Are you looking for a place to stay in the Rosario Islands? You may be weighing the different options and factors to consider to get the most out of your beach vacation. Don’t fret! We will give you a hand by curating this list of the best Rosario Islands hotels.
You’ll probably spend most of your days island-hopping, lounging on the beach, doing various water activities, or simply engaging in full relaxation.
Continue reading about our recommended best hotels in Rosario Islands and what you can expect during your stay.
10 Best Hotels in Rosario Islands
The prices quoted here are estimated for 2 adults. Note that room rates change depending on your booking dates: the earlier you book your rooms, the cheaper the cost.
We also arranged this list from the best-value, lowest prices to the expensive and luxurious ones for easier reading.
1. Isla del Pirata
Starting price: 300,000 Colombian pesos or 65 US dollars
Isla del Pirata is the best place to stay if you travel with friends. This budget hotel offers rooms at a low cost, but the food items at its restaurant are quite expensive.
Pros:
- Very attractive location
- Great staff
Cons:
- Average customer service
- Expensive food with limited options
2. Eco Hostel IslaBela
Starting price: 350,000 COP ($76)
Eco Hostel Islabela consists of 4 bungalows spread across a small private beach filled with sand and vegetation. All rooms are well maintained with excellent service.
To get there, take a 45-minute boat ride from Cartagena to Isla Grande, which costs around 60,000 COP ($13).
Pros:
- Affordable prices for activities
- Friendly staff
- Free paddles to venture around the mangroves
Cons:
- Average food quality
- No air conditioner
3. Secreto Hostel
Starting price: 350,000 COP ($76)
Secreto Hostel is for people who like traveling alone and looking for a bargain, that is, an affordable place with all the luxuries.
There are 7 houses in this hotel, all made of wood. In addition, there is a large pool with a nearby bar where you can get your favorite drink and food.
Pros:
- Private bedroom
- Activities such as plankton tours, kayaking, snorkeling, etc.
- Free activities such as Salsa lessons and a bonfire
Cons:
- Limited water for use
- Not enough bathrooms
4. Playa Manglares
Starting price: 600,000 COP ($131)
Playa Manglares can be accessed easily; you can travel by car through the bridge near Barbacoas Bay. It’s best for people who want to enjoy the picturesque views without spending a lot.
Pros:
- Has a parking lot
- Offers private transportation service
Cons:
- A bit rustic
5. Isla del Sol
Starting price: 760,000 COP ($165)
The best hotel for family vacations, Isla del Sol is another great option to stay at Isla Grande. It has a great pool you and your kids can enjoy while enjoying the wondrous ocean-view.
Pros:
- Children under the age of 3 aren’t charged
- Large rooms available with balcony and hammock
Cons:
- Disorganized service at times
6. Coralina Island
Starting price: 780,000 COP ($170)
Coralina Island best suits couples on a honeymoon or looking for a private place to book their vacation.
All the rooms have a private balcony overlooking the mesmerizing turquoise water. Moreover, the food at its restaurant is one of the most delicious in Rosario.
Pros:
- Romantic atmosphere
- Variety of cuisines at the restaurant
- Private deck
Cons:
- The staff can’t speak English
- You are not allowed to go outside the boundaries of your assigned deck
7. San Pedro Majagua
Starting price: 800,000 COP ($174)
San Pedro de Majagua is located in Isla Grande. This tranquil place is usually never crowded with tourists, so it’s the best place to stay if you want some peace and private space.
This beach hotel also offers diving lessons for free, which is a great addition to the value they are providing for a very reasonable room cost.
Pros:
- Friendly staff
- Great food quality
Cons:
- Wait times for check-in and check-out
- No hot water is available
8. Gente de Mar
Starting price: 1,181,000 COP ($257)
Gente de Mar is perfect if you want to run on the beach and enjoy sunbathing. The hotel is constructed on 2 long beaches joined together by placing deckchairs under the long shades of palm trees.
Pros:
- Good breakfast with a variety of options
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Slow service
- Expensive food items
9. Isla del Encanto
Starting Price: 1,220,000 COP ($265)
Isla del Encanto is a famous resort in Isla Baru. It has 12 bungalows on 2 floors.
You can also find well-trained English-speaking staff with modern architecture.
Pros:
- Buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- Facilities and activities include private events, a pool, beach, diving, etc.
Cons:
- Low-quality room service
- No privacy when there are a lot of day trippers in high-season
10. Las Islas
Starting price: 1,415,000 COP ($308)
Las Islas is a beach resort in Baru, near Cholon. The place, close to the Rosario Islands, is a perfect spot for spending your time.
The best part of this resort is the privacy and luxury, and the costs reflect the services offered at the beach.
