Rosario Islands snorkeling tour: Cartagena private island

Snorkel the reefs, then claim a private beach for the afternoon

A full-day snorkeling and island tour from Cartagena that takes you to three stops across the Rosario Islands: 45 minutes in the water at Isla Grande spotting fish and rays among the coral, then a private beach on La Rosario de Mar Island with a welcome drink, and lunch at Mambo Beach on Barú Island. A bilingual guide leads the group, snorkeling equipment is included, and private transport picks you up from your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rosario Islands tour and beach activities

• Dock near Isla Grande
• Snorkel for 45 minutes
• Visit La Rosario de Mar Island
• Relax on private beach with welcome drink
• Enjoy party atmosphere at Cholon
• Have lunch and swim at Mambo Beach
• Spend time at Anaho Beach club

The Experience

The boat leaves Cartagena in the morning and heads to Isla Grande, where you'll spend 45 minutes snorkeling in the coral reefs. The water here holds schools of endemic fish, rays and other marine life visible from the surface. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you arrive ready to go in. After the reef, the boat moves to La Rosario de Mar Island, a private beach where you'll lie on beach beds in the shade and drink either a welcome shrimp cocktail or fresh lemonade depending on what you choose.

Lunch happens at Mambo Beach, a semi-private club on Barú Island with some of the clearest water in the area—you can swim here too if you want to get back in. The day also includes a stop at Cholon for the party atmosphere if the group is interested. A bilingual guide (English and Spanish) stays with the group throughout, and private transport picks you up from your hotel and brings you back at the end of the day. The whole outing runs about eight hours.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and return transport.
• snorkeling equipment.
• 45 minutes of snorkeling time at Isla Grande.
• access to a private beach on La Rosario de Mar Island with a welcome shrimp cocktail or fresh lemonade.
• lunch at Mambo Beach.
• a bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• one bottle of water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by New Coast Travel

Is this one for you?This is a shared group tour with a set itinerary and fixed stops, so it suits travelers who want the day planned and guided rather than self-directed. The bilingual guide means you'll get context and safety instruction throughout, which works well if you're new to snorkeling or want to know what you're looking at in the water. If you prefer a private boat and custom stops, look for a private charter instead.

Traveler reviews

4.71★★★★★★★★★★

75 verified traveler reviews

5 ★63

4 ★6

3 ★2

2 ★4

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What will I see when I snorkel at Isla Grande?

Isla Grande's coral reefs hold schools of endemic fish, rays and other marine species you can spot while snorkeling in 45 minutes of water time. The reef sits just a few meters from the coast, so the water is accessible and the variety is visible from the surface.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price. You don't need to rent or bring your own gear.

What's included in the lunch at Mambo Beach?

Lunch is served at Mambo Beach, a semi-private club on Barú Island. The tour includes the meal; drinks and any extras beyond what is served are separate.

How long is the full day, and what time does it start?

The tour runs about eight hours total. Private transport picks you up from your hotel in the morning, though the exact departure time depends on your hotel location and the operator's schedule.

Can children go on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 10. Younger children can ride along but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the boat, or is transport included?

Private transport is included. The operator picks you up from your hotel in Cartagena and brings you back at the end of the day, so you don't need to arrange a separate ride to the dock.