Cartagena: Private Island in Rosario Islands, Open Bar

Planning a day trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena? This private island tour offers a blend of relaxation, scenic views, and some fun activities. While it’s not the cheapest option, many find it provides good value for the money — especially considering the inclusive food, drinks, and transportation.

With a lively social setup, optional visits to the oceanarium, and plenty of time to unwind, this tour is a solid choice for travelers looking to escape the city’s hustle for a few hours.

What we love most about this experience is the convenience of round-trip transportation from Cartagena and the variety of social spaces on the island — including hammocks, pools, and sports courts. The delicious buffet lunch with three options is another standout, offering a satisfying break amid your day of leisure.

One potential downside is that it’s a busy, structured tour — if you’re seeking quiet solitude or a more personalized experience, this might feel a bit crowded.

This tour suits travelers who want a balance of relaxation and sightseeing, with a taste of local flavor. It’s ideal for those traveling with friends or family who enjoy easy, all-in-one packages that handle the logistics. If you’re okay with a scheduled itinerary and a lively social vibe, you’ll likely find this to be a worthwhile day out.

This experience made our article of 2 Most Highly Rated Drinking Tours In Cartagena.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: Speedboat rides from Cartagena make the trip quick and scenic.
• All-inclusive food and drinks: Enjoy buffet lunch options and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
• Multiple leisure options: Hammocks, pools, volleyball court, ping-pong, and more keep everyone entertained.
• Optional activities: Visit the Rosario Oceanarium for an extra fee, if time and interest permit.
• Structured itinerary: A fixed schedule with designated stops, which suits travelers who like planning.
• Value for money: At $132 per person, it includes most amenities, making it a convenient choice.

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The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins early at the Muelle de la Bodeguita dock, where you’re expected around 7:30 a.m. to check in, with departure times between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. From there, you’ll hop onto a speedboat — a quick, 1-hour ride across the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. The boat ride itself offers pleasant views of Cartagena’s coastline and a chance to see some historic fortresses from a distance, like the Fort of San Sebastián del Pastelillo and the fortresses on Tierra Bomba. These defensive structures remind you of the area’s pirate-hunting past and add a dash of history to your scenic journey.

Rosario Islands: Island of Fun and Relaxation

Upon arrival at Isla Grande, you’ll find a lively, well-equipped island designed for leisure. The space is quite social, with large areas set aside for hammocks, sun loungers, and picnic tables. We loved the large freshwater pool with a bar, perfect for cooling off or enjoying a drink without leaving the water. The island also boasts a volleyball court, ping-pong tables, and a pool table — great for any group looking for some fun competition.

The island’s natural beauty shines through the beachfront and enchanting lagoon, where you can simply relax in the sea without being bothered by vendors — since it’s a private setup. The scenic views and peaceful environment make it easy to unwind, whether you prefer sunbathing, reading, or chatting with fellow travelers.

History and Sightseeing

On the way to Isla Grande, your guide points out historic fortresses like San Fernando and San José on Tierra Bomba. These structures once shielded Cartagena’s bay from pirates and serve as a reminder of the area’s strategic importance. While you might not explore them up close on this trip, their presence adds a layer of context to your journey.

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Optional Visit to the Oceanarium

For those interested, there’s an optional stop at the Rosario Islands Oceanarium — a visit that costs an additional $45,000 COP (around $13 USD). This is a good choice for families or anyone curious about marine life, though it’s not included in the base price. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, passing by scenic views and offering a chance for some quick photos and perhaps a few educational tidbits.

Lunch and Refreshments

One of the tour’s highlights is the buffet lunch, which offers three choices: fish, chicken, or seafood rice. This variety caters well to different tastes and dietary preferences, and many reviewers praise the deliciousness of the food. The open bar includes unlimited sodas, natural lemonade, and bottled water — a real plus on a hot day. You might find that the drinks keep you refreshed as you lounge or play sports on the island.

Return Journey and Group Size

After your two-hour stay at Isla Grande, you’ll hop back onto the boat for a 45-minute ride to the Oceanarium and then another hour back to Cartagena. The group is likely to be medium-sized, which strikes a balance between social interaction and personal space. Expect to arrive back at Muelle de la Bodeguita around 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., depending on traffic and timing.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package price of $132 per person includes round-trip transportation, a welcome cocktail, the buffet lunch, and access to the social areas and pools. You also get unlimited non-alcoholic drinks — a real treat on a hot Caribbean day.

However, you will need to pay port fees of around $26,500 COP (about $10 USD) in cash, and the oceanarium visit costs an extra $45,000 COP. Personal expenses outside the included drinks and food are on you, so bringing some extra cash is wise if you want to buy souvenirs or additional drinks.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early at La Bodeguita dock to ensure smooth check-in.
• Bring essentials: sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel.
• Consider packing some cash for port fees and optional activities.
• Avoid bringing alcohol or drugs, as they are not permitted on the tour.
• Be prepared for a lively, social environment — this isn’t a quiet retreat.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, a mild remedy might be helpful, as the boat ride can be choppy at times.
• For those sensitive to sun, a hat and plenty of sunscreen are must-haves.

Who Will Love This Tour

This trip is ideally suited for travelers who enjoy social, active days with plenty of options to relax or have fun. It’s perfect for families, friends, or couples who want a convenient, all-in-one experience that covers transportation, food, and entertainment. If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded getaway, this might be a bit too bustling.

Highly praised features include the good value for money and delicious lunch options, which make the overall experience feel like more than just a boat ride. The free-flowing non-alcoholic drinks add to the laid-back vibe, making it easy to unwind.

The Sum Up

This private island tour in Rosario Islands offers a well-rounded day of leisure and sightseeing, especially for those who appreciate a lively, social atmosphere. The round-trip speedboat transportation makes the journey easy, and the inclusive amenities — from food to pools — create a stress-free experience. The optional oceanarium visit adds a nice touch for those interested in marine life, while the delicious buffet lunch keeps everyone satisfied.

While it’s a busy, structured tour, most travelers find it a worthy value for the price, particularly given the variety of activities and the convenience factor. It’s a fantastic option for travelers who want a comfortable, fun-filled day with minimal planning.

If you’re looking for an easy way to escape Cartagena, enjoy some sun, and indulge in good food and drinks, this tour ticks many boxes. Just remember, it’s a lively, group-oriented experience — perfect if that’s what you’re after.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
The journey from Cartagena’s La Bodeguita dock to Isla Grande takes about 1 hour each way.

What’s included in the tour?
Round-trip transport, welcome cocktail, buffet lunch with three options, access to social areas (pools, hammocks, sports courts), and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, port fees of approximately $26,500 COP ($10 USD) payable in cash, and the Oceanarium visit costs extra at $45,000 COP ($13 USD).

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, towel, beach shoes, and some cash for extras.

Is the lunch vegetarian or vegan?
The tour offers fish, chicken, or seafood rice, so vegetarians and vegans should prepare accordingly or bring their own snacks.

Can I stay longer on the island?
No, the schedule is fixed, with about two hours on Isla Grande. Additional time or private extensions aren’t included.

Is there a limit to how many people go?
Group sizes are moderate, but specific numbers aren’t specified. The experience is designed for small to medium groups.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Whether you’re after a fun day with friends, a family outing, or just a break from city life, this Rosario Islands tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience the Caribbean’s natural beauty with comfort and convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby