Cartagena Rosario Islands: Boat Tour, Snorkel & Private Island

Summary

Cartagena boat day to Rosario Islands with snorkel stops, private island, local food and shared music vibes

You’ll float between Cartagena and the Rosario Islands on a small-group boat tour with music playing and new friends beside you. Snorkel off Isla Grande with all gear provided, taste fresh snapper or veggie lunch at Playa Cristal, relax on a private island (maybe even get a massage), and drift through quiet mangroves before heading back — sun-kissed and content.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a plastic cup with something cold and sweet — “Cuba libre, you have to try,” she grinned. I’d only just met her on the dock in Cartagena, but by the time our boat cut across that first patch of blue water, it felt like we’d all known each other longer. The captain’s playlist was pure Colombian pop (loud but not too much), and every now and then he’d shout out facts about the Rosario Islands — mostly in Spanish, sometimes switching for us. I didn’t catch everything but somehow that made it better. The salt spray stuck to my skin; sunscreen mixed with coconut scent from someone’s bag.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from snorkeling here — I’ve done it before, but Isla Grande had this quiet undercurrent when we dropped anchor. The mask felt cold at first, then I forgot about it because there were flashes of yellow fish everywhere. Our guide dove down to point at coral shapes I would’ve missed; he tapped his watch underwater like “time’s up” but let us linger anyway. Back on the boat, someone passed around patacones with hogao sauce — messy fingers, nobody cared. We stopped at a private island after that (I never caught its name), just hammocks and shade and the sound of Gatorade bottles popping open.

Lunch was fried snapper for most of us — crispy edges, coconut rice that tasted faintly sweet. There was grilled chicken too if you wanted it, or veggie rice for a couple in our group who didn’t eat fish. I sat with Li and two others facing Playa Cristal; the water looked almost fake from there. A few people got massages on the sand (I skipped it), but honestly just sitting there watching local kids play soccer nearby was enough for me. It felt easy in a way travel rarely does — no rush back to Cartagena yet.

I still think about that last slow drift through the mangrove tunnel. Sunlight flickered green overhead; everyone went quiet except for one guy humming along to whatever song was playing low on someone’s phone. It smelled earthy and warm — not floral exactly, more like wet wood after rain. We got back late afternoon, hair tangled from wind and salt, kind of tired but happy in that good way you get after a long day outside. Would do it again even if just for those little moments between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rosario Islands boat tour and snorkeling

• Depart Cartagena at 8:30 a.m.
• Receive historic information from the boat
• Tour through mangrove tunnel
• Snorkel at Isla Grande
• Rest on private island
• Enjoy boat atmosphere with music
• Lunch at Playa Cristal
• Return to Cartagena at 4:30 p.m.

Top questions

What time does the Cartagena Rosario Islands boat tour start?

The tour departs at 8:30 a.m., returning around 4:30 p.m.

Is snorkeling equipment included in this Cartagena boat tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in all options.

What is served for lunch during the Rosario Islands tour?

You can choose fried snapper, grilled chicken or vegetarian rice; sides include coconut rice, patacones, salad and natural lemonade.

Are drinks included in this Cartagena snorkel trip?

Some options include drinks like Cuba libre, bottled water, Gatorade and national beer; check your selected package details.

Do you visit multiple islands during this day trip from Cartagena?

Yes, you'll stop at Isla Grande for snorkeling plus a private island for relaxing and Playa Cristal for lunch.

Is hotel pickup included in this Rosario Islands boat tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Can vegetarians be accommodated on this Cartagena islands tour?

Yes, there's a vegetarian lunch option featuring rice with vegetables.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health conditions?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day covers shared sports boat transport from Cartagena to several Rosario Islands stops including Isla Grande for snorkeling (all gear provided), time relaxing on a private island with optional massage depending on your package choice, traditional island lunch (fish or chicken or vegetarian), sides like coconut rice and patacones plus drinks such as Cuba libre or beer where included before returning late afternoon.