Rosario Islands Tours from Cartagena: Prices and How to Choose

The Rosario Islands are an archipelago inside a national park off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia. There are three main ways to visit: an island-hopping boat tour, a day at a beach club or a private boat for your group. Here is what each option includes and what it costs.

1. Island-hopping tours

The most popular choice: a panoramic boat ride, swim and snorkel stops, and a typical lunch (coconut rice, plantain, salad and fish or chicken). Stops usually include Isla Grande, Isla Cholón, San Martín de Pajarales (home of the aquarium) and Barú.

• Rosario Islands boat tour: from $48 USD. Basic tour leaving at 7:30 a.m. from La Bodeguita pier.
• Four islands with aquarium entry: from $51 USD.
• Four islands with aquarium and plankton: from $58 USD.
• Five islands premium basic: from $85 USD, on a 38-ft speedboat, about 6 hours.
• Five islands premium with plankton: from $105 USD, a full day of about 12 hours ending with the bioluminescent plankton.
• Top 3 Rosario Islands: from $110 USD, visiting Bora Bora Beach Club, Isla Bela and Pao Pao Beach Club. Adults 18+ only.

2. A beach club day in the islands

If you would rather relax in one place, a beach club day includes the round-trip boat, lunch and sun loungers. Options in the archipelago include Isla Bela (from $95), Paue Beach Club (from $95), Pao Pao Beach Club (from $110, aimed at adults) and Cocotera Beach (from $70). See our beach club guide to compare them.

3. A private boat for your group

For groups, a speedboat (from $800 per boat, up to 14 people) or a catamaran lets you choose the stops and the pace.

Good to know

• Port tax: most boats leaving La Bodeguita pier charge a tax of about $29,000 COP (around 8 USD) per person, paid at the pier. Each tour says whether it is included.
• Basic tours are the cheapest, but Barú and the busiest islands have many tourists and vendors. For a quieter day, choose a beach club or a private boat.
• Plankton tours return after dark, so plan your evening accordingly.
• What to bring: swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, cash for the tax and extras, and a waterproof bag for your phone.

Questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +57 314 601 0661 and we will help you choose for your date, group and budget.

FAQ

How much is a Rosario Islands tour?
From $48 USD for the basic boat tour. Four and five island tours run from $51 to $105 USD, and beach clubs start at $70 USD.

Is the aquarium included?
Only on tours that say so, such as Four islands with aquarium entry. Otherwise it is optional.

Where do the boats leave from?
Most leave from La Bodeguita pier on Avenida Blas de Lezo, across from the Clock Tower. Some tours include hotel pickup in Bocagrande, El Laguito and Castillogrande.