The Islas del Rosario is an archipelago of 27 small islands and coral cays 45 kilometres from Cartagena in the inner Caribbean. The water here is genuinely exceptional - visibility commonly reaches 15 metres on the outer reef sites, the kind of clarity that makes snorkelling worthwhile even for people who’ve never found it particularly interesting before. A day trip from Cartagena is the most accessible way to reach them, and the two main tour formats - speedboat group tours and sailing catamaran excursions - suit different priorities in terms of time, atmosphere, and price.
What to Expect on the Trip
Most day tours follow a similar route. Boats depart from the Muelle de los Pegasos (near the Clock Tower in Cartagena’s walled city) between 8am and 9am. The first stop is usually a snorkelling site on the outer reef edge - look for sea turtles, moray eels, parrotfish, and reef sharks in this section. The second stop is a beach club or private island where lunch is served. Return to Cartagena is typically between 3pm and 4:30pm.
Speedboat group tours complete the journey in 45 minutes each way and spend maximum time on the islands. These are the most common option and best value for visitors primarily interested in snorkelling and swimming.
Catamaran sailing excursions take 1.5 to 2 hours each way under sail, typically include an open bar, and attract travellers who want the journey itself to be part of the experience. The slower pace suits groups and couples over individual snorkellers focused on reef time.
Which Islands to Visit
Isla Grande is the largest island in the archipelago and the most developed. It has beachfront accommodation, a small freshwater lagoon called the Laguna Encantada, walking trails through the interior, and several beach restaurants. Day visitors with limited time in Cartagena sometimes overnight here to start the following day’s snorkelling before the day-trip boats arrive.
Isla Pirata is smaller and considerably less visited. The eastern reef offers good snorkelling depth and the beach is manageable even on high-season weekends.
Isla Tesoro is home to the Punta Faro Resort, which offers day access to its private beach club (approximately COP 80,000 per person including lunch as of 2026). Book in advance during peak season (December to January, July to August) - the club limits capacity and fills up.
Islas Tintipán and Múcura are further southwest and reached primarily by private charter. If you want to be beyond most of the day-trip traffic, these are worth the additional boat time.
National Park Entry
The entire archipelago sits within Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Park. Entry costs approximately COP 15,000 per person as of 2026. Some tours include this in their price; others add it on arrival. Confirm before booking to avoid surprises at the dock.
What to Bring
Pack light for this trip. A waterproof bag for your phone and documents, biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen (conventional sunscreen is prohibited in the national park and damages coral), a rashguard or wetsuit rash vest if you sunburn easily, and cash for national park entry if not included in your tour. Underwater cameras are worth bringing - the reef fish density is high enough that even a basic snorkel mask-level camera gets usable photos.
Do not bring: conventional sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate (prohibited, environmental reasons), valuables that can’t get wet, or heavy luggage.
Best Time of Year
The Rosario Islands are diveable and snorkellable year-round, but sea conditions and visibility vary with the season. December to April is the dry season on the Caribbean coast - calmer seas, maximum visibility, and less rain. June to August (high tourist season) is also generally calm. September to November brings heavier swells and periodic rain; snorkelling is still possible on calmer days but conditions are less predictable.
Water temperature stays between 26°C and 29°C throughout the year.
Boats leave from Cartagena, so search Cartagena hotels on Booking.com and add a Cartagena walking tour or other Cartagena tours on the days around it. To sleep on the islands, see Rosario Islands stays.
Book a Rosario Islands Tour
Two verified GYG options for the main tour formats, prices as of 2026:
| Tour | Type | From Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartagena: 5-Stop Rosario Islands Tour with Lunch | Speedboat group | from $55 | Book |
| Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch & Snorkel | Sailing catamaran | from $65 | Book |
Both include snorkelling equipment and lunch. The speedboat tour maximises island time; the catamaran tour includes the sailing experience and typically an open bar. For a broader look at organised tours and excursions from Cartagena: day trips from Cartagena.