Cartagena: 5 Islands Snorkeling Tour & Lunch with Bilingual Guide

Five islands in one day: snorkeling, shrimp cocktail, and a sunset you'll actually see

You board a boat at Cartagena pier with a bilingual guide and visit five islands across the Rosario and Barú archipelago. Snorkeling gear, lunch, and a shrimp cocktail are included. You choose between the Oceanarium or Isla Grande depending on what appeals to you. The boat returns by early evening, giving you time to rest before dinner in the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Rosario Islands1h
2. Baru Island1h

Tour of Rosario and Barú Islands

• Depart from Cartagena pier
• Panoramic stop near Tierra Bomba island
• Admire San Fernando and San José forts
• Review Rosario Islands and visit Pablo Escobar's plane
• Stop at Isla Grande for snorkeling
• Option to visit Oceanarium or stay at Isla Grande
• Visit Cholon party island and taste shrimp cocktail
• Visit Agua Azul island beach
• Lunch and beach time at Playa Tranquila, Barú
• Optional plankton activity and sunset viewing

The experience

What if you could see the whole Rosario and Barú archipelago without renting a boat or figuring out the logistics yourself? The 5 Islands tour leaves Cartagena pier with a bilingual guide who handles the route, the timing, and the stops. You just show up. The boat passes Tierra Bomba first, where the guide points out the colonial forts of San Fernando and San José rising from the water, explains why they mattered 300 years ago, then keeps moving. It's the kind of detail that makes the scenery stick instead of just sliding past.

The actual snorkeling happens at Isla Grande in the Rosario Islands, and the gear comes with you, masks, fins, everything. There's also a stop at Cholon, the louder island where the luxury boats anchor and the shrimp cocktails taste like they should, and then Agua Azul, which is just turquoise water and sand. If snorkeling isn't your thing, you can ask the guide in advance to drop you at the Oceanarium instead while others are in the water. Around 1:30pm you reach Playa Tranquila on Barú Island, where lunch happens on the beach. After that, you have time to sit, swim, or stay long enough to watch the sunset if the plankton activity is happening that evening. It's one of those details that depends on the season and the light.

The whole day runs about eight hours from pier to pier. You get a water bottle, a free photo session, and beach chairs set up where you need them. Reservations close at 3pm the day before, so book early if you're traveling during high season.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation to the pier, a bilingual guide for the full route, snorkeling equipment (mask and fins), lunch at Playa Tranquila, a shrimp cocktail at Cholon, a water bottle, beach chairs, and a free photo session. You visit five islands across the Rosario and Barú archipelago, with the option to choose the Oceanarium or Isla Grande depending on your preference.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (7 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by La Perla Viajes y Turismo

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the whole archipelago in one day without arranging your own boat, timing multiple islands, or deciding which stops matter most: the guide and the fixed schedule handle all three.

Traveler reviews

4.13★★★★★★★★★★

62 verified traveler reviews

5 ★39

4 ★5

3 ★10

2 ★3

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the tour leave Cartagena?

The boat departs from the Cartagena pier in the morning. Reservations must be made by 3pm the day before.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes, masks and fins are provided. You can also skip snorkeling and visit the Oceanarium instead if you notify the guide in advance.

What islands do you visit?

The tour includes Tierra Bomba (for the colonial forts), Isla Grande, Cholon, Agua Azul, and Playa Tranquila on Barú Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is served around 1:30pm at Playa Tranquila beach on Barú Island.

How long is the tour?

The full day tour runs approximately eight hours from departure to return.

Is hotel pickup included?

Private transportation is included with the tour.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. A water bottle is provided, and beach chairs are set up at each stop.