5-Island Speedboat Tour in Cartagena and the Rosario Islands

Experience the Best of Cartagena’s Rosario Islands on an Exciting Speedboat Tour

This 5-island speedboat adventure in Cartagena offers a full day of exploring the stunning Rosario Islands, with stops at historic forts, vibrant beaches, and underwater worlds. For $85 per person, you’ll spend about 8 to 12 hours on a lively, well-organized trip that includes snorkeling, beach lounging, and a visit to a colonial fort. Led by knowledgeable guides like Sergio and Franklin, this tour is ideal for those eager to balance culture, nature, and fun in a single day.

What we love most is the variety—from the historic San Fernando Fort to the lively Playa Blanca, there’s something for all. Plus, the snorkeling activities and the chance to swim with fish make it a true aquatic adventure. Another highlight: the optional visit to see bioluminescent plankton at night, a magical experience that’s not often available elsewhere.

One possible consideration: the tour can sometimes be a bit disorganized, with reviews mentioning long waits or crowded stops. If you’re the type who prefers a very structured or private experience, this might require some flexibility.

This tour suits travelers who want a balance of history, beach relaxation, and underwater fun—perfect for families, groups, or solo explorers eager to soak up Cartagena’s island paradise.

Key Points

• Diverse Stops: Fort San Fernando, snorkeling at Isla Grande, and Playa Blanca
• All-Inclusive: Lunch voucher, snorkeling gear, and travel insurance included
• Authentic Experience: Visit historic sites and enjoy local beaches with an enthusiastic guide
• Flexible Duration: 8 to 12 hours depending on your pace and interests
• Bioluminescent Plankton: Optional night excursion to see glowing organisms
• Group Size: Up to 30 travelers, fostering a lively group experience

A Deep Dive into the 5-Island Speedboat Tour in Cartagena

When planning a day trip from Cartagena, this speedboat tour offers an energetic way to see some of Colombia’s most beautiful islands and learn about their history. It combines cultural highlights with beachside relaxation and marine adventures, giving you a well-rounded experience.

Starting Point and Logistics

Your adventure kicks off early, with a meeting at the Pegasus dock in the historic center of Cartagena—specifically at San Martín #15. The group departs around 8:30 a.m. after gathering at 8:00 a.m.. Expect a lively start, as the dock is decorated with statues of pegasus, setting an adventurous tone. The total duration ranges from 8 to 12 hours, making it a full-day commitment.

The tour is mobile ticket-based, which means you can keep your phone handy. It’s wise to arrive on time because the boat departs promptly. The group size is capped at 30 travelers, maintaining an energetic but manageable atmosphere.

Exploring Historic Bocachica and San Fernando Fort

The first stop is at Bocachica, a key defensive site from Colombia’s colonial days, with San José de Bocachica Fort and the San Gabriel Ángeles Battery. These structures once defended Cartagena from pirates and invaders. Visitors get about 45 minutes here, enough for a quick walk around and some photos.

What makes this stop special? It’s a peek into Cartagena’s past, with the chance to imagine what colonial battles looked like. Reviewers like Elena enjoyed the brief visit here, noting the “great tips for dealing with vendors” and feeling safe with the crew.

Snorkeling at Isla Grande

Next, the tour heads to Isla Grande, where you’ll find a natural pool perfect for snorkeling. Using provided snorkeling gear, you’ll float over coral reefs and observe marine life up close. The activity lasts about 45 minutes, and free snorkeling equipment is included.

Many travelers, like Meagan, rave about this part—calling it the best of the trip with “lots of fish and sea life to see.” The experience is straightforward, accessible even for beginners, and the underwater scenery can be mesmerizing.

Relaxing on a Private Island

After the underwater exploration, it’s time to relax on a private island. Here, you can sunbathe on loungers, sip on a lemonade or shrimp cocktail, and enjoy the turquoise waters. The break lasts about an hour, giving you time to unwind—an appreciated moment of calm amid the busy day.

Reviewers like Jacqueline loved this stop, remarking it was ideal for “sunbathing and resting.” It’s a perfect spot for those who want to soak in the scenery without rushing.

