Excursion to the Rosario Islands with Lunch and Snorkeling

Cartagena’s heat gives you a good reason to leave the city for a day. This spacious catamaran carries you toward the Rosario Islands with shaded seating, open decks, music, lunch, and time in the water. It is more about sailing and swimming than walking on islands.

I like the stable ride, especially when the sea gets choppy, and I like that lunch, soft drinks, and basic snorkeling gear are already included. The main catch is simple: snorkeling can be ordinary, with limited coral, fish, and water visibility. You also usually anchor off the islands rather than visit them on foot.

Key points to know before booking

• Large catamaran ride: A roomy vessel with shaded areas, sun seats, restrooms, and netting at the front.
• Two water stops: Anchor near Isla Grande and Barú for snorkeling and swimming, with no guaranteed beach visit.
• Lunch included: Choose seafood rice, chicken with rice, or vegetable rice, with salad and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Calm, social mood: Music and a friendly atmosphere, but this is not usually a loud party boat.
• Snorkeling is the weak link: Equipment is provided, but fins are not listed, and marine life may be sparse.
• Plan for a full day: The trip starts at 8:30 a.m. from Muelle de la Bodeguita and returns there after about seven and a half hours.

A comfortable way to reach the Rosario Islands

The best part of this excursion is the boat itself. Bona Vida uses a broad catamaran rather than a small speedboat, so you get more room to move, more shade, and a smoother ride when the sea starts to roll. The front nets are made for stretching out over the water, while the main deck gives you seats away from direct sun.

I would choose this boat for comfort first. If you often feel seasick, a larger catamaran may be a smarter pick than a small, fast craft, though no boat can promise perfectly calm water. The return trip can get choppy in the afternoon, and one rough ride is enough to remind you to keep a firm grip on your drink.

The vessel has clean restrooms and enough seating in sun and shade. With a maximum of 100 people, this is not an intimate sailing trip, but the boat’s size helps keep it from feeling like everyone is packed into one narrow deck. On a busy departure, the vessel may feel full, so arrive ready for a shared group outing rather than a private charter.

Music plays during the ride, with a mix that can include salsa, reggaeton, pop, and hip-hop. The mood is lively but generally controlled. I would call it family-friendly and social, not a floating nightclub.

Leaving Cartagena from Muelle de la Bodeguita

You meet at Muelle de la Bodeguita, Puerta 1, in central Cartagena. The scheduled start is 8:30 a.m., and the trip ends back at the same meeting point. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the dock.

Bring the exact passenger document information requested at booking and boarding. You may also want a small dry bag for a phone, cash, and a change of clothes. The boat has bathrooms and changing space, but the changing area can get messy during the day.

The morning begins with the long ride away from Cartagena. That time is not just transport. It is part of the experience, with views across the Caribbean, music, drinks, and space to settle into the day. Fresh watermelon juice and small snacks have been served early in the trip, though the formal inclusions are non-alcoholic drinks and lunch.

You will spend a fair amount of time simply sailing. I see that as a benefit if you want a slow break from hot streets and busy sightseeing. If you need constant activity, the pace may feel too quiet. The boat does not fill every minute with organized entertainment, and that is part of its appeal for some people.

Isla Grande and the Luis Guerra reef anchorage

The first planned stop is in front of Isla Grande, near the Luis Guerra reef. The boat anchors for about two hours in the stated plan, though the captain can change the location or timing because of weather and sea conditions.

This is the stop most closely tied to snorkeling. Masks, snorkels, and life vests are supplied. Fins are not listed as included, and one detailed account noted that the equipment does not include fins. You may also find that mask quality varies, so check your mask before moving away from the boat.

Keep your expectations sensible. The water can be pleasant for cooling off, but the reef is not guaranteed to look like a healthy tropical aquarium. Coral may be damaged, visibility can be limited, and fish may be few. Conditions change by day and by anchorage, so some people see more marine life than others.

I would treat this as a swimming stop with a chance to see fish, not as a dedicated reef expedition. The catamaran gives you a safe, easy platform for getting into the water, and life vests and foam noodles are available. If you are not a strong swimmer, staying close to the boat is the practical choice.

The first anchorage may have calmer water than the second. That matters for children and anyone who dislikes currents. Listen to the crew before entering, and do not assume the sea will feel the same at both stops.

Snorkeling gear may require an identification document as a guarantee. Keep track of the equipment and return it properly. If you prefer not to leave an ID, you can simply enjoy the swim without using the gear.

Barú, lunch, and the second swim

The second anchorage is near Punta Gigante in Barú. Lunch is served here, with a choice of seafood rice, chicken with rice, or vegetable rice. Salad and non-alcoholic beverages help round out the meal, and the portions are generally intended to fill you up rather than provide a fancy restaurant experience.

