Cartagena: Encantada in Rosario Islands Boat Trip

A boat trip from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands offers a compelling mix of turquoise waters, natural beauty, and a taste of local life. For $75 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring Corales de Indias National Park, relaxing at a beach club, and enjoying a fresh lunch. The experience is designed to appeal to those looking for a relaxed day with scenic views, good food, and some swimming in warm waters.

What we like most about this tour is the opportunity to see some of Cartagena’s most iconic coastlines and marine biodiversity, along with the chance to unwind at a comfortable beach facility. The inclusion of a welcome cocktail and authentic lunch adds a friendly, laid-back vibe. However, a potential downside is the inconsistent quality of guides and some logistical issues, which can impact the overall experience. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, light snorkeling, and a leisurely beach day with minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Scenic boat journey: Enjoy a comfortable ride through clear, turquoise waters.
• Beautiful beaches and coral: Relax on white sands and navigate coral-filled waters carefully.
• Beach club access: Relax on loungers or Balinese beds with stunning seaside views.
• Authentic Colombian lunch: Savor fresh fish, juicy chicken, or vegetarian options.
• Flexible schedule: About 8 hours with stops for swimming, relaxing, and sightseeing.
• Mixed reviews: While some love the scenery, others report issues with guides and facilities.

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An Honest Look at the Rosario Islands Boat Trip

Choosing a day trip from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands means enjoying one of Colombia’s most inviting coastal areas. This tour is priced at $75 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a well-rounded option for a full-day escape that combines natural beauty, relaxation, and cultural flavor. Starting at the Bodeguita dock early in the morning, you’ll hop onto a comfortable boat to cruise across azure waters towards Isla Grande and the surrounding Corales de Indias.

What makes this trip attractive is the promise of crystal-clear waters and the chance to spend time on idyllic beaches. We particularly enjoy the fact that the tour includes access to a beach club with loungers and Balinese beds, which adds an extra touch of comfort that many similar excursions lack. The lunch served here features fresh seafood or vegetarian options, crafted with local ingredients—definitely a highlight for food lovers. Also, starting the day with a welcome cocktail sets a festive tone that helps you shake off any travel fatigue.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews highlight issues like guide language barriers and facilities that aren’t always in top shape. For example, one traveler mentioned that the guide on the boat only spoke Spanish, which could be a problem if you’re seeking an English-speaking guide. Plus, the toilets lacked seats and were not well-maintained, and some travelers felt that the beach at Encanta was smaller than expected. The speedboat ride back was reportedly quite rough, with some arriving soaked, which could be uncomfortable. These points suggest that if comfort and seamless communication are priorities, you’ll want to prepare accordingly.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers and relaxation seekers who are okay with a few rough edges and are mainly eager to enjoy beautiful scenery and authentic Colombian cuisine. Those looking for a luxury experience or perfect guide service might want to explore other options.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Muelle de la Bodeguita at 8:30 am, where a host will greet you in the uniform of the Encantada Beach Club. This initial meeting point is convenient and clearly designated, but arriving on time is key to avoid missing the departure at 9:15 am.

The boat ride (about 1 hour) is the first leg of your adventure. Expect scenic views of Cartagena’s coastline and open water, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking up the peaceful vibe. But beware—at least one reviewer noted that the boat ride was quite bumpy on the way back, and the driver was going fast enough to get everyone soaked.

The main stop at Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park is the heart of the tour. You’ll have about 5 hours here, which includes a guided tour of the area, free time on the beach, swimming, and lunch. The park is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, but be cautious—coral-covered waters can be tricky to walk through, especially if you’re not a confident swimmer.

Encanta Beach is a major attraction, with its white sands and relaxing ambiance. The beach club facilities include sun loungers and Balinese beds, which are available based on availability. You can choose to lounge, enjoy the scenery, or take a swim in the warm waters.

Returning to Cartagena, you’ll hop on the speedboat for the roughly 1-hour ride back to the dock. While some travelers find the return exhilarating, others mention the ride was so rough they arrived drenched and slipping on their seats.

Back at Muelle de la Bodeguita, the tour concludes, leaving you with a day full of sun, sea, and relaxed Colombian charm.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers a welcome drink, boat trip, entrance to the beach club, lunch, and sun loungers or Balinese beds (subject to availability). These inclusions offer decent value, especially considering the full-day experience. The port tax (around 26,000 COP) and hotel pickup are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

In terms of cost, $75 per person is reasonable, especially when you factor in the boat ride, lunch, and beach access. It’s a good deal for travelers who want a straightforward, scenic day without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves.

Authentic Experiences and Challenges

One of the biggest draws of this trip is the chance to see Colombia’s vibrant marine life and relax in a beautiful setting. The lunch—featuring fresh fish and local flavors—is often praised as authentic and tasty. The beach club adds a level of comfort that makes the experience more enjoyable, especially on a hot day.

However, some reviews point out inconsistencies. For example, a traveler named Louise mentioned that Encantada Beach was small, with no true beach club as expected, and facilities were subpar, such as toilets without seats. She also described the boat ride back as so fast it left her and her companion soaked. Such comments highlight that expectations may not match reality, especially regarding amenities and guide language.

Another review noted the guides spoke only Spanish, which could be frustrating if you’re not bilingual. Despite these issues, many travelers find the overall scenery and experience worthwhile—they just suggest being prepared for some rough patches and variable service quality.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers willing to overlook minor inconveniences for the chance to see Colombia’s stunning coastlines and enjoy a relaxing beach day. If you’re a food lover, the authentic Colombian lunch and fresh seafood will be a highlight. Families with children might find the calm waters and beach club facilities appealing, but should be cautious about the coral and the sometimes rough boat rides.

Those seeking luxury or seamless service should consider other options, as some aspects of the tour can be inconsistent. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to maximize scenic beauty and local flavor without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

A day spent exploring the Rosario Islands offers a blend of breathtaking views, relaxing beaches, and authentic Colombian cuisine. While the trip includes some hiccups—like guide language barriers and facilities that leave something to be desired—the overall experience provides a wonderful escape from the bustle of Cartagena. Expect an emphasis on scenery, fresh food, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes for an enjoyable day in paradise.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, scenic tour with plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and indulge in local flavors, this trip is worth considering. Just arrive prepared for a variable experience—some days will shine, others might be less polished but still beautiful.

For those who prioritize authenticity over luxury and enjoy a bit of adventure, the Rosario Islands boat trip from Cartagena offers genuine, memorable moments amid Colombia’s stunning coast.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including transportation, stops, and meals.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, a towel, passport or ID, and perhaps some cash for extras.

Is there an age limit?
Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and pregnant women, recent surgery patients, and those over 95 may not be suitable.

Are guide services available in English?
Yes, the tour offers bilingual guides, but reviews indicate some guides only speak Spanish, so communication might vary.

What’s the meal like?
Expect a delicious Colombian lunch with fresh fish, chicken, or vegetarian options—authentic and flavorful.

Are there any hidden costs?
Yes, the port tax (around 26,000 COP) is not included in the price.

This boat trip to the Rosario Islands offers enough scenery and flavor to satisfy most travelers, especially those wanting a relaxed, scenic day with good eats and gorgeous waters. While not perfect, the mixture of natural beauty and authentic experiences makes it a worthwhile outing for those eager to enjoy Cartagena’s coastal treasures.

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