Cartagena: All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour

Looking for a lively day trip from Cartagena that combines adventure, scenic views, and a taste of Colombia’s coastal charm? This All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour offers a full day of sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing amid stunning islands and historic forts. For $81 per person, you’ll spend around 7 hours exploring the turquoise waters, visiting the Oceanarium, and enjoying a local lunch.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it balances all the highlights—speedboat rides through lively water passages and a visit to the historic forts of San Fernando and San José. Plus, the inclusion of lunch, taxes, and entrance to the Oceanarium makes it a convenient, straightforward option. The opportunity to see Tierra Bomba Island, snorkel, or visit Playa Blanca is especially appealing.

A few considerations are worth noting: the fast-moving speedboat can be bumpy, especially if the sea is rough, and the schedule can be tight, leaving little room for spontaneous exploring. This tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with boat rides and eager to see several highlights in one day.

If you’re interested in marine life, history, and scenic beaches, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour could be a great fit. Families with older children or those with a decent level of mobility will appreciate the structured itinerary and the guided insights.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Package: Includes lunch, Oceanarium entrance, taxes, and round-trip speedboat transportation.
• Historical Insights: View forts of San Fernando and San José from the boat, adding a touch of colonial history.
• Flexible Activities: Options to snorkel or visit the Oceanarium; activities are scheduled but can be adapted.
• Scenic Travel: Enjoy a scenic 45-minute boat ride through Rosario’s coral reefs and turquoise waters.
• Expert Guides: Bilingual guides provide commentary throughout the day, enriching the experience.
• Limited Free Time: Expect a busy schedule, with about 2 hours on Playa Blanca and some time on Barù Island, but limited free time for spontaneous wandering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour

This tour offers a lively, full-day excursion suited for those who want a taste of everything Cartagena’s nearby islands have to offer. Starting early, you’ll meet at La Bodeguita, where your guide will verify your reservation, hand you your lunch ticket, and prepare you for a day on the water.

Pickup and Departure

Most travelers will be picked up from their hotels in Bocagrande or El Laguito around 7:50 am, which is crucial to note because the boat departs between 8:30 am and 9:00 am. If you’re outside these areas, you’ll need to meet at the Muelle de la Bodeguita at 8 am. The early start makes for a long but rewarding day.

The Speedboat Ride: A Thrilling, Bumpy Journey

The boat ride itself is about an hour from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands, passing Tierra Bomba Island and its four towns—Punta Arena, Caño del Oro, Bocachica, and others. You’ll see forts from afar, which adds a touch of history to the scenic cruise.

Travel tip: The boat moves fast and can be bumpy, especially if the sea isn’t calm. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions beforehand. Pregnant women, seniors, or those with mobility issues are advised against this activity, given the speed and movement.

Arriving at the Rosario Islands: A Variety of Stops

Once there, you’ll split into two groups—one heads directly to Barù Island while the other continues on to Islas del Rosario. The latter is where you’ll find the Oceanarium and snorkeling options. You get approximately 45 minutes to an hour for each activity, which can feel rushed but is enough to get a good glimpse of marine life and the aquarium.

One traveler noted, “the trip to the Corales de Rosario National Park is about 45 minutes, and the open sea can be a little rough, but the views are stunning.” Others appreciated the guided explanation about the forts and surrounding islands.

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Oceanarium and Snorkeling: Options and Limitations

At the Oceanarium, you’ll see marine species and learn about local aquatic life. While some travelers found this fascinating (“the oceanarium was very interesting,” said one), others felt it was a bit rushed and crowded, as noted by a review mentioning chaos due to too many people. Snorkeling is available but only one activity can be done at a time, and swimming in the open sea isn’t allowed at the Oceanarium due to boat traffic.

Lunch at Playa Blanca: A Relaxation Point

At Playa Blanca, you’ll have a couple of hours for lunch and relaxation. The meal options are pre-selected and include fish, coconut rice, plantain, and salad, with the restaurant providing exclusive seating. Travelers have reported mixed experiences with the food—some found it satisfactory, while others felt it was dry or mediocre. One reviewer mentioned, “the beach where we had lunch was beautiful, but the food was disappointing.” Still, the setting itself, with beach views and gentle waves, makes up for some of the culinary shortcomings.

