Cartagena’s Rosario Islands Private Island Tour with Open Bar: A Practical Guide to a Relaxing Getaway

If you’re headed to Cartagena and craving a break from the bustling city, a day trip to the Rosario Islands promises a blend of sun, sea, and laid-back luxury. For $132 per person, you’ll spend roughly six hours exploring a private island, with plenty of chances to unwind on sun loungers, swim in a freshwater pool, or simply soak up the Caribbean scenery. Led by enthusiastic guides, this tour is rated 4.1 — a solid score that reflects its popularity and value.

What we genuinely like about this experience is the combination of a scenic boat ride and the quality of amenities available on the island. The unlimited non-alcoholic drinks make it easy to stay refreshed without worrying about extra costs, and the delicious buffet lunch with three options is a real highlight, offering something for all. Plus, the chance to visit the Rosario Islands Oceanarium—an optional extra—adds a fun, family-friendly element to the day.

A potential consideration is the cost of port fees ($26,500 COP or roughly $10 USD), which isn’t included but is a standard practice in many such excursions. Also, some travelers might find the speedboat transfer a bit quick, especially if prone to seasickness or looking for a more leisurely pace. This tour suits those who enjoy beach days with good amenities and are comfortable with a structured schedule.

If you’re someone who appreciates a well-organized day out, loves beach relaxation, and values delicious local food without the fuss of planning, this trip offers excellent value. It’s particularly ideal for travelers with limited time in Cartagena who want a taste of island life without sacrificing comfort.

Key Points

All-Inclusive Comfort: Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, buffet lunch, and social areas create a relaxing environment.
Scenic Boat Journey: The trip includes two boat rides with views of Cartagena’s historic fortresses and scenic coastlines.
Multiple Activities: Besides sunbathing, you can enjoy volleyball, ping-pong, or take a dip in the freshwater pool.
Optional Oceanarium: Visit the Rosario Islands Oceanarium for a closer look at local marine life for an extra fee.
Private Beach Experience: The island’s exclusivity means no vendors bothering you while you relax on the beach.
Time-Conscious: The entire day is carefully scheduled, perfect for those with limited time but wanting a fulfilling escape.

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A Deep Dive Into the Experience

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Getting There and First Impressions

Your journey begins early at Muelle de la Bodeguita, where you’ll meet your guide and board a speedboat. The 1-hour ride whizzes past Cartagena’s historic fortresses—like Fort of San Sebastián del Pastelillo—and the Bocachica defenses of San Fernando and San José. These remnants of the city’s colonial past offer a fascinating glimpse into Cartagena’s strategic importance and history of piracy defense.

We loved the way the boat ride set the tone—scenic, lively, and a bit exhilarating. The breeze and ocean views make the quick trip feel like part of the adventure rather than just transportation.

The Private Island: What to Expect

Arriving on Isla Grande, you’ll find a surprisingly expansive space designed for relaxation and fun. The social areas are thoughtfully laid out with hammocks and beach loungers, perfect for soaking up the sun. For those who enjoy a little activity, there’s a volleyball court, ping-pong tables, and even a pool table for some friendly competition.

One of the standout features is the large freshwater pool with a bar—great for cooling off without getting sandy—and an enchanted lagoon that adds a touch of tropical magic. Since the island is private, you don’t have to worry about vendors pestering you for drinks or souvenirs, making it a genuinely restful environment.

Food and Drinks

A key highlight is the buffet lunch offering three options: seafood rice, chicken, or fish. Reviewers consistently praise the food as both delicious and plentiful—”a really good value for the money,” one said, especially considering the variety. The open bar with unlimited soda, lemonade, and bottled water means you can stay hydrated without extra charges.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose to visit the Rosario Islands Oceanarium (additional cost), where you’ll see local marine life—a nice touch for families or those interested in marine conservation.

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Activities and Free Time

The tour allows ample time for relaxing in the sun, taking a dip in the pool, or exploring the lagoon. The scenic views during the boat rides and on the island are beautiful, with plenty of photo opportunities. Some reviews mention the well-organized schedule — two hours at Isla Grande before heading to the oceanarium, then a final two hours for lunch and leisure.

You might find the speedboat transfers a bit brisk, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace, but the overall experience balances activity with downtime.

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Returning and Overall Feeling

After a final hour-long boat ride back, you return to Cartagena’s docks, winding down with a sense of having enjoyed a well-rounded beach day. The experience is best suited for those who want a structured yet relaxing escape with plenty of amenities.

Who This Tour is Perfect For

This trip is ideal if you’re looking for a convenient, all-in-one day out that blends scenic boat rides, relaxing beach time, and good food. It’s especially suited for travelers who value comfort and convenience — with its included buffet lunch and unlimited drinks — and don’t want to spend extra time organizing logistics.

Families or groups with children may appreciate the private environment and oceanarium visit as optional highlights. If you prefer less commercialized beaches and more authentic relaxation, this tour delivers on that front thanks to its private island setting.

However, if you’re seeking a longer, more adventurous or less structured experience, this might feel a bit compact. Also, be prepared to pay the port fee and the optional oceanarium admission if you choose to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $132 fee covers round-trip boat transportation, a welcome cocktail, buffet lunch with three options, access to social areas like the pool and hammocks, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. The optional oceanarium visit is extra.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, bring essentials such as sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and beach footwear. It’s also wise to carry some cash for port fees and optional activities.

What are the start and end times?
You meet at 7:30 a.m. at La Bodeguita dock, with departure between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. The tour lasts approximately six hours, so expect to return around early afternoon.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Most travelers find the speedboat ride exciting but manageable. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions, as the ride is relatively short but quick.

What is the dress code?
Casual beachwear is perfect. Don’t forget beach shoes if you want to walk comfortably on rocky or sandy areas.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those over 95 years old. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the island.

How much does the port fee cost?
It’s approximately $26,500 COP (around $10 USD) per person, payable in cash on the day of the tour.

Can I visit the oceanarium?
Yes, it’s optional and costs $45,000 COP (roughly $13 USD). It’s a popular add-on for those interested in marine life.

Is there a limit on group size?
The tour can accommodate a typical group, but specifics depend on the provider’s arrangements. It’s generally a shared experience with other travelers.

What language are the guides in?
Guides speak Spanish and English to accommodate most travelers.

Final Thoughts

For anyone visiting Cartagena, this private island tour offers an appealing mix of scenic boat rides, relaxing beaches, and delicious food—all in a structured, easy-to-join package. Its value for money shines through the inclusion of unlimited drinks, a buffet lunch, and access to a variety of social amenities, making it a great choice for travelers wanting a comfortable, hassle-free day in the Caribbean.

You’ll appreciate the private environment where you can unwind without vendor interruptions, especially if you prefer a more exclusive feel. The scenic boat rides and historic fortresses along the way add a layer of interest for those curious about Cartagena’s maritime past.

While the schedule is tight and the boat transfers brisk, most visitors find the experience well worth the cost, especially considering the quality of food and amenities. It’s particularly suitable for families, couples, or groups seeking a fun, relaxing escape that doesn’t require much planning.

To sum it up, this tour offers a balanced day of sightseeing, relaxation, and good eats at a reasonable price point. For travelers eager to enjoy the Caribbean sun, comfortable surroundings, and a touch of local flavor, it’s a solid choice.

Whether you’re after a quick tropical getaway or a family-friendly outing, this private island adventure in the Rosario Islands delivers on relaxation with added scenic and cultural touches.