Rosario Islands, Colombia

Upon arriving in Cartagena, you’ll immediately notice the heat and the humidity…and you’ll want to cool off in the water ASAP. Luckily, just off the coast of Cartagena are the stunning Rosario Islands, which you can easily reach by boat.

In this guide, I’ll share how to get to the Rosario Islands, things to do there, and other trip planning information. I’ll also summarize my experience taking a Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena to give you an idea of what to expect!

For more Colombia travel tips and destination guides, head to my Colombia page.

Rosario Islands Information and History

The Rosario Islands are an archipelago of 28 islands off the coast of Cartagena. The islands have been designated as a National Park, granting protection to their coral reefs. You can reach the Islands’s crystal clear waters and lively beach bars in a short boat ride from Cartagena. 

Among the Rosario Islands you’ll find one of Pablo Escobar’s extravagant mansions, today abandoned and overrun by vegetation and wild animals. The area also contains sunken planes that were once used by drug traffickers, making for unique snorkeling opportunities. Even today, treasure remains buried under the water! The Colombian government recently made plans to recover a Spanish galleon that sank in 1708 and contains up to $20 billion worth of gold, silver, and emeralds.

My Experience Visiting the Rosario Islands from Cartagena

Isla Grande

On my third day in Cartagena, I took a tour of the Rosario Islands. We departed from the harbor in the city’s historic center, watching the water become increasingly crystalline blue as we ventured further from Cartagena. We cruised past tiny islands whose entire surfaces were covered by houses; it was interesting to imagine what island life might be like. 

Our first stop was for snorkeling at Isla Grande. While the visibility was excellent and the water pleasantly warm, I was disappointed to find that much of the coral was lifeless, and marine activity was sparse. We spent some time lounging on the beach at Isla Grande before heading to our next stop, Isla ​​Cholón.

Isla ​​Cholón

Isla ​​Cholón in the Rosario Islands is kno wn as a party island. Here’s why: music is blasting, tables have been built into the water, and talented servers float food and drink orders over to guests. Although this wasn’t quite my vibe since I’m not a big drinker, I appreciated the unique concept!

There was a delay when we tried to leave Cholón; vendors boarded the boat and wouldn’t let us take off until everyone paid their bills. There was a heated exchange between the vendors and a large group of American tourists. It was unclear whether the tourists had been overcharged or if they were too drunk to remember what they ordered.

Playa Blanca

Our final stop was for a late lunch at a restaurant on Playa Blanca. I joined some other day trip guests at a table in the sand, but unfortunately the local vendors were relentless. Aggressive vendors constantly attacked our table, trying to sell everything from crafts to massages. Tip: if a vendor offers you a “sample” (e.g., trial massage), politely decline to avoid potential disputes about payment later on.

After leaving Playa Blanca, we made our way back to Cartagena. During this time I chatted with the other guests about their Colombia travel plans. The Rosario Islands tour I took mostly consisted of foreigners, and I even met two people from my hometown in California! The boat was filled with many couples, and a very kind gay man told me that I was “way too cute to be traveling alone” and asked if I got a lot of attention. 

Although I know this was meant as a compliment, it exaggerated the loneliness I often feel as a solo female traveler. It didn’t help that I already felt uneasy in Cartagena’s romantic atmosphere, which seemed to attract many couples seeking romantic getaways. 

At this stage, I was only two weeks into my year-long backpacking journey and had yet to fully embrace the virtues of solo travel. Over the course of a year, I’ll document how my experiences shaped me into a self-reliant and empowered female traveler.

Rosario Islands Trip Planning Information

How to Get to Rosario Islands

To get to the Rosario Islands, you’ll need to buy a tour. There is no public transportation to the islands. It takes 45-60 min to get to the Rosario Islands by boat, and they leave from the harbor next to Cartagena’s historic center. Most boats depart in the morning and return in the late afternoon. You can reserve tours online or buy them in person.

Rosario Islands Things to Do

Rosario Islands day trips typically offer activities such as snorkeling, visiting a beach bar, lunch at a beachfront restaurant, and kayaking. When buying a tour, ask exactly what it includes (meals, drinks, Rosario Islands entrance fee, snorkeling equipment, etc). Also confirm the itinerary and stops. Below I’ve listed some of the most common Rosario Islands tours so that you can decide which one is best for you!

Full Day Tour of the Rosario Islands

This is the tour option I chose. Itineraries usually start in Isla Grande for snorkeling and beach time. The second stop is typically Isla Cholón, an island with a party vibe; think lively music and shaded tables built into the water. The last stop is usually Playa Blanca, a large white sand beach where the included lunch is served. For more information on itineraries and included activities, take a look at this tour and this one.

