Cartagena: Private Island in Rosario Islands, Open Bar

Cartagena: Private Island in Rosario Islands, Open Bar — An Honest Look at the Ultimate Day Escape

Traveling to Cartagena often means exploring the vibrant city streets, but sometimes the best way to unwind is by heading out to the glittering waters and secluded beaches of the Rosario Islands. This tour promises a full day of relaxation, delicious food, and scenic views, all for a reasonable price of $132 per person. Whether you’re after a peaceful getaway, a fun group outing, or a family-friendly adventure, this experience has a lot to offer — with a few things to keep in mind.

What we love most? The unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, the variety of hearty lunch options, and the access to a private, well-equipped social space. The scenic boat rides and the optional visit to the oceanarium add layers of fun and discovery. But, the port fees and the limited time at each stop are worth considering if you’re planning to pack your day. This trip is especially ideal for travelers seeking a hassle-free, all-in-one day on the water, without sacrificing comfort or variety.

Good To Know

• All-Inclusive Feel: With open bar, lunch, and social areas, it offers value for a full day of relaxation.
• Convenient Transportation: Speedboats take you comfortably from Cartagena’s La Bodeguita dock to the islands.
• Variety of Activities: From lounging on hammocks to visiting an oceanarium, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
• Flexible Schedule: The itinerary includes free time at the island and optional visits, allowing a degree of personalization.
• Moderately Priced: At $132, it balances affordability with a comprehensive experience.
• What to Bring: Essentials like sunscreen, hats, swimwear, and cash for optional activities or purchases.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Rosario Islands Private Island Experience

This tour offers a window into the stunning Caribbean side of Colombia, combining scenic boat rides, peaceful beaches, and lively social spaces. We’ll walk through what to expect, highlighting the highlights and some practical tips to make the most of your day.

The Journey Begins: Muelle de la Bodeguita

Your adventure kicks off early, meeting at the Muelle de la Bodeguita around 7:30 a.m. It’s wise to arrive a little early to ensure a smooth check-in and to soak up the morning buzz in Cartagena’s lively harbor. The departure window is from 8 to 9 a.m., giving some flexibility if you’re staying nearby.

The Speedboat Ride: Fast and Scenic

The boat ride to the Rosario Islands takes about an hour — a comfortable speedboat that offers sweeping views of the coastline and a chance to get excited about the day ahead. This journey is part of the fun, with the breeze in your hair and the promise of an island paradise.

Travelers who have been on this tour mention the boat rides as a highlight, describing them as “smooth and scenic,” which sets the tone for a relaxing day. Some reviews note that the boat can get crowded, so arriving early may help you secure a comfortable spot.

Isla Grande: Beach, Activities, and Lunch

On reaching Isla Grande, you’ll have about two hours to explore, relax, and take photos. This period includes a photo stop and sightseeing, so bring your camera. You’ll find loungers and beach hammocks for unwinding, a volleyball court, ping-pong tables, and a pool table — all designed for easy socializing. The large freshwater pool, complete with a bar, is perfect for cooling off after some sunbathing.

The beach here is private, which means no hawkers bothering you — a notable perk for those tired of constant vendor interruptions elsewhere. Many guests highlight how relaxing and well-maintained the social spaces are, making it easy to lounge comfortably.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Optional Visit to the Oceanarium

For those curious about marine life, an optional visit to the Rosario Islands Oceanarium is available. It’s not included in the base price but costs around $45,000 COP (roughly $13 USD). The visit involves a 45-minute pass-by, with chances for photos and sightseeing. Some reviews mention enjoying this stop as a nice addition, especially for families or those interested in marine conservation.

Lunch: Local Flavors in the Caribbean

After the morning’s relaxation, it’s time for lunch. The tour offers three options: fish, chicken, or seafood rice, each prepared to highlight local flavors. Travelers often praise the deliciousness of the food and the generous portions, making it a satisfying break in the day.

The inclusion of unlimited soda, natural lemonade, and bottled water complements the meal, ensuring you stay refreshed. The food is considered hearty and well-prepared — a significant value given the all-inclusive style of the tour.

