Exploring Cartagena’s Rosario Islands, Cholón, and Barú: A Complete Guide to an Unforgettable Day

If you’re heading to Cartagena and crave a day on the water, this tour offers an inviting mix of scenic islands, lively beaches, and crystal-clear waters. For about $124.50 per person, you’ll spend approximately 7 hours exploring five unique stops, from tranquil beaches to party hotspots. Led by friendly guides, the trip includes boat rides, snorkeling, a delicious lunch, and plenty of time to soak up the sun.

What we really like about this experience are the stunning views of the Rosario Islands—especially the chance to snorkel in beautiful spots like La Piscinita and the sunken plane—and the lively atmosphere at Cholón, Colombia’s most famous party beach. The lunch at a beach club provides a relaxed break, and the open bar on the boat keeps the spirits high.

A potential consideration is that some travelers have found the schedule and stops a little different from what they expected. The tour includes several stops with roughly an hour to explore at each, but reviews suggest that actual time in each location can vary, and there may be some confusion about the activity durations.

This tour suits travelers who love water-based adventures, scenic views, and lively beach scenes. If you’re after a full-day experience that combines nature, cuisine, and fun, this will likely hit the spot. It’s especially good for those who appreciate not just sightseeing but also activities like snorkeling and swimming in crystal waters.

Key Points

Diverse stops: from tranquil beaches to a lively party spot in Cholón
Includes snorkeling: swim in clear waters and see interesting underwater sights
Beach club lunch: relax and enjoy local cuisine in comfort
Open bar on boat: beers, rum, or soda during the trip
Flexible schedule: roughly 1 hour at each stop, with some variability reported
Suitable for water lovers: the tour emphasizes outdoor fun, sun, and sea

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

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What’s Included and How It Works

This tour departs from Cartagena at 8:00 am, giving you an early start to maximize your day. The journey begins with a boat trip in a sports boat, which promises a fun, energetic start—especially if you enjoy being on the water. The mobile ticket makes it easy to join, and the group size cap of 23 ensures you’re not lost in a crowd.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction, with an open bar serving beers, rum, or soda. This means you can sip and relax while enjoying views of the coast and islands. The first major stop at the Rosario Islands lasts about two hours, giving you time for swimming, snorkeling, and photos. Reviewers like Sarah who said the guides were “fun and relaxed” highlight how a friendly crew can elevate the experience.

Stop 1 & 2: Rosario Islands Beauty and Snorkeling

Our favorite part of the trip is the panoramic tour of the Rosario Islands, which includes stops at La Piscinita and a sunken plane wreck. These spots are perfect for snorkelers—crystal waters and abundant marine life await. The description mentions you’ll be able to swim and take photos, which many reviewers found to be a highlight.

One reviewer mentioned spending more than two hours at Rosario, which is close to what the itinerary suggests, giving ample time for underwater exploration and relaxing on the boat. Others noted that the snorkeling spots are well-chosen, with clear waters that make for excellent photos and underwater viewing.

Stop 3: The Beach Club in Isla Grande

Next, you’ll head to the beach club in Isla Grande, where lunch is served. With three typical lunch options included and drinks, this stop is set up to be a laid-back, enjoyable meal in a Caribbean atmosphere. The beach facilities allow you to sunbathe, swim, or simply relax on the white sands.

One traveler appreciated the tasty, filling lunch and the chance to unwind, while others noted that the facilities are comfortable and well-organized. The roughly hour-long stay is enough to savor the food, enjoy the sea, and take in the scenery without feeling rushed.

Cholón: The Most Party-Ready Beach

Cholón is known as Colombia’s most festive beach, and a stop here offers about an hour of lively, energetic vibes. Expect a boisterous atmosphere, with music, drinks, and plenty of opportunities for socializing. Several reviews mention that Cholón is the highlight for those seeking a party scene rather than quiet relaxation, so if you’re a lively, social person, you’ll love this stop.

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Playa Tranquila: Pure Relaxation

The last stop is Playa Tranquila in Baru, celebrated for its white sands and clear waters. It’s a brief visit—around an hour—focused on unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty. It’s a calm contrast to Cholón, perfect if you want some peaceful beach time with fewer crowds.

Return to Cartagena

The boat trip back provides stunning views of the coast, and many reviewers have remarked on how beautiful the scenery is as the sun begins to set. The entire day wraps up after about an hour, leaving you with lasting memories of a well-rounded day on the water.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Many reviews reflect positively on the guides—noted as “fun” and “relaxed”—which adds a lot to the experience. Sarah, who called the guides “great,” also appreciated the delicious lunch and the overall value for money.

Some pointed out that the duration at each stop might be shorter than expected—about an hour—so if you’re looking for extensive exploration or quiet time, this might not be the perfect fit. Conversely, others liked the mix of activities, from snorkeling to sunbathing, packed into a single day.

What Could Be Better?

A few travelers experienced some confusion regarding the schedule and what was included. For example, Stephanie expressed frustration about the tour not being private as advertised, and Crystal felt the stops lasted only an hour, which she found limiting. These points suggest that it’s wise to go in with flexible expectations and understand that the itinerary might vary.

Transportation & Group Size

Transportation is by sports boat, which adds an element of fun and adventure. The fact that it’s a shared tour with a maximum of 23 travelers means you won’t be crammed in, but it still offers a lively, social atmosphere.

The meeting point in Cartagena is near public transportation, making it accessible, and the early start allows for a full day of exploration. After the tour, the boat returns directly to Cartagena, providing a scenic and relaxing end to the day.

Cost and Value

At $124.50, this tour offers good value considering the multiple stops, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks included. When you compare the cost to the amount of activity and scenery packed into the day, it’s quite reasonable—especially for travelers wanting a comprehensive, all-in-one experience without worrying about organizing individual parts.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for water lovers, party enthusiasts, and those eager to combine sightseeing with active swimming and snorkeling. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate a lively group atmosphere and want to enjoy Colombia’s stunning islands without the hassle of planning each detail.

However, if your priority is longer exploration at each stop or quiet, secluded relaxation, you might find the schedule a little rushed. The tour is also suitable for those who want a well-organized, hassle-free day with stunning views, great food, and fun guides.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, you can enjoy the boat ride, relax on the beaches, and take photos. Snorkeling is optional, so you’re free to just enjoy the scenery if you prefer.

What’s included in the lunch?
The tour offers three typical lunch options with a drink included at the beach club, allowing you to enjoy local flavors comfortably.

Are the stops at the islands long enough?
Most travelers find the one-hour stops manageable for swimming, photos, and a quick look around, but some may prefer more time—so plan accordingly.

Is there an open bar?
Yes, on the boat you can enjoy beers, rum, or soda during the trip. However, this doesn’t extend to the time spent on the islands.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is near public transportation in Cartagena, making it accessible, and the tour starts at 8:00 am, so plan to arrive a little early.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent, but if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this boat tour around Cartagena’s Rosario Islands, Cholón, and Barú offers a lively, scenic, and activity-packed day that’s perfect for those wanting to experience Colombia’s vibrant Caribbean side. With snorkeling, a beach club lunch, and the chance to party at Cholón, it balances relaxation with adventure. Just keep in mind that the schedule might be a bit tighter than some expect, and the experience leans toward fun and socializing more than quiet solitude. For water lovers, foodies, and partygoers, this tour is definitely worth considering for your Cartagena visit.