Cartagena Boat Tour: Rosario Islands Snorkel & Lunch

Snorkel colorful reefs, glide through mangrove tunnels, then relax on a private island

A full-day boat tour from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands with snorkeling at Isla Grande, a mangrove tunnel, and lunch at Playa Cristal. The tour uses a sports boat built for comfort instead of capacity.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 107 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

VIP island hopping with snorkeling 08:30 Guide in English or Spanish

Island hopping without snacks or drinks 08:30 Guide in English or Spanish Not all-inclusive: snacks and cocktails are not part of this option.

Island hopping plus spa 08:30 Guide in English or Spanish A 30-minute massage

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Rosario Islands boat tour and snorkeling

• Depart Cartagena at 8:30 a.m.
• Enjoy historic information from the boat
• Snorkel at Isla Grande
• Relax on private island
• Panoramic tour through mangrove tunnel
• Lunch at Playa Cristal
• Return to Cartagena at 4:30 p.m.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• entrance fee to Corales del Rosario National Park.
• one Cuba Libre at the first island (VIP and Spa options).
• bottled water and Gatorade.
• typical island lunch with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus sides and natural lemonade.
• one choice of patacones with hogao, egg arepa, shrimp ceviche or a national beer (VIP and Spa options).
• the Spa option adds a 30-minute massage at the private island.

Times

• Every day except Saturday 08:30

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 30 1 private ›

Live guide English and Spanish

Audio guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 5 with pickup ›

Book up to 4h before

Ages Adult (6 to 65 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by PANA TOURS COLOMBIA

Prices and times updated today

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The experience

The boat leaves Cartagena and heads out to Isla Grande, the main island of the Rosario Islands archipelago. At Isla Grande you snorkel near the surface using a mask and snorkel tube, then continue to a private island for a rest inside the Corales del Rosario National Park. The route includes a panoramic run through a mangrove tunnel before reaching Playa Cristal, where lunch and the day's best views happen together. Music plays on board, and the operator runs these tours on sports boats, not the 40-50 person boats other tours use.

Lunch is a typical island meal: your choice of fried snapper, grilled chicken breast, or rice with vegetables, all served with salad, coconut rice, patacones and natural lemonade. The snorkeling gear is included, and so is bottled water and Gatorade. If you book the VIP or Spa option, you also get a Cuba Libre at the first island and one snack or a national beer. The Spa option adds a 30-minute massage at the private island. The entrance fee to the national park is built into the price.

The boat is designed for comfort, which matters on a full day at sea: the difference between a sports boat and a packed one shows up in how the day actually feels.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 exactly do you snorkel at on this Cartagena boat tour?

You snorkel at Isla Grande, the main island of the Rosario Islands, using a mask and tube at the surface. The Rosario Islands are a protected national park made up of about 28 islands off the coast of Cartagena, known for coral reefs and shallow water snorkeling.

Is lunch included in every option of this tour?

Yes, lunch is included in every option. You choose between fried snapper, grilled chicken, or a vegetarian plate with rice and vegetables, plus sides and natural lemonade. The VIP and Spa options also include a Cuba Libre at the first island and one snack or a national beer.

What's included in the Spa option for this Cartagena tour?

The Spa option includes everything in the VIP package (drinks, snacks, and lunch) plus a 30-minute massage at the private island during the rest stop.

Are there any health or fitness restrictions for this snorkeling tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It isn't advised for anyone with a spinal injury, for pregnant travelers, or for people with poor cardiovascular health.