Tour of Rosario Islands by Boat, Baru and Playa Blanca

The "Tour of Rosario Islands by Boat, Baru and Playa Blanca" offers a captivating day trip from Cartagena. Travelers can expect panoramic island tours, relaxation at Isla Barú’s Playa Tranquila, and a delicious lunch of traditional Colombian dishes. While some report issues with delays and overcrowding, others enjoy the vibrant marine life and tasty meals. With optional add-ons like snorkeling and the Oceanarium, this mixed yet memorable adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Colombia’s coastal treasures.

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Key Points

This tour provides a panoramic boat ride to the Rosario Islands, Baru, and Playa Blanca, allowing visitors to explore the scenic islands and enjoy sea bathing.
The tour includes typical Colombian dishes like fish, coconut rice, and plantains for lunch, providing a cultural culinary experience.
While the tour offers optional activities like snorkeling and visiting the Oceanarium, it has received mixed reviews regarding the organization, facilities, and food quality.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 500 travelers and offers flexible booking and cancellation policies, but pregnant women are advised against participation.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are permitted, and the staff is trained to ensure a smooth and safe excursion.

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Tour of Rosario Islands by boat, Baru and Playa Blanca," takes place in Cartagena, Colombia.

Priced from $51.30 per person, the tour has received 10 reviews with an average rating of 3.7/5.

It departs from Muelle de la Bodeguita, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias.

The tour includes panoramic island tours, sea bathing in Isla Barú, and an optional snorkeling activity ($14) and entrance to the Oceanarium ($12).

Lunch features local dishes like fish, coconut rice, and plantains.

Additional costs include port tax ($7), chairs ($12), and parasols ($22).

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Itinerary and Inclusions

The tour starts at 9:00 am, offering panoramic island tours, sea bathing in Isla Barú’s Playa Tranquila, and optional activities like snorkeling ($14) and entrance to the Oceanarium ($12).

Lunch includes typical Colombian dishes like fish, coconut rice, plantains, salad, and aguapanela.

Additional costs include port tax ($7), chairs ($12), and parasols ($22).

While the snorkeling and lunch are reported to be enjoyable, there have been complaints about delays, overcrowding, and food quality issues at Playa Tranquila.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

Travelers have reported a mix of experiences on the Tour of Rosario Islands. While some enjoyed the snorkeling and lunch, others faced issues with the organization and facilities.

Negative Experiences	Positive Experiences
Confusing reception and unprepared guides	Enjoyable snorkeling with colorful fish
Delays in departure	Delicious lunch reported by some travelers
Long wait times and overcrowded conditions on the boat
Complaints about food quality and cleanliness at Playa Tranquila

Operational Details

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants are allowed to sit on laps.

Service animals are permitted on the boat.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 500 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Pregnant women are advised not to participate due to the physical nature of the activities.

The tour operator emphasizes the safety and well-being of all participants, with clear guidelines and trained staff to ensure a smooth and enjoyable excursion.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Visitors can cancel their tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This offers flexibility for travelers, allowing them to adjust their plans as needed.

Booking options include reserving now and paying later, which provides added convenience. Upon booking, travelers will receive confirmation immediately.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 500 travelers, so early booking is recommended to secure a spot.

With clear cancellation policies and flexible booking, this tour of the Rosario Islands offers an enjoyable experience that can be tailored to individual needs.

There's plenty more to explore in Cartagena

Exploring the Rosario Islands

The tour of the Rosario Islands offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of this archipelago located just off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.

Highlights of the excursion include:

Panoramic boat tours around the picturesque islands
Opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters
Visits to the tranquil Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú
Exploration of the Oceanarium, where visitors can marvel at the diverse marine life

While the tour provides a glimpse into the islands’ natural wonders, some travelers have reported issues with organization and food quality during their visits.

Discovering the Wonders of Baru

As part of the tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore the captivating island of Barú, known for its tranquil Playa Tranquila.

This idyllic beach offers a chance to swim and relax in the warm Caribbean waters. The snorkeling experience allows guests to witness the vibrant marine life, swimming alongside colorful fish.

While some have reported issues with food quality at Playa Tranquila, others have enjoyed the typical Colombian lunch of fresh fish, coconut rice, plantains, salad, and aguapanela.

Relaxing at Playa Blanca

After exploring the tranquil Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú, the tour then takes visitors to the renowned Playa Blanca, known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Travelers can:

Lounge on the beach, soaking up the sun and taking in the stunning coastal views.
Swim in the inviting waters, cooling off from the Colombian heat.
Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch, savoring the local flavors.
Stroll along the shore, taking in the laid-back island atmosphere.

Despite some concerns about the quality of the lunch at Playa Tranquila, Playa Blanca is often cited as a highlight of the tour, offering a chance to truly relax and unwind.

Sum Up

The Tour of Rosario Islands by Boat, Baru and Playa Blanca offers a diverse experience, with both positive and negative feedback from travelers. While some report issues like delays and overcrowding, others enjoy the vibrant marine life, tasty meals, and the chance to relax on the beautiful Playa Blanca. Overall, it’s a mixed but memorable adventure for those seeking an island getaway from Cartagena.