11 Best Rosario Islands Day Trips and Tours from Cartagena

You absolutely cannot come to Colombia and not enjoy at least a Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena!

This small chain of tiny, gorgeous coral islands is oh, so pretty, with crystal clear water and white sand beaches that make them by far the best place for sun and sand near Cartagena.

So, doing one of the best Rosario Islands tours from Cartagena is all but an obligatory inclusion on any trip to Colombia’s Caribbean. They are without a doubt the best place to go for Cartagena island tours.

After a decade living in Cartagena, we have had the great fortune to get to know the islands well, on everything from private Rosario Island boat tours, to shared tours, to doing day trips and overnight stays at a number of the resorts and eco-lodges.

I’ll be sharing all that knowledge with you here with my picks for the best Rosario Islands day trips. That way you can decide which of these Rosario Islands tours is best for you!

Should I Do a Rosario Islands Tour or Spend the Night?

First, let’s get this out of the way, doing at least a day trip to the Rosario Islands is pretty much a must in Cartagena. In fact, it’s firmly in my must do category in this guide to things to do in Cartagena.

Why?

Let’s see…

Year-round beach weather?

Check.

Crystal clear water?

Check.

Smaller crowds and fewer vendors than the other beaches in Cartagena?

Check and check.

There are other beaches closer to Cartagena and a bit easier to reach. You can see my complete guide to the Cartagena beaches here to compare, but if I’m being honest, you’re wasting your time.

The best beach experience near Cartagena is in the Rosario Islands, and you’re better off skimping somewhere else on your trip and putting some extra pesos towards getting out to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena.

But, that begs the question, should you do one of the day tours to the Rosario Islands or spend the night?

If you have fewer than 5 nights in Cartagena, I’d strongly recommend sticking to a Rosario Islands day trip and staying your full time in the city.

That not only lets you explore all of Cartagena, but it also accounts for the reality of the logistics of getting out to the islands and back.

Boats to the islands leave early in the morning and return in the afternoon. So, I highly discourage trying to spend your first or last night out here. It’s possible to arrange private boat transportation, but it’s extremely costly.

So, with fewer than 5 nights, it’s really hard to make an overnight stay work, unless you have a wee hours of the morning arrival or late night departure from the Cartagena airport.

Got your Cartagena hotel reservations yet? If not, be sure to check out our guide to the best areas to stay or see the best luxury hotels, best beach hotels, best boutique hotels, or best hostels.

Now, if you do have more than 5 nights, you’re in the sweet spot where an overnight stay in the islands might be worth it.

I’d recommend considering if you’d like to do any of the other best day trips from Cartagena, like a visit to the free slave town of Palenque, when you weigh the pros and cons of doing a Rosario Islands tour for a day versus spending the night.

If you do want to spend the night, check out my picks for the best Rosario Islands hotels.

If you want to stick to a day trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena, read on to see my picks for the best Rosario Islands tours.

11 Best Rosario Islands Tours and Day Trips

Ok, with those practical considerations out of the way, let’s get to this list of the best Rosario Island tours and day trips!

This is a top 11 because, well, everyone does top 10s, 11 has a special significance for Cartagena since it declared its independence on November 11, 1811 (11/11/11), and I think you deserve just a bit more.

I’ve put this in roughly the order I would choose to do each of these Islas del Rosario tours and day trips, but depending on what you want, the best Rosario Islands day trip for you might vary.

Really and truthfully though, you can’t go wrong with any of these Islas del Rosario tours!

1. Private Boat – Coolest Way to Do a Rosario Islands Tour

Doing a private boat rental is absolutely the best way to do a day trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena!

It’s relatively affordable, and it’s something we have done many times. In fact, doing this every now and then is one of the things I miss the most about living in Cartagena!

The reason I think this is the best way to tour the Cartagena islands is having a private boat will give you the most freedom to enjoy your Rosario Island tour from Cartagena however you like.

You could have a boat dance party all day at party spot Cholón, spend lots of time snorkeling out by the reefs or the submerged airplane, or just chill out on lesser visited beaches.

We usually do some combination of all of the above.

Usually, private boat rentals will include several stops, and most of them allow to you to customize it however you like.

