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I consider visiting the Rosario Islands pretty much an absolute must during a trip to Cartagena and Colombia!
The crystal clear waters and less crowded beaches make getting out of the city to this Caribbean paradise only an hour’s boat ride away completely worth it.
I lived in Cartagena for over a decade and have been to the islands countless times. Escaping out here to disconnect for a few days was always a treat. Susana and I have spent a number of nights at different resorts, lodges, and hotels in the Rosario Islands and have always loved it.
If you have the time for it, spending the night at one of the best Rosario Islands hotels is a really great way to get away from it all for some extra rest and relaxation and the perfect complement to a stay in town.
Read on to see my picks for the best Islas del Rosario hotels, where I’ll share our personal favorite but also options for all different budgets and types of travelers, so you can pick the best hotel in the Rosario Islands for you!
Best Rosario Islands Hotels Quick Picks and Tips
I’m going to go into more details below, but if you want a few quick tips and picks for the best Rosario Islands hotels, you can find them here.
Our Personal Favorite:
IslaBela
We love the rustic bungalows and relaxed vibes of IslaBela. It has one of the sandiest beach areas in the islands. It’s also one of the best values and a good fit for just about any kind of traveler from couples to families.
Best Luxury Experience:
Hotel Las Islas
The stunning luxury bungalows nestled into the mangroves offer the best place to escape and immerse yourself in nature and tranquility without sacrificing comfort. Especially good for a romantic getaway.
Modern & Family Friendly:
Sofitel Calablanca
Offering a more modern beach resort style experience, it’s a great choice for any kind of traveler. However, more amenities makes it the absolute best choice for families.
Want to Do the Islands Our Favorite Way?
Rent a private boat for the day! Go at your own pace and enjoy all the best snorkeling, swimming, and beach spots. Best of all my local partner Alyssa makes sure you pay what locals pay, and she’ll even drop you off at your Rosario Islands hotel for the night!
Want Some Help Planning Your Dream Colombia Trip?
Let my partner travel agency help you craft a custom trip package,
tailor made to your interests. Readers get a special discount!
Some Practical Advice on Where to Stay in the Rosario Islands
Before I go into more detail on the best Rosario Islands hotels below, I want to share a few practical tips and pieces of advice based on some of the most frequent questions and issues I see come up in my Cartagena Travel Tips Facebook group and other forums online.
Is it Worth Spending the Night in the Rosario Islands?
Yes, absolutely…..with a few caveats.
First, I generally only recommend spending the night in the islands if you have 4 or more nights, that’s to say 5 or more days total in Cartagena.
You’ll need to devote the better part of 2 days to spend the night in the islands.
So, if you choose to do an overnight trip and only have 4 days, you won’t even get a full day in the city, and you’ll miss out on all the things to do in Cartagena.
If you have 4 or more nights, you hit the sweet spot of being able to make a say in the islands work. You’ll just need to balance it with everything you want to do in town and if you want to do any other day trips out of Cartagena.
To be honest, I would actually advise spending the night only if you have 5 or more nights, so you get more than just one full day in town proper, but you can make it work with 4.
If you think you might be better off sticking to a day trip, you can see my picks for the best Rosario Island day trips here.
By the way, if you need some tips on where to stay in town, please check out my guide to the best areas to stay in Cartagena or my picks for the best hotels in Cartagena.
Notes on Getting to the Rosario Islands
You’ll have to take a boat to the islands from Cartagena.
Boats take about 45 minutes to get out there.
Hotels in the Rosario Islands should be able to arrange boat transportation for you. Some operate their own boats, while some contract with providers who may go just there or to several places.
It’s worth pointing out as well that some Rosario Island resorts offer complimentary boat transportation.
Nearly all shared boat transportation leaves from Cartagena early in the morning and comes back late in the afternoon.
This is the reason you’ll need to pretty much plan on a full day in the islands for both your arrival and departure day from you Rosario Island hotel, and a big reason why I don’t recommend staying in the islands your first or last night.
While it’s possible to arrange private boat transportation (you can get a quote from my partner here), it’s quite costly.
So, for most people, planning around the shared boat times is the best choice.
I have included some options below in Barú, which is reachable overland. So, if you absolutely must plan around an afternoon flight or something, consider one of those options.
Finally, I want to comment briefly on the boat ride itself. Waters are generally calm in the morning, but the ride back can be bumpy. I’ve never been frightened on this ride, but I have heard of people not enjoying it. So, be prepared for it, especially during the windier months from January through March.
What to Expect at Rosario Islands Hotels
Keep in mind as well these are fairly isolated islands.
