Cartagena de Indias: 2×1 Boat trip to the Rosario Islands and Baru Island

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of Cartagena and spend a day cruising through turquoise waters, this 2-for-1 boat trip to the Rosario Islands and Baru Island offers a pretty good deal. At about $44 per person for an eight-hour adventure, you’ll get to explore some of Colombia’s most iconic Caribbean spots, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, relaxing on white sands, and tasting local cuisine.

Our guides do a good job of balancing safety with fun, providing a panoramic boat ride that covers both natural beauty and interesting landmarks like San Fernando and San José forts. Two things we particularly like are the inclusion of lunch at Mandala Beach Restaurant and the chance to visit San Martin de Pajarales Island for optional snorkeling or a dolphin show — both add a personalized touch to the day.

A potential drawback? The schedule is tight with an 8-hour window, so if you’re slow to relax or prefer a leisurely pace, this tour might feel rushed. Also, while the price includes most essentials, if you’re keen on extra drinks or photos, those costs will be on you.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy organized day trips with a mix of sightseeing, water activities, and beach time—especially those who appreciate value for money and want a structured way to see highlights of the islands without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• All-in-one package: Combines boat transportation, sightseeing, snorkeling options, and lunch in a single day.
• Cultural and natural highlights: Includes panoramic views of Cartagena’s colonial forts and stops at stunning islands.
• Flexible activities: Optional oceanarium visit or snorkeling at San Martin de Pajarales Island.
• Efficient schedule: Designed to maximize your time on the water and at the beaches within 8 hours.
• Safety and environmental focus: Life jackets are provided, and regulations are explained to protect the marine environment.
• Value for money: At $44, it offers a comprehensive Caribbean experience with food, transport, and guides included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at Your Day on the Water

Starting early at La Bodeguita Dock, you’ll meet your friendly guides around 8:00 a.m. They’ll verify your registration, hand out handles (life jackets), and lunch tickets, setting the tone for a smooth day ahead. The check-in the day before is essential, as it ensures all safety and insurance details are sorted, which makes for a hassle-free experience once on the water.

Once on board, the boat begins a panoramic tour of Cartagena’s bay, passing landmarks like Tierra Bomba, San Fernando, and San José forts—these views alone make the journey worthwhile. It’s a great chance to appreciate Cartagena’s strategic colonial defenses and lively port activity from the water, especially if you love a scenic cruise.

The boat then heads towards the Corales del Rosario National Park, a protected marine area famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse aquatic life. Here, you’ll have the option to visit San Martin de Pajarales Island, which is often a highlight. Many travelers enjoy the snorkeling or visiting the oceanarium—activities that last about 45 minutes to an hour. According to a review, “We really enjoyed the tour. It was well organized and punctual,” highlighting how smoothly things tend to run.

Next, around noon, you’ll arrive at Playa Tranquila on Baru Island for lunch. The Mandala Beach Restaurant offers a selection of eight meal options, which you can choose during check-in. The restaurant facilities are available for use, and chairs or tents can be rented if you want closer access to the water or shade. The lunch break is a good opportunity to unwind, savor fresh seafood, or simply soak up the sun.

In the afternoon, you’re encouraged to relax at Playa Tranquila, with its calm, clear waters—ideal for swimming or just lounging with a good book. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of this quiet beach, especially after the busy morning. The return trip is scheduled for around 3:00 p.m., at which point the boat heads back toward Cartagena, arriving around 4:00 p.m.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers most essentials: insurance, guides, boat transportation, panoramic views, snorkeling or oceanarium options, and lunch. This comprehensive setup means you don’t have to worry about the details, just focus on having fun.

However, there are some extras you should be aware of. You’ll need to pay for mulle taxes and any additional beverages, and if you want to rent chairs, tents, or buy souvenirs, those costs are separate. The tour doesn’t include hotel pickups, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point at La Bodeguita Dock on your own.

Notably, the tour emphasizes safety and environmental responsibility—life jackets are mandatory, and guides give instructions on not disturbing marine life or extracting aquatic species. It’s reassuring to see this focus, especially in a protected park setting.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Based on reviews, travelers generally find this trip well-organized and punctual. As one reviewer put it: “All the staff were in uniform, making it easy to identify them,” which reduces stress, especially in a busy port. Others highlight the beautiful scenery and relaxing pace, with plenty of time at the beaches to unwind.

A bit more about the beach experience: the Playa Tranquila is a quieter alternative to crowded tourist beaches, with calm waters perfect for swimming. The inclusion of lunch adds value, so you’re not just paying for transportation but also a decent meal with options.

Some travelers mention that the schedule is tight, which is true—if you prefer a slow morning or leisurely exploration, you might feel hurried. But if your priority is seeing the highlights and enjoying some Caribbean sun, this tour is quite effective.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who enjoys organized day trips with a good mix of sightseeing, water activities, and beach time, you’ll likely find this tour well suited. It’s perfect if you want a cost-effective way to see multiple islands without worrying about logistics or transportation.

It’s especially good for those who appreciate value for money, as the price includes most essentials: guides, boat rides, snorkeling options, and a hearty lunch. If you’re not keen on spending extra on photos or drinks, this package covers the basics nicely.

However, it might not be ideal for travelers with limited mobility or those seeking a very relaxed, slow-paced day, given the tight schedule and active nature of the trip.

This 2×1 boat trip offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience some of the Caribbean’s best sights from Cartagena. It’s well-organized, with good value, and offers enough variety—cruising, snorkeling, beaches, and cultural sights—to keep most travelers happy.

You’ll love the scenic boat ride and the beach time at Playa Tranquila, especially if you’re looking to unwind in a quieter setting. The inclusion of lunch and guidance makes it easy to relax and focus on enjoying the day.

On the downside, the tight schedule may feel rushed if you want to linger longer in each spot, but for many, that’s a minor trade-off for the convenience and all-inclusive nature of the tour.

Overall, if you’re after a fun, affordable, and well-organized Caribbean day trip with plenty of natural beauty and a touch of culture, this tour is worth considering. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to check off some top highlights without the hassle of planning your private excursions.

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FAQs

What is the cost of this tour?
It’s $44 per person, which includes boat transportation, guide assistance, snorkeling or oceanarium options, lunch, and safety gear.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience takes about 8 hours, starting at around 8:00 a.m. and ending around 4:00 p.m., including travel, activities, and free time.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, a daypack, binoculars, and insect repellent. Avoid jewelry and plastic bottles.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly stated, but given the schedule and activities, it’s best for children over 1 year old. Not recommended for babies or very elderly travelers over 70.

Are there any optional activities?
Yes, you can choose to visit the oceanarium or snorkel at San Martin de Pajarales Island, both optional and lasting about 45 minutes to an hour.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to meet at La Bodeguita Dock at the designated time.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I want extra drinks or souvenirs?
Those are not included; you’ll need to purchase them separately on-site.

Is there a maximum group size?
While not specified, the organization seems to run smoothly with a guided group, likely small to medium-sized.

What happens if it rains?
The tour typically offers full refunds if canceled due to weather, but check the cancellation policy for details.

This trip provides a straightforward, fun way to enjoy Cartagena’s nearby islands without the fuss. Whether you’re after a quick escape, some sun and sand, or a glimpse into Colombia’s marine life, it’s a solid choice that balances adventure with comfort.

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