Marjolein Dilven
If you are getting antsy in the busy tourist city of Cartagena, a beach break on an island in Colombia might be just what you need. There are a lot of things to do in Rosario Islands, though largely underrated, that offer much for tourists.
The Rosario Islands (Corales Islas del Rosario) is an archipelago located in the department of Bolivar in Colombia. The water around these islands is crystal clear and perfect for activities like snorkeling, swimming, diving, or exploring the mangroves.
Whether for a day trip or an extended stay, visiting Islas Rosario is perfect for relaxing amidst the serene atmosphere with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea.
10 Best Things to Do in Rosario Islands, Colombia
Here are the 10 highly recommended activities you can do in the Rosario Islands.
1. Explore the Various Islands
The Rosario Islands have beautiful beaches, a bio-diverse environment, and a calm and tranquil ambiance where you can relax and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of nature.
The biggest land mass in Rosario Islands is the Isla Grande which has a beautiful lagoon and beaches.
On the other end of the size spectrum is the Isla Del Pirata which is almost a mile long only. It is ideal if you want a secluded spot to relax or do water sports. The island also offers delightful local cuisine.
The third one is Isla Fuerte which is popular among tourists for its beautiful ecology and beaches, while Isla Majagua is the least explored island.
The Isla San Martin de Pajarales is the most popular island of all. It is home to the Oceanario Aquarium, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
2. Try Snorkeling
One of the must-do activities that you can do on the islands is snorkeling. The clear blue waters around the Rosario Islands are home to beautiful coral reefs and more than 1,300 species of marine creatures.
If it interests you, do not forget to take a waterproof camera along so that you can capture amazing pictures underwater.
When you are visiting the various islands, here are some snorkel tours that you want to book beforehand:
- Day trip to 5 islands with snorkeling included from Cartagena
- Day trip to Isla Grande & Isla Baru with snorkeling included from Catamaran Bona Vida
3. Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a very popular activity in the Rosario Islands. The area has various scuba diving institutions where you can acquire great diving experience. The spots around Isla Fuerte and Isla Grande are perfect for diving.
The water is warm, and the waves are not strong, making the environment conducive for scuba diving, whether you are an experienced or an amateur diver.
The experience will lead you to discover various underwater species, including starfish, crabs, lobster, and beautiful coral reefs.
If you’re looking for recommended places to go scuba diving, check out these options:
- Scuba diving at the National Park of Rosario Islands from Cartagena
- A scuba diving tour if you’re from Bocagrande and El Laguito only
4. Relax at the Enchanted Lagoon
Beaches offer ideal places for relaxation and unwinding, and Colombian beaches are some of the best in the world. The Isla Grande is home to the Enchanted Lagoon, which is perfect for some downtime. You can either sunbathe on the beach or go swimming.
The lagoon has bioluminescent plankton, which glows up in the dark and lights up the water to create a magical look.
5. Eat Delicious Food
The Rosario Islands have amazing restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
Seafood is very popular on the islands. One very popular classic dish is fresh fish served with coconut rice. You can try out the food at restaurants on the islands during a tour. Some fishermen also offer catering services.
However, some restaurants charge an inflated price for the food, as some dishes even go for as high as $21, so you may want to look at the prices before ordering.
6. Visit the Oceanario Aquarium
The Isla San Martin de Pajarales is home to the world-renowned Oceanario Aquarium.
It is a conservation center that is home to more than 1,400 creatures belonging to around 140 different marine species from the Caribbean Sea. The facility actively conserves the natural environment and protects endangered species, including various fish, turtles, corals, etc.
A visit to the aquarium will be an entertaining and educational experience as you will learn about taking care of flora and fauna. The aquarium also features an entertaining dolphin show.
7. Explore the IslaBela
The IslaBela is a secluded island within the Rosario Islands. It features a beautiful beach club and eco-resort.
The water is a beautiful clear turquoise color, while the sand is soft and white. Local vendors and hawkers are not allowed on the island so that you can enjoy silence and peace of mind. The food and drinks are also reasonable.
IslaBela is accessible by boat only. To get on the boat, you must reach the Bodeguita Dock to register for the trip. The boat leaves at 9 am, so it is better to be a little earlier. A day trip by boat will cost you around $60.
The boat will return from the island around 3 pm. If you wish to stay overnight, one of the beachfront bungalows on the island can be your cozy option.
8. Enjoy Kayaking
The best thing about Rosario Islands is that every tourist has something to do. Whether you are on a solo trip, looking for a romantic getaway, or traveling with your family for a vacation, you will find activities that suit you.
Kayaking is a popular activity among different kinds of tourists. Since the islands feature beautiful conserves, biodiversity, and mangrove forests, kayaking is a great way to explore it all. Kayaks are easily available for renting or borrowing. You can also paddle your way around the mangroves.