There’s not much out here, so don’t expect to go clubbing at night. Really, staying at any of these Isla del Rosario hotels is about rest and relaxation on the beach, with perhaps a side of snorkeling and/or tasty cocktails.
Amenities at most Rosario Islands hotels are also nice, but fairly basic with beach bungalow style accommodations.
You won’t be connecting on a Zoom call to the office, hitting the hotel gym, or hanging out in a fancy air conditioned lodge. I have included 3 larger, more luxury style hotels near the Rosario Islands (they are technically on the nearby Barú Island) that offer more amenities like A/C and pools.
They are Las Islas, Isla del Encanto, and the Sofitel Calabalanca, the newest resort in the Rosario Islands and all located in Barú. If you want something closer to a traditional hotel experience, pick one of these.
Finally, it’s worth pointing out that staying in the islands is fairly costly. While I think it’s totally worth it, I do sometimes see people complain that they didn’t feel like they got what they paid for.
Look, these are tiny coral islands with no electricity and basically no public infrastructure. Places have to use generators, and they have to bring most of their supplies and food from the mainland. That translates to it all being more costly.
So, yes, you will probably have better water pressure in the shower and maybe even more choices for breakfast at a cheaper hotel in town, but those seem like pretty small sacrifices for escaping out here for a night or two, at least in my opinion.
Packing List for Staying at a Hotel in the Islas del Rosario
- A good bug spray and sunscreen are absolutely necessary!
- A good dry bag to stash things is never a bad idea when on a boat.
- It’s also nice to have along your own snorkeling gear.
- These are coral islands, so a good pair of non-goofy looking water shoes for the rocky beaches are also useful to have along.
- And just in case you get any cuts and scrapes, a mini first aid kit can come in handy.
- So can a flashlight since there isn’t a ton of light at night.
- And of course, you’ll want all your normal beach gear!
- The ladies might like this fun bikini or this one piece for the islands, this cute dress coverup, and this packable sunhat.
- They guys might like these board shorts and this packable panama hat.
- Oh, and a quick dry beach towel can be really nice to have along.
Best Hotels in the Rosario Islands
Ok, with that practical information out of the way, let’s get into more details of the best hotels and resorts in the Rosario Islands.
I’ve put these roughly in the order I would recommend them, but the list below shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a ranking.
I’ve tried to include a bit of everything here and noted which places are the best fit for different types of travelers and budgets.
IslaBela – Our Favorite Rosario Island Hotel
IslaBela is by far our overall favorite of all the Isla Rosario hotels where we’ve personally stayed.
It is, in my opinion, the best combination of quality and value of any of the Rosario Island hotels.
You can see more photos and read about our experience at IslaBela here, but to summarize what we loved the most when we stayed here is that there is a good beach area, fairly large and not nearly as rocky as most of the beaches in the islands.
We liked the food here too, and kayaking out in the little bay in front was also fun.
The bungalows are also gorgeous and each has their own little waterfront view. They are also a short walk from the main beach area and sort of secluded. That made it feel like we had our own private sliver of paradise.
So, if you’re looking for a great place to stay in the Rosario Islands for a romantic getaway, this is a good place for it!
There’s also a larger cabin with multiple beds that would be a great and practical choice for a small family, and while the beach area has some music, it is also family friendly.
If you want a slightly more luxury experience and need A/C in the room, the next three Islas del Rosario resorts might be a better choice for you, but I think IslaBela offers the overall best bang for your peso for accommodations in the Rosario Islands.
Las Islas – Best of the Luxury Rosario Islands Resorts
Las Islas is the most highly considered beach resort in all of Cartagena, and it is by far the best choice for those looking for Rosario Islands luxury hotels.
They have gorgeous and pretty unique bungalows that seem to nail a perfect balance between rustic and luxury.
Some even offer private beach access, and many of them have private mini pools/jacuzzis. The ones that aren’t beach front are nestled up in the mangroves.
It is quite pricey, the priciest on this list, but offers the most unique and exclusive experience.
Sofitel Calabalanca – Most Family Friendly Rosario Islands Resort
I used to have the next place on this list as my pick for the most family friendly resort in the Rosario Islands, but the newer Sofitel Barú Calablanca has overtaken it since it opened a few years ago.
It’s the most modern and resort style hotel in the Rosario Islands and offers something a bit more like what you’d find at a luxury chain hotel in town.
It is the sister hotel to the amazing Sofitel Santa Clara in town (on my list of the best Cartagena luxury hotels). It only opened in mid-2021, and aims to offer a modern 5 star Rosario Islands hotel experience.
