunch - Head to another island for a simple Caribbean lunch, often with fish, chicken, or vegetarian plates. After eating, you will have free time to rest under the palms or take another swim.
6. Optional Oceanarium visit or extra beach time - Depending on the option chosen, visit the Oceanarium to see marine animals in pools and viewpoints, or stay on a nearby island beach to swim and relax.
7. Final island or swim stop - Enjoy one more island visit or open water swim in the Rosario area to make the most of the clear sea before the return ride.
8. Return cruise to Cartagena - Travel back by boat along the same general route, with sea and skyline views as you re enter Cartagena Bay and return to the pier.

The exact order of stops, length of each visit, and use of specific islands may change based on sea conditions, capacity limits, and local regulations. Your crew will adjust the route on the day of travel to keep the trip safe and comfortable.

What's Included

• Full day multi island boat trip from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands and back.
• Guided explanation of the day plan, basic safety, and main points of interest along the route.
• Island access at several stops in the Rosario area, with time for swimming and relaxing.
• Caribbean style lunch with typical dishes such as fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option, served near the beach.
• Use of a shared beach area with loungers or beach beds where available at selected stops.
• Short viewing stops by Bocachica fort and the island area known for a famous mansion, seen from the boat.

Not Included

• Port tax collected at the pier in cash on the morning of the tour, paid directly to the local authorities.
• Entrance fee to the Rosario Islands Oceanarium, which is optional and payable on site if you decide to visit.
• Additional drinks, snacks, and beach services not listed as part of the standard lunch or beach access.
• Rental of snorkel equipment on site if you wish to explore the water more actively and it is not bundled with your option.
• Personal travel insurance or medical coverage during the excursion.
• Tips for boat and island staff, which are appreciated but not mandatory.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This trip is not recommended for infants, pregnant travelers, or guests with serious back, neck, heart, or mobility conditions because of waves and bumpy sections in open water.
• Boarding and disembarking usually involve walking on docks and stepping into and out of boats, sometimes with moving water levels.
• Expect strong sun and heat, especially in the middle of the day. Bring reef safe sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing to cover up between swims.
• Cash in Colombian pesos is useful for port taxes, optional entrance fees, and any snacks or drinks you choose to buy on the islands.
• Mobile signal can be weak on some islands, so plan to be offline for part of the day and coordinate meeting points in advance.
• Sea conditions can vary. The boat ride may be wet and bumpy at times. Keep cameras and phones in waterproof bags if you bring them.
• Children should always remain under close supervision of their accompanying adults, especially near docks and in the water.
• Clothing and footwear that can get wet are recommended, as some boarding and beach access areas involve shallow water.