Rosario Islands: 5-Stop Boat Tour with Lunch & Snorkeling

Summary

Rosario islands day trip with snorkeling forts lunch and boat ride

You’ll spend your day cruising between five Rosario Islands stops by boat from Cartagena—snorkeling over bright reefs (if you want), eating fresh-cooked lunch with your feet in the sand, hearing stories from your local guide, and soaking up sun on quiet beaches or busier ones if you pick the party route. Expect laughter, sea spray, simple food—and maybe a few surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the salt spray hitting my face as we left Cartagena’s harbor, everyone squinting into the sun. Our guide, Andrés, had this way of making even the old Bocachica Fort seem like more than just a photo stop—he told a story about pirates that made a kid on board gasp. I liked that. The fort looked kind of battered but proud, sticking out above the water. Then we passed Pablo Escobar’s old mansion—half crumbling, half weirdly glamorous—and Andrés just shrugged and said, “That’s Colombia,” which made everyone laugh.

I picked the snorkel tour, so after our first island stop (Marina Island—white sand, clear water, lots of pelicans), we got handed masks and tubes. I’m not great at snorkeling honestly—I always get water up my nose—but floating above those fish habitats was worth it. There were these flashes of blue and yellow everywhere under me. Someone in our group kept shouting through their snorkel about seeing a pufferfish. The water felt warm but not too warm, and I could smell grilled fish drifting over from the beach kitchens while we dried off.

Lunch was on Grande Island—plastic chairs in the sand, grilled fish (or chicken or veggie if you wanted), coconut rice, plantains. It wasn’t fancy but it tasted good because you’re hungry by then. I tried to order in Spanish but mixed up pescado and pollo; Andrés teased me about it for the rest of the day. After lunch we just lay around under parasols watching some kids play soccer in bare feet. The last stop was Rosario Island itself—more swimming, more lazy sun—and by then everyone felt kind of sleepy and happy in that way you only get after a day outside.

I still think about that boat ride back to Cartagena: wind tangling my hair, skin salty and tired, people quietly swapping stories or just staring at the horizon. If you’re looking for a day trip to Rosario Islands from Cartagena that isn’t all party noise or rushed photos, this one felt real—messy in places but honest. Just bring sunscreen and don’t expect your hair to look good at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Rosario Islands boat tour

• Stop at Bocachica Fort for sightseeing
• View Pablo Escobar’s former island mansion
• Stop at Marina or Islabela Island for beach time
• Enjoy snorkeling near fish habitat (Snorkel tour only)
• Lunch and relaxation on Grande Island or private beach club
• Final stop at Rosario or Cholon Island for leisure
• Return to departure port

Top questions

How long is the Rosario Islands boat tour?

The tour lasts around 8–9 hours depending on option chosen (typically 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM).

Is snorkeling included on all Rosario Islands tours?

No—snorkeling is only included on the Snorkel Tour option; Leisure and Party tours do not include snorkeling.

What islands do you visit during this day trip?

You’ll visit several islands including Marina Island or Baru (depending on tour), Grande Island for lunch, Rosario Island itself, plus sightseeing stops at Bocachica Fort and Escobar’s estate.

Is lunch included on the Rosario Islands tour?

Yes—a fresh-cooked lunch is included at an island restaurant with options for fish, chicken or vegetarian meals.

Are there guides on board during the trip?

Yes—a bilingual local guide accompanies each group throughout the experience.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No—guests meet at the port; hotel pickup is not provided.

What’s different about the VIP Tour option?

The VIP Tour uses comfort speedboats and includes premium stops like Islabela beach club and an award-winning resort for lunch.

Is Cholon Island part of every itinerary?

No—Cholon is only visited on the Party Tour option; it’s known for being crowded and loud.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Yes—you can choose vegetarian meals when lunch is served on Grande Island or at other designated stops.

What’s included

Your day covers round-trip shuttle boat or comfort speedboat transport (depending on ticket), all island stops listed in your chosen itinerary—including sightseeing at Bocachica Fort and Pablo Escobar’s estate—with a bilingual guide leading you throughout. You’ll have access to beach beds and parasols at most stops, enjoy a freshly prepared island lunch with fish, chicken or veggie options included (drinks extra), plus use of snorkeling gear if booked on that specific tour variant before heading back to Cartagena late afternoon.