Cartagena: All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour offers a lively and practical way to experience Colombia’s most celebrated island chain. For $81 per person, you’ll spend about seven hours on the water and islands, with visits to the Rosario Islands, Barú Island, and an oceanarium. The tour boasts round-trip speedboat transport, a vegetarian or fish lunch, and native English-speaking guides—a package designed for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines stunning scenery with accessible activities—from the boat ride passing forts built by the Spanish to snorkeling or visiting the aquarium. Plus, the all-inclusive aspect means fewer worries about extra costs, taxes included, and a straightforward schedule.

However, a key consideration is the fast-paced nature of the day, which might not suit those wanting a slow, relaxing beach experience. The tour’s emphasis on multiple stops and activities means you’ll need to be ready for a busy schedule. It’s best suited for active travelers, families, or groups eager to see multiple highlights in one day, especially if you enjoy guided excursions with local insights.

Key Points

All-Inclusive Value: Meals, entrance fees, taxes, and transportation are covered, simplifying your day.
Cultural and Scenic Highlights: View Spanish colonial forts, visit the oceanarium, and enjoy scenic boat rides.
Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides provide English assistance, enriching your understanding.
Flexible Activities: Options to snorkel or visit the oceanarium, with clear timing.
Fast-Paced Tour: The itinerary covers a lot in one day, suited for energetic travelers.
Potential Limitations: Some reviews mention less satisfying meals and crowded spots.

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A Deep Dive into the Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour

If you’re looking for a day trip that packs in the highlights of Cartagena’s nearby islands, this tour is a solid choice. It’s designed to give visitors a taste of Caribbean island life, Spanish colonial history, and underwater fun — all in one seamless package. Starting with a hotel pickup (if you’re in Bocagrande or El Laguito), you’ll head to the Muelle de la Bodeguita, the tour’s main departure point, where the adventure begins.

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The Transportation and Schedule

Your day kicks off early—pickups are scheduled from around 7:50 am if you’re staying in Bocagrande or Laguito, or meet directly at Muelle de Bodeguita at 8:00 am. The journey begins with a 30-minute bus ride, followed by a one-hour speedboat cruise across the waters that surround Cartagena. The boat, described as fast and sometimes bumpy depending on sea conditions, offers a thrilling ride that’s part of the fun.

The boat passes in front of Tierra Bomba Island, where four districts are visible — Punta Arena, Caño del Oro, and Bocachica — with historic forts (San Fernando and San José) from the colonial era offering a glimpse into Cartagena’s past. This part of the trip is a highlight for history buffs and those who appreciate scenic coastal views.

The Highlights of the Itinerary

Rosario Islands itself is the main event. After roughly 45 minutes crossing open sea, the group splits: some head directly to Barú Island, while others are taken to the Islas del Rosario for optional activities. You’ll have approximately 45 minutes to an hour at the oceanarium or to snorkel—two different ways to enjoy the marine life, depending on your preference.

The Oceanarium is included in the ticket, which many find to be a delightful spot to see local marine species up close. According to reviews, the visit is guided, and you get about an hour for this stop, which is perfect for light exploration without feeling rushed. Some travelers, like Barbara from France, enjoyed the aquarium but noted the guides didn’t speak English, which could make understanding the exhibits a bit challenging if you’re not fluent in Spanish.

Barú Island offers a different vibe — a quiet, sandy haven perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or enjoying the included lunch. The restaurant is reserved for tour guests, and tables are set at the water’s edge, offering a great opportunity to savor fresh fish, coconut rice, plantains, and salads—an authentic Caribbean meal. Some reviews mentioned that the lunch was somewhat disappointing, with one traveler describing the food as very dry, so don’t expect gourmet fare.

Beach time at Playa Blanca on Barú is about two hours, giving you the chance to swim, walk, or just soak up the sun. You can rent chairs and tents outside the restaurant if you want more comfort or shade. The views here are stunning, but some travelers found the beach experience a bit chaotic or crowded, with not much room to relax peacefully.

The Return Journey and Final Stops

After lunch and some leisure, the tour resumes with a one-hour speedboat ride back to Cartagena. The tour concludes at the Muelle de la Bodeguita, making it convenient for those staying nearby or heading into the city for further exploration.

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Authentic Experiences and Tips

What travelers love: Many appreciate the knowledgeable guides, who offer insights into local history and marine life. As Ozzy from the US mentioned, “Great except the beach we had lunch,” indicating that while the scenery and guides are generally appreciated, some aspects like the quality of lunch can vary.

What could be better: Several reviews highlight a less-than-ideal lunch or crowded spots, especially at the island beaches. Also, the lack of English guides at the oceanarium might hinder understanding if your Spanish isn’t strong.

Practical tips: Because the boat is fast and sometimes bumpy, bring a jacket, hats, or sheets if you’re sensitive to motion or getting wet. Pregnant women, elderly, and those with mobility issues are advised against taking part, due to the fast-paced, boat-heavy nature of the trip.

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Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour suits active travelers eager for a full day of sightseeing, marine life, and beach time. If you’re comfortable with a structured schedule and enjoy guided tours with local insights, this will deliver. Families with young children might find the day a bit hectic, especially the boat rides and crowded beaches. Those seeking a more relaxed, beach-only experience might prefer to visit one island at a slower pace.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In terms of value, the tour’s all-inclusive pricing covers transport, meals, and entry fees, making it straightforward and predictable. The scenic boat ride, combined with stops at historic forts, an aquarim, and a quiet beach, offers a well-rounded introduction to the Rosario Islands.

However, it’s clear from reviews that service quality varies—some travelers rave about the friendly guides and beautiful views, while others mention issues with food and crowded spots. If your priority is a well-organized, guided day with multiple highlights, this tour ticks those boxes. But if you’re looking for a more leisurely, beach-focused day, you might want to consider alternatives.

This tour is an excellent choice for those wanting to see a little bit of everything—history, marine life, and Caribbean beaches—in one compact, lively adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price? The price covers round-trip speedboat transportation, port taxes, entrance to the oceanarium, a meal, and guided assistance in English throughout the day.

What should I bring? Pack essentials like water, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof jacket or towel, especially since the boat ride can be wet and bumpy. Consider bringing some cash for renting chairs or tents outside the restaurant.

Are there any age or health restrictions? Yes, pregnant women, people with disabilities, or older adults are advised not to participate due to the speedboat ride. Infants from 0-2 years can travel but without food, and if they visit the dolphin show, they pay a small fee.

How long is the boat ride? The crossing from Cartagena to the islands takes about 45 minutes to an hour on a fast, sometimes bumpy boat.

Can I snorkel at the islands? Yes, snorkeling is one of the optional activities at Islas del Rosario, with about 45 minutes to an hour allocated for it, depending on your group.

Is the lunch suitable for vegetarians? The tour offers vegetarian options and fish, but the menu may vary, and some travelers found the food dry or unappetizing, so plan accordingly.

In the end, if you want to experience a taste of the Caribbean with a mix of history, marine life, and beach time, this tour offers a lively, organized way to do it. Just keep your expectations in check, prepare for a busy day, and you’ll likely leave with plenty of memorable moments from Colombia’s stunning Rosario Islands.