Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena

The Rosario Islands in Cartagena offer a full-day adventure worth exploring. Priced at $100 per person, the tour promises a blend of snorkeling, historical sites, and relaxation on stunning beaches. While some travelers report overcrowding and delays, the overall experience is highly recommended. Visitors can enjoy vibrant marine life, soak up the lively atmosphere of Cholon Island, or unwind on the tranquil Playa Blanca. But what exactly can one expect from this captivating tour?

Key Points

• The Rosario Islands tour is a full-day excursion located off the coast of Cartagena, priced at $100 per person.
• The tour includes snorkeling, historic site visits, and relaxation on the islands, with lunch, water, fruit salad, snacks, and towels provided.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, and travelers have a 30,000 pesos allowance for lunch at Playa Blanca.
• The tour experience varies, with a mix of lively and tranquil settings, and some travelers have reported issues with overcrowding and vendor presence.
• Positive reviews highlight the attentive guides, enjoyable snorkeling, and beautiful islands, while recommendations include bringing extra water and limiting personal items.

Tour Overview

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

The tour has an impressive 92% recommendation rate from previous travelers and a Badge of Excellence. Priced at $100 per person, the tour meets at the Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande at 7:30 AM and can accommodate up to 40 travelers.

With a full-day itinerary, the tour includes snorkeling, visiting historic sites, and relaxing on the islands.

Travelers can expect to enjoy a provided lunch, water, and fruit salad, as well as snacks and towels.

Tour Details

As part of the Rosario Islands tour, the inclusions and amenities on offer provide travelers with a well-rounded experience.

Snorkeling equipment, aside from fins, is provided. Lunch with a 30,000 peso allowance, a bottle of water, and a fruit salad are also included. Snacks and towels are available throughout the tour. All fees and taxes are covered in the tour price.

The full-day tour features multiple stops, with activities like snorkeling, visiting historic sites, and relaxing on the islands. Travelers should expect varying experiences at Cholon and Playa Blanca.

Inclusions and Amenities

As part of the Rosario Islands tour, travelers can look forward to a range of inclusions and amenities that enhance the overall experience.

These include:

1. Use of snorkeling equipment, although fins aren’t provided.

2. A 30,000 pesos allowance for a lunch at Playa Blanca.

3. Complimentary bottled water, a refreshing fruit salad, as well as access to snacks and towels.

All fees and taxes are covered in the tour price.

These inclusions ensure travelers can fully enjoy the island exploration and snorkeling activities without additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Tour Experience

Embarking on the Rosario Islands tour promises a full day of immersive experiences.

The tour includes multiple stops, with a focus on snorkeling for 30-40 minutes. Visitors will also have the chance to explore historic sites and relax on the islands.

Lunch is typically served around 2-3 PM at Playa Blanca.

The tour experience varies, with some enjoying the party atmosphere at Cholon and the beach at Playa Blanca, while others note overcrowding and vendor presence.

Tour Itinerary

The Rosario Islands tour features a full-day itinerary with multiple stops. The tour typically includes:

1. Snorkeling for 30-40 minutes to explore the vibrant marine life.

2. Visiting historic sites on the islands to learn about the region’s rich heritage.

3. Relaxing on the pristine beaches, such as the renowned Playa Blanca, where lunch is provided around 2-3 PM.

The tour experience can vary, with some visitors reporting the party atmosphere at Cholon Island, while others enjoy the tranquility of the more secluded beaches.

Snorkeling and Activities

What does the snorkeling experience entail on the Rosario Islands tour?

Travelers are provided with snorkeling equipment, though fins aren’t included. The snorkeling session lasts 30-40 minutes, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant underwater world. Guests can observe a variety of marine life, from colorful fish to coral formations.

Snorkelers explore the vibrant underwater world for 30-40 minutes, observing colorful fish and coral formations.

While the snorkeling is a highlight, the tour also includes visits to historic sites and time to relax on the islands. Lunch is provided at Playa Blanca, typically around 2-3 PM.

Visitors should come prepared with extra water and wear appropriate footwear for the beach areas.

Dining and Lunch

Lunch is included in the Rosario Islands tour, with a 30,000 pesos allowance per person. The meal is typically served around 2-3 PM at Playa Blanca, one of the islands visited.

The tour provides:

1. A fresh fruit salad to enjoy before or after the main meal.

2. One bottle of water per traveler.

3. Snacks and towels available throughout the day.

While the lunch allowance may seem modest, it’s usually enough to cover a satisfying local seafood dish or other regional cuisine.

Travelers can expect a relaxed, island-style dining experience as part of this full-day tour.

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

Many travelers have shared their experiences with the Rosario Islands tour, offering both praise and concerns.

Positive reviews highlight the attentive guides, enjoyable snorkeling, and beautiful islands, as well as the good food provided.

However, some common issues include delays in departure, organizational problems, overcrowded boats, and the presence of vendors at the beaches.

Specific tour guides like Frankie and Cesar received high praise for their attentiveness.

Recommendations for future travelers include bringing extra water, wearing flip-flops, and limiting personal items, as they may encounter delays and vendor presence on the public beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

While the tour provides snorkeling equipment, travelers can bring their own if preferred. However, fins are not included, so guests should plan accordingly if they want to use their own gear.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The standard full-day tour includes multiple island stops and activities like snorkeling, with a set start time and maximum number of travelers.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is casual and comfortable. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing, closed-toe shoes for activities, and bring a swimsuit and towel. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended to protect against the sun.

Is There an Opportunity to Visit Local Markets?

The tour does not explicitly include a visit to local markets. However, travelers may have the opportunity to explore nearby markets on their own during free time or at the end of the tour, depending on the itinerary.

Can I Request a Private or Smaller Group Tour?

Yes, travelers can often request a private or smaller group tour for an additional fee. Private tours may provide a more personalized experience and avoid overcrowded boats, though they’re usually more expensive than the standard group tours.

The Sum Up

The Tour of the Rosario Islands in Cartagena offers a full-day adventure with snorkeling, historical exploration, and relaxation on stunning beaches. While there are some reports of overcrowding and delays, the overall experience is highly recommended. Priced at $100 per person, the tour includes lunch, snacks, and bottled water, providing travelers with a chance to enjoy the vibrant marine life and tranquil atmosphere of the islands.