5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar

The sunken plane near Isla Grande is the most unusual part of this Cartagena boat day. At about 7 meters below the surface, it gives your short snorkeling stop a clear target, with coral and fish around it. You also get a quick look at the forts of Bocachica, a pass through the Rosario Islands, lunch on a private island, and time at Playa Tranquila Barú.

I like the varied route and the fact that lunch is built in rather than left to chance. I also like the boat views and the chance to see several very different sides of the coast in one half-day. The catch is the word VIP: the trip is not consistently private or polished, and Cholón can be crowded, loud, and messy.

Key points to know before booking

• The sunken plane is the main snorkeling feature: You spend about 30 minutes near Isla Grande, with a mask and a life jacket supplied.
• Cholón is a party stop: Expect crossover music, boats, noise, and a social beach scene rather than quiet island time.
• Lunch takes place on a private island: Several meal choices are available, though portions and standards may vary.
• The tour ends at Pegasus Pier: Hotel return is not included, so plan and pay for your own ride back.
• Bring cash and water: Bottled water and alcoholic drinks are not included, and card payments on Barú may be unreliable.
• The $120 price buys variety, not luxury: It can be good value for a packed route, but not if you expect a private boat or a calm, high-end beach day.

The route from Cartagena begins before the boat

The meeting point is Monumento Torre del Reloj at Boca del Puente in the old city. The stated start time is 8:00 a.m., and pickup may begin about an hour earlier, depending on your location. That early transfer takes you to the check-in point, which is useful if you are not staying close to the clock tower.

This first stage needs a little care. The tour description also says it ends at the Pegasus Pier and does not include a return to your hotel. One unhappy customer expected hotel drop-off and found a dock instead. The practical lesson is simple: ask exactly where your pickup happens and arrange your return from the pier before you leave.

The final return is listed around 3:00 to 3:30 p.m., with the boat finishing at Muelle La Bodeguita and drop-off at the Pegasus Pier area. This is a city-center location, but you should still budget for a taxi or another ride back to your hotel.

Bocachica’s forts give the boat ride some context

One of the first sightseeing moments is a panoramic view of the forts at Bocachica. Your guide gives a short historical explanation as you pass. From the water, the fortifications make more sense than they do in a rushed city visit, since you see their position at the entrance to Cartagena’s bay.

This is not a full fort tour. You do not get off the boat, walk through the walls, or spend a long time on the story. Think of it as a useful introduction while the boat gets out toward the islands.

I like this stop because it keeps the day from being only beaches and loud music. The view also gives you a better sense of why Cartagena grew into such an important port.

Rosario Islands are best seen from the water

The boat then makes a panoramic pass through the Rosario archipelago, with about 45 minutes listed for this part of the route. A guide provides historical and cultural background while you look across the island chain.

Again, this is a sightseeing pass rather than a shore visit. You are not being given time on every island, and the boat route may feel quick if you want a slow, scenic cruise. Still, the broad view is useful. It lets you see how scattered the islands are and how much of this excursion depends on moving between stops.

The boat itself has received strong praise for being clean, comfortable, and fast. One account described a boat suited to about 12 to 15 people, while the overall activity can accept up to 100 people. That means you should not assume every departure will feel like a small private charter. Group size and boat arrangements may vary.

Isla Grande delivers a short, unusual snorkeling stop

The snorkeling area near Isla Grande is the most distinctive stop. A plane rests on the seabed at roughly 7 meters, surrounded by coral and fish. The planned water time is about 30 minutes.

A mask is included, and wearing a life jacket is mandatory while you are in the water with the guide. The supplied information refers to a snorkeling mask, but not to fins or a separate snorkel tube. One account specifically found the gear basic and said the lack of a tube and flippers made the activity harder.

That detail matters. If you are comfortable in the water, the plane and reef may be enough to make the stop worthwhile. If you expect a fully equipped snorkeling session, you should ask before booking what equipment is actually supplied. Do not count on a flotation platform or an easy place to rest while you swim.

The time is also limited. This is a short look at one underwater feature, not an extended reef outing. Conditions, boat traffic, and the size of the group can affect how relaxed the stop feels.

Cholón brings music, boats, and a very different mood

Cholón, often called the party island, is scheduled for about 45 minutes. The plan is to enjoy crossover music and the social atmosphere around the boats.

This stop will suit you if you want loud music and a lively break in the water. It will not suit you if you are hoping for solitude, clean sand, or a quiet swim. At busy times, the area can become extremely crowded and noisy, with limited personal space. Accounts of the stop also describe it as dirty and cramped when full.

I would treat Cholón as a quick cultural contrast, not the main reason to book the excursion. It shows you the popular party side of Cartagena’s island scene. Just keep your belongings secure and do not expect the polished feel suggested by the word VIP.

Alcoholic drinks are not included in the stated price. The description also warns that some island purchases may require cash, so carry Colombian pesos for drinks or food beyond the included lunch.

Lunch on a private island is a useful mid-day pause

After the more active water and party stops, the boat reaches a private island for lunch. The meal includes several options, and you have time to eat and rest for about 45 minutes.

