Cartagena: PRIVATE ROSARIO ISLAND UNLIMITED DRINKS

Planning a day trip from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands? This tour promises a blend of relaxation, fun activities, and stunning scenery, all wrapped up in a well-organized package. It’s a popular choice for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and unwind in a private, peaceful setting.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the unlimited non-alcoholic drinks keep you refreshed all day long. Second, the delicious buffet lunches with three options cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, adding value to the trip. Third, the variety of social and leisure amenities, including hammocks, volleyball, and a freshwater pool, ensure there’s plenty to do or just enjoy doing nothing. A potential consideration is the additional port fee of around $26,500 COP or $10 USD—something to budget for in advance.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free way to explore the Rosario Islands, enjoy a mix of activities, and indulge in good food and drinks without extra costs. It’s particularly suitable for those who appreciate comfort and convenience, as well as a private beach environment away from crowds.

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Key Points

All-Inclusive Drinks: Unlimited non-alcoholic sodas, lemonade, and water keep you quenched throughout the day.
Flexible Itinerary: Visit both Isla Grande and San Martín de Pajarales, with free time and optional aquarium visits.
Family-Friendly: The social spaces, pools, and leisure activities make it great for groups and families.
Comfort & Convenience: Round-trip boat transfer from Cartagena and a well-organized schedule.
Value for Money: For $126 USD, you get food, drinks, transport, and access to multiple amenities, making it a solid deal.
Additional Costs: Be prepared for port fees and optional activities like the oceanarium, which are paid separately.

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The Journey Begins: From Cartagena to Paradise

Starting at Muelle de la Bodeguita at 7:30 am, you’ll hop onto a speedboat that whisks you away in about an hour. The ride itself offers a scenic introduction—along the way, you’ll pass historic fortresses like Fort of San Sebastián del Pastelillo and the defenses in Bocachica, which once protected the bay from pirates. It’s a nice touch that the tour includes a bit of history, giving you a sense of the area’s past even before reaching the island.

Traveling by speedboat is a practical choice, as it gets you to the islands swiftly and in comfort. Reviewers often mention the boat’s smooth ride and the friendly crew who make the trip enjoyable. Just keep in mind, the departure window is between 8:00 and 9:00 am, so arriving on time is key.

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Exploring Isla Grande: Beach Bliss & Social Spaces

Once on Isla Grande, your first impression is one of tranquility and space. The island offers a large social area with sun loungers, hammocks, and tables—perfect for lounging, reading, or catching up on your tan. You’ll find a volleyball court, ping-pong, and a freshwater pool with a bar, making it easy to switch between relaxing and more active pursuits.

Many reviews highlight the cleanliness and comfort of the facilities, as well as the absence of vendors in this private space, which is a major plus for those seeking a stress-free beach day. The hammocks are a favorite, with guests noting they are great for naps and enjoying the view.

Optional Visit to the Oceanarium

Later, there’s an optional trip to the Rosario Islands Oceanarium near San Martín de Pajarales. For an extra $45,000 COP (~$13 USD), you can explore marine life in a controlled environment. A few travelers found this to be a fun, educational addition, especially with kids in tow, but it’s entirely optional and not included in the base price.

Savoring the Flavors: Lunch and Refreshments

One of the highlights is definitely the buffet lunch with three options—fish, chicken, or seafood rice. The reviews rave about the freshness and flavor, which is a surprise considering the casual setting. You’ll appreciate the variety, catering to different dietary preferences, and the unlimited soda, lemonade, and bottled water keep everyone refreshed.

Many visitors mention that the lunch exceeds expectations for a day-trip buffet, with some calling it “delicious” and “filling”. It’s a great way to refuel after some beach volleyball or a swim.

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More Time to Relax or Explore

After lunch, you’re free to enjoy the island’s amenities—whether that’s lounging in a hammock, taking a swim in the freshwater pool, or simply soaking in the scenery. The free time allows you to tailor the day to your mood—whether you want to relax quietly or get a bit more active.

The tour then heads to San Martín de Pajarales for the optional oceanarium visit, returning to the mainland around 2:00 pm, making the total duration about 6 hours. Many reviewers find this timing ideal; it leaves plenty of time for relaxation without feeling rushed.

The round-trip boat transfer is a major value addition, eliminating the need to organize your own transport or worry about directions. The boat ride is relatively quick, and the crew is usually praised for their friendliness and professionalism.

Timing is important—departures from Cartagena are between 8:00 and 9:00 am, and you return around 2:00 pm. You should plan to report at 7:30 am for check-in, ensuring a smooth start to your day.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

For $126 USD, the package covers all transportation, the welcome cocktail, buffet lunch, and access to social amenities. The use of pools, hammocks, volleyball, ping-pong, beds, and sun loungers is included, which makes it a lot of bang for your buck.

However, port fees of about $26,500 COP (~$10 USD) are payable in cash and are not included in the price—so bring some local currency. Plus, the oceanarium, if you choose to visit, costs $45,000 COP (~$13 USD).

To make the most of your day, pack essentials like sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, beachwear, and a towel. Water shoes are recommended for walking on the beach or rocky areas, and repellent can help keep pesky insects at bay.

Since alcohol and drugs are not allowed, plan to enjoy the unlimited non-alcoholic drinks or bring your own if the rules permit (though it’s best to check beforehand). Also, carry cash for port fees and optional activities.

This trip is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed and hassle-free day in the Rosario Islands. It’s especially suitable for families, groups of friends, or couples who want comfort, good food, and leisure options all in one package. If you enjoy social spaces and outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty to keep yourself entertained.

It’s not ideal for those on a strict budget due to the additional fees, or travelers who want a more exclusive or private experience. Pregnant women and those over 95 are advised to check with the provider, as the activity’s physical demands and timing might not suit everyone.

This tour offers a solid balance of relaxation, fun, and convenience. For $126 USD, you’ll get a quality experience with good food, drinks, and access to social amenities in a private island setting. The round-trip transport and optional activities provide flexibility to tailor your day.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the value for money is clear when considering the inclusions and the peaceful environment. The only extra costs to keep in mind are the port fees and optional visits, but these are reasonable and transparent.

If you’re after a stress-free way to enjoy Cartagena’s nearby islands with plenty of comforts and activities, this tour is a dependable choice.

What time does the tour start?
You need to report at La Bodeguita dock by 7:30 am, with departure happening between 8:00 and 9:00 am.

How long is the boat ride?
The trip from Cartagena to Isla Grande takes about 1 hour, with additional boat rides between stops.

What’s included in the price?
Round-trip transportation, a welcome cocktail, lunch with three options, access to social areas, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, you can visit the Rosario Islands Oceanarium for an extra $45,000 COP (~$13 USD), and there’s the option to explore San Martín de Pajarales.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, beach shoes, towel, water, and cash for port fees and extras.

Is there a dress code?
Casual beachwear is perfect. No explicit dress code, but modest swimwear is preferred.

Can I stay longer on the island?
The scheduled tour lasts about 6 hours, but you can stay at the resort while the boat makes additional stops if you wish, though that would be at your own expense.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the social spaces and pools make it family-friendly, but always check with the provider regarding age restrictions for specific activities.

To sum it up, this private Rosario Islands tour delivers a well-rounded day of beachside relaxation, delicious food, and fun social activities—all at a reasonable price considering the inclusions. It’s a great way to enjoy Colombia’s Caribbean beauty without stress, making it perfect for those who value comfort and a variety of options in their island escape.