Rosario Islands 5-Stop Island Hopping Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling
About Rosario Islands 5-Stop Island Hopping Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling
This full-day boat trip leaves Cartagena for the islands of the Rosario archipelago, with beach stops, lunch and, on most options, snorkeling. It has 6,579 reviews and a 4.7 rating.
The tour lasts about 7 hours, with prices from about $70 per person. You choose between three versions: an eco tour, a VIP tour on a smaller speedboat, or a party tour.
Itinerary
- Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica (5 minutes)
- Isla Baru (1.5 hours)
- Isla Grande (1.5 hours)
- Isla Marina (5 minutes)
- Islas de Rosario (1.5 hours)
- Islas de Rosario (1.5 hours)
What’s included
- Lunch (Fish, Chicken, or Veggie On-Site Options)
- Premium Island Visits (VIP Tour)
- Bilingual Tour Guide
- Shuttle Boat Transport (Ecological & Party Tours)
- Island Stops with Access to Beds & Parasols
- Fish Habitat Snorkeling with Mask & Tube (Ecological & VIP Tour)
- Cholon Island – Loud, Crowded, & Vendors (Choose Wisely) (Party Tour)
- Comfort Speedboat Transport (VIP Tour)
Meeting point
We recommend you use Uber as the best way to get around. Type as your destination: "Muelle de la Bodeguita – Puerta 3" to arrive exactly where you need to. A tour guide bearing the Coco Cartagena logo will be waiting. DO NOT BE LATE! | Use Uber as the best way to get around. Type as your destination: "Muelle de la Bodeguita – Puerta 1" to arrive where you need to, then look for the statue in the roundabout where a crowd is gathered (can't miss it). A tour guide bearing the Coco Cartagena logo will be waiting. DO NOT BE LATE!
What to expect on the day
All three options pass the historic Bocachica Fort and Pablo Escobar’s former island estate. The eco tour stops for about 1.5 hours each at Marina Island, Grande Island (with snorkeling and lunch) and Rosario Island, traveling by shuttle boat. The VIP tour uses a comfort speedboat and visits Islabela, a private beach club with snorkeling and lunch, and an island resort. The party tour visits Barú, Grande Island for lunch and Cholón, a loud and crowded party spot, and does not include snorkeling.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: A bilingual guide, boat transport, lunch (fish, chicken or veggie), island stops with beds and parasols, and snorkel gear on the eco and VIP tours.
- Not included: The port tax, paid by each person at the pier on the day.
What to bring
- Swimwear, which is required, plus a towel.
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Cash for the port tax and drinks.
Tips for a better day
- Getting to the pier: There is no hotel pickup. Take a taxi or Uber to Muelle de la Bodeguita (Gate 3, or Gate 1 for some options) and look for the guide with the Coco Cartagena logo.
- Be on time: Boats leave on schedule, so arrive early.
- Pick the right option: Choose the party tour only if you want music and crowds. Cholón and Barú are public and busy with vendors.
Who it’s best for
Best for: Beach lovers and first-time visitors who want to see the islands in one easy day.
Consider another option if: You prefer to stay on land. The walking tour of the walled city and Getsemaní covers Cartagena’s history in a few hours.
Restrictions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with back problems or heart conditions, as speedboat rides can be bumpy in open sea. Swimming and snorkeling are optional and only for capable swimmers. The itinerary can change because of weather.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
FAQ about Rosario Islands 5-Stop Island Hopping Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling
How long is the Rosario Islands tour?
About 7 hours, from around 8:00 or 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You make your own way to Muelle de la Bodeguita.
Is lunch included?
Yes. You can choose fish, chicken or a vegetarian option.
Is there a port tax?
Yes. Each person pays it at the pier on the day.
What is the difference between the eco, VIP and party tours?
The eco tour uses a shuttle boat, the VIP tour a smaller speedboat with premium stops, and the party tour visits busy Cholón and Barú.
Does the party tour include snorkeling?
No. Snorkeling is included on the eco and VIP tours only.
Is snorkel gear provided?
Yes, a mask and tube on the eco and VIP tours.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming is optional. Only capable swimmers should snorkel.
Is it suitable for pregnant travelers?
No. It is not recommended because the boat ride can be bumpy.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
