While in Cartagena, Colombia, you will undoubtedly see various signs for tours to Islas del Rosario. The famous Rosario Islands National Park are remote islands famed for stretches of white sand beaches fringed by swaying trees. Expect crystal clear blue waters filled with coral reefs, and the definition of paradise. With numerous options, the problem becomes choosing the right island, and whether to stay overnight or do it as a day trip.
When choosing a tour, questions to ask yourself should include:
- Are you looking for a quiet beach, or a place to party?
- Do you want to stay overnight, or visit for a day trip?
- Do you want to go kayaking, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, or do other water activities?
- What’s your budget?
After extensive research, we chose to travel with Juan Ballena on a day trip to Gente de Mar — a resort on Isla Grande of the Rosario Islands. While the below speaks about our experience specifically with this trip, most tours to Islas del Rosario are relatively similar in experience, with minor changes.
Departing Cartagena
Most tours to the Islas del Rosario depart in the morning from Bodeguita dock — easily walking distance from any part of Cartagena’s old town, although many tours (including Juan Ballena) will pick you up in a shuttle from your accommodation if centrally located. Take note that you will have to pay a dock fee of $5.50 USD / COP $16,500.
From Bodeguita dock, you will take a speed boat for approximately 1 hour for your trip to Gente de Mar in Isla Grande. The ride can be smooth or bumpy depending on the day, so it’s recommended to take any sea-sickness medication prior to boarding!
Activities on Islas del Rosario / Gente de Mar
Here’s for the fun part! Whether you want to do some kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, or simply relax on the beach, the Rosario Islands has something for everyone. At Gente de Mar, they offered a variety of these activities (at an additional charge), and I know certain islands also allow opportunities to go scuba diving along the coral reefs.
What do I eat on the Rosario Islands?
Lunch is often included in tours to the Rosario Islands. For our trip to Gente de Mar with Juan Ballena, we were greeted with a cold fruit juice blend. Lunch was provided, and was a delicious meal of seafood soup, a whole fried fish, coconut rice, salad, and plantains!
Additionally, there are also drinks you can purchase at the beach’s bar. I highly recommend anything with coconuts and pineapples, as both are extremely fresh and locally supplied. Colombia’s coconut lemonades are also incredible, and well worth trying. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sipping on an ice cold piña colada on the beach!
How much does it cost?
Most day trips to the Islas del Rosario definitely shouldn’t exceed $100 USD.
Juan Ballena’s ranges from approximately $50 to $80, with our trip to Gente de Mar at a sweet $75 per person. See below for details!
Includes:
- Transportation from your hotel to the dock (only if you are located in the centre, Getsemani, Bocagrande, or Laguito)
- Roundtrip speed boat from La Bodeguita dock directly to Isla Grande
- Welcome drink (non-alcoholic)
- Buffet lunch of local caribbean cuisine
- Use of the facilities, volleyball court, ping pong and pool tables
- Showers
Not Included:
- Return transportation from the dock to your accommodation
- Dock fee ($5,5 USD or COP$16.500)
- Other drinks and food
- Snorkel, stand up paddle, diving equipment or bike rentals
- Towels
Returning to Cartagena
In the mid-afternoon, they will signal to return to the boat for your journey back to Cartagena. I’m told that rides back are often a little choppier than the journey there, so be prepared to potentially face some bumpy waves! Tours often get back around 4:30pm.
There you have it! Have you ever visited Colombia’s Islas del Rosario? Let me know your experiences below!
