The Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena offer a snorkeling paradise for adventurous travelers. This island hopping tour provides guided experiences through vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, showcasing the region’s rich marine life. After the underwater exploration, guests can unwind on the idyllic Isla Grande, savoring delectable local cuisine on pristine beaches. With intimate group sizes and high-quality gear, this tour promises an unforgettable day of island discovery and relaxation. But there’s more to this excursion than meets the eye.

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Key Points

Explore the Rosario Islands, a protected national park off the coast of Cartagena, renowned for its vibrant underwater ecosystems and snorkeling opportunities.
Enjoy a guided snorkeling adventure in the Corales del Rosario National Park, with high-quality gear and knowledgeable instructors for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Unwind on the stunning Isla Grande, with its white sandy beaches, palm trees, and clear waters, complemented by delicious local seafood and a laid-back ambiance.
Savor a delectable lunch of local specialties, such as fried snapper and grilled chicken, served on the picturesque Playa Blanca after the snorkeling activity.
Benefit from a small group size of up to 16 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience during the island hopping and snorkeling adventure.

Exploring the Rosario Islands

Although the Rosario Islands are located just off the coast of Cartagena, they feel like a world apart. This archipelago of 27 islands is a protected national park, offering a tranquil escape from the mainland.

Travelers embark on a scenic boat ride to reach the islands, surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs. The main attraction is snorkeling, where guests can enjoy the vibrant underwater ecosystem.

With maximum group sizes of 16, the experience provides an intimate and personalized way to explore this natural paradise just a short distance from Cartagena.

Looking for more options in Cartagena? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Snorkeling Experience

Guests are provided with high-quality snorkeling gear and guided by knowledgeable instructors who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The snorkeling occurs in Corales del Rosario National Park, where vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life await. The duration of the snorkeling activity is around 40-45 minutes, allowing ample time to explore the underwater world.

While the visibility and coral health may not always be optimal, the guides work diligently to find the best spots. Participants should be aware that the snorkeling conditions can vary depending on weather and tidal patterns.

Relaxation on Isla Grande

What awaits participants on the island of Isla Grande? After the snorkeling, guests can look forward to relaxing on the stunning Isla Grande.

Guests can look forward to relaxing on the stunning Isla Grande after an exhilarating snorkeling adventure.

They’ll find white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. This idyllic island provides the perfect setting to unwind and soak up the Caribbean sun.

Visitors can stroll along the serene coastline, swim in the refreshing ocean, or simply lounge on the beach. Enjoying a delicious lunch of freshly caught seafood or grilled meats completes the tranquil island experience.

With its laid-back ambiance, Isla Grande offers a chance to truly escape and savor the beauty of the Rosario Islands.

Delectable Lunch on Playa Blanca

After a morning spent snorkeling the vibrant coral reefs, guests are treated to a delectable lunch on the pristine Playa Blanca.

The menu offers a variety of local specialties, including fried snapper, grilled chicken, and a vegetarian rice dish. Sides like coconut rice, patacones, and fresh salad accompany the mains, all washed down with natural lemonade.

The meal is served in a tranquil setting, allowing travelers to savor the flavors of the Caribbean coast while taking in the stunning views of the white sand beach and turquoise waters.

It’s a perfect complement to the morning’s aquatic adventures.

Group Size and Logistics

The tour group size is capped at a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Participants meet at Centenario Park in the Getsemaní neighborhood, with the excursion starting promptly at 8:30 am. The logistics are well-organized, from the easy check-in process to the efficient transportation to the islands.

Some key considerations include:

Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions
Participants should be aware of potential rough waters on the return trip
Suggestions for improvement include better organization at check-in and enhancing snorkeling experiences by visiting more vibrant locations
Ideal for travelers seeking a balance of snorkeling and relaxation, rather than a party atmosphere

There's plenty more to explore in Cartagena

Meeting Point and Start Time

The meeting point for the Island Hopping Snorkel Paradise tour is Centenario Park in the Getsemaní neighborhood of Cartagena.

The tour departs promptly at 8:30 AM, so participants should arrive a few minutes early to check in. The tour company provides transportation from the meeting point to the boat launch.

Participants should arrive a few minutes early to check in, as the tour departs promptly at 8:30 AM, and transportation is provided to the boat launch.

The group size is capped at 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Guests are advised to be on time, as the boat won’t wait for latecomers.

Arriving early allows time to get settled and prepared for a full day of snorkeling and island relaxation.

Inclusions and Amenities

The Island Hopping Snorkel Paradise tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The tour provides snorkeling gear, a delectable selection of local snacks and a full course lunch with various protein options, including vegetarian. Beverages range from bottled water to alcoholic drinks.

The small group size of up to 16 travelers ensures a more personalized experience. Plus, the tour offers:

Entrance fee to Corales del Rosario National Park
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
Knowledgeable guides to enhance the experience
Relaxation time on the beautiful Isla Grande
Opportunities to immerse in the local culture and cuisine.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the relaxing atmosphere, knowledgeable guides (William and Edward), delicious food, and manageable group size of the Island Hopping Snorkel Paradise tour.

Guests commonly describe snorkeling at 1-2 spots, relaxing on beautiful islands, and enjoying local cuisine. Some note the snorkeling duration (around 40-45 minutes) and conditions (visibility and coral health) could be improved.

The tour is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of snorkeling and relaxation, rather than a party atmosphere.

Suggestions for improvement include better organization at check-in and enhancing snorkeling experiences by visiting more vibrant locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

You can bring your own snorkeling gear, but the tour provides it included in the price. Using the tour’s gear may be more convenient, as it’s properly fitted and maintained for the snorkeling activities.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a More Private Tour?

There’s no mention of a more private tour option in the overview. The tour operates with a maximum group size of 16 travelers, which may be the most private experience available. Guests can inquire with the tour provider about any private tour upgrades.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour includes snacks, lunch, and beverages as part of the package. Bringing outside items isn’t allowed, but the provided meals and drinks are included in the tour price.

How Often Do the Boats Depart for the Islands?

The boats depart for the islands on a set schedule, typically once or twice per day. Guests should check with the tour operator for the exact departure times, which may vary based on the day and season.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Travelers can cancel their booking without penalty if they need to change their plans within that timeframe.

The Sum Up

The Island Hopping Snorkel Paradise from Cartagena offers an unforgettable adventure. Guests can explore vibrant coral reefs, marvel at rich underwater ecosystems, and unwind on the idyllic Isla Grande, all while enjoying delicious local cuisine and a personalized experience within intimate groups. With high-quality gear, expert guidance, and stunning natural beauty, this snorkeling excursion is a must for those seeking an exceptional day in the Rosario Islands.