Rosario Islands: 3 Private Islands Day Trip with Snorkeling

Summary

Swim, snorkel & eat fresh lunch on Rosario’s private islands

You’ll hop from Cartagena across Rosario’s private islands by boat with a local guide—snorkeling coral reefs near Isla Grande, swimming at Bela Beach, then sipping cocktails at Ibizza Island’s club. Expect music, laughter, sandy feet, and fresh-cooked lunch before drifting back salty-haired toward city lights.

What’s the experience like?

We were already sweating a little by the time we found the meeting spot near the clock tower — I almost walked into the wrong restaurant (Babylon is tucked right there). Our guide, Camilo, checked us in with a big grin and somehow remembered everyone’s names. The boat ride out from Cartagena was louder than I expected — music thumping, wind tangling my hair — but honestly, it just felt like summer. Someone handed me a cold beer before we even left the harbor. I tried not to spill it as we sped past Bocachica while Camilo pointed out the old forts and tossed in a quick story about pirates. My Spanish is shaky but he switched to English for me when I looked lost.

The Rosario Islands really do look unreal from the water — all these tiny green dots floating in blue. We stopped at Isla Grande first for snorkeling. The mask was a bit foggy but I could still see flashes of yellow fish darting around coral. There’s this sunken plane down there (I didn’t expect that) — kind of eerie but cool, lying seven meters deep with little fish weaving through the windows. Some people went to the oceanarium instead but I wanted to stay in the water longer; salt stung my lips and I kept losing track of time.

Bela Beach was next and you could just feel everyone slow down — sand soft underfoot, that lazy Caribbean heat settling in. Lunch was simple but good: I picked fish, crispy on the edges with coconut rice (I still think about that rice). There were families taking selfies and some locals selling bracelets near the shore; one kid tried to teach me a few dance steps while we waited for food. Didn’t go well for me but made him laugh.

Last stop was Ibizza Island — more like a beach club vibe here, welcome cocktail waiting as soon as you step off the boat. The music got softer and people drifted between hammocks or waded into shallow turquoise water. Honestly, by then my skin felt sunburned and salty and I just lay back listening to distant laughter, thinking how strange it is that places like this exist so close to Cartagena yet feel so far away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private islands tour with water activities

• Meet at Babylon restaurant near clock tower
• Panoramic tour of Bocachica island and forts
• View Rosario Islands archipelago
• Snorkeling or transfer to oceanarium
• Visit Bela Beach Island and relax
• Lunch and bath time on private island
• Enjoy welcome cocktail at Ibbiza Island beach club

Top questions

How long is the Rosario Islands day trip?

The full day trip lasts around 8 hours including boat transfers between Cartagena and three private islands.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling masks are included for use during your coral reef swim near Isla Grande.

Are drinks included on this tour?

An open bar with beer, water, and soda is available onboard until stocks run out; Ibizza Island includes a welcome cocktail.

Is lunch included on the Rosario Islands tour?

A hot lunch with chicken, fish or vegetarian options is served at one of the island stops during your day trip.

Can you visit the oceanarium during this tour?

You can choose either snorkeling or a visit to the oceanarium (entrance fee extra), but only one activity per person due to timing.

Where does this tour start from in Cartagena?

The meeting point is next to Cartagena’s clock tower at Babylon restaurant for check-in before departure.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues; alcohol served only to guests over 18.

What’s included

Your day includes check-in near Cartagena’s clock tower with air-conditioned transfer to the pier, open bar onboard (beer, soda & water), snorkeling mask rental for reef swims near Isla Grande or optional oceanarium visit (entry not included), lunch with chicken, fish or vegetarian choices on one island stop plus a welcome cocktail at Ibizza Island before returning late afternoon.