A Whole Day to the 5 Rosario Islands With Snorkeling and Plankton

The 5 Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena offer a full day of adventure and natural wonders. Travelers can explore the stunning islands, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and witness the mesmerizing display of plankton. With comfortable transportation, snorkeling gear, and access to an oceanarium, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. However, visitors should be prepared for potential extra costs and some waiting time for the plankton encounter. The mix of thrilling activities and beautiful scenery makes this a must-do day trip.

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About Your Stay

Full-day tour to 5 Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, with snorkeling and a bioluminescent plankton display.
Tour includes air-conditioned transportation, snorkeling equipment, and entry to the oceanarium for marine ecosystem education.
Maximum group size of 22 travelers, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour departs at 8 AM from Monumento Torre del Reloj in Cartagena, with punctuality required.
Tour not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions and has received mixed reviews regarding cost and timing.

Tour Overview

A full-day tour takes travelers to the 5 Rosario Islands, where they can enjoy snorkeling and a plankton experience.

Located in Cartagena, Colombia, the tour costs from $100 per person, with group size affecting the price. The tour accommodates up to 22 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Inclusions feature an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and entrance to the oceanarium.

The tour departs at 8 AM from the Monumento Torre del Reloj in El Centro, Cartagena, and returns to the same meeting point.

Physical fitness and health requirements apply.

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Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, providing comfortable travel.

Bottled water and an ice chest are provided to keep travelers hydrated and refreshed. A restroom is available on board, ensuring convenience during the journey.

The tour also includes:

Use of snorkeling equipment, allowing participants to explore the vibrant marine life.
A plankton activity, offering a unique chance to witness the mesmerizing bioluminescent display.
Entrance to the oceanarium, where travelers can learn about the local marine ecosystem.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is Monumento Torre del Reloj, located in El Centro, Cartagena de Indias.

Pickup options are available upon request. The tour starts promptly at 8:00 AM and ends back at the meeting point.

Travelers should plan to arrive on time, as the tour won’t wait for late arrivals. The air-conditioned vehicle provides a comfortable ride to the islands, and the tour includes a restroom on board for convenience.

Punctuality and preparedness are key to making the most of this full-day adventure to the 5 Rosario Islands.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps during the boat ride. Travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to participate due to the moderate physical fitness required.

The tour may not be suitable for everyone, so it’s important to consider the following:

The tour involves snorkeling and a plankton experience, which may not be appropriate for those with certain medical conditions.
Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the activities.
Infants must be accompanied by an adult during the boat ride.

Snorkeling Adventure

As part of the full-day tour, guests embark on a snorkeling adventure in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Rosario Islands.

The tour provides all necessary snorkeling equipment, allowing travelers to discover the vibrant marine life.

The tour equips guests with all necessary snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life.

With the guidance of the knowledgeable tour guide, guests can spot a variety of colorful fish, coral formations, and potentially even sea turtles.

The snorkeling experience is an opportunity to take in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and appreciate the natural wonder of the Rosario archipelago.

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Plankton Experience

Alongside the snorkeling adventure, the tour provides a unique plankton experience for guests.

The plankton activity offers an interactive and educational element, allowing visitors to:

Observe the bioluminescent plankton up close and witness their mesmerizing glow.
Learn about the importance of plankton in marine ecosystems and its role in the food chain.
Participate in hands-on experiments to better understand the science behind the plankton’s natural luminescence.

This innovative experience adds depth to the tour, providing a comprehensive understanding of the diverse marine life found in the Rosario Islands.

Exploring the Oceanarium

One highlight of the tour is the visit to the Oceanarium, where guests can enjoy the vibrant marine life of the Rosario Islands.

The Oceanarium offers a chance to see a wide variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures up close. Visitors can observe the animals in their natural habitat and learn about the importance of protecting these delicate ecosystems.

The entrance to the Oceanarium is included in the tour price, providing an educational and engaging experience for all participants.

This stop on the itinerary rounds out the day’s activities with a deeper understanding of the local marine environment.

Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have provided mixed feedback on the 5 Rosario Islands snorkeling tour.

While some praised the knowledgeable and entertaining guide, others expressed concerns about the high costs for additional items, such as cocktails on Cholon island.

Plus, some travelers were dissatisfied with the time spent waiting for the plankton experience.

The tour has an average rating of 3.8 stars from 4 reviews:

Positive comments on the informative guide.
Complaints about pricey add-ons.
Frustration with the plankton activity delay.

Questions About Your Stay

Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snorkeling gear. However, the tour provides snorkeling equipment for those who don’t have their own. Using the provided gear is included in the tour price.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private option for groups of 4 or more travelers. Private tours can be customized to the group’s preferences and provide a more personalized experience compared to the standard shared tour.

Are There Any Food or Dining Options During the Tour?

The tour includes bottled water and an ice chest, but there are no formal dining options. Travelers can bring their own snacks and meals. However, there are opportunities to purchase food and drinks on Cholon Island during the tour.

Can We Extend the Tour or Stay Longer on the Islands?

The tour does not offer the option to extend the experience or stay longer on the islands. The scheduled tour duration is a full day, from 8:00 AM to return to the meeting point. Additional time or activities would need to be arranged separately.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Towels or Beach Gear?

The tour doesn’t provide towels or beach gear, so you’ll need to bring your own. However, the snorkeling equipment and activities are included, so you can focus on enjoying the islands without worrying about extra gear.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This full-day adventure to the stunning 5 Rosario Islands provides an exciting blend of snorkeling, plankton viewing, and marine ecosystem exploration. Though there may be extra costs and waiting times, the breathtaking scenery and thrilling activities make it a day to remember. With comfortable transportation, gear, and access to the oceanarium, this tour offers a well-rounded island getaway from Cartagena.