Cartagena: All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and the vibrant Caribbean vibe of Colombia’s Rosario Islands, this all-inclusive speedboat tour might just check all the boxes. Designed to give you a taste of the islands’ natural beauty, cultural highlights, and marine life, it offers a full day of adventure, scenery, and relaxation. While it might not be perfect for everyone, especially those seeking a more tranquil or personalized experience, it’s well-suited for travelers eager to see several key spots in one day with a touch of guided insight.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the entry to the Oceanarium is included, offering a chance to see local marine life without additional expense. Second, the lunch options are covered, with vegetarian and traditional dishes served at a scenic spot. Third, the professional guidance and assistance in English throughout help make the experience smoother, especially for first-timers. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the lunch can be underwhelming and that the overall pace might feel rushed at times. Still, if you’re after a well-organized, fun-filled day that hits major highlights, this trip can deliver.

This tour is an excellent pick for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, aquatic activities, and cultural sights—all packed into a manageable schedule. If you’re seeking a full, value-packed day on the water with some guided commentary, this adventure could be just what you need. However, if you prefer a quieter, less structured experience, you might want to explore other options.

Good To Know

• All-Inclusive Value: Lunch, entrance fees, taxes, and transportation are covered, making it straightforward and budget-friendly.
• Guided Experience in English: Knowledgeable guides help you understand the history and highlights, making your trip more meaningful.
• Multiple Activity Options: You can snorkel or visit the Oceanarium, with time allocated for relaxing on beaches or sightseeing.
• Fast-Paced Itinerary: The schedule is packed, so expect lots of movement and less time at each stop.
• Comfortable Transportation: Round-trip speedboat transfers and hotel pickup (for certain locations) make logistics easier.
• Mixed Reviews on Food and Quiet Time: While some travelers loved the included lunch and scenic views, others found the food disappointing and the activities crowded.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour

Starting Point and Departure Logistics

The tour kicks off early in the morning, with pickup options from Bocagrande and El Laguito. If you’re staying in these areas, you’ll be picked up around 7:50 am—an ideal time to start your day. Alternatively, travelers not nearby need to meet at Muelle de la Bodeguita at 8:00 am sharp, where you’ll check in and receive your activity tickets.

Once aboard the speedboat, you’ll be on the water for approximately an hour, passing in front of Tierra Bomba Island—home to four small towns accessible only by water. You’ll also get briefed about the forts of San Fernando and San José, built by the Spanish during colonial days, which adds a touch of historical intrigue to the journey. The boat cranks up the speed, and you’ll feel the wind and spray, which adds to the adventure but can be a bit bumpy depending on sea conditions.

The Trip to the Rosario Islands and Barú

The boat ride to the Corales de Rosario National Park takes around 45 minutes. The scenery changes as you leave the coast behind, with open sea views that make for great photo opportunities. Some travelers noted the trip is fast and sometimes quite bumpy, so packing light and holding on might be wise—especially if you’re prone to seasickness.

At the islands, you’ll find that the tour offers some flexibility. For those not keen on water activities, there’s an option to head directly to Barù Island, a quieter spot known more for its scenic views than sandy beaches. This allows for a bit of a break from the more crowded spots, though it might feel less lively.

Oceanarium and Snorkeling Options

The highlight for many is the visit to the Oceanarium—a guided tour where you can learn about local marine species. If you opt for snorkeling, you’ll be able to see colorful fish and coral, but reviews mention that snorkeling can sometimes be chaotic due to the number of visitors and boats. One traveler noted, “it was very chaotic because there were too many people and we couldn’t see any of the fish they were talking about,” which suggests snorkelers should keep expectations realistic.

You get around 45 minutes to an hour at this stop, with the option to wait outside if you’re not participating in water activities. Importantly, swimming in the oceanarium itself is not allowed because of boat traffic, so it’s more about observation and education.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch on Barù Island

Around midday, the group arrives at Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú—a relaxing spot with a rustic restaurant setting. Here, lunch is served, with options like fish, coconut rice, plantains, and salads. The included meal is convenient and decent for the price but has received mixed reviews—some find it tasty, others describe it as dry or uninspired.

The restaurant area is reserved just for tour guests, but some travelers rent chairs or tents to sit outside and enjoy the views. If you’re a beach lover, you’ll appreciate the chance to sit back and admire the sea, although the overall beach quality varies—some found Barù’s beach not very sandy or scenic.