Return Journey & Relaxed Afternoon

Post-lunch, you’ll have another two hours to enjoy the island at your own pace, whether that’s sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing under a hammock. As the day winds down, the boat departs for Cartagena, with a 45-minute scenic cruise back, giving a different perspective on the coastline.

The trip concludes back at Muelle de la Bodeguita around 3:30 to 4 p.m., leaving you refreshed and ready for your evening plans.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The social spaces and pools are a big draw, especially for travelers wanting a hassle-free day without the chaos of crowded beaches. The private island setting ensures peace, with no hawkers or vendors polluting your relaxation.

The open bar, limited to non-alcoholic drinks, is another highlight, offering unlimited soda, lemonade, and water. Travelers mention that the drinks are “refreshing and plentiful,” keeping everyone hydrated in the Caribbean sun. The three lunch options are hearty and flavorful, a big step above typical beach fare, with many reviewers noting the quality and quantity of the food.

The scenic boat rides, passing by historic fortresses and military structures like the Fort of San Sebastián del Pastelillo, add a touch of history and local color to your journey. These landmarks remind you of Cartagena’s storied past, making the trip more than just a beach day.

Optional activities, like the oceanarium visit, give the experience a bit of extra flair. Some guests appreciated the flexibility, using the time to explore on their own or relax fully, knowing they had the option to see marine life up close.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Day

• Arrive early at La Bodeguita dock to ensure a smooth boarding process.
• Bring cash (around $26,500 COP or $10 USD) for port fees, and more if you plan to purchase souvenirs or visit the oceanarium.
• Pack sun protection essentials: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and beach shoes.
• Consider bringing cash for extra activities or snacks, though most needs are covered by the tour.
• The duration of the tour is around 6 hours, so plan your day accordingly — early departures mean you’ll be back by late afternoon.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those over 95 years old due to the physical nature and timing of the activities.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This day trip suits families, couples, and groups looking for a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle. It’s ideal for those who appreciate comfortable social spaces, delicious local cuisine, and easy access to scenic beaches. If you’re after adventure or extensive sightseeing, this might feel a bit limited, but for pure leisure and comfort, it hits the mark.

It’s also great for travelers wanting value for money — the all-inclusive drinks, meal, and social access make it a straightforward choice. However, keep in mind the port fee and optional activity costs if you want to explore even more.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, relaxing day in one of Colombia’s most beautiful settings. The private island atmosphere, combined with delicious food, unlimited drinks, and various leisure activities, creates a balanced experience for those wanting a carefree escape. The scenic boat rides and optional marine life visit add a touch of adventure and discovery.

While the duration is relatively short and the cost is moderate, the inclusive nature of the tour makes it a great value. If you’re seeking a straightforward, stress-free way to enjoy the Rosario Islands without sacrificing comfort or amenities, this outing could be just what you need.

Perfect for those craving relaxation, good food, and scenic views, with a side of Caribbean charm. It’s also an excellent choice for travelers who prefer organized, hassle-free excursions that cover all the essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transport from Cartagena’s La Bodeguita dock is included, with a comfortable speedboat ride to and from the islands.

How long is the boat ride?
The journey to the island takes about an hour, and the return trip is approximately 45 minutes.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers boat transfers, a welcome cocktail, three lunch options, social area access (pools, hammocks, sports courts), and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks like soda, lemonade, and water.

Are there any extra charges?
Yes, port fees of around $26,500 COP (about $10 USD) are payable in cash. The oceanarium visit costs an additional $45,000 COP (roughly $13 USD).

Can I visit the oceanarium?
Yes, it’s optional and involves a 45-minute pass-by. It’s a nice add-on if marine life interests you.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, hats, swimwear, beach shoes, sunglasses, and cash for optional activities or souvenirs. No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the tour.

Is this suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women or those over 95 years due to the physical and travel requirements.

This tour offers an inviting mix of relaxation and light adventure, all set in a beautiful Caribbean environment. With its inclusive amenities, scenic boat rides, and private beach experience, it’s sure to leave you refreshed and with plenty of great photos. Just a heads-up on the fees and optional costs, and you’re set for a memorable day in the Rosario Islands.

You can check if your dates are available here: