Rosario Islands: 3 Island Tour with Lunch & Cocktails

Summary

Cartagena boat trip to Pao Pao Islabela Bora Bora with lunch

You’ll start from Cartagena by speedboat for a day trip through Rosario Islands—Pao Pao’s welcome cocktail under mangroves, lunch on Islabela with three choices, and lazy hours at Bora Bora’s beach club. With a bilingual guide sharing stories along the way, you’ll catch small moments: birds overhead, music drifting on salt air, toes buried in warm sand.

What’s the experience like?

We met at La Bodeguita Dock just before 9am—already a bit sticky in the air, but everyone was buzzing. Our guide, Camilo, counted us off and joked about sunscreen (I should've listened better). The speedboat ride out to the Rosario Islands took about 45 minutes; I kept squinting at that wild blue water and trying not to lose my hat. Camilo pointed out Isla Grande as we passed—he called it the “heart” of the archipelago. I could smell salt and something floral I couldn’t quite place.

Pao Pao Beach Club was our first stop. We got these icy cocktails right off the boat—mine tasted like coconut and lime—and then wandered under tangled mangroves. There’s a bird reserve there; I spotted a flash of yellow wings but couldn’t name the species (Camilo tried to help, but my Spanish is still hopeless). The water really is as clear as everyone says—my feet disappeared into turquoise when I waded in. And yeah, I forgot how much sand sticks everywhere.

Lunch happened on Islabela—a kind of eco hotel tucked behind palms. Three options: fish (which most people picked), chicken, or vegetarian. I went for fish; it came with rice and plantain chips that crackled between my teeth. Some folks stretched out in hammocks after eating—I tried one but nearly flipped myself out (the guy next to me grinned and said “it’s an art”).

Bora Bora was last, and honestly by then we were all a bit sun-drunk and lazy. Music drifted over from the beach bar, not too loud—just enough to make you want to move your shoulders a little. The staff kept checking if we needed anything but never hovered. I watched a couple dance barefoot in the sand while someone else napped under an umbrella. It felt like time went soft around the edges here—I still think about that view back toward Cartagena’s skyline as we left, all gold in the late light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Rosario Islands with lunch

• Depart La Bodeguita Dock at 8:45 am
• Sail 45 minutes to Rosario Islands
• Panoramic tour with bilingual guide
• Stop at Pao Pao Beach Club
• Enjoy cocktail and relax by mangroves
• Visit Islabela Eco Hotel
• Choose lunch: fish, chicken, or vegetarian
• Relax on beach or outdoor hammock
• End at Bora Bora island
• Enjoy festive atmosphere and good vibes

Top questions

How long does the Rosario Islands tour take?

The tour lasts one full day with departures at 8:45 am from La Bodeguita Dock in Cartagena.

Is lunch included on this 3 island tour?

Yes, lunch is included on Islabela with options for fish, chicken or vegetarian meals.

Are drinks included during the Rosario Islands tour?

You get a welcome cocktail on each island (three total) plus hydration on board the boat.

Is this tour suitable for people under 18?

No, this tour is only for travelers over 18 years old.

How many people join each group?

The tour is exclusive for up to 28 people per day.

Is there a guide during the tour?

Yes, a bilingual guide accompanies you throughout the day trip from Cartagena.

Are there vegetarian meal options?

Yes, you can choose a fresh vegetarian alternative for lunch on Islabela.

Does this Rosario Islands day trip include transportation?

Speedboat transportation for the entire tour is included from Cartagena’s dock.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip speedboat transportation from La Bodeguita Dock in Cartagena across Rosario Islands with hydration onboard; three welcome cocktails (one at each island); exclusive beach club access; lunch with fish, chicken or vegetarian options; plus commentary and care from your bilingual guide throughout your journey.