Full day tour islands of Rosario vip

A Complete Guide to the Full Day Tour Islands of Rosario VIP in Cartagena

If you’re looking for a day filled with stunning island scenery, aquatic adventures, and lively cultural exchanges, the Full Day Tour Islands of Rosario VIP offers an appealing blend. For about $100 per person, you’ll spend roughly 4.5 hours exploring the archipelago, with stops at Bocachica, Isla Grande, and the famous Cholón party island. This tour is designed to give visitors a taste of Cartagena’s beautiful coastal waters, local history, and vibrant atmosphere—all while providing a comfortable, organized experience.

What we love most about this tour is the balance of relaxation and activity. You’ll snorkel over coral reefs and spot colorful fish, enjoy a delicious lunch with options like chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes, and spend quality time lounging on pristine white-sand beaches. The inclusive transportation and lunch add great value, making it a hassle-free day for families, couples, or groups of friends.

A potential consideration is the timing and organization—some reviews mention confusion about meeting times or delays, so being flexible and arriving promptly helps ensure you get the most out of the experience. This day trip suits those who want to see the highlights of the Rosario Islands without sacrificing comfort or authentic fun. It’s especially good for travelers who enjoy water sports, scenic views, and lively social scenes.

Key Points

• Comfortable and organized transportation from Cartagena, with air conditioning.
• Snorkeling over coral reefs, with colorful marine life and even a sunken plane.
• Lively atmosphere at Cholón, known as the party island, perfect for meeting people from all over.
• Delicious lunch options included—chicken, fish, or vegetarian—with a drink.
• Relaxing beach time at Playa Tranquila Baru, one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast.
• Flexible cancellation policy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Exploring the Rosario Islands with a Clear Eye

This tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending scenic beauty, cultural bits, and fun activities—all packaged into a manageable half-day. The itinerary is thoughtfully structured to maximize your time on the water and on the islands, with each stop offering a different flavor of what the Rosario archipelago has to offer.

Starting Point: Torre del Reloj

Your day begins early at the Monumento Torre del Reloj in Cartagena. This historic clock tower is an iconic meeting point, easy to find, and it sets the tone for a well-organized adventure. After check-in, you’ll hop onto a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the roughly 90-minute transfer to the marina. The transport itself is a key part of the experience—expect a smooth ride with modern amenities, making the start of your day pleasant.

The Marine Marvels at Isla Grande

The highlight for many will be snorkeling at Isla Grande. The tour provides masks and fins, and the underwater scene is vibrant with colorful fish, coral reefs, and even an intriguing sunken airplane. This activity is especially popular with marine life enthusiasts but also accessible to beginners. The reviews echo this, with some saying, “We loved the snorkeling, especially the marine life.” It’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet and see Colombia’s underwater wonders without needing specialized gear.

Historical and Scenic Highlights at Bocachica

Before heading to the islands, your guide will give a brief historical overview of Bocachica, known for its forts and strategic importance. The panoramic views from the boat are impressive, offering a glimpse of the island’s past and its rugged beauty. This stop is brief but worth it for the photos and the context it adds to your island experience.

Private Island Lunch and Relaxation

The main island of the Rosario Archipelago becomes your lunch spot, where a delicious meal awaits—options include chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Many visitors appreciate the quality of the food, which is served in a relaxed setting perfect for unwinding. After lunch, there’s time for swimming or just basking in the sun on the white sandy beaches. The Playa Tranquila Baru stop is praised for its stunning scenery and calm waters, ideal for a peaceful break.

The Lively Cholon Experience

No trip to Cartagena’s islands would be complete without a visit to Cholón, often called the party island. This lively spot is where you’ll mingle with people from all over, enjoy music, and soak in the energetic atmosphere. Some reviews mention the interaction with different nationalities as a highlight, describing it as a “good music and much more” scene. It’s a fun, informal way to end the day, especially if you enjoy socializing and a festive vibe.

