Cartagena: Private Island in Rosario Islands, Open Bar

Cartagena: Private Island in Rosario Islands, Open Bar offers a wonderful escape for those wanting to soak up Colombia’s Caribbean beauty without the hassle. For $132 per person, you get a well-rounded 6-hour experience that includes boat rides, a private island with plenty of social spaces, and a choice of delicious meals. The tour is rated 4.1 out of 5, which suggests most visitors find it a worthwhile day trip — especially if you value comfort, scenic views, and good food.

What really makes this experience stand out are its free-flowing non-alcoholic drinks and the variety of lunch options. We also appreciate the private island setting, which means fewer crowds and vendors, giving a more relaxed vibe. The inclusion of a scenic boat ride and a quick visit to an oceanarium adds some extra interest to what might otherwise be a straightforward beach day.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those over 95 years old, mainly because of the boat travel and physical activity involved. Also, a small additional fee for port and oceanarium entry can add up, so budgeting for those is wise. This tour is best suited for travelers craving a hassle-free, scenic, and food-filled day, especially if you enjoy social spaces and some light adventure.

Key Points

• Comfortable boat transfers make the journey between Cartagena and the Rosario Islands smooth.
• Unrestricted non-alcoholic drinks ensure you stay refreshed in the tropical heat.
• Multiple lunch options cater to different tastes, from seafood to chicken.
• Private social areas, including hammocks, pools, volleyball, and ping-pong, promote leisure and fun.
• Optional visit to the oceanarium adds a bit of extra activity for those interested.
• Additional fees apply for port entry and the oceanarium, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Cartagena Private Island Tour

The Journey Begins: From Cartagena to Paradise

The tour kicks off early at the Muelle de la Bodeguita, with departure scheduled between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. We recommend arriving promptly at 7:30 a.m. to check in and settle in. The boat ride, lasting about an hour, is a lively start, with scenic views of Cartagena’s coastline and glimpses of historic fortresses like San Sebastián del Pastelillo and the fortresses in Bocachica. These structures once served as pirate defenses, adding a dash of history to your scenic drive.

The boat itself is comfortable enough for a group, with plenty of space to relax, take photos, or just enjoy the breeze. We loved the way the guide narrated some of the local history, making this part of the trip more than just transportation.

The Rosario Islands: A Private Escape with Plenty of Space

Arriving at Isla Grande, you find yourself in a spacious, laid-back environment. This is where the tour really shines. The island boasts large social areas and plenty of beach hammocks, sun loungers, and shaded tables — perfect for casual lounging or socializing. The volleyball court, ping-pong, and pool table provide options for those wanting a little activity.

We appreciated the private nature of the island; no hawkers or vendors bothering you while you’re relaxing in the water or reading under a hammock. The freshwater pool with a bar is a nice touch, offering a cool respite without leaving the island.

Scenic and Educational Highlights: Fortresses and Oceanarium

On the way to Isla Grande, your guide points out historical fortresses like San Fernando and San José on Tierra Bomba. These structures, built to defend against pirates, provide a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past — and a photo opportunity.

For those interested in marine life, there’s an optional visit to the Rosario Islands Oceanarium. It’s a quick trip, about 45 minutes, and costs an additional $45,000 COP (roughly $13 USD). While not included in the base price, many guests find it worthwhile, especially if you love aquariums. The tour notes that the oceanarium offers a chance to see local marine species close-up, and it’s a good break from sunbathing.

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Culinary Delights: Lunch and Refreshments

The lunch buffet is a highlight, with three options to suit different tastes: fish, chicken, and seafood rice. This variety ensures most guests find something they enjoy. The meals are described as delicious, and you can expect typical Caribbean flavors that satisfy after a morning of activity.

The open bar features unlimited soda, bottled water, and natural lemonade — perfect for quenching your thirst. We loved the casual atmosphere, where you can refill your glass as often as you like, without any pressure — a true highlight for hot days.

Relaxation and Social Time

After lunch, you have about two hours to unwind. You can lounge in a hammock, take a dip in the pool, or swim in the sea — all in the private island setting free from vendors and crowds. The scenic views and tranquil surroundings make it easy to slip into a relaxed state.

Return Trip: Scenic and Reflective

The boat ride back takes about an hour, giving you time to reflect on the day or discuss the highlights. Many guests remark on how smooth and comfortable the return trip was, with some noting the scenic views and the chance to spot more fortresses from the water.

Practicalities and Additional Costs

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cartagena, welcome cocktail, use of social areas, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. However, you’ll need to budget for port fees ($26,500 COP or about $10 USD), payable in cash, and the optional oceanarium visit ($45,000 COP/$13 USD).

Note that not included are activities beyond what’s listed, and entrance fees for the oceanarium are extra. Also, the tour is in Spanish and English, catering to a diverse crowd.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing day in a scenic, private setting. It’s especially perfect for those who appreciate comfort, good food, and social spaces. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo and want to meet others, the communal areas and buffet lunch offer great opportunities to connect.

However, if you’re looking for an adventure-packed day with snorkeling or diving, this might not be the best fit — the focus here is on relaxation and scenic enjoyment. It’s also less suited for pregnant women or seniors over 95, given the boat rides and physical activity involved.

The Sum Up

For a well-rounded, hassle-free day in the Caribbean, this private island tour offers excellent value. The comfort of private social areas, delicious buffet meals, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks combine to provide a relaxing escape from the busy streets of Cartagena. The scenic boat rides and the optional visit to the oceanarium add interesting layers to what might otherwise be a simple beach day.

While the additional costs for port fees and the oceanarium are worth considering, most travelers will find the base price a fair deal for what’s included. If you’re after a day of gentle, picturesque leisure with good food and a beautiful setting, this tour is a solid choice.

Ideal for those who want to relax without feeling rushed, appreciate scenic views, and enjoy social spaces in a private environment. It’s a good pick for families, couples, or groups looking for a straightforward but memorable Caribbean experience.

FAQ

• What is the duration of the tour?
  It lasts approximately 6 hours, starting in the morning with pick-up and returning by early afternoon.

• Where do I meet for the tour?
  At La Bodeguita dock, with check-in starting at 7:30 a.m., and departure between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.

• What’s included in the price?
  Round-trip transportation from Cartagena, welcome cocktail, buffet lunch with 3 options, access to social areas, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

• Are there any additional costs?
  Yes, port fees of about $10 USD (26,500 COP) payable in cash, and optional entrance to the oceanarium for $13 USD.

• Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
  It’s suitable for most travelers but not recommended for pregnant women or those over 95 due to boat rides and physical activities.

• Can I buy drinks or snacks on the island?
  The tour provides unlimited soda, lemonade, and water; other drinks or snacks are not included and may require cash payment.

• How much time do I have for leisure on the island?
  Approximately two hours after lunch, giving plenty of time to relax, swim, or sunbathe.

• What if I want to visit the oceanarium?
  It’s an optional activity costing $45,000 COP (~$13 USD), and requires an additional booking.

• What should I bring?
  Sunscreen, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, beach shoes, towel, and water. No alcohol or drugs are allowed.

• What languages are the guides available in?
  The tour is offered in both Spanish and English.

This private island tour in the Rosario Islands combines comfort, scenic beauty, and good food — a dependable choice for those wanting a relaxing day with a dash of history and marine life.

You can check availability for your dates here: