Rosario Islands Tour Review 2025: Is This Day Trip Worth It?

You’ve seen the pictures, right? Honestly, those postcard-perfect images of shockingly blue water and sugary white sand are basically what brought you to Cartagena in the first place. This city, you know, has this amazing old-world charm, but that Caribbean dream is actually a short boat ride away. The “Full Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Cholón, and Playa Blanca” tour is, sort of, the most common way people try to capture that dream. It’s literally advertised on every street corner in the Walled City. Well, I just did it, and I’m here to give you the real story, you know, beyond the glossy brochures for 2025. It’s pretty much an adventure that’s part paradise and part pure chaos, and to be honest, knowing what to expect is the key to having a great time. So, let’s talk about whether this very popular trip is the right kind of adventure for you.

The Morning Scramble: Navigating the Muelle de la Bodeguita

The day literally starts with a jolt of energy at the Muelle de la Bodeguita, which is the main tourist dock. I mean, it’s just a bit of a sensory overload right from the get-go. Tour operators are shouting out boat names, people are milling about looking a little lost, and you, well, you are just trying to find your group. My best piece of advice, honestly, is to get there earlier than you think you need to. Our meeting time was 8:00 AM, but we arrived at 7:30 AM, and as a matter of fact, that was a really smart move. This gave us some breathing room, you know, to figure out where we were supposed to be without feeling completely frantic. It’s basically an organized jumble of activity. You’ll typically find your tour representative holding a sign or wearing a specific colored shirt, so keep your eyes peeled.

Once you locate your group, the next step, you know, is getting processed. This part is, kind of, a little bureaucratic. First, you have to show your booking confirmation. Next, and this is important, you have to pay the port tax separately. It’s not a huge amount, but obviously, they almost never include it in the tour price you paid online. You should absolutely have Colombian Pesos in cash for this. I saw a few people trying to pay with a card, and frankly, it just wasn’t happening, which caused a bit of a delay for their whole group. After you get your wristband, you still have to wait. It’s pretty much a waiting game as they assemble all the passengers for your specific speedboat. In the meantime, you’ll see a lot of vendors walking around selling things like waterproof phone pouches, sunglasses, hats, and coffee. Seriously, that waterproof pouch is not a bad idea if you don’t already have one; you will definitely need it later.

What to Wear and Pack for the Dock

As I was saying, planning what to wear is more or less critical for a good start. I’d recommend wearing your swimsuit under your clothes, just like you would for a day at the beach. You know, a simple sundress or a pair of shorts and a t-shirt over your swimwear is pretty much perfect. You should also wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off, as a matter of fact, like flip-flops or water shoes. You definitely don’t want to be fumbling with complicated sneakers on a crowded dock. In your bag, you should basically have a towel, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen. Applying your first layer of sunscreen while you’re waiting around is, honestly, a very good use of your time because the sun gets surprisingly strong, even in the morning. A reusable water bottle is also a good idea to stay hydrated, although you can buy drinks everywhere. Finally, keep some small bills handy; it’s just useful for snacks or last-minute purchases.

All Aboard: The Speedboat Ride to Paradise

Okay, so after all the waiting and organizing, you finally get the call for your boat. Walking down the docks and finding your vessel is, in a way, its own little adventure. The boats are typically powerful speedboats, seating anywhere from 20 to 40 people, and they are usually packed pretty tightly. So, finding a good seat is sort of key. If you want a bit more of a thrilling, bumpy ride with the best views, I’d say try to get a spot near the front. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly smoother, less bouncy experience, you might want to sit more towards the back. To be honest, no matter where you sit, you are probably going to get wet. It’s just part of the fun.

The moment the boat leaves the dock and speeds out of the bay is really something else. You get this incredible, panoramic view of Cartagena’s skyline, with the old city on one side and the modern skyscrapers of Bocagrande on the other. It’s a perspective you just don’t get from inside the city walls. The ride itself is fast, loud, and incredibly windy. The captain will often crank up some lively Latin music, which adds to the whole party atmosphere. They give you life vests, and you should definitely wear them. The trip out to the first stop in the Rosario Islands usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It can be a little jarring on your back if the water is choppy, so just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride. You will literally feel the saltwater spray on your face, and the sun beating down, and that’s when it starts to feel like your vacation has really, actually begun.

First Dip: Snorkeling in the Rosario Archipelago

The first major stop on this tour is usually a spot in the Rosario Islands specifically chosen for snorkeling. As your boat slows down and anchors, the change in the water is almost unbelievable. It turns from a deep blue to a translucent, shimmering turquoise that is honestly even prettier than in the photos. The guide will typically give a brief rundown of the area and hand out snorkeling masks. Now, it’s worth noting that the quality of the provided gear can be a bit hit-or-miss. They do the job, pretty much, but if you have your own high-quality mask and snorkel, you may want to bring them along.

Jumping into that warm, clear water is incredibly refreshing after the boat ride. The tour I was on took us to an area known for having one of Pablo Escobar’s sunken private planes. You can actually see the small plane resting on the seabed below, which is a very unique and slightly eerie sight. You will see some colorful fish darting around, but I want to manage your expectations a little bit. Due to high boat traffic and other environmental factors over the years, the coral reefs in these heavily-touristed spots are, frankly, not as vibrant as they once were. You’ll see some coral, yes, but it’s more muted and not the riot of color you might see on a National Geographic special. Still, floating there, looking at the fish and the famous wreck, with the sun on your back, is a really peaceful and cool experience. It’s a great way to, you know, just start the water-based activities of the day.

Sometimes, the snorkeling activity is presented as an optional extra, for which you have to pay a small additional fee on the boat. It’s best to clarify this when you book your tour, so there are no surprises. Honestly, even if you are not a strong swimmer, you can still participate. The life vests they provide are very buoyant, so you can just float effortlessly on the surface and enjoy the view below. The stop usually lasts about 45 minutes, which feels like just the right amount of time to explore the area without getting too tired. It’s arguably a nice, gentle start to the island hopping ahead.

The Cholón Island Party: A Unique Caribbean Scene

After the relatively calm snorkeling stop, the vibe, well, it changes completely when you arrive at Cholón Island. As a matter of fact, Cholón is less of an island you walk on and more of a social phenomenon that happens in the water. The scene is honestly like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Your speedboat will pull up and park, often rafting up alongside other boats, in a shallow, waist-deep lagoon. This area is pretty much transformed into a floating party. Each boat blasts its own playlist of reggaeton or electronic music, creating a loud, energetic soundscape that reverberates across the water. It’s basically a massive, impromptu beach club with no beach.

You hop out of the boat and into the warm, clear water. Instantly, you are part of the party. People are wading between boats, drinks in hand, dancing, and socializing. It’s a very youthful, high-energy atmosphere. Vendors will immediately approach you, some wading through the water and others in small canoes, selling everything you can imagine. You can get fresh oysters, seafood cocktails, coco locos (coconuts filled with rum and coconut cream), beer, and all sorts of other potent concoctions. It is absolutely vital that you ask for the price before you agree to buy anything. I mean, seriously. Prices here can be quite inflated, and some vendors are known for presenting you with a surprisingly large bill at the end if you didn’t agree on a price upfront. Just be polite but firm, agree on a price, and you’ll be fine.

Cholón is definitely a ‘love it or hate it’ kind of place. If you are looking to party, meet new people, and dance in the ocean with a cocktail in your hand, you will think Cholón is the best place on earth. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing beach experience, you will find it overwhelming and possibly a bit obnoxious. It’s incredibly loud and crowded. For me, it was a fascinating cultural experience and kind of fun for a short while. We stayed for about an hour, which was honestly plenty of time to take in the unique scene, have a drink, and people-watch before moving on. It’s a very memorable part of the day, for better or for worse.

Lunch on Isla Barú: A Caribbean Feast

By the time you leave the sensory explosion of Cholón, you are probably ready for some food and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. The next stop is usually a private beach club or a designated restaurant area on the island of Barú for lunch, which is thankfully included in the tour price. Our boat pulled up to a small, pretty stretch of sand with simple wooden tables and chairs set up under thatched-roof shelters. It was a very welcome change of pace, you know, a bit more chilled out. The guides are usually pretty efficient at getting everyone seated and taking your order.

The standard lunch offering is quite classic for the Colombian Caribbean coast, and frankly, it’s delicious. You typically get a choice of a whole fried fish, grilled chicken breast, or a vegetarian option. The meal comes with a classic set of side dishes: coconut rice, which has a subtly sweet flavor, some crispy fried plantain slices called *patacones*, and a small, fresh salad. To be honest, the fried fish is the way to go if you eat seafood. It’s usually super fresh, fried to perfection—crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. A simple beverage, like a lemonade or a bottle of water, is usually included too. You can buy beer or cocktails for an extra charge, and the prices here tend to be a little more reasonable than at Cholón.

The setting for lunch is just about perfect. You are sitting just feet from the water, with your toes practically in the sand, eating a simple, satisfying meal. It’s a moment to just sit back, refuel, and chat with your fellow travelers about the morning’s adventures. This part of the day feels much more like the relaxed island experience many people are looking for. You generally have about an hour or so here, which includes time to eat and then maybe take a quick dip in the water or just lounge in the shade for a little bit before heading to the final stop of the day.

Winding Down at Playa Blanca: Famous, Flawed, and Fantastic

The last stop on this jam-packed itinerary is the famous Playa Blanca. There’s no denying it; the beach itself is absolutely stunning. We are talking about a long stretch of brilliant white sand that feels like fine powder under your feet and water that shows off every shade of blue and green imaginable. It’s genuinely a world-class beach. However, and this is a really big however, its fame means it is also incredibly popular and can get very, very crowded, especially in the main areas where the day-trip boats dock.