A typical day for us is to head out to the calm waters of La Piscinita for a swim and maybe some snorkeling, ride around taking in the scenery of the islands, possibly stopping for some more swimming and snorkeling by the sunken airplane that many erroneously claim belonged to Pablo Escobar, then heading to either Cholón if we are in a party mood or heading to a beach, such as Agua Azul or the far end of Playa Blanca, known as Playa Tranquila.

On our most recent visit, we did La Piscinita, cruised around the islands, stopped at Agua Azul for lunch, and then went to Playa Tranquila.

Agua Azul, Cholón, and Playa Blanca are the most common stops for lunch. Do be sure to be clear about prices for lunch and/or any drinks, and if you’re eating there, you should be able to make use of chairs. You can also often negotiate prices if you are a group.

Taking along snacks and lunch to eat on the boat can be a good way to save some pesos, although I find it hard not to enjoy a freshly fried fish on a Rosario Islands tour personally!

Private rentals also usually include a cooler of ice to byob, while some rentals throw in some courtesy beers or waters. Keep in mind, you’ll pay a lot more for drinks anywhere out in the islands. You can also book a rental with lunch included.

So, the reality is, it can be tough to do a private rental it if you are solo, only a couple, or a small group. I do have some shared boat options below if that’s your case.

Of course, the downside of a private rental is it’s the most expensive way to do a Rosario Islands boat tour. Prices, of course, do also vary depending on group size and the size of and amenities on the boat, such as a bathroom or folding lounge and tanning chairs, which we always like to have.

Both of the links below are for boats up to 15, but you could also book a cheaper boat for up to 10 people. Or, if you’ve got no budget limitations, you could splurge on a huge yacht.

However if you can swing it by putting a group together or have the budget to do a private Rosario Islands tour on your own, you will not be disappointed!

2. Cruise on a Catamaran – Best Shared Boat Tour to the Rosario Islands

The Catamaran Day Trip is my top choice among the options for shared boat tours to the Rosario Islands.

We have done the sunset cruise on the Catamaran (read about it here), and it would be perfect for a relaxed day trip to the Rosario Islands.

There’s a lot of space, so you won’t feel cramped or like you’ve been packed in like sardines, which is the case on some shared boat tours to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena.

It’s plenty big for calm sailing unlike the smaller speed boats that other Rosario Islands boat tours or day passes to most of the resorts use. So, I think it’s an especially good choice for those that don’t like bouncing around too much or for families with younger children.

Plus, the slower speed also lets you fully enjoy all the gorgeous scenery of the islands!

There are also these neat nets you can sit on over the water. They would be perfect for tanning or doing some posing for photos.

The Rosario Islands day trip on the catamaran includes snorkeling gear and also includes lunch.

It’s also one of the most consistently highly rated Rosario Islands tours from Cartagena.

The only downside is you don’t actually stop at any beaches.

While, you’ll get plenty of time to swim in those crystal clear waters of the islands, the logistics of being on a boat so large mean you don’t actually dock and get out anywhere.

So, if you can live with not touching sand, it’s an easy second choice for on this list of Cartagena island tours. If you do want to touch some sand, consider one of the next places on this list of best Rosario Islands day trips.

3. IslaBela – Best Relaxed Rosario Islands Day Trip

Islabela is our favorite overall favorite hotel in the Rosario Islands.

So, doing a day trip to IslaBela is natrually my top pick for doing a hotel day trip to the Rosario Islands.

You can read my review of our stay at IslaBela to learn about why we love it, but the too long; didn’t read short of it is there’s a nice, large, not rocky beach, with a gorgeous view of the little bay where it’s located, that makes it perfect for a relaxed day where you do get to touch some sand.

The beach area here is simply one of the largest in the islands, and unlike some of the other beach clubs and hotels, it’s not rocky, although there is a bit of seaweed.

There are kayaks you can use for no additional a charge too. Plus, that little white stairway is a great photo!

Oh, and they also have good margaritas!

At least for us, IslaBela just has the perfect balance of relaxed beach vibes with some good tunes playing but not the party atmosphere of some other places for Rosario Islands day trips, perfect for a relaxed beach day.

