Rosario Islands tour from Cartagena: Fort, snorkel, beach club

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (4 reviews)

Free cancellation

1/10

Duration7h

GroupUp to 39

LanguagesES

Audio guideEN

Cartagena's colonial fort from the water, then a full day anchored in turquoise shallows

A full-day tour from Cartagena combines a nautical city tour of the Fort of San Fernando with stops at three different beach clubs in the Rosario Islands and Barú, including snorkeling on coral reefs, a gourmet lunch, and access to Balinese beds, pools and oceanfront lounging. The tour runs seven hours with a Spanish-speaking guide and welcomes children from age three. You choose one of three club experiences at checkout: the ecological option, the classic option for all ages, or the adults-only party option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nautical tour and beach club stops

Start nautical tour at Fort of San Fernando
Stop for professional photos from boat
Listen to historical stories from guide
Sail to Big Island for coral reef snorkeling
Visit Rosario Islands beach clubs
Relax on private Balinese bed
Enjoy gourmet lunch by the sea
Swim in oceanfront pools and jacuzzis
Experience live music and DJ sets
Optional dolphin and shark viewing

The Experience

The day starts on the water in front of Cartagena's colonial waterfront. Your boat approaches the Fort of San Fernando de Bocachica from the ideal angle for photographs, with the Caribbean and the fort's walls framing the shot while a guide walks through the history of pirates and defenses that shaped the city. From there, the boat heads out to the Rosario Islands, where the water turns the turquoise the postcards promise.

Once you reach the islands, you stop to snorkel the coral reefs—the guide points out what lives there, and the mask is yours to use or skip. The oceanarium is also an option if you'd rather stay dry. Then comes the long part of the day: your chosen beach club, where a Balinese bed waits on the sand, oceanfront pools sit ready to jump into, and staff move through the space attending to what you need. Live music plays. The gourmet lunch arrives with three options to choose from, eaten looking out at the sea. If your option includes it, the Jacuzzis in the VIP area are there too. The boat brings you back to Cartagena after seven hours.

The three club options let you set the tone: the ecological option keeps the focus on the natural surroundings; the classic option works for families and all ages; the adults-only party option brings DJs and a Caribbean nightlife feel. Whichever you pick, the boat, the guide, the lunch and the beach club access are the same—only the club's atmosphere and who is around you changes.

What’s included

Lunch with three menu options.
snorkeling mask and optional oceanarium visit.
access to a Balinese bed and oceanfront pools at your chosen beach club.
live Spanish-speaking guide.
boat transport to the Rosario Islands and Barú.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hightoursesmeralda

Is this one for you?Pick the classic option if you're traveling with children or a mixed group and want the full island day without a party atmosphere. Choose the adults-only party option if you want live music and a Caribbean nightlife vibe built into the afternoon. The ecological option suits travelers who want to focus on the natural surroundings and wildlife rather than club amenities.