Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena: open bar included

Swim in Caribbean water and drink without a tab all day

A full-day boat tour from Cartagena to Isla Grande, the main island in the Rosario Islands, with lunch, an open bar serving national cocktails, and use of the resort's facilities included. The day runs six to seven hours: you board at 7:30 AM, reach the island around 9:30 AM, and return to the city by 4:30 PM. A live guide in English or Spanish travels with the group. Minimum age is 12.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena

• Arrive at dock and check in
• Boat trip to Isla Grande
• Stop by Spanish fortification for photos
• Arrive at Isla Grande resort
• Enjoy resort amenities and beach
• Depart island and return to Cartagena

The Experience

The boat leaves the Cartagena dock at 7:30 AM, and the crossing to Isla Grande takes about an hour. You'll arrive at the resort around 9:30 or 9:40 AM depending on how busy the marina is that morning. Once you step off, a welcome drink meets you at the dock—the first of many, since the open bar runs all day with national liquor cocktails. The resort sits on white sand with clear Caribbean water, and you have the full afternoon to swim, rest in the shade or walk the beach.

Lunch is served at the facility, and the bar stays open while you're there. The group checks out around 3:00 PM, though the exact time shifts with the weather—better conditions mean a later departure. The boat ride back to Cartagena takes another hour, putting you back in the city between 4:00 and 4:30 PM. On the way out or back, depending on weather, the boat may pass close to a Spanish colonial fortification for a short historical stop and photos from the deck.

A boarding tax of 22,000 Colombian pesos is not included in the price and is collected separately by law. Bring your ID for check-in at the dock.

What’s included

• Lunch at the resort.
• open bar with national liquor cocktails.
• use of all resort facilities.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• boat transport from Cartagena to Isla Grande and back.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Jandtcolombia

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're traveling with a group and want a full day on the water without managing food, drinks or logistics—everything is arranged and included in one price. The open bar and resort access make it a social day rather than a guided sightseeing tour.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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

The crossing to Isla Grande takes about one hour each direction, so you spend roughly two hours traveling and five to six hours on the island itself.

What does the open bar include?

The open bar serves national liquor cocktails throughout the day at no extra charge; soft drinks and water are also available.

Is there a stop at the Spanish fort on the way?

A short stop at the colonial fortification may happen depending on weather conditions, allowing photos and a brief historical explanation from the boat.

What time do I need to arrive for check-in?

Check-in is at 7:30 AM at the Cartagena dock, and you'll need your ID. The boat departs shortly after, so arrive early to allow time for boarding.

Can I bring children on this tour?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.