At each destination there is food and drink available for purchase. The tour operators will encourage you to purchase something, but this is not obligatory.

Rosario Islands Resorts or Beach Lounges

For a more relaxed experience, spend a full day at one of the Rosario Islands beach lounges. This option will minimize the time you spend in transit, allowing you to enjoy more time snorkeling, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach. 

These tours typically include a day pass to one of the Rosario Islands resorts, often on Islabela or Isla Grande. For more information, check out this tour or this one.

Stay Overnight on the Rosario Islands

If you’d like more time to enjoy the tranquility of the Rosario Islands, stay overnight (see accommodation recommendations below). Check with your accommodation on how to get there and how much the transportation should cost.

Private Charter Boat

If you’re traveling in a group, renting a private charter boat is a great way to explore the Rosario Islands. The price may actually come out cheaper than if you were to buy tickets individually.

When visiting the Rosario Islands by private charter boat, you can customize your itinerary to avoid peak times at some of the typical spots, which can get crowded. You’ll also be able to go where you please and check out some hidden spots. If I had this option, I would have asked to go to one of the sunken drug trafficking planes for snorkeling!

Scuba Diving in the Rosario Islands

Although it’s possible to go scuba diving in the Rosario Islands, I’m not sure if I would recommend it. While snorkeling at the Rosario Island reef, I noticed that almost all of the corals were dead and there wasn’t much marine life. However if you’re a beginner and want to get certified or try diving for the first time, the Rosario Islands may be a good place for you. Courses are affordable, visibility is good, and the water is calm and warm.

How Long to Stay

You can see the highlights of the islands in a full day trip from Cartagena. Stay overnight to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and for more time to enjoy the beach and pristine waters.

Rosario Islands Weather and When to Go

The Rosario Islands are hot and humid year round, both day and night. The Caribbean sun is strong; pick a boat tour with adequate shade and bring sun protection. 

December to April is the dry season. Although I went in the rainy season (August) I got lucky with no rain! 

Playa Blanca may get crowded on weekends and local holidays.

Rosario Islands Hotels and Where to Stay

For recommendations on where to stay in Cartagena, check out my Cartagena guide.

If you’re planning an overnight Rosario Islands vacation, here are the places I’d recommend staying. Most properties will be located on Isla Grande.

Budget:
Eco-Camping El Frutal. Rent affordable furnished tents.
Secreto Hostel. Offers dormitories and beautiful common areas.

Mid-range:
Isla Grande Eco-Hostal. Choose from a variety of private rooms.
Hotel Islabela Islas Del Rosario. Rent a bungalow with access to a private beach.

Luxury:
Bora Bora Beach Club. Enjoy spacious rooms, waterfront cabanas and a luxurious lounge area.

Where to Eat and Drink

If you’re taking a day tour to the Rosario Islands, there will be opportunities to purchase food and drinks at each stop. Many tours will include soft drinks and a fresh local fruit juice. Some tours serve lunch very late (at the last stop).

If you’re staying overnight on the Rosario Islands, you’ll have limited restaurants to choose from, which serve mostly local food. There are no grocery stores on the islands.

Are the Rosario Islands Safe?

The Rosario islands are very safe to visit and far from any urban centers with crime. 

At Playa Blanca, the vendors can be quite aggressive. Just firmly decline their offers and don’t allow them to give you any “gifts” or “samples”. On our tour, massage vendors approached our table at lunch and insisted on giving us demos.

Check out my Colombia safety guide for more tips, and make sure you have travel insurance.

Budget and Money

There are no ATMs on the Rosario Islands. Bring enough cash to cover the tour, tip for your guides, and any drinks, food, or souvenirs you might want to buy. Keep in mind that prices are on the higher end due to the touristic nature of this place.

What to Bring to the Rosario Islands

For a full list of what to bring, refer to my Colombia packing list. I would stress the following:

• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight towel
• Motion sickness medication. I found the boat ride to be very smooth, but conditions may vary day by day.
• Light, breathable clothing. Protect your skin from the strong Caribbean sun!
• Don’t take many valuables with you, since you’ll leave them on the boat when you go to swim. For peace of mind, keep your valuables in a dry bag that you take into the water with you.
• Snacks. Sometimes lunch is served very late on the tours. While food is available for purchase at earlier stops, it may be overpriced.

Thanks for reading! I hope this Rosario Islands travel guide is useful as you plan your visit to Colombia. Have you ever had an awkward moment joining a tour where you were the only solo traveler amidst a crowd of couples? Let me know in the comments. 

For more Colombia travel tips and destination guides, head to my Colombia page.

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