Rosario Islands Day Trip: Snorkel & Sunbathe at Isla del Sol

Thinking about escaping the hustle of Cartagena for a day? The Rosario Islands tour offers a tempting blend of crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and a taste of local Caribbean life. For around $217 USD, you get a roughly 8-hour experience that promises beach lounging, snorkeling, and a tasty Colombian lunch—all with private hotel pickup included.

What we love about this trip? First, the private transfer from Cartagena makes the start seamless and stress-free, especially if your hotel is in Boca Grande or the historic center. Second, the lunch—prepared fresh with locally caught fish—is a highlight, giving you a true taste of Caribbean flavors.

However, a notable consideration is the size and accessibility of the beach area. Several reviews mention that the beach on Isla del Sol can be quite small and crowded, which might not satisfy those dreaming of a vast, sandy stretch. Still, if you’re looking for a day of water activities and island scenery, this tour hits the mark. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxation and light adventure, and who’re okay with a smaller beach setting.

Key Points

• Private transport and speedboat transfer streamline the start and end of your day.
• The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or just splashing around.
• The lunch, prepared with fresh fish, offers an authentic Caribbean meal.
• The island’s small size means limited beach space, so expect some crowds.
• Optional activities like kayaking, hammocks, and snorkeling are available, but at your own expense.
• Reviews highlight friendly guides, stunning views, and good value, but warn about beach size and organization issues.

Exploring the Rosario Islands: A closer look

The trip begins early. With a hotel pickup in Cartagena, you’ll head to the marina where your stylish speedboat awaits. The boat ride itself lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy cool drinks and chatter with fellow travelers. The boat is described as comfortable, holding around 20-40 people, making it a pleasant, intimate experience—something many reviews appreciate.

As you cruise out to the islands, the shimmering water offers fantastic views, and the sense of anticipation builds. The Rosario Islands, declared a protected national park in 1977, are famed for their vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.

The Private Isla del Sol Experience

Your first stop is at Isla del Sol, a private island that offers a more controlled environment. We loved the way this setup keeps the crowds manageable, especially if you prefer a quieter, more exclusive feel. Here, you’re free to swim in the warm, clear water, relax in a hammock, or rent a kayak if you’re feeling adventurous.

From the reviews, it’s clear that the beach area is small and often crowded, with limited sunbeds. Some travelers found the beach “extremely small,” feeling like they were on top of each other, especially during peak hours. But the beautiful scenery and the peaceful surroundings make up for the compact size, as long as you’re prepared for some hustle.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

Snorkeling is highly recommended by those who’ve tried it—many mention the variety of tropical fish and the fun of floating over coral reefs. However, some reviews comment that coral health is poor, with damage and dead patches, which is worth noting if you’re expecting a vibrant reef. Equipment is described as unsanitary in some cases, so bringing your own mask and snorkel might be wise.

Kayaking, lounging in hammocks, and enjoying refreshing dips in the Caribbean are all part of the experience. These activities are optional and at your own expense, but they add fun and variety if you’re willing to pay a bit extra.

The Lunch: Fresh and Authentic

The lunch is a highlight for many. Expect fish cooked fresh, often caught the same day, served with typical Caribbean sides like rice, plantains, and salads. Several reviews praise the quality of the food, calling it “really good” and a perfect complement to the day’s activities.

The Return and Optional Extras

After lunch, you’ll have some free time to relax, walk around, or dip your toes again in the water. Some reviews mention the small beach area and limited shade, so bringing a hat and sunscreen is advisable. Before heading back, many take the chance to use kayaks or snorkel again, if they paid extra.

The boat ride back is a chance to wind down as the sun begins to set, creating beautiful photo opportunities. The journey back offers views of the coastline and the island’s nature.

The Practical Side: Transportation and Tips

The private transfer from Cartagena is convenient, but only covers hotels in certain areas—Boca Grande, Laguito, Casco Antiguo, and Getsemaní. If you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the pickup point.

The timing is quite flexible; the boat departs between 9:00 and 9:30 AM, depending on boat traffic. The return is usually around 5:30 PM, giving you a full day of island fun.

A harbor tax of approximately USD $7 must be paid in cash before boarding, and a port fee of COP $18,500 is also required—best to bring Colombian pesos for these expenses.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is best suited for those who value a hassle-free start with private transport, appreciate a good meal with local flavors, and enjoy water-based activities. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a snapshot of the Rosario Islands’ beauty without extensive travel or complicated logistics. However, if you’re dreaming of vast, untouched beaches or vibrant coral reefs, it might fall short.

The Reality in Perspective

While many travelers rave about the beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and good value, some express disappointment over small beaches and logistical issues. Reviews highlight that some parts of the experience—like the size of the beach, or the organization at the port—are less than perfect.

One traveler summed it up: “The trip itself was very nice and lived up to our expectations,” but cautioned that organization could be improved. Others mentioned that snorkeling is fun, but coral health isn’t what it used to be, and the small beach can fill up quickly.

Despite these mixed experiences, many agree that the beauty of the islands, the quality of the food, and the ease of transportation make this a worthwhile day trip. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic day with a touch of adventure and local flavor, this tour is a solid choice.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re seeking a well-organized, scenic escape with friendly guides and don’t mind a small beach area, this trip offers great value. It’s especially good for families, casual water lovers, and first-time visitors to Cartagena wanting a straightforward introduction to the Rosario Islands.

However, for those who dream of large beaches or vibrant corals, or prefer more secluded spots, you might find this experience a bit limiting. Still, the combination of beautiful waters, fresh seafood, and manageable group size makes it a worthwhile adventure.

If you’re okay with some crowds, small beaches, and a busy schedule, this tour is a nice snapshot of what makes the Rosario Islands so special—perfect for those wanting a day of sunshine, sea, and good food.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, private transport from select Cartagena hotels (Boca Grande, Laguito, Casco Antiguo, Getsemaní) is included in the price.

What is the duration of the trip?
The trip lasts approximately 8 hours, including transfer, boat ride, and free time on the island.

How much does the harbor tax cost?
You’ll need to pay a USD $7 harbor fee in cash before boarding the boat.

Do I need to bring my own towels?
It’s recommended to bring your own towel since towels are not provided.

Can I do activities like snorkeling or kayaking?
Yes, those activities are available but at your own expense. Snorkeling gear is available, though some reviews mention equipment sanitation issues.

What kind of food is served?
A fresh fish lunch, often caught the same day, is included. It’s generally well-reviewed for its freshness and flavor.

Will I have enough beach space?
Probably not—it’s a small beach, often crowded, with limited sunbeds. Arrive early if you want a good spot.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.