The property is gorgeous, there is a large pool, and the rooms look simply amazing.
There is also a cool looking bar, and they offer lots of additional tours and experiences, including coffee tastings, sailing lessons, movies under the stars, and a mixology class too.
Those extra activities, in particular, make it the best choice for families with children as there’s more to do than just enjoy the beach.
However, it’d still be a great fit for couples, friends, or even solo travelers, especially for those looking to have a bit more creature comforts than most of the Rosario Islands hotels offer.
Its location on Barú is also easily reached overland, meaning this is a great choice if you do want to spend your last night out here and still make it back for an afternoon flight without having to worry about arranging private boat transportation.
They also do have space for conferences and events. So, if you’re planning an event or a destination wedding or something like that, this would make for a terrific place for it.
Isla del Encanto – Another Good Luxury Resort in the Rosario Islands
We have stayed at Isla del Encanto, and we were super impressed.
In fact, it’s probably one of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed in, and makes a great choice for those looking for a happy medium between the rustic vibes of Las Islas and the modern resort setting of the Sofitel.
You can see lots of photos and read about our stay at Isla del Encanto here.
The bungalows at this hotel in the Rosario Islands of Colombia are like little townhouses with an upstairs and downstairs room. The rooms themselves look like what you would expect in a nice hotel. They were really comfortable and there was a lovely walk in shower. There was even television. Also, we enjoyed the sweet balcony.
There is also huge and really nice beach area and two pools, one of which is exclusive to overnight guests.
This is also a great choice for a hotel in Rosario Islands for families with children. There is a play area and even a kiddie side in the larger pool exclusively for overnight guests.
While it’s not as expensive as Las Ials, it is still definitely on the pricier side.
However, I really appreciated that the price for accommodations includes the boat ride there and back, not to mention meals. After accounting for that, our stay here really wasn’t all that crazy more expensive than our stay at IslaBela.
I really can’t recommend it enough especially if you want something luxury but at a slightly less of a premium than Las Islas. You can also do a day pass here.
Bora Bora Beach Club – Popular, Lively Beach Club Now Offers Rooms
Bora Bora has long been a favorite for day trippers to the islands.
It offers a bit of a unique vibe with a more party style atmosphere. There’s usually a DJ, and there are lovely beach beds here overlooking a nice beach area.
I feel like it’s an especially popular Instagram spot!
A few years ago, it also opened overnight accommodations.
The rooms look really terrific. It’s not quite as high end as Las Islas, Encanto, or the Sofitel, but not far behind either. Honestly, the rooms here look nicer than anywhere else on this list besides those big 3, and the comments and reviews are all very positive.
If you’re looking for a more party style Rosario Islands resort, it’s definitely the best spot.
While there is usually a larger crowd here during the day, I imagine it’s a good bit more chilled out at night. Still, I would think it would tend to attract a more lively type of traveler for overnight stays as well, so I wouldn’t think you’ll be bored either.
Therefore, if you want a hotel in the Rosario Islands with plenty of action during the day and chance to keep the party going into the night, this is a great option.
I think it’d make an especially good fit for groups, couples, younger travelers, and younger at heart travelers. Families or those looking for a more chilled out, relaxed vibe might be better off sticking to one of the other places on this list of best Rosario Islands resorts.
San Pedro Majagua – Best Isla Grande Hotel
We have never been toSan Pedro Majagua, but every time we go by its huge beach area on a boat, I think to myself, that looks like a great beach spot!
It is located on Isla Grande and would be my choice for the best of the hotels on Isla Grande.
It has a really large beach area with lots of chairs and space. Despite that, it never looks crowded when we go by.
The accommodations also look very nice. They have nice little bungalow style houses with little front porches and hammocks.
It also looks like it’d be a good fit for any type of traveler, from families to solo travelers looking for some island tranquility.
It’s definitely on my list of places I’d like to spend a night at some point.
They also offer diving lessons, so this would be a great choice for Islas del Rosario accommodations if you want to dive as well.
Centro Ubuntu – Newest Ecolodge in the Islas del Rosario
Ubuntu is one of the newer ecolodges in the Rosario Islands.
It looks quite good with a good blend of rustic but nice, similar to IslaBela. There are nice little bungalow style cabins, and there is a big dock area overlooking the crystal clear water.
Opened only a few years ago, it’s still one of the newer Rosario Islands lodges, but reviews online online are overwhelmingly positive.
In fact, I’ve moved it up this list since it first opened since reviews are so high.
It’s also designed to be sustainable and benefit the local community more than most of the other Islas del Rosario hotels which is a nice touch and also similar to IslaBela.