I like the practicality of this setup. You do not lose time searching for food on shore, and the meal is covered in the ticket price. Quality can feel uneven depending on your expectations. Think solid boat lunch, not a culinary event. Seafood rice is the natural choice if you want a taste of the coast, while chicken and vegetable options make the meal easier for picky eaters.

The Barú stop can be better for swimming than snorkeling. The water may have more current or cloudiness, and the reef life can be limited. You might have time to sunbathe on the front netting, sit in the shade, listen to music, or swim off the boat.

One important detail: you may not actually step onto Barú or Isla Grande. The published plan names the locations, but the activity is built around anchorages in front of them. Several accounts describe swimming from the catamaran rather than a beach visit. If your main goal is to walk on white sand, buy food from beach vendors, or explore an island village, this is not the right format.

Outside operators may approach the boat offering banana boat rides or other water activities. Those services are not part of Bona Vida’s included program. I would avoid wearing jewelry and would not hire an outside operator unless you fully understand that the catamaran company does not control that service or take responsibility for it.

What is included, and what costs extra

The $106 price is easiest to judge as a full boat day rather than an island admission ticket. You receive the catamaran ride, snorkeling equipment, lunch, soft drinks, and fees and taxes. For a long excursion from Cartagena, having the main meal and basic drinks included makes the price fairly easy to understand.

Alcoholic drinks cost extra. Coffee and tea are also not included. You can buy drinks aboard, including mixed or tropical options, but do not confuse the free soft drinks with an open bar. If you want a party boat with unlimited alcohol, this excursion will not match that plan.

The value is strongest for couples and families who want a roomy boat, time to swim, and fewer complicated stops. You are paying for comfort and a relaxed schedule. The value is weaker if you mainly want excellent coral, abundant fish, or several island landings.

At the time described, the excursion averages about 16 days of advance booking. I would reserve ahead if your Cartagena schedule is tight, especially since the boat requires a minimum number of participants and depends on good weather.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend it to you if you want a break from Cartagena’s heat and streets. The catamaran offers shade, open air, music, toilets, lunch, and plenty of time to look at the sea. It works well for couples, families, and mixed groups where some people want to swim while others prefer to stay dry.

Children can enjoy the straightforward water access, noodles, and first-time snorkeling. Adults who are not keen on small boats may appreciate the stable platform and roomy decks. One report also described the crew helping with mobility needs, though you should discuss your requirements before booking rather than assume every need can be handled on board.

I would think twice if you want a small, quiet sailing trip with very few passengers. The maximum group size is 100, and even a large boat can feel active on a popular day. I would also skip it if snorkeling is the main reason you came to the Rosario Islands.

The crew receives mostly positive marks for organization, safety, and helpfulness, though service can feel uneven. Some people find the staff warm and attentive, while others describe less energy later in the day or a push toward paid drinks. Go for the boat, water, and setting first. Treat the onboard service as a useful part of the package, not the sole reason to book.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The full outing lasts about seven hours and 30 minutes. The planned stops allow roughly two hours at Isla Grande and two hours near Barú, but the captain can adjust the route and schedule because of weather. A promised beach landing or exact swim duration should not be assumed.

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and a light cover-up. Add a waterproof pouch for electronics and some cash for drinks or other purchases. Leave valuable jewelry at your hotel.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Should you book the Bona Vida catamaran?

Book this excursion if you want a comfortable day on the water, included lunch, free soft drinks, two swim stops, and a gentle music-filled atmosphere. The large catamaran is the star, and it makes the ride more pleasant than a cramped speedboat when the sea gets rough.

Do not book it expecting a beach-hopping tour or serious coral snorkeling. You may never set foot on an island, and the underwater views can be modest. For the right purpose, this is a good-value escape from Cartagena: sail, eat, swim, dry off on the netting, and let the city wait until late afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the Rosario Islands catamaran tour begin?

It begins at Muelle de la Bodeguita, Puerta 1, in central Cartagena.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the same meeting point, Muelle de la Bodeguita.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes a choice of seafood rice, chicken with rice, or vegetable rice. Salad is also available.

Are drinks included?

Non-alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks, coffee, and tea are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. The supplied equipment includes masks, snorkels, and life vests, but fins are not listed as included.

Does the tour visit the islands on foot?

The planned stops are anchorages near Isla Grande and Barú. You should not assume that you will leave the boat or visit a beach.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Weather cancellations and cancellations caused by an unmet minimum number of participants may result in a different date or a full refund.