Rosario Islands snorkeling tour from Cartagena: Reef and beach

You pick between watching sharks and dolphins at the aquarium or diving straight into the coral reef yourself.

A speedboat tour from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands with snorkeling on a living coral reef, a stop at San Martín de Pajarales Island, lunch and beach time at Playa Blanca, and a guide throughout. You choose between visiting the aquarium (where you watch marine species in captivity) or snorkeling in the open water, since there isn't time for both. Snorkeling is included in the tour.

The experience

The day starts with a speedboat crossing from Cartagena across the bay, with a stop in front of the Bocachica castles on the way to the Rosario Islands. Once there, you'll have a choice to make: the aquarium on San Martín de Pajarales Island, where you can watch a dolphin and shark show and see turtles, coral fish, octopuses and seahorses up close, or skip it and head straight to the reef. If you choose snorkeling, you'll be in the water among more than 40 coral species and 20 kinds of tropical fish, not behind glass, but around you. The guide stays with the group throughout, pointing out what you're seeing and answering questions as you move between stops.

After the reef or aquarium, the boat takes you to Playa Blanca in Barú, in the Playa Tranquila area, to enjoy the beach. You'll have a Caribbean lunch there, with seafood and local dishes, and time to rest at a beach club right on the water. Beach beds, sunbathing chairs and hammocks are set up for you. The afternoon is yours to swim, read or simply sit. The return speedboat ride to Cartagena closes out the day.

Infants ride on an adult's lap during the boat rides, and the trip isn't advised for pregnant travelers or for anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Speedboat transport from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands and back.
• snorkeling on a coral reef with more than 40 coral species.
• beach bed, sunbathing chair or hammock at Playa Blanca.
• Caribbean lunch with fresh seafood and local dishes.
• guide who stays with the group for the whole tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 30

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by OPERADORA DE TURISMO CORALES CARTAGENA

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a day on the Rosario Islands with the choice between snorkeling the reef or visiting the aquarium. Pick the reef for water-based exploration, or the aquarium for a land-based, educational alternative.

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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 (3 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

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.

What's the difference between the aquarium and snorkeling on this tour?

The aquarium is an enclosed facility on San Martín de Pajarales Island where you watch dolphins, sharks, turtles and other marine species in tanks and shows. Snorkeling puts you in the open water over the reef, among more than 40 coral species and 20 kinds of tropical fish in their natural habitat. There isn't time for both, so pick the one that suits you best.

What kind of lunch do you get at Playa Blanca?

Lunch at Playa Blanca is a typical Caribbean meal featuring fresh seafood and local dishes. You eat at a beach club right by the sea, and the meal is included in the tour.