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

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Option for adults onlyGuide in Spanish · 08:00 and 08:30Lasts 8 hours. Lunch offers three Caribbean choices: fish, chicken, or chops. Rosario Islands and Cholón by speedboat.

Rosario Island basicGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 08:30Lasts 6 hours. Lunch and a drink included. Big Island and Baru by speedboat. Departure point: Monumento Torre del Reloj, Boca del Puente, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 11.10

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with 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.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly is the snorkeling like on the Rosario Islands?

The snorkeling happens on coral reefs in shallow water where you can see the marine life living there. A mask is included and optional. You can skip it and stay on the boat or in the oceanarium instead if you prefer.

Does the tour pick me up from my hotel in Cartagena?

The tour departs from Cartagena, and public transportation options are available nearby to reach the departure point. Confirm your exact meeting location when you book.

What's included in the gourmet lunch?

Lunch is included with three menu options to choose from, served oceanfront at the beach club. It is part of every tour option.

What's the difference between the beach clubs?

All three clubs include the Balinese bed, oceanfront pools, gourmet lunch and beach access. The ecological option emphasizes the natural environment; the classic option suits families; the adults-only party option features live DJs and a Caribbean party atmosphere.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs seven hours from start to finish, including the nautical city tour, snorkeling, and the afternoon at the beach club.