Final Relaxation at Playa Tranquila Baru

Before returning, you’ll spend 30 minutes at Playa Tranquila Baru, a beautiful beach known for its soft white sand and peaceful ambiance. It’s the perfect spot to relax, take photos, or paddle in the gentle waves. Many travelers find this quiet end to the day a satisfying conclusion.

Return to Cartagena

Your day concludes with a 30-minute ride back to the Muelle de los Pegasos, the familiar pier where your adventure began. This allows you to reflect on a day filled with diverse experiences—marine life, historic sights, beach relaxation, and lively social scenes—all in one package.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

A key strength of this tour is its focus on authentic experiences—not just sightseeing but engaging with the marine environment, enjoying local cuisine, and socializing during the Cholón stop. The lunch is notably good, with options designed to cater to different dietary preferences, adding value to the overall experience.

However, as some reviewers note, timing issues can occur. Whitney’s experience of waiting longer than expected emphasizes the importance of being punctual and flexible. Also, Luca’s review points out that not all snorkeling activities are equally engaging—some may find the marine life or underwater sights less than expected, but overall, many find snorkeling to be a memorable highlight.

Transportation is included and air-conditioned, which is especially important in Cartagena’s tropical climate. The group size can be up to 100 travelers, so expect a lively, social atmosphere, but that also means planning for some crowd dynamics.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you value diverse activities—from underwater exploration to beach lounging, combined with lively social interactions. It’s perfect for families, couples, and groups who want a straightforward, organized day with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun. The inclusive lunch and transportation make it convenient and cost-effective for travelers who prefer to avoid logistical hassles.

On the flip side, if you’re expecting a luxury experience or a quiet, contemplative escape, this might not be the perfect fit. The lively Cholón scene and group nature could be overwhelming for some, and the schedule might feel rushed if you prefer to linger longer at a single spot.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Tour Islands of Rosario VIP offers a balanced look at Cartagena’s coastal treasures, blending marine adventure, historical views, scenic beaches, and vibrant social spots. It’s a great value for those seeking a full day of active relaxation and cultural exchange, especially with the included lunch, comfortable transportation, and diverse stops.

While it’s not without its minor logistical hiccups, the overall experience provides beautiful scenery, engaging water sports, and the chance to meet travelers from around the world. Whether you’re snorkeling among fish, lounging on pristine beaches, or enjoying the party atmosphere at Cholón, this tour captures the lively and scenic spirit of Cartagena’s islands.

If you want a well-organized, fun-filled day that combines nature, history, and social vibes, this trip is worth considering—just plan to arrive on time and soak in all the varied experiences it offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the transportation to the islands?
Expect about 90 minutes total—45 minutes each way—making the journey comfortably manageable without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, snorkeling masks, and a lunch with options for chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes, plus a drink.

Are there any additional costs I should prepare for?
Alcoholic beverages and bottled water are not included and will need to be purchased separately if desired.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is the Monumento Torre del Reloj in Cartagena’s city center. It’s a well-known landmark, easy to locate.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes, from the start at 8:00 AM until you return to the meeting point.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, it offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, making it flexible in case of change of plans.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, snorkeling is accessible, and masks are provided. The underwater scene features colorful fish and coral reefs, making it a worthwhile activity even for novices.

What makes Cholón a unique stop?
Cholón is known for its lively atmosphere, music, and the chance to interact with people from different countries, making it a fun and social part of the day.

How much free time is there at the beaches?
You’ll have about 30 minutes at Playa Tranquila Baru to relax or take photos—a brief but relaxing stop.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Absolutely, especially for those who enjoy water activities and open-air adventures. Just note the group size and pace, which are geared towards a lively, social experience.

This tour offers a lively, scenic taste of Cartagena’s islands, perfectly suited for travelers eager to combine adventure with leisure, all while enjoying some of Colombia’s most beautiful coastal vistas.