Cartagena Islands: 5-Stop Beach Club Tour & Snorkeling Party

Summary

Snorkel Rosario Islands party at Cholon relax Baru then Tierra Bomba finale

You’ll start your Cartagena day trip by snorkeling among Rosario Islands’ reefs, then jump between three different beach clubs — from Cholon’s wild party scene to Barú’s chill sands and finally Tierra Bomba’s exclusive poolside views. Expect music, laughter, local flavors, and plenty of sun-soaked moments you’ll want to replay later.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely set foot on the boat in Cartagena when our guide, Camilo, handed out water bottles and grinned like he knew a secret. The city faded behind us — just pastel walls and church domes shrinking into the haze — and suddenly it was all turquoise water and wind in my face. First stop: Rosario Islands for snorkeling. I’m not much of a swimmer but Camilo promised it was “easy, tranquilo.” Slipping into the water, I could hear my own breath through the snorkel and see flashes of neon fish darting around coral. It smelled faintly salty-sweet, like sunscreen mixed with seaweed. Someone’s laughter echoed over the waves — maybe mine.

After that, we docked at Rosario del Mar Resort Hotel. There was this weirdly perfect calm — hammocks swinging under palm trees, cold beer sweating in my hand (or you could get juice). I tried to order something in Spanish; the bartender smiled patiently as I stumbled through “una cerveza, por favor.” We didn’t stay long because Cholon was calling — honestly, I wasn’t ready for how wild it got there. Boats everywhere, music thumping from every direction, people dancing on decks or just shouting greetings across the water. Our group joined a floating circle of strangers and someone handed me a plastic cup (no idea what was inside). It felt like everyone forgot about time for an hour or two.

Mambo Beach Club on Barú came next — softer sand than I expected, so white it almost hurt my eyes. The lunch voucher covered most things on the menu (I got coconut rice with fish) but you could upgrade if you wanted. Sunburn started creeping up my shoulders but I didn’t care; there was this lazy breeze and kids splashing nearby. Last stop: Tierra Bomba’s private beach club. That place is something else — infinity pool looking back at Cartagena’s skyline, DJs setting up for sunset parties on weekends (we were there midweek so it was quieter). Some folks went straight for the jacuzzis; I just sat by the edge watching city lights flicker across the bay.

I still think about that view sometimes — how close Cartagena looked from Tierra Bomba but how far away real life felt for those last hours. We took the late boat back after dark; everyone a little sun-drunk and quiet for once. If you’re into day trips from Cartagena that mix reef adventure with beach clubs and actual local flavor (plus a bit of chaos), this one’s worth it. Just keep your stuff close and don’t try to out-dance the locals at Cholon… trust me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Five stops including three beach clubs

• Explore colonial fort
• Snorkel at Rosario Islands reef
• Relax at Rosario del Mar Resort
• Party at Cholón Island
• Lunch and relax at Mambo Beach Club
• Enjoy private beach club on Tierra Bomba

Top questions

How many stops are included in this Cartagena islands tour?

The tour includes five stops: snorkeling at Rosario Islands, Rosario del Mar Resort Hotel, Cholon Island party spot, Mambo Beach Club on Barú Island, and a private beach club on Tierra Bomba.

Is lunch included in the Cartagena beach club tour?

You get a COP $30,000 voucher to use toward lunch at Mambo Beach Club on Barú; you can upgrade your meal by paying any difference directly.

Does this day trip include snorkeling equipment?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for the reef stop at Rosario Islands.

Are drinks included during the tour?

You’ll receive one bottle of water and one drink (beer or non-alcoholic beverage) at Rosario del Mar Resort Hotel; other drinks are available for purchase.

How do we get between islands on this tour?

The group travels by boat with music between all island stops; transfers are part of the experience.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues; Cholón Island is especially lively with alcohol consumption common.

Can I stay longer at any of the beach clubs?

You have free time at each stop within the group schedule; extended stays aren’t possible as all guests return together by boat to Cartagena in the evening.

What should I bring for this Cartagena islands day trip?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water shoes (for snorkeling), towel, cash/card for extras, and keep valuables close as staff aren’t responsible for lost items.

What’s included

Your day includes all boat transfers between Cartagena and five island stops with music onboard, use of snorkeling gear at Rosario Islands’ reef site with guidance from local staff, one bottle of water per person plus a drink at Rosario del Mar Resort Hotel (beer or juice), entry to three different beach clubs including Mambo Beach Club where you’ll have a COP $30,000 credit toward lunch options before returning by boat after sunset to Cartagena’s port.