Cartagena Island Hopping : 5-Stop Rosario Island Tour with Lunch
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Choose from these options that best align with your vibe and budget:
SNORKEL TOUR (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM): Enjoy sightseeing at the historic Bocachica Fort and Pablo Escobar’s former estate. Includes three dedicated stops (1.5 hours each) at Marina Island, Grande Island (featuring snorkeling and lunch), and Rosario Island. Choose the LEISURE TOUR that follows the same itinerary, but without snorkeling.
PARTY TOUR (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM): Includes the same sightseeing stops but swaps relaxation for excitement with 1.5-hour visits to Baru Island, Grande Island (for lunch), and the famously loud and crowded party hub, Cholon Island. (Note: Select this option carefully and avoid if you prefer a quieter day.)
VIP TOUR (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM): Travel via a comfort speedboat for an exclusive experience. Includes the same sightseeing stops followed by snorkeling and three premium stops (1.5 hours each): a visit to Islabela, a private beach club (for lunch), and time at an award-winning island resort.
Available options
Party Tour
Festive (Adults): 2 sightseeing stops (Fort & Escobar's mansion), 3 island stops (Baru, Grande, Cholon*), & lunch.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Monumento Santander, Centro, Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia
Leisure Tour
Flexible (Family Friendly): 2 sightseeing stops (Fort & Escobar's mansion), 3 island stops (Grande, Marina, & Rosario), & lunch.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Monumento Santander, Centro, Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia
VIP Tour
Premium (Family Friendly): 2 sightseeing stops (Fort & Escobar's mansion), snorkel activity, 3 VIP island stops (Islabela, Beach Club, Resort), & lunch.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Muelle de la Bodeguita - Puerta 3, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Snorkel Tour
Adventurous (Family Friendly): 2 sightseeing stops (Fort & Escobar's mansion), snorkel activity, 3 island stops (Grande, Marina, Rosario), & lunch.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Monumento Santander, Centro, Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia
What's included
Lunch (Fish, Chicken, or Veggie On-Site Options)
Premium Island Visits (VIP Tour)
Bilingual Tour Guide
Island Stops with Access to Beds & Parasols
Fish Habitat Snorkeling with Mask & Tube (Snorkel & VIP Tour)
Shuttle Boat Transport (Snorkel, Leisure, & Party Tours)
Cholon Island - Loud, Crowded, & Vendors (Choose Wisely) (Party Tour)
Comfort Speedboat Transport (VIP Tour)
Detailed itinerary
1
All four tour options (VIP, Snorkel, Leisure, & Party) include a dedicated sightseeing stop near Tierra Bomba Island to view the historic Bocachica Fort. Take photos and learn about the fort's colonial significance right from the boat!
2
Stop 2
The Party Tour begins with its first stop at a lively beach club on either BarU or Grande Island. Please note that Baru Island is specifically reserved for this high-energy option, as its characteristic crowded, vendor-heavy atmosphere is purposefully excluded from our family-friendly, premium, and snorkeling tours.
3
For the Snorkel & Leisure Tours, the first island stop provides access to clear waters and beach beds. The VIP Tour follows its sightseeing stops with its first premium destination: the Islabela Beach Club.
4
All tours will then include a unique sightseeing stop for photos, cruising past the former island mansion of Pablo Escobar. This visual highlight adds an intriguing layer of history to your Rosario Islands experience.
5
Stop 5
All tours then head to a dedicated island for included lunch and relaxation, where guests across all options can unwind on beach beds under parasols, swim, or enjoy the scenery; lunch features on-site choices including fish, chicken, or vegetarian options. Crucially, VIP guests enjoy this experience with exclusive access to a private island beach club situated on a separate point of the island. Additionally, before the meal, VIP and Snorkel Tour participants receive a special perk: a dedicated 30-45 minute snorkeling experience conducted at a nearby fish habitat.
