6-Stop Rosario Islands Snorkel, Aquarium, & Lunch

Highlights

• Combine six key stops in the Rosario Islands area on one full day speedboat trip from Cartagena.
• Glide past Bocachica fort and the island mansion area linked with local history for short photo moments from the boat.
• Snorkel in a calm lagoon where tropical fish gather, with basic masks and tubes available for use.
• Enjoy island time on beaches with loungers or beach beds, leaving you free to swim, rest, or explore the shore.
• Opt to visit the Rosario Islands Oceanarium to see marine life in pools and viewing areas, including dolphin displays.
• Sit down to a simple Caribbean style lunch on one of the islands, with fish, chicken, or vegetarian plates commonly offered.

Tour Overview

This 6 stop Rosario Islands snorkel and aquarium day is built for travelers who want a mix of movement and downtime. You will travel out from Cartagena by speedboat, stopping first for a short look at Bocachica fort before continuing past a well known island mansion for quick photos. After this, the boat heads deeper into the Rosario area for a series of island and lagoon visits.

Across the day you can swim in clear water, relax on beach beds, and snorkel in a sheltered marine habitat where fish are easy to see. One of the later stops includes lunch at an island beach club style setting, leaving time afterward to rest under the shade or return to the sea. Near the end of the trip, you can choose between visiting the Oceanarium (with a separate entrance fee) or continuing to another island area to keep enjoying the beach.

The schedule aims to balance sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxation while still making it back to Cartagena in time for the evening. The crew shares clear instructions about timing, safety, and meeting points at each stop so you can focus on the water, views, and islands.

Typical Itinerary

1. Meet at Monumento Santander - Check in at the statue roundabout near the Muelle de la Bodeguita area, show your confirmation, and follow the team to the speedboat.
2. Speedboat ride out of Cartagena Bay - Travel about 45 minutes by boat, leaving the city skyline behind as you head toward the Rosario Islands.
3. Photo stop at Bocachica fort - Slow down near Fort San Fernando de Bocachica for a short sightseeing and photo moment from the boat.
4. First Rosario Islands beach stop - Arrive at one of the Rosario Islands to enjoy free time for swimming, taking photos, or settling into beach beds if available.
5. Snorkeling session in a marine lagoon - Move to a nearby area with clearer water where you can snorkel with masks and tubes, spotting fish and underwater rock formations.
6. Pass by Pablo Escobar mansion area - Cruise past the island zone known for a former mansion site and pause briefly so guests can look and take pictures from the deck.
7. Island stop with lunch - Continue to another island for a Caribbean style lunch, then enjoy more time for swimming, resting in the shade, or walking along the shore.
8. Additional Rosario Islands swim or relax stop - Visit another island or beach section in the Rosario area for more free time in and out of the water.
9. Optional Oceanarium visit - Choose to go to the Oceanarium to see marine life and dolphin displays, or remain on an alternate island beach if that option is offered.
10. Return speedboat to Cartagena - Ride back across open water for about 45 minutes, arriving once again at Monumento Santander and the nearby pier area.

The exact order of stops, island choices, and timing at each place can change depending on weather, sea conditions, and local regulations. The crew may adjust the route during the day to keep the trip safe and comfortable for everyone.

What's Included

• Roundtrip speedboat transportation between Cartagena and the Rosario Islands area.
• Guided day plan with explanations of the schedule, safety points, and main sights along the way.
• Access to several island stops in the Rosario region with time to swim, relax, or walk along the beach.
• Use of beach beds or loungers at selected island stops, subject to availability.
• Caribbean style lunch on one of the islands with a typical main dish and simple sides.
• Snorkeling session in a lagoon or marine habitat, with basic masks and tubes provided for shared use.
• Boat transfers to and from the Oceanarium area if you choose that optional visit.

Not Included

• Tourist port tax collected in person at the pier in Colombian pesos before boarding.
• Entrance ticket to the Rosario Islands Oceanarium, which is optional and paid directly at the site.
• Any paid upgrades for swimming with dolphins or special Oceanarium experiences.
• Extra drinks, snacks, or premium beach services not listed as part of the standard day.
• Personal travel insurance or medical coverage during the activity.
• Tips for the boat crew and island staff, which are voluntary and at your discretion.
• Transport between your accommodation and the Monumento Santander meeting point.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• Speedboat rides can be bumpy and may not be suitable for infants, pregnant travelers, or guests with serious back, neck, heart, or mobility issues.
• Boarding often involves stepping onto floating docks and into boats with some movement, so basic balance and mobility are needed.
• Expect strong sun, reflection from the sea, and warm temperatures; bring reef safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Pack swimwear, a towel, and light clothes that can get wet, as some boarding and beach access points use shallow water rather than dry piers.
• Bring cash in COP for port tax, Oceanarium entry if you choose it, and any extra drinks or snacks on the islands.
• Phone reception can drop at some islands, so send important messages before leaving Cartagena and agree on meeting spots with your group.
• Children should remain under close supervision at all times around docks, boats, and water areas.
• The itinerary may be adjusted or shortened in case of sudden weather changes, strong wind, or choppy seas, with safety as the first priority.