It’s also pretty family and kid friendly, although there are no pools or air conditioned facilities.

So, if spending all day on a Cartagena boat trip to the Rosario Islands is less your fancy, and you’d rather have a shorter boat ride in and out with a gorgeous beach on the dry, sandy land to enjoy all day, this might just be your choice for the best Rosario Island day trip.

I do have some more party vibes places as well as places with pools listed below, but for a relaxed day where you can beach and chill, this is the best spot for it!

You may also want to consider this tour that goes to IslaBela, party club Bora Bora, and the chic Pao Pao Beach Club for a mix of relaxed and party vibes.

You can book a day pass at IslaBela through GetYourGuide or Viator or you can book via our partner travel agency. They charge bit more, but provide constant support and communication in English, possibly a good option if you don’t speak Spanish or just want some help navigating getting around Cartagena. If you book here, you can get 20% off with the discount code ExploreColombia20!

4. Multi-Stop Shared Rosario Island Boat Tours – Best Variety of Beaches and Vibes

If you want to see several spots like you can with a private rental, plus get a mix of being on a boat, snorkeling, and touching some beach, a shared Rosario Islands boat tour that stops at multiple spots is another great way to do a Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena.

There are a handful of variations of these Cartagena island tours, often with names like 4 islands tour or 5 islands tour.

They generally include, well 4 or 5 stops, some at beaches, some for snorkeling and swimming. Most include lunch and some may include chairs at the beaches.

It’s a great way to get a lot into one day and is one of the more affordable ways to do a Rosario Islands day tour.

The one caveat I’d give is to be very, very careful if you book this from a vendor on the street. To be honest, I’d just avoid it all together.

Many of the Rosario Islands boat tours sold on the street, and even some booked online, have a bad reputation for being unorganized, cramming people in on small, uncomfortable boats, and including lots of upsells along the way like renting snorkeling gear or beach chairs.

That’s why, I strongly recommend vetting and asking for all the details before booking a standard island tour in Cartagena. Whether that’s from a vendor on the street, a tour agency, at the docks, or having your hotel or hostel help you out booking, be clear what is and what is not included.

I’d especially make sure you’re aware whether it includes lunch and beach chairs and shade, since these can be pricey to pay for on your own. If you do need to pay for those things, be sure to be clear on price before hand and exercise special caution at Cholón, Playa Blanca, and Agua Azul, where some vendors have earned a reputation for exhorbitant prices.

And depending on how you feel about boats, asking for a photo of the type of boat you’ll be on is also a good idea. I’d try very hard to get on a proper larger speed boat and not the little ones like in the photo above as they will bounce around a lot on the return trip when currents are rougher.

My honest recommendation is to avoid the tours that go to the aquarium (unless of course you want to do the aquarium, where you can see dolphins).

If they stop there, that means you will either be paying more to enter or be stuck on a tiny beach, where you can pay to rent chairs or snorkeling equipment or just be bored during the stop.

Now, if you do want to do the aquarium, this is actually the best and probably most cost effective way to do it. Other options are a private boat rental or going to a place like Isla del Encanto, discussed below, that offers it as an add on.

The links I’ve included to book a shared multi-stop boat tours below have lots of good reviews and are on larger boats, so you should feel good about them being well organized and a good value.

5. Isla del Encanto – Best Upscale Resort for a Day Trip to the Rosario Islands

Isla del Encanto’s day pass is another good spot for a relaxed Cartagena islands day trip where you can chill on a pretty beach all day.

Technically, Isla del Encanto is located on the far end of Barú, but it’s just a short boat ride from the islands and is part of the national park.

Honestly, this is probably one of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed in, period! You can read about our stay here. It is nicer, but also a good bit pricier than Islabela, at least for staying overnight.

I will say, though, their day passes are actually fairly reasonably priced.

One thing I appreciate is that they offer additional tours of the islands themselves to go snorkeling or go to the oceanarium where you can see the dolphins. They have an additional cost but are not outrageous, and can be a good way to spend some time snorkeling and seeing the islands while also having some time at a good, private beach.

The beach here is also really nice!

It’s sandy with calm, shallow water to wade out and swim. The beach area is huge with plenty of chairs and umbrellas. They also have great service. There is a spa on site, and day pass visitors can use one pools.