This is one of the better ideas in the schedule. A proper meal gives you a chance to sit down rather than trying to make the entire day out of snacks bought at busy beach stops. The setting should also feel calmer than Cholón, although the exact restaurant setup and meal portion may depend on the local partner serving your group.

The meal is included, but bottled water is not. Take your own water or plan to buy it. The stated inclusions also list medical assistance and an air-conditioned vehicle, which are practical additions, especially on a hot day and during the land transfer.

Do not read private island as private dining or private use of the whole island. The tour is described as arriving at a private island, but the group itself is not promised an exclusive boat or exclusive beach area.

Playa Tranquila Barú is the quietest beach stop

The final beach visit is Playa Tranquila on Barú. You get about 45 minutes to swim, sit on white sand, and enjoy warm Caribbean water.

Compared with Cholón, this is the place for a more restful finish. The name suggests a calm setting, and the schedule gives you time to bathe and relax rather than only taking a quick photograph. Still, Barú is a popular destination, and beach comfort depends on how crowded the area is when you arrive.

One important warning comes directly from the tour information: be cautious with card payments. Carry cash for drinks and food sold on the island. This is also a good place to keep your valuables close, since beach areas can become crowded and movement between the boat, sand, and restaurants can be hectic.

The beach stop is not a full afternoon. Forty-five minutes passes quickly once you change, walk to the sand, find a place to sit, and get into the water. If your main goal is a long, quiet beach day, a dedicated Barú outing may fit better.

What $120 really buys you

At $120 per person, this is a mid-range island day rather than a bargain beach shuttle. You are paying for a lot of movement: city pickup or transfer, the boat ride, Bocachica, Rosario, Isla Grande, Cholón, a private-island lunch, and Barú.

The value is strongest if you want variety and do not want to arrange separate transport, a boat, lunch, and snorkeling yourself. The air-conditioned vehicle and included meal reduce some of the planning. The guide’s explanations add a little context to the coastal views, too.

The value is weaker if you are buying the tour for luxury. The overall capacity is listed at up to 100 people, hotel return is not included, bottled water is extra, and alcohol is excluded. Some accounts also describe crowded beaches, basic snorkeling equipment, high music volume, and a return vehicle that felt old or unclean.

The title promises an open bar, but the included section says alcoholic beverages are not included. That is a major point to clarify before paying. Ask the operator what the current package includes, since the wording is inconsistent.

Timing, comfort, and practical preparation

The advertised length is about five and a half hours, with an 8:00 a.m. start and an afternoon return. The schedule is full, so delays at check-in, loading, transfers, or busy beach roads can reduce time at the actual stops.

One account described a long, rough approach to Playa Blanca, including a badly potholed road and a crowded walk from the parking area. That description may not match every departure or route, but it shows why you should not picture a smooth resort transfer throughout the day.

Wear a swimsuit under light clothes and use secure bags for your phone and money. Bring water, cash, sun protection, and anything you need for a short swim. The mask is included, but ask about fins and snorkel equipment if those matter to you.

The tour is near public transportation at its city meeting and ending points, and most people can participate. No special accessibility details are provided, so anyone needing adapted transport or help boarding should confirm arrangements in advance.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would choose this tour if you want to fit several famous Cartagena island experiences into one organized outing. It suits active people who like a quick swim, a short snorkeling stop, loud music at Cholón, a set lunch, and a final beach break.

It also works for first-time visitors who value convenience over control. You can see a lot without negotiating with separate boat operators or deciding where to eat.

I would not choose it for a quiet honeymoon day, a serious snorkeling trip, or a luxury charter. The word VIP may create the wrong expectations. You should also think twice if you dislike crowds, loud music, basic facilities, or leaving the boat at a dock instead of your hotel.

Should you book the 5 Islands VIP Escape?

Book it if the appeal is variety: forts, island views, one unusual underwater sight, a party stop, lunch, and a Barú swim in one compact day. The boat ride and changing scenery are the strongest parts, and the $120 price can make sense when you want transport and lunch handled for you.

Skip it if you want spacious beaches, a private boat, long snorkeling time, or a quiet premium service. Before booking, confirm the open-bar wording, ask what snorkeling gear is supplied, check the pickup point, and plan your return from Pegasus Pier. With those expectations in place, this can be a fun sampler of Cartagena’s island circuit, but it is not a luxury escape in the traditional sense.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Monumento Torre del Reloj at Boca del Puente in Cartagena’s historic center. The start time is 8:00 a.m., with pickup potentially beginning about an hour earlier depending on your location.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at the Pegasus Pier area, listed as Muelle La Bodeguita in Cartagena. Return to your hotel is not included.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. The return to the city is scheduled for about 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served on a private island, with several meal options available.

Is bottled water included?

No. Bottled water is not included, so bring your own or plan to purchase it.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. The included section specifically excludes alcoholic beverages, despite the experience title referring to an open bar. Confirm the current arrangement before booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

A snorkeling mask is included. A life jacket must be worn during the activity. The supplied information does not confirm that fins or a snorkel tube are provided.

What will I see while snorkeling?

The snorkeling stop is near Isla Grande, where a plane lies on the seabed at roughly 7 meters. Coral reefs and fish can also be seen during the approximately 30-minute stop.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.