Sport Boat : Rosario Island,lunch on private island

The main draw here is a full day on Cartagena’s Caribbean water, with Rosario Islands scenery and a stop at Isla del Encanto Resort. You’ll see the old San Fernando de Bocachica fort, pass Cholon and Playa Blanca, snorkel near Isla Grande, then settle in for lunch, beach time, and a pool at a private-island resort.

I like the broad mix of sights, and I like that the group is capped at 22 people rather than loaded onto a giant boat. The price of $134 includes lunch and a long day out, but you should know that water, alcohol, towels, and some on-site charges are extra. Snorkeling conditions can also be disappointing, especially if you expect a lively coral reef.

Key points to know before booking

• Nine hours on the Caribbean: The tour begins at 8:30 a.m. and returns to the same Bocagrande marina in Cartagena.
• A stop at Isla Grande: You’ll snorkel for about 25 minutes near the coral reef and a sunken plane.
• Private-island lunch: Isla del Encanto Resort provides buffet lunch, a private beach, and pool access for about two hours.
• A small maximum group: The boat can carry up to 22 people, which should feel more manageable than the largest island excursions.
• Several famous views: The route includes San Fernando de Bocachica, Cholon, and a panoramic look at Playa Blanca Baru.
• Plan for add-on costs: Alcohol, bottled water, and towels are not included.

What this Rosario Islands day actually delivers

This is a classic Cartagena boat day with a little history, a short snorkeling stop, and resort time built around lunch. It is not a quiet island escape from start to finish. The route links several popular spots, so you’ll spend a meaningful part of the day moving between them.

The tour runs for about nine hours, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande2nda and ending back there. That makes it easy to fit into a Cartagena stay without arranging your own return ride from the islands.

The experience has earned a 4.8 out of 5 score from 41 ratings, with 95 percent of customers recommending it. That is a strong signal, but the day depends heavily on weather, crowd levels, sea conditions, and the exact schedule. One major local event caused a delayed start and a missed party-island stop for a group, so the route is not completely immune to changes.

Leaving Bocagrande for San Fernando de Bocachica

The day opens with a boat ride from Bocagrande toward the islands. Your first listed stop is San Fernando de Bocachica, an old fort at the entrance to Cartagena Bay.

You get about 15 minutes for a historical look at the fort. That is enough for an introduction and some photographs, not a full site visit. The admission is free, and the brief stop works best as a visual reminder of Cartagena’s defensive past rather than the main event of the day.

The fort matters because it explains why this stretch of water was so important. Cartagena’s harbor needed protection, and the fortifications around the bay controlled access to the city. Still, keep your expectations in check: the schedule gives you only a short look, and the experience is built around the islands rather than a detailed history lesson.

If you are meeting the boat on your own, take the marina location seriously. The meeting point is Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande2nda, not simply a general place called Bocagrande. The operator’s name is Vip Tour Cartagena. Arrive with time to identify the correct dock and boat before the 8:30 a.m. departure.

Cruising through all 27 Rosario Islands

The boat then passes through the Rosario Islands, an archipelago made up of 27 islands. This is the part of the day when the ride itself becomes the attraction.

You’ll see small islands, open water, and shifting views as the boat moves through the group. The two-hour island passage is not a guided walking tour, so your enjoyment will come from the views, the sea air, and watching the route unfold.

I like this part because it gives you a wider sense of the Rosario area rather than dropping you at one resort and keeping you there. You get context for the islands and a better idea of how spread out the area is.

The tradeoff is time. Two hours on the water can feel long if the sea is rough or if you want more time on land. Bring sun protection, and think about motion sickness if you are sensitive to boat travel. Bottled water is not included, so buy or bring what you need before departure if permitted by the operator.

Isla Grande and the 25-minute snorkeling stop

At Isla Grande del Rosario, the tour pauses for about 25 minutes of snorkeling. The activity takes place near a coral reef and in an area where there is a sunken plane.

The plane gives the stop a distinctive feature. It is not just a standard swim in open water, and the underwater object provides something specific to look for during a short session. The limited time means you should be ready to enter the water promptly rather than expecting a long snorkel outing.

The important caution is reef quality. One account described the coral as very degraded, so you should not book this tour solely for excellent marine life. Conditions can change, but a short stop and a heavily visited site do not guarantee clear water or a colorful reef.

This is a good fit if you want to try snorkeling as one part of a bigger day. If snorkeling is your top reason for going to Rosario, you may want to compare specialist trips that devote more time to the water. Here, the activity is one stop among several.

Lunch and pool time at Isla del Encanto Resort

The most substantial land stop is Isla del Encanto Resort. You’ll have about two hours to use the private beach and pool, with a buffet lunch included.