There are also a few kayaks and paddle boards available to use free of charge too.

I’d say this probably the most kid friendly place to do a Rosario Islands day trip too since there is a pool and just more space in general. Their is a dedicated too kiddie pool, but it is only available for overnight guests.

If you’re looking for a day trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena that offers a bit more of a luxury experience than the more rustic feel at Islabela and has some additional amenities and things to do, this is a great choice.

6. Bora Bora Beach Club – Best Party Beach Club in the Rosario Islands

As I mentioned above, I promised to include a good party spot on this list of best Cartagena islands day trips.

Bora Bora’s day pass is known for offering a fun atmosphere with a DJ and a hip vibe.

Colombian celebrities like models and actors, and even a few international stars, have been known to make this their Rosario Islands tour of choice, and you’ve likely seen photos of people enjoying Bora Bora on Instagram.

Honestly, it feels like one of those places that was just made for the gram.

That helps make it one of the most popular places for a day trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena. They’ve also started to offer overnight stays in the last year or so if you have the time to spend a night.

There’s a nice beach area here and a cool set up with beach beds. It can sell out, so book in advance to make sure you get a prime beach bed.

I’d also recommend paying close attention to the details of your reservation, as the front row beach beds and the “VIP” area that is often seen in those impressive Instagram photos have additional costs.

So, just be aware of that, as I have heard of people disappointed that they didn’t get what they expected. If you want those things, know you might need to pay a bit more and make sure you get that hammered out when you reserve.

If you can’t put together a group for a private rental and do your own boat party and booze cruise, or maybe you prefer having a beach all day rather than be on a boat all day then this makes for a more than acceptable compromise, and you have the beach right in front of you to enjoy as well!

As I mentioned in the IslaBela section above, this tour with stops at Bora Bora, its sister club Pao Pao, and IslaBela is a good way to get in several stops and a mix of party and relaxed vibes.

7. Pao Pao Beach Club – Bora Bora’s Chiller Sister Rosario Islands Beach Club

Operated by the same management as Bora Bora, Pao Pao is one of the newest beach clubs in the Rosario Islands.

A day pass at Pao Pao offers a similar fun and hip vibe but it’s a bit smaller, more intimate, and more relaxed.

They have a nice little beach area nestled among the mangroves, and there is even a sweet little pool.

It makes for an excellent Rosario Islands day trip for those looking for a nice balance between a hip atmosphere without the larger crowds at Bora Bora. Once again, you can also keep in mind this tour that goes to Pao Pao, IslaBela, and Bora Bora.

8. Tour to the Rosario Islands and Barú’s Mangroves – Most Unique Option

This private tour to the mangroves of Barú and the Rosario Islands is by far the most unique and cultural.

In fact, I think it’s one of the more unique day trips you can do in Cartagena, period.

It is a private tour, so it’s a bit pricier than most of the other Rosario Islands day trips, but for those who want a slice of nature and culture without sacrificing their slice of beach, it’s a really good way to have a several experiences that are a tad more authentic than simply partying on a boat or sipping drinks on the beach.

It does allow for some customization too.

However, the general itinerary for the tour includes a visit to the small town of Barú, near the tip of Barú Island, where you’ll have breakfast and do a walking tour of the town, which has been the home of Afro-Colombian fisherman for generations, many of them the descendants of former slaves.

You’ll then take a boat out to the islands, where you’ll be able to tour a mangrove swamp and do some snorkeling at the reef. Then you’ll get some time to relax on a beach before having lunch in a local’s home.

Finally, you’ll get to check out some of the villagers’ artisan handicrafts.

It’s a unique tour and by far the least “traditional” Rosario Islands tour on this list. If you’re looking for something a bit more cultural that also offers some beach time, I think it’s a really good option.

9. Shared Boat to Cholón – Best For Boat Dance Parties on a Budget

If you aren’t able to swing a private rental, but you want to have boat dance parties all day, you could opt to do a shared party boat to Cholón.

It’s a good, and certainly more affordable, alternative to the private rental if you’re looking for a fun booze cruise kind of experience. You won’t need to get a large group together to have a good time either, and you’ll probably make some new friends.