6
Stop 6
All tours conclude by late afternoon before returning to the same departure port. The Snorkel and Leisure Tours finish their day relaxing at Rosario Island, providing beach chairs and parasols for final enjoyment. In contrast, the Party Tour concludes at Cholon Island, known for its lively floating party atmosphere; guests should choose carefully as this destination is typically crowded, loud, and unmaintained. Finally, VIP guests enjoy a premium finish, spending their last stop at an award-winning island resort after a day of personalized attention and exclusive travel aboard a comfortable speedboat.
What's not included
Tourist Port Tax Fee
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
335 reviews
5★
221
4★
36
3★
21
2★
24
1★
33
Tripadvisor
4.8
3,614 reviews
5★
3164
4★
315
3★
75
2★
24
1★
36
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
NOTES: A port tax must be paid by each person at the pier on day of activity. Be prepared if there's a rainy forecast. Swim attire is mandatory. Leisure, Snorkel & Party tickets travel on SHUTTLE BOATS, while VIP tickets on COMFORT SPEEDBOATS. Leisure & Party tickets DO NOT do snorkel. We reserve the right to modify itinerary due to weather. We do not provide pickups or drop offs.
By proceeding, you agree to our Terms & Conditions (found on our website). You confirm that you are responsible for securing your own travel insurance and fully release the company from all liability regarding accidents, injuries, or medical costs. Guests must independently arrange transportation to/from the meeting point and assume sole responsibility for alcohol consumption, situational awareness, and conduct, accepting full financial liability for any resulting damages or fines. The company is also not liable for the actions of other participants or third parties. Note: Speedboat rides can be bumpy due to open sea conditions, making it not suitable for infants, pregnant women, or those with back, heart, or mobility issues; participation is at your own risk. Finally, engaging in unauthorized activities with third-party island vendors violates safety protocols and constitutes a voluntary withdrawal from the tour and forfeiting further service.
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!
Important notes
Meeting point varies by ticket, please check your voucher for instructions.
By booking, you agree to our terms and conditions found on our website: CocoCartagena.com (SEARCH & READ THEM).
About Cartagena
Cartagena, a vibrant city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is renowned for its colonial architecture, rich history, and stunning beaches. Known as the 'Pearl of the Caribbean,' it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and tropical charm.
Top Attractions
Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
The historic center of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and colorful buildings.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to enter, individual attractions may charge admission
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
A 17th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate
Playa Blanca
A beautiful white-sand beach with clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Full day
Budget to moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Ceviche de Camarones
Shrimp ceviche made with fresh shrimp, lime juice, and various spices.
Appetizer
Contains seafood
Arepas
Cornmeal patties that can be stuffed with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or beans.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter with rice, beans, meat, plantains, avocado, and more.
Main Course
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Hiking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Sunset watching
Exploring historic sites
Visiting museums
Best Time to Visit
December to April
The dry season offers sunny skies and lower humidity, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the city.
24°C to 32°C
75°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Time Zone
UTC-5
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Cartagena is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Stay vigilant and take precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
Getting there
By air
- Rafael Núñez International Airport • 3 km from city center
By bus
Terminal de Transporte Terrestre
Getting around
Public transport
A modern bus rapid transit system with air-conditioned buses and dedicated lanes.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada)
Getsemani
Bocagrande
Day trips
Isla Barú
15 km from Cartagena • Full day
A beautiful island with stunning beaches and clear waters, perfect for a day of relaxation and water activities.
Mud Volcanoes (Volcanes de Lodo)
45 km from Cartagena • Half day
A unique natural phenomenon where mud volcanoes can be climbed for therapeutic mud baths.
Palmar
20 km from Cartagena • Half day
A beautiful nature reserve with mangrove forests and a variety of wildlife.
Festivals
Hay Festival Cartagena • January
Carnaval de Barranquilla • February/March
Pro tips
- Visit the Walled City early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
- Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
- Explore the neighborhoods of Getsemani and Bocagrande for a mix of history and modern luxury.
- Use the Transcaribe bus system for affordable and convenient transportation.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water for exploring the city.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