You can rent chairs and tents if you prefer to stay out of the sun, which is a smart move given Cartagena’s intense midday heat.

The Return Journey: Relaxing and Scenic

After lunch, you’ll head back via boat, with a stop at Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú for a quick swim or walk, depending on the tide and your energy level. The trip back takes around an hour, giving you some time to reflect on the day’s highlights.

Final Stop and Return

Most travelers end their day back at Muelle de la Bodeguita, arriving around 5 pm. Although the day is tightly scheduled, the tour’s organization helps keep things moving smoothly, with guides providing explanations and assistance along the way.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer summed it up: “The guides are knowledgeable, and the views are stunning. The snorkeling was a bit chaotic due to many people, but the oceanarium was very interesting.” Others appreciated the friendly guides like Gabriel, who made the experience more enjoyable. Conversely, some travelers expressed disappointment, especially with the quality of the food or the rushed schedule.

Transportation and Practicalities

The trip involves hotel pickup if you’re in Bocagrande or El Laguito, but be ready for an early start. The round-trip speedboat is fast and fun but can be bumpy, so bring seasickness remedies if needed. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it somewhat inclusive, though the boat ride’s nature may pose challenges for some.

All taxes, entrance fees, and a guide are included, which simplifies planning. However, additional activities like chairs, tents, or drinks are extra and not included in the package.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for active travelers who love boat rides, scenic views, and a packed itinerary. It’s also perfect if you want an easy way to see both cultural and natural highlights in one day without the hassle of organizing transportation or tickets. Families with older children, especially those who enjoy marine life and history, will find the tour engaging.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness, seeking a more relaxed pace, or prefer more free time for spontaneous exploration, you might find this schedule a bit rushed.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Rosario Islands speedboat day trip balances scenic adventure, cultural sights, and beach relaxation in a way that can offer great value. The guides’ knowledge and included entrance and meals simplify your day, making it a convenient choice. The bumpy boat ride and tight schedule are trade-offs, but for many, the stunning views, marine encounters, and historical forts make it worthwhile.

If you’re eager to see cartagena’s maritime surroundings and enjoy a variety of activities in a single day, this tour offers a comprehensive experience. Just be prepared for the lively pace and bring some patience, especially during busy times.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip speedboat transportation, port taxes, entrance to the Oceanarium, a guided tour, and lunch. Guide assistance in English and Spanish is also provided.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, a waterproof jacket if rain is possible, and perhaps a towel. Remember, you will get wet, so pack accordingly. Chairs and tents are available for rent if you want extra comfort on the beach.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women and people with mobility impairments are advised against participating due to the fast boat ride and physical activity involved.

How long is the boat ride?
The trip from Cartagena to the islands takes about one hour each way.

Can I snorkel?
Yes, snorkeling is available, but only one activity at a time. It’s offered alongside the Oceanarium visit, and you can choose which to do.

Is food included?
Yes, a vegetarian or fish lunch is included, depending on your selection. The food has received mixed reviews, so manage expectations accordingly.

What’s the schedule like?
The day starts early, with departures between 8:30 am and 9 am, and returns around 5 pm, with about 2 hours allocated for lunch and beach time.

Can I customize the activities?
The schedule is fairly fixed, but you can opt-out of certain activities, such as snorkeling or visiting the Oceanarium, and spend time relaxing instead.

Is there a limit on group size?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is organized for group participation, and reviews suggest the crowd can be lively, especially at popular sites like the Oceanarium.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Older children who enjoy boat rides and active exploration will likely enjoy it, but very young children or those sensitive to seasickness might find it challenging.

This tour offers a lively, well-organized way to explore Cartagena’s marine-rich surroundings. It’s best for travelers seeking a full, active day with plenty of scenic, historical, and aquatic highlights in one package—perfect if you enjoy guided experiences and don’t mind a schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here: