Snorkeling in Cartagena: 5 Islands with Lunch

Five islands, one boat, coral and a plane wreck underwater.

A full-day snorkeling tour from Cartagena visits five islands in the Rosario archipelago, with a bilingual guide, captain and assistant trained for water activities. You snorkel at Isla Grande to see coral reefs and a sunken aircraft; stop at Cholon for a shrimp cocktail and music; swim and eat fruit at Agua Azul; and finish with lunch at Tranquila Beach. Hotel pickup is included; the boat returns to Pegasos Pier at 3:00 pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rosario Islands panoramic and snorkeling tour

• Panoramic tour of Bocachica fort
• Panoramic tour of Rosario Islands archipelago
• Snorkel at Isla Grande and see coral reefs
• Visit Cholon island for shrimp cocktail and music
• Swim and taste fruits at Agua Azul island
• Lunch and leisure at Tranquila Beach
• Return to Pegasos Pier

The Experience

The day starts with a panoramic tour of the Bocachica fort on Bocachica Island, where the guide covers the history of the two colonial forts—San Fernando and San Luis—that once guarded the coast. From there the boat moves through the Rosario Islands themselves, passing the largest island where local fishing families live and work. This sets up the main event: snorkeling at Isla Grande in water clear enough to see the seafloor. A professional bilingual guide, captain and trained assistant are on board for the water work. The snorkel mask is provided; you bring your own breathing tube or rent one locally.

After Isla Grande, the route swings to Cholon—the islands call it the party island—where you mingle with other visitors over a shrimp cocktail and live music. The next stop is Agua Azul, one of the most sheltered spots on the Caribbean side, where you swim in the sea and share fresh fruit. The final island is Tranquila Beach, where lunch arrives with your choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian, served with white rice or coconut rice, salad and fried plantains. Beach chairs are set up for the afternoon, and the boat departs for Cartagena at 3:00 pm, arriving back at Pegasos Pier after seven hours on the water.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Cartagena.
• a professional bilingual guide, captain and trained assistant.
• snorkel mask.
• lunch with a choice of chicken, fish or vegetarian.
• beach chairs.
• stops at Bocachica Island, Isla Grande, Cholon, Agua Azul and Tranquila Beach.

Good to know

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

Operated by Unique Travel Colombia

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel the Rosario Islands with stops at five locations over a full day—you'll have dedicated time in the water at Isla Grande plus swimming breaks at other islands, rather than a quick hit-and-run pace.

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Top questions

What exactly do I snorkel at in the Rosario Islands?

At Isla Grande you snorkel over coral reefs and can see a sunken airplane on the seafloor. The water is clear enough to spot both the living reef and the wreck without deep diving.

Is snorkel gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

The snorkel mask is provided by the tour. You need to bring your own breathing tube, or you can rent one locally before boarding—tubes are not supplied because of equipment restrictions in the islands.

How long is the full day on the water?

The tour runs seven hours total. The boat leaves Cartagena in the morning and returns to Pegasos Pier at 3:00 pm, with stops at five islands spread across that span.

What are the lunch options at Tranquila Beach?

Lunch includes a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian, each served with white rice or coconut rice, salad and fried plantains. The meal is included in the tour price.

Does the tour pick me up from my hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup in Cartagena is included. The boat departs from Pegasos Pier, and the guide will arrange the pickup time and location when you book.

What's the difference between Cholon and the other islands?

Cholon is known as the party island—you stop there for a shrimp cocktail and music, and mingle with other visitors. The other islands are quieter: Bocachica has the fort and history, Isla Grande is for snorkeling, Agua Azul is for swimming and fruit, and Tranquila Beach is where lunch happens.