9. Party at Isla Cholon
Cholon is a small island near Baru and very close to the Rosario Islands. The island is 40 minutes away from Cartagena. It is widely popular among party-loving tourists who come from all over Colombia. Every weekend, the place is buzzing with people.
The food is divine, and drinks are rampant. People groove to electron music and reggaeton while being waist-deep in water. You can book a boat to get to the island. A boat tour to the island, including food and drinks, may cost you around $175.
10. Visit Pablo Escobar’s Secret Mansion
Many tourists do not know it, but Islas Rosarios are also home to Pablo Escobar’s party mansion on the Isla Grande.
The mansion, now in a derelict state, has become a tourist attraction, where people come to see the ruins of what was once the symbol of grandiose power.
You can take a boat tour around Isla Grande to view the mansion.
How to Get to Rosario Islands, Colombia
You can go to Rosario Islands from Cartagena by road or by boat. Here are a few details for both options.
Travel by Bus or Taxi
Public transport is perhaps the cheapest way to get to the Rosario Islands. You can take the bus to Monumento India Catalina, which will take you to Pasacaballos. The trip will hardly cost around 1 dollar. You can take a taxi to Isla Baru, which may cost around 3 USD. The whole journey will take around two hours.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Cartagena to Rosario Islands. A one-way trip by taxi costs around $21 and will take around one hour. The Dique Canal now features a bridge that provides easy access to the islands.
Travel by Boat
You can travel to the Rosario islands via a speedboat or get on a ferry. You can also book a boat tour to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena. You will find various options in the city in different price ranges.
Where to Stay in Rosario Islands, Colombia
You always have the option to make a day trip to the Rosario Islands. But, we feel you will want to stay longer once you start exploring the beautiful archipelago.
If you decide to stay, here are a few options.
Paraiso Secreto
The Paraiso Secreto or Secret Paradise is a collection of seven hostels on Isla Grande. The hostels were made by converting old mansions into hostels. The facilities are well-decorated and colorful. They offer dorms and private rooms.
A standard private room costs around $82 per night, while a bed in a dormitory will cost around $20 per person for one night.
Cocoliso Island Resort
Cocoliso Island Resort is around a one-hour boat ride from Cartagena and around 20 minutes away from Isla Baru. The resort offers a comfortable stay as it features various facilities, including a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a private beach. A standard double room can cost around $148 per night.
Eco Hotel Playa Libre
The Eco Hotel Playa Libre is a good option if you are looking for economical accommodation. It is located on the Isla Grande, and a house with a double bed will cost around $44 per night.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Tips for Enjoying Your Stay in Rosario Islands Colombia
Rosario Islands feature various attractions for different kinds of tourists, and there is plenty to do around the archipelago for kids and adults alike. Therefore, if you plan a day trip to the Islas, it is better to maximize your stay to experience vacationing on an island at its best.
However, whether you want to visit for a day or stay, here are a few tips to help you enjoy your trip and be comfortable.
- If you spend more than a day on this picturesque island, take time out to watch the sunset and the sunrise at the beach. It is a view you will remember for a lifetime.
- The more popular spots on the archipelago can get crowded on the weekends or during the holiday season, so you may want to plan your trip accordingly.
- Take sunscreen with you. It will come in handy whether you are out on the boat, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach.
- Always negotiate for the price, especially from street vendors, and do not say yes until you have confirmed the price.
- If you are on a day tour to the Islas Rosario, confirm the boat return time so you can leave accordingly.
Is It Safe to Travel to Rosario Islands, Colombia?
As a popular destination, the Rosario Islands are safe places to visit for tourists throughout the year.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions – Rosario Islands Colombia
What Is Rosario Islands Colombia Known For?
The Rosario Islands are known for being an archipelago with a chain of beautiful islands near Cartagena. The waters are home to amazing coral reefs, a wide variety of sea creatures, and bioluminescent planktons.
Is Rosario Islands Colombia Expensive?
The expenses you may incur on the Rosario depend on the length of your stay, where you choose to stay, and what you eat while you are there. The resorts and hotels are more expensive than the ones in Cartagena, while the food costs for fast food or street food are lower than the fine-dining restaurants.
Can You Drink Water in the Rosario Islands?
It is better to stick with bottled water while in the Rosario Islands. The tap water is not recommended if you are touring the area. Bottled water is expensive, but it will keep you from getting sick.
Conclusion – Rosario Islands Colombia
A must-see destination less than an hour away from Cartagena, the Rosario Islands will embrace you with a sense of tranquility and relaxation unparalleled in other destinations. Savoring the experience of its natural beauty will definitely take more than a day trip.
The islands offer a variety of wonderful experiences– from swimming in its pristine turquoise waters, exploring its protected biodiversity, enjoying watersports, or simply lolling by the white sand beach.
Hopefully, you found this guide useful in deciding and planning your trip to these enchanting islands of corals.
Island Hopping in Rosario Islands – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
For related articles about similarly-awesome destinations in Colombia, check out these posts:
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.