Information
Landmark: Islas del RosarioCity: Cartagena
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America
Islas del Rosario, Cartagena, Colombia, South America
Overview
Islas del Rosario-Cartagena’s slice of Caribbean paradise-are 27 jewel-like coral islands scattered in turquoise water about 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of the city.These islands, with turquoise waters so clear you can see fish flicker beneath the surface, soft white sand, and a riot of colorful sea life, rank among Colombia’s most stunning natural treasures.So, why should you visit the Rosario Islands?✔ Pristine Caribbean Beaches – White sand, turquoise waters, and peaceful, secluded beaches .✔ Incredible Snorkeling & Diving – Home to coral reefs, tropical fish, and clear waters , perfect for underwater adventures.✔ Exclusive Resorts & Private Islands – Stay in luxury hotels, eco-lodges, or rent a private island .✔ Relaxation & Beach Clubs – Spend the day at private beach clubs offering food, drinks, and water activities.✔ Easily Accessible from Cartagena – Just a 45-minute boat ride , making it a great day trip or weekend getaway .Pristine Caribbean beaches stretch out in soft white sand, where turquoise waves lap gently at the shore and quiet coves hide from the crowds.Experience unforgettable snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and water so clear you can see the sunlight dance on the sand below.✔ Exclusive Resorts & Private Islands – Spend nights in plush hotels, unwind in hidden eco-lodges, or claim an entire island all to yourself.Relax at a private beach club, where you can sip something cold, savor fresh seafood, and dive into the clear water for a swim or paddle.Just 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena, you can be there before the sun’s high in the sky-perfect for a quick day trip or a lazy weekend escape.Want to visit the Rosario Islands from Cartagena?You’ve got a few options-one might even start with the hum of a speedboat engine cutting across the bright blue water.The most popular option is the 45‑minute speedboat, leaving Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena between 8 and 9 a.m., when the morning air still smells faintly of salt.Plenty of tours pause for snorkeling in clear water, a fresh lunch, and a stretch of time to sink your toes into warm sand.The return boats head out between 2:30 and 4:00 in the afternoon, their engines rattling across the water.Number two.Catamaran or yacht (1–2 hours) – the luxury choice, with wide decks and cushioned seats that make the ride far smoother than a speedboat.Perfect for groups or private charters, with plenty of food and cold drinks ready to enjoy.Number three.Book a sleek yacht or a fast speedboat and make the trip your own, whether you’re gliding past quiet coves or racing over open water.Prices change with the boat’s size and style-an old wooden skiff won’t cost the same as a sleek, twenty-foot sailboat.Number four.Book a stay at a resort and set up your transfer-some island hotels will whisk you across the water in their own sleek boats.Top Things to Do in the Rosario Islands - start with gliding over clear turquoise water on a small boat.Snorkeling or scuba diving there means gliding through coral reefs alive with flashes of yellow fish, slow-moving sea turtles, and the shadowy sweep of passing rays.Top snorkeling and diving?Head to Isla Grande, the biggest island, where clear water shimmers over reefs alive with bright fish.Isla del Pirata-where the water’s so clear you can see tiny coral clusters swaying just below the surface.Barú Reefs lie just off Playa Blanca’s shore, where bright parrotfish dart among coral heads.Number two.Stop by the Oceanarium (Acuario de San Martín de Pajarales), a floating aquarium where you can watch sharks glide past, dolphins leap, and sea turtles drift lazily through the clear Caribbean water.Watch dolphins leap through the air at the daily shows, then hand them fish during lively feeding sessions.Number three sat scrawled in the margin, a quick dark stroke of ink.Kick back at a private beach club, where you can sip a cold drink, stretch out on a sun‑warmed lounger, and savor fresh, gourmet dishes found on many of the islands.Isla Coralina, a popular beach club, is a boutique eco-hotel where guests can stretch out on a quiet strip of sand and hear nothing but the waves.Gente de Mar-where soft white sand warms your toes and the water glimmers a bright, clear turquoise.Isla del Encanto offers all‑inclusive packages, from sunrise coffee by the shore to late‑night cocktails under the stars.Number four.Rent a kayak or paddleboard, then glide through winding mangroves and slip into quiet coves where the sand is warm and the water smells of salt.Five.At night, head to Laguna Encantada near Isla Grande and watch the water sparkle blue-green as bioluminescent plankton swirl beneath your fingertips.It’s easiest to spot on nights when the moon stays hidden and the sky feels deep and endless.Number six.Spend the night on your own slice of paradise-some islands can be rented outright, while others offer tucked-away eco-hotels where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves.One of the best spots to stay is Hotel Las Islas in Barú, where sleek wooden bungalows perch right over the turquoise water.Islabela-an eco-lodge tucked away on a quiet stretch of private beach where the sand stays warm under your feet.Isla Matamba - rent the whole island, yours alone, with waves brushing the shore.Top island to explore in the Rosario Archipelago-think white sand, warm breeze, and turquoise water.Isla Grande, the largest island, offers sandy beach hotels, clear-water snorkeling spots, and quiet mangroves where you can hear the rustle of palm leaves.Number two.Isla del Pirata is a tiny, tranquil island where the water’s so clear you can see shells resting on the sandy bottom.Number three.Isla de Majagua is famous for its luxury hotels and quiet, hidden beaches where the sand feels warm under your feet.✔ Bring Cash – Many islands do not accept credit cards .✔ Pack Light – Essentials include sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and a waterproof bag .✔ Check Weather Conditions – The sea can be rough, so travel in the morning for calmer waters .✔ Stay Overnight for a More Relaxed Experience – Day trips are fun, but staying on the islands is even better .Number four.Isla Cholón bursts to life with boat parties and floating bars, where music drifts over the water and glasses clink in the sun.Five.
