Cartagena Island Hopping: 5-Stop Rosario Islands Tour with Lunch
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Choose from these options that best align with your vibe and budget:
ECOLOGICAL TOUR (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM): Enjoy sightseeing at the historic Bocachica Fort and Pablo Escobar’s former estate. Includes three dedicated stops (1.5 hours each) at Marina Island, Grande Island (featuring snorkeling and lunch), and Rosario Island. Transport is via shuttle boat.
VIP TOUR (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM): Travel via a comfort speedboat for an exclusive small group experience. Includes the same sightseeing stops as the previous, snorkeling, and three premium stops (1.5 hours each): a visit to Islabela, a private beach club (for lunch), and time at an award-winning island resort.
PARTY TOUR (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM): Includes the same sightseeing stops but swaps relaxation for excitement with 1.5-hour visits to Baru Island, Grande Island (for lunch), and the famously loud and crowded party hub, Cholon Island. Transport is via shuttle boat. (Note: Select this option carefully and avoid if you prefer a quieter day.)
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
NOTES: A port tax must be paid by each person at the pier on day of activity. Be prepared if there's a rainy forecast. Swim attire is mandatory. Ecological & Party tickets travel on SHUTTLE BOATS, while VIP tickets on COMFORT SPEEDBOATS. The Party tour DOES NOT do snorkel. Public islands like Cholon and Baru are unmaintained, loud, and crowded with vendors — choose the Party option carefully. We reserve the right to modify itinerary due to weather. We do not provide pickups or drop offs.
By proceeding, you agree to our Terms & Conditions (found on our website). You confirm that you are responsible for securing your own travel insurance and fully release the company from all liability regarding accidents, injuries, or medical costs. Guests must independently arrange transportation to/from the meeting point and assume sole responsibility for alcohol consumption, situational awareness, and conduct, accepting full financial liability for any resulting damages or fines. The company is also not liable for the actions of other participants or third parties. Note: Speedboat rides can be bumpy due to open sea conditions, making it not suitable for infants, pregnant women, or those with back, heart, or mobility issues; participation is at your own risk. Finally, engaging in unauthorized activities with third-party island vendors violates safety protocols and constitutes a voluntary withdrawal from the tour and forfeiting further service.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica
All three tour options (VIP, Ecological, & Party) include a dedicated sightseeing stop near Tierra Bomba Island to view the historic Bocachica Fort. Take photos and learn about the fort's colonial significance right from the boat!
Isla Baru
The Party Tour begins with its first stop at a lively beach club on either Baru Playa Blanca or Grande Island. Please note that Baru Island is specifically reserved for this high-energy option, as its characteristic crowded, vendor-heavy atmosphere is purposefully excluded from our family-friendly tours. NOTE: Public islands like Cholon and Baru are unmaintained, loud, and crowded with vendors. Choose the Party option carefully.
What‘s Included
Lunch (Fish, Chicken, or Veggie On-Site Options)
Premium Island Visits (VIP Tour)
Bilingual Tour Guide
Shuttle Boat Transport (Ecological & Party Tours)
Island Stops with Access to Beds & Parasols
Fish Habitat Snorkeling with Mask & Tube (Ecological & VIP Tour)
Cholon Island - Loud, Crowded, & Vendors (Choose Wisely) (Party Tour)
Comfort Speedboat Transport (VIP Tour)
Tourist Port Tax Fee
Options
Leisure Tour
Flexible (Family Friendly): 2 sightseeing stops (Fort & Escobar's mansion), 3 island stops (Grande, Marina, & Rosario), & lunch.
Starting point:
Monumento Santander, Centro, Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia
VIP Tour
Premium (Family Friendly): 2 sightseeing stops (Fort & Escobar's mansion), snorkel activity, 3 VIP island stops (Islabela, Beach Club, Resort), & lunch.
Starting point:
Muelle de la Bodeguita - Puerta 3, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Party Tour (Choose Carefully)
Festive (Adults Only): 2 sightseeing stops (Fort & Escobar's mansion), 3 island stops (Baru, Grande, Cholon), & lunch. NOTE: Read recommendations.
Starting point:
Monumento Santander, Centro, Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia
Ecological Tour
Exploration (Family Friendly): 2 sightseeing stops (Fort & Escobar's mansion), snorkel activity, 3 island stops (Grande, Marina, Rosario), & lunch.
Starting point:
Monumento Santander, Centro, Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia
Reviews
4,508 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Visit Risario island. With Edwin
H5594PMsoniaa,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a beautiful day with Edwin, explained all The sites we visited and he was very nice. ……,,….:……………………………………….,….
Great day
Y6922IAjos,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gigi is an amazing tour guide! The last two islands were quiet and nice, loved especially the rosario eco hotel. Thanks everyone.
Trip with Sebastian
Jessica H,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time with my friends and Sebastian being about to communicate with us. He was very clear and helpful. The food was very good.
The VIP Rosario Islands...
Pearl C,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The VIP Rosario Islands tour was a memorable experience. The islands were stunning and definitely the highlight of the day. The boat ride was rough, and some of the equipment (life vests and snorkel gear) could be improved. We also experienced mechanical issues with the boat, which extended the tour and required an extra stop for fuel. However, Ana handled everything incredibly well—she was informative, calm, and went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable, even getting drinks for the group. Her professionalism and care really stood out.
10/10
Andrea L,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So much fun! Recommend for anyone. They are all super nice and make sure you are safe. I am from Colombia myself, but my boyfriend isn’t, and we both had a great experience. Beautiful views!
Not a "VIP" Experience—Poor Communication and Zero Hospitality
Morvarid,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00If you are considering this tour, please read this first. Despite being advertised as a 'VIP' experience, our day was anything but premium. The issues began with a complete lack of communication. In Colombia, it is standard for operators to WhatsApp you the day before with logistics; we received nothing. When we reached out with questions, we received a delayed, vague response hours later. Arrival at the port was pure chaos. We had to navigate a sea of tourists with no clear direction. As non-Spanish speakers, this was incredibly stressful. Once we found our guide, he simply told us to pay the port tax and left us waiting in the crowd without further instructions. To make matters worse, despite the 'VIP' price tag, they did not even offer us a bottle of water throughout the journey. The itinerary felt designed for the tour company’s kickbacks rather than the guest's enjoyment. We were taken to 'beach clubs' where the water wasn't even swimmable. While the lunch was ok, it didn't make up for a day spent in disorganized transit. If you're looking for a true VIP experience, I recommend looking elsewhere.
Fantastic Experience
nilayh2026,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic, Edwin was great. The experience is highly recommended I wish we had more time on each island thank you so much
Breathtaking
D3444OJandreah,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything went smoothly. We did leave a little later than the start but we where still able to do everything with ease. Our tour guide was amazing and communicated.
Something for everyone
Nate E,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family ranged in age from 11 to 81 - this trip had something for everyone! Beach time on Rosario was fantastic if and the lunch was spot on. The guide, Sebastian and the caption made sure we were safe and knew what to expect (in both Spanish and English).
Great time!
526shantellm,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time ! We enjoyed this very much.guides were amazing.progressional and spoke English very well. I’d return. Lunch was good
From US$65.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by COCOCARTAGENA