Playa Blanca and Lunch

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to Playa Blanca, known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here, you can explore the shoreline, dip your toes in the water, or simply lounge on the Balinese beds.

Lunch is available for around $30,000 COP, which you redeem at local restaurants offering various options. The tour includes free access to amenities like bathrooms and social areas, making it comfortable for a few hours of relaxation. Reviewers like Elizabeth praised the delicious food and the friendly atmosphere.

Optional Night Visit to Bioluminescent Plankton

Later in the day, the tour offers an optional excursion to see the bioluminescent plankton. Traveling by boat at dusk, you’ll witness tiny organisms that glow as they drift in the water—an enchanting, almost surreal sight. Reviewers like Giuseppe found this to be the “best part” of the trip, though he noted the current can be strong, so safety is important.

Final Stop at Isla Tierra Bomba for Sunset

If time permits, the tour concludes with a visit to Isla Tierra Bomba for a sunset view, offering a perfect end to the adventure. It’s a peaceful moment to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy Cartagena’s scenic coastline.

What’s Really Valuable About This Tour?

This tour is about balance. It combines history, wildlife, relaxation, and fun—covering a lot of ground in one day. The guides, particularly Sergio and Franklin, are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more genuine and engaging.

The tour’s price considers transportation, snorkeling gear, insurance, and food vouchers, which adds to its value. While some reviews mention disorganization or crowded stops, others highlight that the variety of experiences outweighs these inconveniences.

Expect a fast-paced day with some long waits and crowds at popular spots, but if you’re prepared to be flexible, you’ll find plenty of memorable moments. The snorkeling and beach time are particularly praised, making this a good option for travelers who want active adventure balanced with downtime.

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re looking for a full-day exploration that hits key attractions—historic forts, beautiful beaches, marine life, and local cuisine—this is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing if you’re comfortable with group excursions and don’t mind a bit of chaos for a chance to see multiple islands in one go.

Final Thoughts: Who is This Tour Best For?

This speedboat adventure is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of history, water activities, and beach relaxation. It’s well-suited for families, groups of friends, or solo explorers eager to meet others on the boat. The tour’s informative guides and variety of stops help justify the price, especially when you value authentic experiences over a perfectly polished operation.

However, if you prefer quiet, private trips or are very sensitive to disorganization or crowds, you might want to consider alternative options. But for those open to some unpredictability, the Rosario Islands speedboat tour promises a lively, scenic, and truly memorable day on Cartagena’s waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 12 hours, depending on conditions and how long you spend at each stop.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation on the speedboat, snorkeling equipment, travel insurance, a bilingual guide, and a lunch voucher. Bottled water is also provided.

Can I snorkel without experience?
Absolutely. The snorkeling equipment is provided, and the activity is straightforward—floating over coral reefs and observing marine life. Reviewers like Meagan found it to be the highlight of the trip.

Is there a safety concern?
The crew is generally attentive, and life jackets are supplied, especially for open water. Some reviews mention strong currents during the plankton excursion, so listen to your guide’s safety instructions.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
Most trips start early in the morning, around 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., to maximize daylight and avoid the heat. The optional plankton trip is planned around dusk, for optimal viewing.

Are there any hidden costs?
You’ll need to pay for lunch unless you use your voucher, and dock taxes are not included. Also, alcoholic beverages are not part of the package.

How crowded does the tour get?
Because of group size limits, it’s generally lively but manageable. Some reviews mention long waits or crowded stops, so patience and flexibility are good traits to bring along.

Would this tour suit families?
Yes, especially families with kids who enjoy water activities and history. Just keep in mind that certain stops, like Playa Blanca, can be quite busy.

To sum it up, this 5-island speedboat tour offers an engaging blend of culture, nature, and leisure, making it a standout choice for travelers who want to see Cartagena’s coastal treasures in a single, fun-packed day. While it’s not without its quirks, the overall experience—highlighted by friendly guides, stunning scenery, and delicious food—is well worth considering. Just bring your sense of adventure, a camera, and perhaps some extra patience.