3 islas privadas

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Cartagena and experience Colombia’s stunning Rosario Islands, this 5-hour private tour offers a lively day packed with island hopping, water fun, and plenty of drinks. For $106 per person, you’ll visit several islands, soak in the sun, enjoy water activities, and sip on Colombian liquor, rum, and beers—all while sharing the boat with international travelers.

We love how this tour combines adventure and relaxation—the variety of stops means you get a taste of different beaches and local scenery, plus the onboard open bar keeps the energy lively. The sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling make it a well-rounded day out.

One thing to consider is that the experience can be quite crowded and rushed, especially during peak times, so if you prefer quiet, this might not be for you. Still, this tour suits those who enjoy social atmospheres, lively group fun, and a bit of spontaneity.

It’s ideal for travelers who want a full day of variety, and aren’t expecting a totally relaxed, solitary experience. If you’re curious about the Rosario Islands and want a taste of local culture combined with water adventures, this tour delivers.

Key Points

• Multiple Islands: Visit Isla Grande, Cholón, Playa Blanca, and Tranquila Beach for varied scenery.
• Water Activities: Snorkeling, sea baths, and swimming are included, making it perfect for water lovers.
• Open Bar: Enjoy beers, national rum, aguardiente, water, and soda during the trip.
• Meal Options: Lunch includes three choices—chicken, fish, or vegetarian—plus a snack of arepa and juice.
• Cultural Interaction: Limited time at local islands offers a glimpse of local life and scenery.
• Group Size: Expect a lively, multi-national crowd that makes for great social moments.

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Exploring the Rosario Islands: An Honest Look

Heading out from Babylon Restaurant & Bar in Cartagena, this tour kicks off with a speedboat ride that lasts about 45 minutes. The boat is a lively way to start your day, with onboard drinks and music setting the tone. Expect a diverse crowd—many nationalities—and a fun, energetic atmosphere. The boat ride itself is a highlight for many, offering quick, scenic views of the sea and the islands ahead.

Visiting Isla Grande: A Nature and Marine Life Encounter

Our first real stop is Isla Grande, where we spend about 45 minutes gazing at marine life and enjoying a scenic drive. This island is a classic postcard image with turquoise waters and lush greenery. We loved the opportunity here to see marine life and take photos, though some reviews mention that the short stop can be a bit rushed.

Cholón: The Party Island

Next, we stop at Cholón, the party hotspot of the Rosario archipelago. You’ll have about an hour here for photo opportunities, swimming, and soaking in the lively vibe. We appreciated that this stop offers free time, but be aware that during busy season, it can feel crowded. Here, you get a taste of local beach bars and music, making it a fun, energetic area.

Playa Blanca: Relaxing in Paradise

The tour then moves to Playa Blanca on Baru Island, where you’ll spend about an hour swimming or simply lounging on the soft sands. The beach is stunning, with clear waters and white sand, perfect for a quick dip or some relaxing sunbathing. Be prepared for some touristy feel — vendors and crowds are part of the scene, but the scenery more than makes up for it.

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Tranquila Beach: Lunch and Sightseeing

The next stop offers a break time at Tranquila Beach, where you’ll have lunch with a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian options. The meal is included, and we found the setting peaceful and scenic, with time for photos, walks, and sightseeing. It’s a good chance to relax and recharge before the final leg of the day.

Returning and Reflection

After about 30 minutes on Tranquila Beach, the boat ride back takes around 30 minutes, giving you a chance to unwind, enjoy a few last drinks, and reflect on the day. The tour concludes back at Babylon Restaurant & Bar in Cartagena.

Practical Details and Value

This tour is quite organized, with a clear itinerary that balances water activities, sightseeing, and relaxation. The price of $106 includes lunch, snacks, and alcoholic beverages, which adds value given the all-inclusive nature of the experience. However, it’s worth noting that some travelers, like a recent review, found the group size to be large and the island visit somewhat rushed. The short stops mean you need to be prepared for quick visits rather than immersive experiences.

The transportation—the speedboat—offers a fun and efficient way to cover the distances between islands, but be ready for the wavy ride, especially if you’re prone to seasickness. The group size can be lively, which is great for social, energetic travelers but may not suit those seeking solitude or a quiet day.

The meals, with three options, cater to different dietary preferences, and the open bar is a big plus, especially since it includes beers and local spirits. Just keep in mind the limited supply of alcohol—once gone, you might need to buy extra if you want more drinks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy social environments, water-based activities, and lively group outings. If you appreciate scenic beaches and are happy with a busy, active day, this tour can be a highlight of your trip. It’s also ideal if you want to sample local drinks and interact with other travelers from around the world.

However, if you prefer quiet beaches, in-depth island exploration, or a more tranquil pace, you might find this tour too hectic. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women, people with health issues, or those over 60, as the physical activity and boat rides might be challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour include?
It includes transportation by speedboat, visits to several islands, water activities, lunch with three options, snacks, and drinks including beers and national spirits, as well as a guide speaking English and Spanish.

How long are the stops on each island?
Stops vary from about 30 to 45 minutes. Isla Grande and Tranquila Beach get around 45 minutes, Cholón and Playa Blanca are about an hour each, which is enough for photos, swimming, and a quick exploration.

Is the tour suitable for children or babies?
It’s not recommended for babies under 1 year, and generally, not suitable for pregnant women, or those with back or heart problems. The physical demands and boat rides may not suit very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, cash, and a copy of your passport or ID. It’s advisable to have water shoes for rocky or crowded beaches and to be prepared for the sun.

Will I have free time to explore on my own?
Yes, some stops like Cholón and Tranquila Beach allow free time for swimming, photos, or just relaxing. Keep in mind, the short duration means you won’t have time for in-depth exploration.

Is the experience family-friendly?
It’s more suited for active, social travelers. Families with older children who enjoy water activities may find it fun, but younger kids or those seeking quiet beaches might prefer a different tour.

What about group size and atmosphere?
Expect a lively environment with multiple nationalities. Some reviews mention large groups and a somewhat rushed feel, so if you prefer intimate tours, this might not be ideal.

Final Thoughts

This 3 Islas Privadas tour offers an energetic, all-in-one package for those wanting to explore the Rosario Islands with a lively group, water fun, and plenty of local drinks. The stunning beaches, water activities, and scenic stops make it a memorable day, especially for travelers who thrive in social atmospheres and enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure.

While it’s not suited for those seeking solitude or an in-depth cultural experience, it’s perfect for adventurous, sociable travelers looking for a fun-filled day on the sea. The value for the price, considering the included food and drinks, is reasonable, but be prepared for a busy, sometimes rushed schedule.

This tour provides a solid snapshot of the Rosario Islands’ highlights, with enough variety and excitement to satisfy most water-loving travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby