Cartagena Islands: Snorkeling, Seafood & Plankton Night Swim

Summary

Island hopping tour from Cartagena with snorkeling & lunch

You’ll island-hop from Cartagena with a local guide, snorkel among coral reefs at Isla Grande, taste fresh seafood at Cholón’s lively beach scene, and relax on white sand before swimming through glowing plankton after sunset. Expect laughter, music, and moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the saltwater.

What’s the experience like?

“You can smell the sea before you even see it,” our guide Luis grinned as we squeezed onto the boat at the dock near Cartagena’s clock tower. He was right — that salty breeze hit me first, then the sound of everyone laughing and shouting over the engine. We set off past Bocachica, and Luis pointed out the old Fort of San Fernando, telling us how it once guarded these waters. I didn’t catch every word (my Spanish is still a work in progress), but you could feel his pride when he talked about his city’s history.

The Rosario Islands are scattered like little green freckles on blue water — 27 of them, apparently. We slowed down for photos and then stopped at Isla Grande for snorkeling. The mask felt a bit awkward at first (I always get water up my nose), but once I dipped under, it was just quiet and fish everywhere. Bright flashes darting around coral, and someone swore they saw part of a sunken plane down there. I’m not sure if I did or just wanted to.

Cholón was next — music thumping from boats tied together, people dancing knee-deep in the sea with plates of shrimp and coconut rice. I tried to order in Spanish; Li laughed when I tried to say “camarones” (probably butchered it). The seafood tasted like it had come straight from the water that morning. After that came Agua Azul, where we floated in warm turquoise shallows eating slices of mango handed out by a guy with a cooler strapped to his chest.

Some folks headed back after Playa Tranquila and lunch (I picked fish — crispy skin, soft inside), but I waited for nightfall. That’s when we waded into the dark water for the plankton swim. It’s hard to explain: you move your hands and suddenly everything glows blue around you. It felt unreal — like being inside a secret only this place knows about. Even now, sometimes when I close my eyes, I see those sparks again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Rosary Islands

• Meet next to the clock tower
• Boat departure with group
• Panoramic view of Fort San Fernando
• Panoramic view of Rosary Islands
• Snorkel at Isla Grande
• Enjoy music and party at Isla Cholón
• Swim at Isla Agua Azul beach
• Lunch at Playa Tranquila
• Optional night plankton activity

Top questions

How long does the Cartagena islands tour last?

The standard tour returns around 3:00pm; if you join the night plankton activity, return is around 8:00pm by bus.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this day trip?

A mask is included for snorkeling at Isla Grande; other gear is not provided.

What food is served during the Cartagena island tour?

You can choose chicken, fish or vegetarian options for lunch; seafood tasting is included at Cholón.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup; meeting point is next to Cartagena's clock tower.

Can infants join this Cartagena islands excursion?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day starts at Cartagena’s clock tower meeting point before heading out by boat with a local guide. You’ll enjoy snorkeling at Isla Grande (mask included), seafood tasting at Cholón, fresh fruit at Agua Azul, time to swim and relax on several beaches, plus a typical lunch with options for chicken, fish or vegetarian dishes. If you stay late for the plankton swim, return transport by heated bus is included.