Private boat snorkeling: Rosario Islands from Cartagena

Three islands, coral reefs, and a private boat that leaves from a quiet marina instead of the crowded dock

A private boat tour from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands, Cholon and Baru with snorkel gear and a certified driver. You choose the pace and the stops. The boat departs from a private marina, not the chaotic public dock, and the day runs eight to nine hours with time to swim and explore coral formations at each island. Government entrance fee to the Rosario Islands is optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Rosario Islands4h
2. Baru Island2h

Full day Rosario Islands boat tour

• Depart from private marina
• Visit Rosario Islands and explore nature
• Stop at Isla Cholón beach
• Relax at private island with white sand
• Visit another beautiful beach before return
• End of tour

The experience

You're picked up and driven to a private marina on the outskirts of Cartagena, not the crowded public dock where most tours gather. The boat is ready, snorkel gear stowed, life jackets and a cooler with ice already on board. A certified driver who speaks English or Spanish runs the day, and you set the tone: a quiet family morning, a snorkeling-focused run, or a full social trip with friends. The Rosario Islands are a protected ecosystem with coral formations and clear water, and the boat stops long enough at each site for you to get in and explore without rushing.

Cholon has become the main gathering spot over the past five years: younger crowds, energy, shallow water for swimming. Baru is a private island with white sand and crystalline water, quieter and set apart from the noise. Between stops, the Bluetooth sound system plays, the cooler keeps drinks cold, and you're on your own schedule. The boat moves at your pace. There's no fixed itinerary beyond the islands themselves, so if one spot works, you stay. If you want to move on, you move on.

Eight to nine hours on the water means a full day, but the boat is your own: no strangers, no group dynamics, no waiting for people to board or climb back in. Snorkel gear is included, life jackets are required, and the driver handles navigation and safety. Food and drinks are not included, so bring what you want or arrange it beforehand. The private marina departure is the detail that changes the morning: no chaos, no bottleneck, just a quiet start to the water.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and life jackets.
• certified driver and boat assistance.
• Bluetooth sound system on board.
• cooler with ice.
• departure from a private marina instead of the public dock.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 17 Jan 2027

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 due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 4.08

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Operated by Arrecife Boat Rentals

Is this one for you?The full eight to nine hours on the water suits a day when you have the morning free and want to move at your own pace between three islands: no fixed schedule, no group waiting, just the boat and whoever you brought. If you prefer a shorter outing or a guided tour with set stops and timing, a shared group boat might fit better.

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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 are the Rosario Islands like when we get there?

The Rosario Islands are a protected natural area with coral formations and clear water: an ecosystem unique enough to draw visitors specifically for snorkeling. The islands themselves have white sand beaches and shallow water for swimming, and the boat stops long enough at each site for you to get in and explore without a schedule pushing you back.

Is the snorkel gear included, or do we need to bring our own?

Snorkel gear is included with the tour. Life jackets are also provided and required on the boat.

How long does the boat ride take from Cartagena to the islands?

The full tour runs eight to nine hours on the water, including all three islands and the stops for snorkeling. The boat departs from a private marina outside the city center.

Can we customize the stops, or is the itinerary fixed?

The tour is flexible and customizable to your needs. The boat visits the Rosario Islands, Cholon and Baru, but you set the pace and can adjust time at each stop based on what you want to do.

Is there a government fee to enter the Rosario Islands?

Yes, the government entrance fee to the Rosario Islands is optional and can be added at checkout if you want to include it in your booking.