Rosario Islands: Private Boat Day Trip with Snorkeling & Pablo Escobar Mansion

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.97 (91 reviews) 98% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/21

Duration8h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Private Rosario Islands boat trip with snorkeling, Pablo Escobar mansion and island lunch

You’ll speed across Caribbean waters from Cartagena on a private boat rental to Rosario Islands, guided by locals who know every cove. Snorkel La Piscinita’s reefs, eat fresh fish right on the sand, and cruise past Pablo Escobar’s eerie mansion before heading home sun-dazed and happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rosario Islands boat tour and exploration

Depart from Cartagena to Rosario Islands
Relax and sunbathe on beaches
Snorkel at La Piscinita
Visit Pablo Escobar's mansion
Explore the abandoned plane
Enjoy lunch at beachfront restaurant

The Experience

First thing I remember is the sound — that low thrum of the boat engine as we left Cartagena behind, salt spray already in my hair. The city faded fast, replaced by this wild blue everywhere. Our captain, Juan (he had a grin for days), pointed out tiny fishing boats along the way. I didn’t expect how quick it would feel — maybe 45 minutes? — before the water turned that glassy turquoise you see in postcards but never really believe until you’re there.

I tried to say “La Piscinita” right and Li laughed — probably butchered it, but she just handed me a snorkel and told me to jump in. The coral was closer than I thought, all these neon fish darting around my ankles. The water tasted salty-sweet and I could hear muffled laughter from the boat above while I floated there, thinking about nothing for once. There’s something about being surrounded by sea that makes you forget your phone even exists.

Lunch was at some little place right on the sand (no pushy commission stuff — Juan just shrugged and said pick what smells good). My plate was fried fish so fresh it almost twitched, coconut rice, plantains. Sunburn started creeping up my shoulders but I didn’t care. After that we cruised past this weirdly massive white mansion — Pablo Escobar’s old place. It’s half crumbling now, with vines curling over broken windows. We got close enough to see an abandoned plane nearby; our guide told us stories about both but honestly it felt surreal just drifting by history like that.

On the way back I lay on my towel listening to reggaeton from someone else’s speaker and watching pelicans dive-bomb for their dinner. Didn’t want to leave yet. If you’re looking for a private boat rental to Rosario Islands where you can do your own thing but still have someone local showing you around, this is honestly it. Still think about that first dip into the water sometimes—hard not to smile remembering.

What’s included

Your day includes a bilingual host guiding you through Rosario Islands’ highlights with all snorkeling equipment provided, bottled water and ice stocked on board, insurance coverage throughout your journey plus an experienced captain handling navigation—gasoline is also covered so you can just relax into island time.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Botegena