This resort break gives the day some structure. After the boat ride and snorkeling, you can eat, sit by the water, or use the pool instead of spending every minute on a boat. For many people, this will be the most comfortable part of the outing.

Lunch is included in the $134 price, which helps the package make more sense. You are not paying only for transportation and a short swim. You are also paying for access to a resort setting and a prepared meal.

Still, keep expectations realistic about the food. One account described the seafood as poor quality, including shrimp and octopus served with ketchup in a plastic cup. That may not represent every serving, but it is a useful warning for anyone choosing the tour mainly for a memorable island meal.

Alcohol is not included, and bottled water is not included. Towels are also excluded, so bring your own towel. Drinks and extras at an island resort can cost more than in Cartagena, and one account described disputed or confusing charges for drinks, service fees, and credit-card payments. Ask for the price before ordering anything, and check the bill before paying.

Cholon and Playa Blanca from the boat

The route also includes a panoramic view of Cholon and a look at Playa Blanca Baru, one of the most visited public beaches in the area.

These are observation stops rather than clearly defined beach visits. That distinction matters. You may see the activity and shoreline from the boat without having time to walk onto either beach.

Cholon is known for its party-boat atmosphere, while Playa Blanca is a major public beach destination. Seeing both gives you a quick look at two very different sides of Cartagena’s island day trips. You get the photo opportunity, but not necessarily the chance to settle into the sand.

A party-island stop may also be affected by closures or special events. One group missed its expected party-island visit because it was closed, and the day also began late due to the Cartagena Ironman marathon. That kind of disruption is unusual but possible. If a specific party stop is essential to you, confirm the current plan before booking.

Is $134 a fair price?

At $134 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Rosario Islands. The value comes from combining boat transport, multiple sightseeing points, snorkeling, resort access, and buffet lunch into one organized day.

The maximum group size of 22 helps. You are not guaranteed an intimate private charter, but the cap is smaller than many large group outings. That can make boarding, lunch, and moving between stops less chaotic.

The price is easier to justify if you want convenience. You can book one activity, meet at the marina, follow a set route, and return to the same place. The included lunch also removes one decision during a long day.

The price is harder to justify if you want any one thing in depth. Snorkeling lasts only about 25 minutes. The fort gets about 15 minutes. Cholon and Playa Blanca are panoramic views. Much of the day is divided between transit and a resort stop.

I would compare this with a beach-only trip, a snorkeling-focused boat, and a private charter before paying. This tour makes the most sense for someone who wants a broad introduction to the islands and prefers an organized package over planning separate transport and meals.

Group size, comfort, and the practical details

The maximum group is 22 people, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed. The activity ends back at the marina, which is useful because you do not need to arrange an island transfer at the end of the day.

The morning meeting point deserves extra attention. The marina name is specific, and confusion there can sour the day before it begins. Save the exact address and arrive early enough to locate the departure area.

Expect a full day in the sun. You’ll need sun protection, a towel, and money or a payment method for drinks and other extras. Since bottled water is excluded, plan ahead for hydration.

The operator offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The cut-off uses local Cartagena time.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this tour if you want a broad, easy-to-book island day with several different stops. It suits first-time visitors who want to see the Rosario area, take a short snorkeling session, eat lunch at a resort, and return to Cartagena the same afternoon.

It also works for couples, families, and small groups who value a private beach and pool more than a long reef session. The resort stop gives non-snorkelers something useful to do.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet island with few people, top-quality seafood, or a serious snorkeling trip. The main stops are popular, and one account described crowded areas and full boats for plankton outings. The reef may look tired, and add-on prices may frustrate you if you do not confirm them in advance.

The tour is also less suitable if you need a tightly controlled schedule. Cartagena events, closures, sea conditions, and island logistics can change the plan. Build flexibility into your day.

Should you book the Rosario Islands boat day?

Book it if you want variety and convenience: a fort, island cruising, a short snorkel, a resort lunch, a private beach, a pool, and views of Cholon and Playa Blanca. The 22-person limit and included lunch add real value.

Skip it if the reef or party-island stop is the main reason you are going. In that case, look for an outing built around longer snorkeling time or confirm the party schedule before committing.

My advice is to book with realistic expectations. Treat the snorkeling as a brief extra, not the star. Treat the buffet as practical fuel, not a culinary event. Bring water and a towel, ask about every extra charge, and arrive early at the correct marina. With that approach, the $134 package can be a sensible way to see several sides of Cartagena’s island circuit in one day.

FAQ

How long does the Rosario Islands tour last?

The tour lasts approximately nine hours, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and returning to the original meeting point in Cartagena.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande2nda in Cartagena de Indias and finishes back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

A private-island lunch at Isla del Encanto Resort is included.

Are drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages and bottled water are not included.

Is a towel provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling activity at Isla Grande del Rosario lasts about 25 minutes.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 22 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.