Rosario Islands: how to get there from Cartagena and what to do

The Rosario Islands are beautiful archipelagos well known for their crystal-clear waters, biodiversity, and being a calm place for rest, ideal for engaging in water sports such as diving, snorkeling, and observing corals and marine life in general.

Where the Rosario Islands are located

The Rosario Islands are located off the coast of the Bolívar department; near Cartagena, approximately one hour by sea (52 km from the coast) and are composed of coral formations covering a total of 120,000 hectares. This includes a submarine platform that is part of the National Natural Park of Coral Islands of Rosario and San Bernardo.

How to get to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena

To reach the Rosario Islands, it is necessary to do so by sea via boats, ferries, and vessels. Generally, this is done by arriving at the dock of La Bodeguita in Cartagena. Departures are made every day starting at
7:00 am local time.

Commonly, people who arrive at the Rosario Islands do so through a tour or day pass that provides round-trip transportation.

Isla Grande: the most visited of the Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands consist of 26 islands; however, tourism has concentrated on a few such as: Isla del Rosario, Isla Grande, Barú, Isla Múcura, Isla de San Bernardo, Isla de Tierra Bomba.

Isla Grande: is the archipelago with the largest area of all the Rosario Islands and has an important set of coral reef ecosystems containing different animal species, such as colorful fish, corals, crustaceans, among others.

The Ensenada de las Mantas sector in the center of the Natural Park Corales offers excellent experiences for tourism. The island offers accommodations, fun, and beautiful beaches, whether you want rest, an ecological walk, or adventure. It is an island that you can walk around in half an hour without any problem, plus there are no vehicles.

Another interesting activity is the nighttime observation of fluorescent marine plankton.

Oceanarium: an unmissable attraction in the Rosario Islands

Another place that is quite interesting for biodiversity lovers is the oceanarium, with more than 1,400 animals and 140 marine species from the Colombian Caribbean, where people can take a tour to learn about the importance and care of marine flora and fauna. It is located on San Martín de Pajarales Island.

Entry costs $38,000 for adults and $30,000 for children under 12 years old.

Suitable for the whole family and perfect for enjoying swimming with dolphins.

Tips for traveling to the Rosario Islands

Being islands in the middle of the Caribbean, commerce is limited, and therefore, payment methods are too. Although most hotels have card machines or electronic payment, always carry cash to buy in local shops or small businesses that do not accept electronic money.

Remember in places like the Oceanarium and on the beaches not to feed the animals, not to throw trash on the beaches and in the sea. Protect yourself from the sun, bring sunscreen, caps, hats, and sunglasses since the tropical climate and its high temperatures can be harmful to your skin if you do not take the necessary precautions. A sunstroke could ruin your travel experience.

Another important aspect is to have your reservation before going to the Rosario Islands as it tends to have high occupancy and tourist flow for a good part of the year; therefore, arriving at the La Bodeguita dock without your reservation may hinder your experience.

Tour and day passes to enjoy the Rosario Islands

Hotel Isla del Sol

The Hotel Isla del Sol is located in the Ensenada de Las Mantas of Isla Grande, in the heart of the Natural Park Corales of the Rosario Islands. Since 1981, they have started offering experiences to the Rosario Islands.

They offer personalized service and welcome families with children, couples, and groups who want to relax and spend the day or stay in their rooms, which have all the comforts to make their stay a comforting rest. They have a filtered seawater pool and a beach with crystal-clear waters, a restaurant, and a bar with a variety of tropical cocktails and Caribbean dishes.

The day pass costs $150,000 for children aged 2 and 3 years, $340,000 COP for children from 4 to 10 years, and $340,000 for children aged 10 years and older.
Without a doubt, a safe bet for relaxation, rest, and fun.
Find out everything included in the day pass at Hotel Isla del Sol here

Cocoliso Island with entry to the Oceanarium

Cocoliso Island is also located in the archipelago of the National Park Rosario Islands. It has modern, comfortable facilities surrounded by nature, ideal for resting and living unforgettable moments.

It has accommodation and day pass options. We recommend the one that includes entry to the oceanarium so you don't miss out on this attraction that doesn't exist anywhere else in Colombia. Prices are $380,000 COP for adults and $330,000 for children under 12 years old.

The day pass includes:

• Day pass at Cocoliso Island Resort.

• Entry to the Oceanarium Rosario Islands.

• Round-trip transportation from Cartagena by speedboat.

• Includes transportation to the oceanarium.

• Welcome drink (non-alcoholic) at Cocoliso Island Resort.

• Includes lunch with the daily menu at Cocoliso Island Resort.

• Use of day pass facilities at Cocoliso Island Resort.

• Insurance for the day pass.

Other plans that may interest you

In addition to the wonderful Rosario Islands, there are other plans and tours that may be interesting to complement your vacation on the Colombian Caribbean coast. Some recommendations include:

• Cabo de la Vela.

• Flamingo Sanctuary.

• Palomino.

Each of these tours offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing you to learn more about the culture, history, and natural beauty of Colombia.

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