Best Value Rosario Island Day Trip from Cartagena

Looking for the best value Rosario Island Day trip from Cartagena? Here’s everything you need to know about booking your relaxing catamaran voyage.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.

If you’re researching the best Rosario island day trip, I’m specifically viewing a tour I booked on GetYourGuide.

After researching the depths of the web and searching for any insight on the best day trips from Cartagena – I kept seeing this Rosario island boat tour come highly recommended.

I was very hesitant about booking this excursion because, well, it’s not exactly cheap (especially if you’re on a backpacker’s budget).

At nearly $80 USD in a country where prices are usually affordable, I was skeptical. However, I can confidently say I am SO happy I booked it and it was one of my favorite days in Cartagena.

Here’s everything you need to know about booking the tour Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel.

What You Should Know About the Rosario Island Day Trip

Perhaps a common misconception on this tour is that you actually get to explore the islands. This is not true! You simply spend the day from a boat admiring the islands from nearby in the water.

Granted I knew this ahead of time before booking the tour, but I can easily see how someone could be disappointed if they have different expectations.

Basic Tour Outline

While your boat itinerary could change, here’s a rough idea on what to expect:

8:00-8:30 am – Depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita pier.

10:30 – Swim at Isla Granda for 1h30

12:30 – Lunch is served on board.

1:30 – Stop near the island of Baru.

4 pm -Arrive back in Cartagena

This Rosario Island Day Trip Catamaran Tour is approximately 7.5 hours, so plan for it to take up most of your day.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

You’ll start your morning around 8-8:30 am boarding the catamaran that departs from the Muelle de la Bodeguita pier.

As you step on board, you will be greeted with fresh juice as a welcome treat.

There are plenty of seats for everyone to spread out in the shade or the toasty Colombian sun!

Shortly after the catamaran departs, you’ll receive a bag of delicious empanadas to snack on until lunch.

About 2 hours into your journey, you’ll arrive at your first stop – the waters of Isla Grande.

You’ll have lots of options on how to spend the hour and a half you’ll have in the turquoise Isla Grande waters. Whether you want to snorkel, grab an inflatable noodle, or sip on a margarita and lounge on the boat – the time is yours!

Next up will be a journey to the waters of Baru Island.

On your way, you’ll stop for a prepared lunch on board which will include loads of options like salad, pasta, and seafood or veggie rice. The lunch was actually so delicious, I was stuffed!

After spending another 2 hours enjoying the scenery of Baru, you’ll finally make your way back to Cartagena.

Expect to arrive back at the dock around 4 pm.

Where to Book

You can book this tour on GetYourGuide or Viator.

Both platforms feature a detailed look at the tour in addition to reviews written by real participants.

What to Bring

Lots of sunscreen.

A hat.

Protective Sunglasses.

Bathing Suit.

Towel.

Credit Card & Cash.

Optional: a book & earbuds (there’s lots of relaxing time).

Rosario Island Day Trip Essentials

What this tour includes

Welcome drink
Non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, juices, lemonade, water)
Mid-morning snack
Prepared onboard lunch (seafood or vegetables with rice, a salad buffet, and dessert)
Snorkeling equipment
Noodle floaties

Alcoholic drinks are not included but are available for purchase (and they are actually SO good!)

Transportation to the catamaran is not provided, it is up to you to arrive at the meeting point on time.

Is the tour worth it?

Yes, I would completely recommend this Rosario island boat tour to anyone visiting Cartagena! It was one of the highlights of my Colombia trip.

Still planning your itinerary? Check out my post, the best things to do in Cartagena, and my favorite hostel to stay at in the city.

Don’t forget to print this FREE Cartagena Checklist for your trip!