Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Cartagena Island Hopping: 5-Stop Rosario Islands Tour with Lunch

• Full-Day Tour of 5 Must-See Places in the Rosario Islands

• 5-Stop Boat Tour Rosario Islands with Lunch, Forts, & Snorkeling

• Cartagena VIP Boat Tour: Rosario Islands & Snorkel

• Party in Cartagena's Nearby Rosario Islands, Baru, Cholon, & More

Tours to the Rosario Islands start at around US$40 for a shared full-day trip, while the most popular tours are priced from US$60 to US$120, depending on the itinerary and inclusions. VIP and party boat experiences cost from US$120 to US$160 per person, while private boat charters can reach well over US$2,000 per group.

Yes, the Rosario Islands are well worth visiting. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Cartagena boasts turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs, making it one of Colombia's top coastal attractions. Booking a guided island-hopping tour is a smart way to make the most of your time—you'll visit several stops in a single day, with boat transportation, lunch, and snorkeling equipment often included in the price.

Per one customer who booked the Cartagena Island Hopping: 5-Stop Rosario Islands Tour with Lunch, "Miguel was amazing! I absolutely loved the experience. It was such a fun and unforgettable island tour—beautiful views, great energy, and everything was well organized. Miguel made the trip even better with his personality and knowledge. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone visiting Cartagena."

Yes, there are plenty of guided tours of the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario). These island-hopping tours typically depart from Cartagena and cover 3–5 islands, depending on whether you travel by speedboat or standard boat. Popular stops include Isla Grande, the largest of the archipelago; Isla Barú, famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters; and Isla Cholon, the party island.

On tours of the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario), you usually snorkel in the Caribbean Sea and visit a beach club, where you can sunbathe or swim in the sea. While not technically part of the Rosario archipelago, many tours briefly stop at Isla Tierra Bomba to visit a historical fortress.

The main attractions on the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) are Playa Blanca on Isla Barú, one of the archipelago’s most pristine stretches of sand; the party boats of Isla Cholon; Bora Bora Beach Club on Isla Grande, which offers a slice of low-key luxury; and Laguna Encantada, also on Isla Grande.

Yes, you can stay overnight on the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario)—it’s the best way to experience the archipelago as it lets you enjoy your chosen island without the day trip crowds. Plus, boats typically leave the islands mid-afternoon before the sea conditions become turbulent, so staying overnight lets you experience sunset and have a more relaxing day.

Yes, there are restaurants on the central Rosario Islands—you’ll find the biggest variety on Isla Grande, the largest island. Of course, you must try the freshly caught seafood. Most restaurants serve fried plantains with the popular mojarra fish. No trip to the Rosario Islands is complete without at least sampling the ceviche. This dish features fresh, raw fish marinated in citrus fruit.

Shops on the islands charge a premium, so bring everything you need for your day trip or overnight stay. You’ll need ample sun protection, a bathing suit, and snacks. Bring mosquito repellent if you stay overnight, as the pesky insects tend to come out around sunset. If you want to see the islands’ tropical fish, bring snorkeling or diving equipment. And if you get seasick, bring motion sickness pills or a wristband.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Rosario Islands. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Cartagena:

• Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo)

• Old Town Cartagena

• San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas)

• Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar)

• Convento de la Popa de la Galera

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Cartagena.