Cholón Island & Rosario Islands: Boat Party Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Party boats, music drifting over blue water, lunch on Cholón’s shore

You’ll jump aboard in Cartagena for a day trip to Isla Cholón and Rosario Islands—expect loud music, swimming stops, two local beers, and a typical lunch right on the sand. You’ll dance (or try), laugh with new friends, and float between boats where nobody cares if you can’t pronounce “patacones.” It’s less about perfect moments than real ones.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not ready for Cholón,” our guide grinned as we squeezed onto the boat at the marina in Cartagena. I laughed—honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The speakers were already thumping some crossover beats, and someone handed me a cold beer before we’d even left the dock. There was this salty breeze mixing with sunscreen and engine fumes, and everyone looked like they’d left their worries behind in the city. The ride out to the Rosario Islands was loud in that good way—music, laughter, people shouting names over the wind.

We slowed near Isla Grande for a quick swim stop. Water so clear you could see your toes wiggle under it. I floated for a minute just listening to distant reggaeton and the splash of someone cannonballing nearby (I think his name was Mateo? He kept trying to get everyone to dance). Then back on board, more music, another round of beers from the icebox. Our guide pointed out some of the private islands—one had a bright yellow house that looked straight out of a painting.

When we finally pulled up at Isla Cholón—the “island of parties”—there were boats everywhere, all tied up together like one floating festival. Lunch was served right on the sand: fried fish with coconut rice and patacones (I’m still thinking about that crispy plantain). People danced waist-deep in the water; someone tried to teach me champeta steps but gave up after my third attempt. The sun hit hard but nobody seemed to mind. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so at home with strangers—maybe it’s something about sharing rumba time with people who are just there for fun.

On the way back toward Cartagena around 3pm, everyone looked sunburned and happy-tired. My hair felt crunchy from saltwater; my phone was full of blurry photos and new contacts I probably won’t remember next week. But there’s this echo of music in my head even now—I guess that’s what you come here for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat party and beach fun at Cholón

• Meet and check in at meeting point
• Travel to marina and board boat
• Panoramic view of Rosario Islands
• Swim at the Poolita in Rosario Islands
• Party and lunch at Cholón Island
• Return to Cartagena City at Pegasus Pier

Top questions

How long is the boat party day trip to Isla Cholón?

The tour lasts most of the day, departing in the morning from Cartagena and returning around 3:00–3:30 pm.

Is lunch included on this Cholón Island tour?

Yes, a typical lunch is included on Isla Cholón along with two complimentary national beers.

Does this tour include swimming stops?

Yes, there is time for swimming at “La Poolita” near Rosario Islands before heading to Cholón Island.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts with check-in at Pegasus Pier in Cartagena and ends there as well after returning from Isla Cholón.

Can children join this boat party tour?

No, it is not recommended for travelers under 18 years old.

Is hotel pickup included?

The tour includes pickup from Pegasus Pier to transport you to the marina where you board the boat.

Are drinks provided during the boat party?

You receive two complimentary national beers; additional drinks may be available for purchase or brought by guests.

Is this suitable for people with health conditions?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Pegasus Pier in Cartagena with transfer to the marina, shared party boat ride through Rosario Islands with stereo sound and an icebox stocked with ice, swimming time at “La Poolita,” two complimentary national beers per person, a typical Caribbean lunch served on Isla Cholón’s sandy shore, plus return transport back to Pegasus Pier by mid-afternoon.