Private Boat Tour of the Rosario Islands: Swim & Snorkel

Stops at coral reefs and white-sand beaches where you choose what happens next.

A private boat tour of the Rosario Islands near Cartagena lets you swim, snorkel and relax at stops you pick with the crew's help. The boat runs eight hours with a bilingual team, ice and bottled water included. Food, drinks and snorkeling gear cost extra and are paid on site. The itinerary is yours to shape (reef dives, beach clubs, party islands or quiet anchorages) depending on what you're after that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour around islands

• Board private boat at marina
• Stop to swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Visit hotels and beach clubs for lunch
• Disembark at party island for food and drinks
• Relax on white sand beach with optional massage
• Walk, shop crafts, and swim on Barú Island

The experience

The boat leaves from the Marina in Cartagena and heads out to the Rosario Islands, where the crew stops at crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling around coral reefs. You pick the stops with help from the bilingual team, who know which beaches suit your mood. Some have white sand and shallow water for wading, others are marked party zones where you can eat and drink alongside other boats, and a few are quieter anchorages if you want to float and read. Each stop is yours to spend as long as you want.

Drinks, food and massages are available at the beaches and beach clubs you visit, but they cost extra and you pay on the spot. Snorkeling gear rents separately if you want to go down to the reefs. The crew brings ice and bottled water (900 mL per person) so you stay cool between stops, and they handle all the fuel and navigation. You just show up at the Marina and tell them what kind of day you're after.

The eight-hour tour means you're back by late afternoon, with time to shower and eat dinner in Cartagena. If you're staying outside the city center or don't have a car, arrange your own transport to the Marina. The crew can suggest options when you book.

What’s included

• Private boat in good condition.
• bilingual crew.
• eight hours on the water.
• ice and bottled water (900 mL per person).
• fuel and navigation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Premium Boating Services

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Cartagena without a car. The crew picks you up from the Marina, builds the day around your interests, and returns you by late afternoon.

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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.

Can I snorkel in the Rosario Islands on this tour?

Yes, the boat stops at coral reefs in crystal-clear water where you can snorkel. Snorkeling gear is not included and rents for an additional cost paid on site.

What's included in the eight-hour tour?

The private boat, fuel, the crew, ice and bottled water (900 mL per person) are included. Food, drinks, snorkeling equipment and massages are extra and paid on the spot at the beaches and clubs you visit.

How does the itinerary work if I book a private tour?

You work with the bilingual crew at the Marina before departure to plan stops based on what you want: swimming, snorkeling, beach clubs, party islands or quiet anchorages. The crew suggests the best options and adjusts the route to fit your preferences.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from the Marina in Cartagena. You'll need to arrange your own transport there from your hotel or the airport. The crew can suggest options when you book.

What are the stops in the Rosario Islands like?

Stops include white-sand beaches where you can swim and walk, marked party zones with food and drinks around other boats, and coral reef areas for snorkeling. Some beaches have beach clubs offering meals, drinks and massages for an extra fee.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not included in the tour price. If you want to snorkel at the coral reefs, gear rents separately for an additional cost paid on site.