Scuba Diving in Rosario Islands from Cartagena: Two Dives

Two dives in a natural reserve an hour from shore, with the sites picked by conditions on the day.

Full-day scuba diving in Rosario Islands for certified divers, departing from Cartagena with private transportation, two recreational dives at separate sites chosen for the day's conditions, SCUBA and snorkelling equipment, and lunch included. The base is Isla Grande, the largest island in the reserve. Minimum age is 18; the guide speaks English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scuba diving in Rosario Islands

• Travel by boat from Cartagena
• Arrive at Isla Grande base
• Perform first recreational dive
• Perform second recreational dive

The Experience

The boat leaves Cartagena and crosses open water for an hour to reach Isla Grande, where the day's diving happens. Two dives are planned at different points in the reserve — the exact sites depend on conditions that morning, so you might descend along walls, explore coral bottoms or navigate around sunken ships. The reserve is a natural sanctuary full of life and color, and the depth and terrain change between the two sites so you see different ecosystems in a single day.

All SCUBA equipment is provided and fitted before you enter the water. If you want to snorkel between dives or during surface intervals, snorkelling gear is also on hand. Lunch is served on the boat or on the island, breaking up the day between your two dives. Private transportation picks you up and brings you back to Cartagena, so the logistics of getting to the dock are handled.

The full day runs 6 to 7 hours from start to finish. You need to be a certified diver to join — this is not a training course, and the dives are recreational-level explorations of two separate sites. The minimum age is 18.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from Cartagena.
• all SCUBA equipment for both dives.
• snorkelling gear.
• lunch served on the boat or island.
• two recreational dives at separate sites chosen for the day's conditions.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Jandtcolombia

Is this one for you?Book this dive if you're staying in Cartagena without a car — the private pickup means you don't arrange transport to the dock, and the boat handles the full crossing to Isla Grande, so the only thing you organize is showing up with your certification card.

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Top questions

What kind of diving sites will I see in Rosario Islands?

Rosario Islands offers walls, coral bottoms and sunken ships across the reserve. The two sites chosen for your day depend on the conditions that morning, so the operator picks the best depths and terrain for safe diving on the day you go.

Do I need to bring my own diving certification?

Yes, you must be a certified diver to join this activity. The dives are recreational-level explorations of two separate sites, not training or instruction — your certification card will be checked before departure.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation from Cartagena, all SCUBA equipment, snorkelling gear, lunch, and the two guided dives at different sites in the reserve are included. The guide speaks English or Spanish.

How long is the boat ride from Cartagena to Isla Grande?

The boat crosses open water for about one hour to reach Isla Grande, where both dives take place. The full day runs 6 to 7 hours from pickup to return.

Can I snorkel if I don't want to dive both times?

Snorkelling equipment is available on the boat, so you can snorkel between dives or during surface intervals if you prefer not to make both dives.