Cartagena: Rosario Islands Party Boat & Snorkeling Day Trip

What happens when you trade Cartagena's old town for a floating party in the Caribbean

You're picked up in Cartagena, bussed to the coast, and speedboated out to the Rosario Islands for a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and a floating party at Cholón. Lunch and two beers are included, plus all park and equipment fees. The boat ride back is part of the deal. Expect some chop on the return, and plan to be back in town by early evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Rosario Islands1h
2. Baru Island4h

Rosario Islands boat party experience

• Meet all travelers at meeting point
• Enjoy panoramic boat ride through Rosario Islands
• Arrive at Cholón for music and party
• Conclude tour at Pegasus Pier

The experience

"Is the music really that loud?" someone asked on the dock, and yeah. It is. The day starts early when the group meets in Cartagena, then a bus takes you south to Barú, a coastal town about an hour away where the speedboat is waiting. The ride out to the Rosario Islands takes maybe thirty minutes, and you're already in the water before noon. The archipelago sits maybe thirty kilometers off the coast, and the boat cuts through blue water the whole way.

Cholón is the main stop, and it's not what you'd call a quiet beach. There's a floating platform with a bar, live music pumping, people dancing in the sand, and the whole thing has this unhinged energy that somehow works. You get a 30,000 COP credit toward food and drinks: enough for lunch and maybe a second beer beyond the two that come with the tour. The snorkeling happens in the shallows around the islands, and the water is clear enough that you see fish without trying. A bilingual guide stays with the group the whole time, so if you need to know what you're looking at or where the bathroom is, someone's there.

The afternoon winds down at Pegasus Pier, where there's time to stand around, take photos of the Cartagena skyline across the water, and let your clothes dry a bit before the ride back. The whole day is maybe eight to nine hours from pickup to drop-off, and the speedboat ride back to Barú is rougher than the morning one: the Caribbean doesn't always cooperate. Park fees, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and those two beers are all locked in, so there's no surprise bill at the end. Just book it, show up, and don't wear anything you care about getting salt-stained.

What’s included

Hotel pickup in Cartagena, bus transfer to Barú, speedboat rides to and from the Rosario Islands, entry to Corales del Rosario National Park, snorkeling equipment, lunch at Cholón, two national beers, a bilingual guide for the full day, and a 30,000 COP food and drink credit at the beach bar.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Fancy tours

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in Cartagena who want a full Caribbean day without arranging their own boat or worrying about park fees and equipment: the fixed price and included lunch mean you show up and swim. The speedboat and party atmosphere aren't for everyone, so book this if you're ready for noise, crowds, and a rough ride back.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far are the Rosario Islands from Cartagena?

About 30 kilometers offshore. The speedboat ride takes roughly 30 minutes from Barú, the coastal town where you transfer from the bus.

What's included in the 30,000 COP credit?

It covers lunch and drinks from the Cholón menu. Special dishes cost extra. The two beers come separately with the tour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included. You don't need to bring your own.

How long is the full day?

Roughly 8 to 9 hours from hotel pickup in Cartagena to return, including the bus ride to Barú, the boat transfers, and time at Cholón.

What's the music situation at Cholón really like?

Live music and dancing, high-energy party atmosphere. It's the main draw of the stop. If you want quiet, this isn't the beach for you.

Is the speedboat ride rough?

The morning ride out is smooth. The return trip can be choppy depending on the Caribbean conditions that day.

Who's not a good fit for this tour?

It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health due to the speedboat ride and activity level.