As soon as you step onto the sand, you’ll be greeted by a constant stream of vendors. They sell everything from massages and hair braiding to jewelry, snacks, and drinks. They can be quite persistent, which can be a little tiring if you are just looking to relax. The best strategy, I found, is to just offer a polite but firm “No, gracias” and they will eventually move on. A great tip for enjoying Playa Blanca is to turn left or right as soon as you get off the boat and just keep walking. If you walk for about 10 or 15 minutes away from the main boat landing area, the crowds thin out considerably, and the vendors become less frequent. You can find a quieter spot to lay down your towel and just enjoy the spectacular view.

We had about an hour and a half here, which was enough time to find a nice spot, go for a long swim in the wonderfully calm and warm water, and just soak up the last of the Caribbean sun. Despite the crowds and the vendors, you simply cannot argue with the natural beauty of the place. Watching the light change as the afternoon wore on was pretty special. It’s a slightly chaotic, yet undeniably beautiful, end to the island-hopping portion of the day. You just have to be in the right frame of mind to embrace the madness a little bit.

A Closer Look: What’s Really Included?

Okay, so let’s get down to the practical details because this is where a lot of confusion can happen. Knowing exactly what your money gets you is, honestly, the best way to avoid any disappointment or surprise expenses. It can be a little different from one tour operator to another, but generally, here’s what you can expect from this type of full-day tour.

Typically Included in the Price:

• Shared Speedboat Transportation: This is, of course, the main component. It covers your ride from Cartagena to all the designated stops and back again.
• Bilingual Guide: You’ll almost always have a guide on board who speaks both Spanish and English. They give basic instructions and a little bit of information about the places you visit.
• The Itinerary Stops: The price covers the boat trip to a spot in the Rosario Islands, the party stop at Cholón, the lunch spot on Barú, and the relaxation time at Playa Blanca.
• A Standard Lunch: As I was saying, a meal of fish or chicken with sides like coconut rice and patacones is usually part of the package. A basic non-alcoholic drink is often included with the meal, too.
• A Welcome Drink: Sometimes, the tour offers a small welcome drink at one of the stops, usually at the lunch place. It’s typically something simple.

What You Will Almost Certainly Pay for Separately:

• Port Tax (Impuesto de Muelle): This is virtually never included. You have to pay this in cash (Colombian Pesos) at the dock before you can board the boat. You should definitely budget for this.
• Snorkeling Equipment Rental: Some tours include the snorkel mask, but many charge a small extra fee for it. You should clarify this beforehand.
• Drinks and Food at Cholón: This is a big one. All food and drinks you consume at the Cholón party stop are extra, and as I mentioned, they can be pretty expensive.
• Extra Drinks and Snacks: Anything you buy outside of the included lunch and drink—like beer, cocktails at the lunch spot, or water and snacks at Playa Blanca—is on your own dime.

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• Beach Chairs or Cabanas: If you want to rent a lounge chair or a shaded spot at Playa Blanca, there will be a fee. You can usually negotiate this price.
• Tips for the Crew: Tipping the boat captain and the guide is not mandatory, but it’s a very nice gesture if you had a good time. They work really hard to keep everyone safe and on schedule.

Is This Tour Right For You? A Final Thought

At the end of the day, whether this tour is a good fit really depends on what you are looking for. It’s sort of a “sampler platter” of the islands near Cartagena. You get to see and do a lot in a single day, which is a huge plus if you are short on time or on a budget. You experience the snorkeling, the unique party at Cholón, and the world-famous sands of Playa Blanca all in one go. It’s efficient, it’s high-energy, and in some ways, it’s a really good value for the number of places you get to see.

This Tour Is Probably a Great Choice If:

• You are a solo traveler or a couple looking to socialize and meet new people from around the world.
• You are a group of friends who want a lively, fun, and party-oriented day on the water.
• It’s your first time in Cartagena and you want to see all the “greatest hits” of the islands in an easy, organized way.
• You are on a tight budget, as private boat rentals can be significantly more expensive.
• You don’t mind crowds and actually enjoy a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.

You Might Want to Consider a Different Option If:

• You are traveling with young children; the speedboat can be rough, and the party vibe at Cholón is not very family-friendly.
• You are looking for a peaceful, quiet, and secluded day to relax and unwind. This tour is pretty much the opposite of that.
• You strongly dislike crowds, loud music, and feeling rushed from one place to another.
• You have a bad back or mobility issues, as the speedboat can be very bumpy and getting in and out of the boat requires some agility.
• You are a serious snorkeler or diver who wants to see pristine, untouched marine ecosystems. You would be better off on a specialized dive tour.

Frankly, if you fall into the second category, you might be happier renting a private boat with a small group of people. This gives you complete control over your itinerary. You can choose to skip the party at Cholón and instead spend more time at a quieter beach or find a more secluded snorkeling spot. It’s more expensive, for sure, but it provides a very different, more personalized experience. For those looking for an all-in-one, action-packed, and social day trip, this group tour really does deliver an unforgettable and quintessentially Caribbean adventure.

Read our full review: [2025 ‘Full Day Rosario Islands Tour’ Full Review and Details]

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