For those looking for a relatively more budget friendly place to stay in the Rosario Islands, it’s a great choice, and it’d be a fine choice for just about any type of traveler, including families.
Coralina Island Hotel – Great Spot in the Mangroves on Isleta
Coralina Island Hotel is located just around the corner from IslaBela. It has a privileged position just at the tip on a little point, nestled among the mangroves.
I like this area’s view because it overlooks several of the smaller islands. It’s a good area to kayak too.
Maybe the nicest part of this spot though is that the sun sets directly in front, and photos of the sunset here are absolutely gorgeous!
It’s also a smaller place, which gives it an intimate and private atmosphere.
The only downside is there isn’t a huge sandy beach here, but the gazebo and docks overlooking the crystal clear water definitely look like a nice place to hang our and catch some rays too.
The rooms here also look quite nice. They also have one larger bungalow that has multiple beds, meaning this could be a good choice for Rosario Islands accommodations for families or groups too.
Isla del Sol – Solid Isla Grande Hotel
We have been to Isla del Sol, although only for a day trip. You can see more photos and read about our day trip to Isla del Sol here.
I thought it had a great space. There’s a nice little pool, and the beach area is nice, if a bit on the small side.
However, it’s clear they carved out that beach area out since it’s quite rocky. You will definitely want water shoes here. The water was also not as clear here and there was a fair amount of sand churned up in the water. Not sure if that’s always the case or was due to weather or temporary though.
So, I didn’t think swimming in the sea here was as nice is at Encanto or IslaBela. It’s a terrific spot to hang out, get a tan, and enjoy a piña colada, but it’s just not as great for swimming in my opinion.
All that being said, it’s one of the only places to stay in the Rosario Islands I know of besides the big three resorts that also has a pool.
So, I guess life is really all about trade offs!
Also, we did do a great tour of the mangroves with a local guide here too. I definitely recommend it if you stay here.
If you like laying on the beach with a view but prefer to swim in a pool and don’t want to break the budget at the larger resorts, this makes a good choice, but if you’d like to swim in the ocean and do some snorkeling, I’d look at one of the other places on this list.
Fragata Island House – Rosario Island House Hotel
Fragata is located not far from Coralina and IslaBela on Isleta.
It is really more of a vacation home that is rented out either to groups or by individual rooms than a traditional Rosario Islands hotel.
It’s a sweet looking house, and it has a great deck area overlooking the little bay where it’s located. There is a nice beach area right next to it as well that overlooks some of the other tinier islands.
Rooms look great, and if you are a large group or family, you may even be able to rent out the whole house, which would make for very neat accommodations in the Rosario Islands.
Secreto Hostel – Best Rosario Islands Hostel
I wanted to include at least one more cheaper priced place on this list of best hotels in the Rosario Islands. In this case, it’s the best hostel in the Rosario Islands.
Secreto is located on Isla Grande. It is a really good value, and it is a lot nicer than some of the other very basic cheaper accommodations and hostels in the Rosario Islands.
There is a nice pool here, and the area has easy access to the beach even though it is not located directly on the beach.
There are both dorms and private rooms here so it could work for couples or solo travelers.
If you’re looking to spend a night or three in the islands without breaking the budget, this is the best place to do it.
Which Rosario Island Hotel Will You Choose?
There you have it, a list of my picks for the best Rosario Island hotels! Hopefully there is in fact something for just about everyone on that list.
The truth is though, you can’t really go wrong here!
I hope you found this post useful in helping you decide where to stay in the Rosario Islands. I’d love to hear where you stayed and what you thought in the comments below!
Cheers and Happy Beachin’ It!
Cheers and Happy Beaching It!
Want Some Help Planning Your Dream Colombia Trip?
Let my partner travel agency help you craft a custom trip package,
tailor made to your interests. Readers get a special discount!
Planning a trip to Cartagena?
Be sure to check out the rest of the site to help you plan!
In particular, you might want to check out my complete guide to planning a trip to Cartagena, my guide to the best areas to stay, my list of over 75 things to do, my picks for the best Cartagena tours, the best day trips from Cartagena, my suggested packing list, my guide to the Rosario Islands, and my guide to all the beaches of Cartagena.
Planning a trip to Cartagena?
Be sure to check out the rest of the site to help you plan!
In particular, you might want to check out my complete guide to planning a trip to Cartagena, my guide to the best areas to stay, my list of over 75 things to do, my picks for the best Cartagena tours, the best day trips from Cartagena, my suggested packing list, my guide to the Rosario Islands, and my guide to all the beaches of Cartagena.