Pros:
- English-speaking staff
- Private cabins with private beach
- Free bike to explore the place
- Elite activity offerings such as plankton tour and cooking class
Cons:
- Basic cuisines
- The dining area needs improvement.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
How To Get to Rosario Islands
There are 3 main cities in Colombia where you can find the perfect transportation service to reach the Rosario Islands.
Here is how you can reach Rosario Islands:
- From Bogota
You can choose the most convenient method to travel from Bogota: by air. Many flights, such as Aviana, LATAM, and Viva Air, depart from Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport to Cartagena’s Rafael Nunez International airport. The flight lasts for 1.5 hours.
Please note that there’s no direct route from Bogota to the Rosario Islands, so you must reach Cartagena first and take a boat.
- From Medellin
If you are leaving for Rosario from Medellín, make sure you travel through Aeropuerto Internacional Jose Maria Cordova, as the second airport in Medellin, called Olaya Herrera, does not provide direct flights to Cartagena.
You can also take a bus from Medellin, which is inexpensive, but it will take around 13 to 14 hours to reach Cartagena.
On the other hand, traveling by airplane would only take 1.5 hours.
- From Cartagena
You can only move from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands by boat ride. You can find groups or private day tour providers who leave in the early morning and return in the early evening hours. The boat ride lasts for around 45 minutes.
There are 2 options to get a boat ride. You can either hire a tour agency to provide you with the transport or head to Muelle de la Bodeguita port and arrange a boat yourself.
Things To Consider in Choosing Hotels in Rosario Islands
After reaching your destination, you should first look for a good hotel. Here are a few things you should consider before selecting the right hotel:
Weather
The weather at Rosario Islands is the first and most important thing to consider. The weather here remains between 86 to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 32 degrees Celsius) most of the year.
However, frequent changes due to rain can be a nuisance to deal with. Check the weather conditions before choosing the hotel, especially if you are visiting in October.
Amenities
The hotel you choose for your stay must have these basic facilities that most hotels in Rosario provide:
- Good Wi-Fi connection
- Private beach area
- Toiletries
- Personal care equipment
- Laundry service
- Safety
Online Reviews
Reading online reviews is the most effective way of knowing whether the hotel provides the amenities they claim on its website. For example, some hotels on these islands claim to provide high-speed internet and fluent English-speaking staff, but only a few have them.
Tips To Stay Safe During Your Stay In Rosario Islands
For a safe and enjoyable experience in the Rosario Islands, heed local authorities and tour guides, wear sun protection, stay hydrated, be mindful of your surroundings, and respect the marine ecosystem. These precautions ensure a memorable and secure visit to this stunning destination.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.
Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Important Tips For Enjoying Your Rosario Islands Vacation
Before reaching Rosario Islands, there are a few things that you need to consider to get the best out of your visit:
- There aren’t many options on the menu at the restaurants in Rosario, so make sure that you take some special snacks with you.
- The islands of Rosario do not have ATMs, so keep enough cash with you to enjoy some days at the beach.
- You won’t be able to find a pharmacy, so take all the medication you might need.
- One downside of these islands is mosquitoes. We highly recommend you take bug spray with you.
- It is best if you buy the equipment for water sports, such as snorkeling gear, water shoes, etc. The equipment is also available on these islands but can be a little more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Rosario Island Hotels
How Do You Get to Rosario Islands?
You can get a boat from Cartagena that will take you to Rosario Islands. The full distance is 23 mi (37.3 km), which takes around 45 minutes to cover.
Where Are the Rosario Islands in Colombia?
Rosario Islands is an archipelago located just off the coast of Cartagena. It is the perfect place to enjoy the beach, go snorkeling, or explore the different idyllic islands.
Conclusion – Rosario Islands Hotels
Choosing the right lodgings is an important step toward having the perfect vacation. In Rosario Islands, there are many great hotels and resorts with special offers that you can choose from.
Hopefully, this article has narrowed your choices and picked the right hotel for your future getaways.
Planning to Visit the Rosario Islands? Tips & Tricks To Book Your Trip
Find Your Flights
When it comes to booking flights, Skyscanner has always been my trusted source. It’s like the secret weapon for finding those hard-to-get flight deals that will help you save hundreds of dollars on your travels.
Secure Your Accommodation
For the best deals on guesthouses and hotels, Booking.com is your reliable partner. It consistently offers the lowest rates, ensuring you get the most value for your money.
Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
I don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you in case of cancellations, theft, injury, and illness. It helps you if anything goes wrong on your travel. I’ve had to use it many times in the past, and it truly makes stressful situations more manageable.
My favorite company that offers the best service is SafetyWing. SafetyWing is travel insurance that fits people who travel regularly and want peace of mind.
Plan Your Adventures
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.