Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Barù With Lunch

The "Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Barù With Lunch" tour promises a full day of adventure and relaxation just outside of Cartagena, Colombia. For under $34 per person, travelers can enjoy round-trip transportation, a scenic ride to the coast, and a boat trip to the stunning Rosario Islands. Once there, they’ll have the chance to unwind on Playa Blanca, explore the Oceanarium, and indulge in a tasty lunch. However, some past guests have reported mixed experiences, particularly when it comes to service and additional costs. What can visitors expect, and is this tour worth considering?

Key Points

• The tour provides a day-long excursion from Cartagena, Colombia to explore the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Barù, with round-trip transportation and a panoramic tour of the islands.
• The itinerary includes a boat ride to the Rosario Islands, where visitors can bathe at Playa Blanca Barù and visit the Oceanarium, with a lunch option included.
• Pickup locations are available in Bocagrande, Laguito, and Castillo Grande, with designated meeting points for those staying in central or outside areas.
• Facilities and service at Playa Blanca may be lacking, with reports of overcharging for rentals, and customer reviews highlight cleanliness and service issues.
• The tour has received mixed feedback, with issues such as language barriers, overcharging for additional activities, and logistical concerns, though the operator claims to provide assistance for non-Spanish speakers.

Overview of the Tour

The tour, titled "Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Barù," offers a day-long excursion from Cartagena, Colombia, with a price starting from $33.75 per person.

It includes round-trip transportation, a panoramic tour of the Rosario Islands, and activities like bathing at Playa Blanca Barù. Participants can also visit the Oceanarium and rent chairs, parasols, and snorkeling gear for additional fees.

Lunch is included, with three options available. The tour has a maximum capacity of 100 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Itinerary and Activities

According to the details provided, the tour begins with round-trip transportation from Cartagena.

Visitors will take a bus to Barù, then a boat to the Rosario Islands. The tour includes a panoramic exploration of the Rosario Islands, with a stop at San Martin de Pajaral.

Guests can enjoy activities like bathing at the white Barù beach, visiting the Oceanarium, and renting chairs, parasols, and snorkeling gear.

Lunch options with three choices are also included. The tour ends back at the original meeting point in Cartagena.

Transportation and Pickup Details

The tour begins with round-trip transportation from Cartagena.

Pickup starts at 8:10 AM, so guests are advised to be ready between 7:00 and 7:40 AM.

Pickup locations include popular tourist areas such as:

• Bocagrande

• Laguito

• Castillo Grande

For those staying in central or outside areas, the meeting point is at designated locations.

The activity ends back at the original pickup spots, allowing for a convenient return to your accommodation.

Beach and Facilities

Travelers are greeted by the pristine white sands of Playa Blanca, the main beach destination on the Barù peninsula.

While the beach itself is picturesque, reviews suggest the overall facilities and service can be lacking. Chairs and parasols are available for rental, but some customers report being overcharged.

The on-site Oceanarium offers a chance to explore marine life, though the entrance fee is an additional cost. Snorkeling equipment can also be rented, but again, the price may be higher than expected.

Lunch Options

Lunch options for the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Barù tour include three choices.

Travelers can select from:

• Grilled fish with rice, salad, and plantains

• Chicken with rice, beans, and patacones (fried plantains)

• Vegetarian pasta with tomato sauce and a side salad

The included lunches aim to provide a taste of local Colombian cuisine.

The included lunches aim to provide a taste of local Colombian cuisine.

However, past customer reviews indicate inconsistent quality and service, with some reporting unsatisfactory meals.

Travelers should manage their expectations and be prepared to purchase additional food if the provided lunch doesn’t meet their preferences or dietary needs.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the customer reviews, the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Barù tour has received mixed feedback, with an overall rating of 2.7 out of 5 stars based on 3 total reviews.

Travelers have reported issues with the language barrier, as many guides don’t speak English fluently. There have also been complaints about overcharging for additional activities like snorkeling.

Logistical concerns, such as disorganization and cleanliness at the beach, as well as poor quality and service of the provided lunch, have further contributed to the tour’s low ratings.

The operator acknowledges the feedback and claims to provide assistance for non-Spanish speakers.

Additional Considerations

While the tour offers round-trip transportation and access to various amenities, prospective travelers should consider a few additional factors.

The tour may not be wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the trip. Plus, the operator notes that most travelers can participate, suggesting potential physical requirements or limitations.

Though the operator claims assistance is provided for non-Spanish speakers, the mixed reviews highlight language barriers as a common issue.

Sum Up

The "Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Barù With Lunch" tour offers a chance to explore Colombia’s picturesque islands and beaches. While the itinerary and activities seem appealing, customer feedback suggests mixed experiences, particularly regarding service and additional costs. Travelers should carefully review details and consider their expectations to determine if this tour aligns with their preferences and budget.