Afternoon Activities and Return

After lunch, there’s free time to swim or stroll along the beach for about an hour. Some reviews mention that the beach at Barù lacks the soft sand or the tranquil vibe they hoped for, which might be disappointing if you’re craving a classic Caribbean-style beach experience.

The return trip involves speedboating back to Cartagena, taking about an hour. The tour finishes at the Muelle de la Bodeguita, usually by late afternoon, leaving travelers with plenty of time to explore the city afterward.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Group Size

The round-trip transportation on the speedboat is efficient, with the boat’s fast pace adding excitement but also some bumps. The group size is not specified, but given the reviews, it’s likely a sizable tour. The guide is present throughout, providing commentary in English and Spanish, which enhances your understanding of the sights and history.

Duration and Pacing

This is a 7-hour tour, but the schedule is quite full, with little time for relaxing at each stop. If you’re someone who prefers a more leisurely pace with extended beach time, this might feel rushed. Expect to be on the move, with quick visits and activities scheduled tightly together.

Cost and Value

At $81 per person, this tour offers a range of included items—transport, lunch, oceanarium, taxes, and guided assistance. While it’s a fair price considering what’s covered, some reviews suggest that the value can vary depending on expectations. The included lunch, for example, might feel mediocre to some, while others appreciate the convenience.

Accessibility and Suitability

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, mainly due to the boat ride and physical activities involved. It’s also a full-day adventure, so travelers should be prepared for a busy schedule.

Authentic Traveler Insights

One reviewer noted, “Great except the beach we had lunch,” highlighting that while the overall trip was positive, some spots may not meet everyone’s expectations for scenery or comfort. Others mentioned that their guides were very knowledgeable, helping to make the experience more meaningful despite some logistical flaws, like crowded snorkeling or mediocre food.

A common theme is that the guides and boat pilots are professional and helpful, which adds a lot to the day. However, a few travelers felt that the lunch could be improved or that the beach time was too short or not ideal for relaxing.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families or groups wanting a quick, comprehensive look at the Rosario Islands, especially if they want a guided, all-inclusive day. It’s also ideal for first-timers seeking a structured day with marine life and scenic views, without the stress of planning logistics.

If you’re craving a peaceful, quiet beach day with plenty of downtime, this might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you enjoy active days with multiple stops, guided commentary, and a taste of local culture, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour offers a lively, all-in-one introduction to the Rosario Islands. It combines scenic views, marine life encounters, and cultural highlights with the convenience of included meals and transportation. While some travelers point out areas where the experience could be more relaxing or food could be better, the overall value remains strong for those eager to see the main sights in one day.

If you’re someone who appreciates a well-organized, guided adventure that covers several key spots, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour will deliver a memorable Caribbean outing. Just keep expectations realistic—be prepared for a fast-paced day, some crowds, and the occasional bump on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you are staying in Bocagrande or El Laguito, the tour includes hotel pickup around 7:50 am. Others will need to meet at Muelle de la Bodeguita at 8:00 am.

Can I do this tour if I am pregnant?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women due to the boat ride and physical activities involved.

Is the lunch vegetarian?
The lunch options include fish, coconut rice, plantains, and salad, so vegetarian choices are available, but specific dietary needs should be clarified in advance.

Are there options besides snorkeling and oceanarium?
Yes, those are the main activities, but if you choose not to participate, you can wait outside the activity area or relax at the beach.

How long are the stops at each location?
Most stops range between 45 minutes to 2 hours, with the oceanarium and snorkeling activities around 45 minutes to 1 hour each.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, waterproof clothing or jackets (since you’ll get wet), and perhaps snacks or water for the day.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is noted as wheelchair accessible, though consult with the provider for specific needs.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Many find the visit to the Oceanarium and the scenic boat rides the most memorable parts, alongside viewing historic forts from the boat.

To sum it up, this Rosario Islands speedboat tour balances adventure, sightseeing, and practical convenience, making it a compelling choice for travelers looking to make the most of a single day in Cartagena’s Caribbean waters. It offers a taste of local marine life, history, and natural beauty, all wrapped into a lively, guided experience that showcases the best of this stunning archipelago.

You can check if your dates are available here: