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

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:00

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

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 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Botegena

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 long does it take to reach Rosario Islands by boat from Cartagena?

It takes around 45 minutes by private boat from Cartagena to Rosario Islands.

Is snorkeling equipment included in this day trip?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your tour.

Will there be a local guide or host on board?

A bilingual host accompanies your group along with the captain.

Are meals or lunch included in the price?

No set meal is included. You choose your own beachfront restaurant for lunch during the trip.

Does this tour include stops at Pablo Escobar’s mansion?

Yes, you’ll visit and cruise past Pablo Escobar’s mansion as part of the itinerary.

What is provided on board during the trip?

Bottled water, ice, snorkeling gear, insurance, captain services and gas are all provided.

Is this private boat rental suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Can service animals join this private boat tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board during your day trip to Rosario Islands.