If you want an all day boat party, and want to spend the entire day at Cholón rather than make several stops like the 5 islands tours mentioned above, this is a great way to do that.

All you have to do is come ready for the sun, sand, and party!

10. San Pedro de Majagua – Another Great Relaxed Rosario Islands Day Tour

Next up, we have the day pass at San Pedro de Majagua.

We’ve passed by San Pedro a lot of times on boats, and I always thought it had one of the nicer looking beach areas in the islands. It’s really large, there’s pretty white sand, and there’s a ton of space and chairs.

Despite all that I’ve never, ever seen it crowded! I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than 5 or 6 people here.

So, I think it would be a good choice for those looking to relax and get some nice R&R at the beach. It offers a similar rustic vibe to IslaBela but is a tad more upscale.

If you book a day pass here via our partners at that link, the link above, or the button below, you can also get a 20% discount with code ExploreColombia20!

11. Day Pass at Isla del Sol – A Final Solid Day Pass at a Rosario Islands Resort

The day pass at Isla del Sol rounds out this list of the best day tours to the Rosario Islands.

This beach resort on Isla Grande has a really pretty space, with a cool dock and gazebo surrounding their little private beach area.

We’ve been here for a day pass, and we enjoyed it. You can read about our experience in my review of Isla del Sol.

I really liked the pool here, we enjoyed the food and drinks, the view is great, and we liked the unique little additional tour they offered through the nearby town and mangroves. I highly recommend doing that tour if you go here.

The one thing I’d honestly say though is that I was underwhelmed by the beach. It’s on the smaller side, and it is pretty rocky.

Plus, some sand and leaves get turned up in the waves.

I guess this is just the reality of coral islands, but it is why I’d probably choose a place like IslaBela, Encanto, or San Pedro Majuagua over it, especially if you think you’ll spend a lot of time swimming.

All that said, that’s a pretty first world problem, and it’s still a fine option to conclude this list of the best Rosario Islands day trips.

What to Pack for a Rosario Islands Day Trip

Here are some suggested items to pack on your day tour to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena.

General Items

• You have to take a boat out to the islands for any Rosario Islands day trip, and sometimes boats splash. Having a good dry bag will protect your phone, camera, and anything else you don’t want to get wet.
• There’s great snorkeling in the islands. Bringing along your own snorkeling gear means you won’t have to worry about paying to rent one or end up with a lousy, beat up one on your Rosario Islands day tour.
• The Rosario Islands are coral islands, which means the beaches can be a bit rocky. Taking along a good pair of water shoes can be useful. Those don’t look quite as goofy as the traditional ones either.
• And of course, you’ll want some shades too. I love these bamboo shades! They are perfect for the Caribbean vibes and I always got lots of compliments on them.
• Don’t forget the sunscreen! Trust me!
• Finally, taking along this palm sized first aid kit will let you patch up any cuts or scrapes.

And of Course, Take Your Beach Gear

• This sporty leaf print bikini is perfect for those island vibes on a Rosario Islands day trip!
• Susana has this dress cover up and loves it and it’s just nice enough to be acceptable walking around town after your day tour to the Rosario Islands is over!
• For the guys, these palm tree board shorts are perfect for a day trip to the Rosario Islands.
• These microfiber beach towels are perfect for travel.
• Finally, a good foldable/rollable sun hat can be packed in a bag and not be ruined.

Ready to plan your Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena?

So, now know just about everything you need to plan a terrific day trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena, including 11 great options for Rosario Islands tours, and some tips on whether spending the night is an option and what to take along.

I hope this guide was useful to you planning your own day tour to the Rosario Islands, and more importantly, that you have a blast no matter which you choose!

Cheers and Happy Beachin’ It!

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If you love the idea of doing a Rosario Islands tour and have a few extra nights, consider visiting the Rosario’s sister chain of islands, the San Bernardo Islands. Those who love a good time at the beach should also consider checking out the hip beach town Palomino up the coast. Nearby are the unspoiled beaches of Tayrona National Park as well as the relaxed vibes at Costeño Beach. True beach bums also might want to consider tacking on some time at San Andrés Island to their Colombia trip!