If you only have one day, there are 2 options:
You can rent a private boat in Cartagena and ask the local captains to show you the best spots.
Or take this fun day trip to Islas Rosario on a catamaran.
Some questions you may have in mind, we answer you :
Is Islas Rosario safe?
Yes, Islas Rosario is safe to visit, no danger on the horizon.
What can you do in Islas Rosario?
On Islas Rosario, you can go on luminescent plankton tours in the mangroves, snorkeling tours, scuba diving, party on Isla Cholon or in some beach clubs. You will have more options on Isla Grande than on Isla Baru.
Can you stay on Islas Rosario?
Yes, it is possible to stay on Islas Rosario. There are several hotel options on Isla Baru, Isla Grande, Isleta or rent a small private island.
How much does a trip to the Rosario Islands cost?
The cost of visiting the Rosario Islands depends on your means of transportation. Taking a public boat costs about 60,000 COP. In addition, you will have to pay an entrance fee of about 20,000 COP because it is a national park.
The best beach of the Rosario Islands
Playa Blanca is a beautiful beach. For the best beaches in the Rosario Islands, there are Sol y Papaya and Gente de Mar. Both are private beaches on Isla Grande.
How to get to Islas Rosario from Cartagena de Indias ?
Baru Island: Between 1h and 1h30 by cab or 1h by boat.
Isla Grande: 1h if you take the hotel boat or 2h if you take the public boat.
The most popular areas of Islas Rosario: Isla Grande and Isleta.
For us, considering the price, facilities and surroundings, Isla Coralina and Islabela are the most attractive. The best luxury hotel in the Rosario Islands: You will find it in Baru Island. Las Islas is one of the most luxurious hotels in Colombia.
Advantages of Baru Island
It is the easiest island to reach in Rosario. You can get there by sea or land.
You will find the most luxurious hotels in Rosario Island in the archipelago.
The beach of Baru Island is beautiful.
There are many fun activities to do in the area such as fishing or a nice boat ride.
How to get to Rosario Island from Cartagena, Colombia
Option 1 : Taxis
Thanks to the bridge built over the Canal del Dique, you can now reach the Islas Rosario from Cartagena by land.
You have to pay about 90,000 COP/1 cab ride. It should take about 1 hour.
It is possible to return by boat. The day trips return to Cartagena around 3pm-4pm. Ask them if they have seats available. You will have to pay about 60-70,000 COP/pers.
Option 2 : Public transportation
Alternatively, using public transportation is another inexpensive way to get to Islas Rosario from Cartagena.
Take the bus from Monumento India Catalina (Avenida Venezuela and Playa Pedregosa #34) to Pasacaballos: 2,200 COP.
Then a motorcycle cab to Baru Island: 10,000 COP
Duration: 2 hours
Where to stay on Baru Island, Islas Rosario?
There are different places where you can stay on Barú Island.
To the north of Playa Blanca, there is an area where several resorts have been built. Among them are the Decameron and the Sofitel Calablanca.
The most economical option is to travel with a small suitcase and visit the beach bungalows of Playa Blanca. These bungalows are fairly basic, with little access to fresh water and no electricity during the day.
Bahía de Barbacoa is a good option if you are looking for a quiet place and do not need to swim in a turquoise Caribbean sea. There are fewer visitors and the customer service is better. Travelers generally like Playa Manglares.
Cholon Bay is beautiful, but the area is noisy on weekends or in high season. The boats from Cartagena gather there to party. The Aura Hotel is an excellent choice.
Finally, there is the southern part of the island of Baru. The hotels are surrounded by mangroves and give the impression of being isolated from the world. The setting is idyllic. Las Islas and Isla del Encanto are two options that might interest you.
Visit Isla Grande
With more than 200 hectares, Isla Grande is a beautiful paradise in the Rosario archipelago. Known for its peaceful natural environment.
Advantages of Isla Grande, Rosario Islands
There are beautiful shaded trails around the island.
There are beautiful coral reefs. The island’s setting is like a postcard: blue waters, palm trees, cocktails and flip-flops. In short, it is paradise.
You will feel less like you are in the middle of a bunch of sardine tourists (if you decide to spend the night).
You can relax on beautiful private beaches.
How to get to Rosario Island from Cartagena, Colombia ?
There are 4 boat travel options to get to Isla Grande from Cartagena de Indias. You will have to pay the price of about 20,000 COP to enter the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park.
Option 1: A boat trip from the Bazurto market.
Option 2: You can also depart from the tourist port “El Muelle”. Departures are around 9:00 a.m. and the boat stops at the various hotels on Isla Grande.
Option 3: The most famous hotels on the island organize your private boat tour daily. The departures are around 8:30 am.
Option 4: A great option is to rent a private boat with friends in Cartagena and have the captain drop you off at your hotel mid-afternoon. You can also book private transportation (about 200 USD).