Explore Cartagena’s Top 5 Islands with Snorkeling and a Delicious Buffet at Charm Island

If you’re heading to Cartagena and craving a full day of island-hopping, snorkeling, and Caribbean scenery, this tour combines all three. For around $135, you’ll spend roughly 10 hours exploring five popular islands along Colombia’s Caribbean coast—each with its own charm and attractions. Your adventure includes visits to Rosario Islands, Mulata Island, Playa Tranquila, and a panoramic tour of nearby islets, all while enjoying a buffet lunch on Charm Island.

What we like most about this experience is the variety of stops, from vibrant snorkeling spots to relaxing beaches, and the lively, bilingual guides who keep the energy high and the information flowing. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional buffet lunch on Charm Island adds a satisfying touch after a morning of exploration.

One potential consideration is that communication issues were noted by some travelers, with a few feeling the logistics weren’t perfectly coordinated. This might mean waiting around at times or some confusion about pickup and timing. Still, if you’re a traveler eager to see multiple islands in one day and enjoy some water fun, this tour offers a lot of value. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a lively, social atmosphere and don’t mind a busy schedule.

This tour tends to suit adventurous travelers and beach lovers who appreciate guided experiences but also want a taste of authentic Caribbean scenery. If you enjoy snorkeling, scenic views, and a taste of Colombia’s coastal culture, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

Multiple stops bring variety to your day, from snorkeling to relaxing on beaches
Guides are bilingual and knowledgeable, making the experience engaging and informative
Snorkeling at the sunken plane offers a unique underwater highlight
Buffet lunch on Charm Island provides a hearty, local-style meal
Some communication issues noted by travelers, so stay flexible
The tour is ideal for active, social travelers who love scenic water-based fun

A Detailed Look at Cartagena’s Island-Hopping Tour

If tropical beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively guides sound appealing, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of what Cartagena’s coast can offer. It’s a way to see the most popular islands with a mix of culture, scenery, and water activity, all packed into one day.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

Start early, at 7 a.m., with pickup from your Cartagena accommodation. From there, things begin with a boat ride out to the Rosario Islands, a well-known archipelago famous for its vibrant coral reefs and clear waters. The boat, described as a sports vessel, suggests a lively, comfortable ride—likely faster and more agile than larger passenger ships.

Stop 1: Islas de Rosario
The first stop is the entrance to San Fernando fort in Bocachica, where you’ll get a quick 30-minute look at a historic site. Afterward, your guide will walk you through the little islets making up the Rosario Islands, pointing out attractions like Barú, Cholón, Agua Azul, and Playa Blanca. This panoramic overview helps you grasp the geography and get a taste of the islands’ diversity.

The highlight here is snorkeling at the sunken plane site, a memorable spot for underwater photography and marine life viewing. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can opt to visit the oceanarium instead, for which you’ll need to pay an additional fee. For those who do snorkel, the chance to see a sunken plane teeming with fish is a major draw.

Stop 2: Isla del Encanto
Next, you’ll land on Isla del Encanto for a buffet-style meal at a hotel. This is a good moment to relax, enjoy local flavors—fish, chicken, or meat with rice and plantains—and recharge for the afternoon. The hour-long stop ensures you’re well-fed before heading to the beaches.

Stop 3: Isla Mulata
Your journey continues with a visit to Isla Mulata, a private island with a hotel and beach club. Here, you can lounge on the sand, swim in the calm waters, or just soak up the Caribbean sun for about 30 minutes.

Stop 4: Playa Tranquila
The last major stop is Playa Tranquila at Club South Beach, where you’ll have two hours of free time to swim, stroll, or relax. This is the perfect spot to cool off after a busy morning and enjoy the beautiful coast. The return trip departs around 4 p.m., guiding you back to Cartagena’s pier.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a lot for the price: bilingual guides, a buffet lunch, snorkeling, visits to key islands, and panoramic views of the Rosary Islands. On board, you’ll find music, drinks (beer, rum, coke, water), and photos—making it lively and engaging.

However, some expenses are extra, like the oceanarium admission if you decide not to snorkel or explore further. There is also mention of an optional visit to Pablo Escobar’s abandoned mansion and plane, which adds a dash of local intrigue.

Transportation and Group Size

The use of a sports boat or newt (likely a typo for “neat” or “new” boat) indicates a modern, speedy vessel, which is great for covering multiple stops efficiently. The maximum group size is 40 travelers, so expect a lively atmosphere but not overcrowded.

What Travelers Say

Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm. One traveler praised Andres as “an awesome guide,” citing their enjoyment of the trip. Many found the scenery stunning and appreciated the panoramic tours, which provided great context and scenic views.

That said, some reviews pointed out communication hiccups—a traveler noted, “The company does a very poor job communicating,” and another felt that “we spent a lot of time waiting and not knowing why.” These issues may mean some waiting or minor confusion, but they don’t seem to significantly detract from the overall experience.

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Value and Practical Tips

At $135, this tour offers a good mix of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and fun water activities. The buffet lunch, snorkeling, and scenic stops make it a well-rounded day for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

To get the most out of this experience, we recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, and water-resistant gear for the underwater snorkeling. Plus, arrive early and be prepared for a full day—packing light, comfortable clothing, and a sense of adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for active travelers and beach lovers eager to visit multiple islands in one day. It’s perfect if you want to experience snorkeling at a unique site, relax on pristine beaches, and enjoy vibrant Caribbean scenery.

Keep in mind that some communication issues have been noted, so if you prefer very structured tours, you might want to double-check details or prepare for some waiting. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for lively guides and scenic water fun will find this tour a worthwhile adventure.

If you’re interested in a full-day escapade with cultural touches and natural beauty, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your Cartagena accommodation is provided, making the start of your day convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 10 hours, starting early at 7 a.m. and returning around 4 p.m., so plan for a full day of activity.

What is included in the price?
You get a bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, snorkeling at the sunken plane, drinks on board, panoramic island views, and photos.

Can I skip snorkeling?
Yes, if you prefer not to snorkel, you can be transferred to the oceanarium for an additional cost.

Are there any optional extras?
Yes, visiting Pablo Escobar’s mansion and plane costs extra, and the oceanarium visit has an admission fee.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, water-resistant clothing or gear for snorkeling, and a towel.

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Yes, but travelers should have a moderate fitness level due to walking and water activities.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively, scenic, and diverse day out along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Its combination of snorkeling, beach relaxation, cultural sights, and friendly guides make it a strong choice for those who want an authentic, full-day island adventure. While some communication issues have been reported, the overall experience provides excellent value and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Perfect for travelers eager to see the most popular islands, enjoy some water fun, and experience the vibrant Caribbean vibe of Cartagena.