Rosario Islands Tour with Bioluminescent Plankton

Highlights

• Snorkel in clear water near Isla Majayura and look for fish and underwater rock formations.
• Visit island areas such as Playa Blanca Barú, Cholon, and Kokomo for beach time and coastal views.
• Hear a simple explanation of the story behind a well known sunken plane in the Rosario area.
• Enjoy a basic Caribbean style lunch and relax on sun loungers or under parasols at the beach.
• End the day with a guided swim in bioluminescent waters, watching the glow appear around your movements.

Tour Overview

This full day Rosario Islands and plankton experience is designed for travelers who want both sunshine and a night time highlight in a single trip. The day begins with pickup from selected points in Cartagena and a transfer by road and boat to the Barú and Rosario area, where you will visit a mix of islands and beaches.

Over the course of the day, you will pass by the site of a sunken plane, visit islands used for snorkeling and swimming, and stop at beaches where you can sit in a lounger or walk along the shore. Lunch is included at one of the beach stops, with simple options that keep you light enough to keep swimming afterward.

As the sun drops, the focus shifts from beaches to the natural light produced by bioluminescent plankton in the water. After a short explanation of how the phenomenon works and what to expect, you will have the chance to get into the water and see the glow appear around your hands and feet as you move.

Typical Itinerary

1. Pickup in Cartagena - Start the day with pickup from Bocagrande, the historic center, or another agreed point and travel by air conditioned vehicle toward Barú.
2. Playa Blanca Barú and coastal views - Reach the Barú area and begin a scenic stretch that introduces the Rosario Islands region and its main viewpoints.
3. Stop at the sunken plane site - Pause near the location of a well known sunken plane in the Rosario area while your host shares background about its history.
4. Visit to Isla San Martín Pajaral (optional oceanarium) - Arrive at Isla San Martín Pajaral, where an oceanarium is located. Entry is optional and not included, so you can choose between visiting or relaxing nearby.
5. Snorkeling at Isla Majayura - Continue to Isla Majayura or a similar spot for a snorkeling session in clear water guided by your host.
6. Stop at Cholon with snack - Move on to the Cholon area for a short visit, with time to enjoy a simple seafood style snack or cocktail if offered as part of your option.
7. Beach time and lunch at Kokomo or Playa Tranquila - Visit Kokomo or another beach such as Playa Tranquila for a Caribbean style lunch and time to rest on sun loungers or under parasols.
8. Free time before nightfall - Spend additional time at the beach or nearby areas while waiting for evening light to fade and conditions to be right for the plankton experience.
9. Bioluminescent plankton swim - Listen to a short talk about bioluminescent plankton, then enter the water with guidance and watch as the glow appears around your movements.
10. Return to Cartagena - After the plankton swim, board the transport back to Cartagena and return to your pickup area.

Island sequence, specific stops, and timing can change with weather, sea conditions, and local rules. Your hosts will adjust the schedule during the day to keep the experience safe and enjoyable.

What's Included

• Hotel pickup and drop off from selected areas in Cartagena.
• Air conditioned transport between Cartagena and the Barú and Rosario area.
• Boat transport for the Rosario Islands route.
• Visit to Playa Blanca Barú and panoramic views of Rosario Islands.
• Stop near the sunken plane site for a brief explanation and photos.
• Visit to Isla San Martín Pajaral (oceanarium entry optional and not included).
• Visit to Isla Majayura with time for snorkeling.
• Visits to Cholon and Kokomo or similar beach areas, with simple snack offerings where included.
• Caribbean style lunch with chicken or vegetarian options, plus use of sun chairs, parasols, and basic facilities at the lunch beach.
• Guided explanation of the bioluminescent plankton and supervised swim in glowing waters.

Not Included

• Entrance ticket to the oceanarium at Isla San Martín Pajaral.
• Drinks or food not specifically mentioned as included in your chosen option.
• Personal expenses, souvenirs, and any paid optional activities during island stops.
• Travel or medical insurance.
• Tips for hosts, boat crew, and drivers, which are voluntary.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers, non swimmers, or guests who are very prone to seasickness, due to boat travel and night swimming.
• Guests should be comfortable in the water with a life vest and able to enter and exit boats and the sea using simple steps or ladders.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, light beach clothing, and a change of clothes for the evening return.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to help protect the marine and mangrove environment.
• Carry some cash in Colombian pesos for optional expenses such as oceanarium entry, extra drinks, or snacks.
• Because the plankton glow is affected by moonlight and weather, visibility can vary; your hosts will seek the best conditions available on the day.