
5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 49 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar worth booking?
5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar is a 5.5-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $143 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 49 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (49)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $143 per person
On this excursion we will make several guided tours of the Rosario Islands, the guide will give a historical review about the forts of the island of Bocachica We will snorkel with a mask where you can appreciate coral reefs, colorful fish and even a plane that is located on the seabed. At about noon we will arrive at a private island where we will have a delicious lunch, sea bath and relaxation time We visit an island called Cholón, better known as the island of the fiestas, where you can take a sea bath, and enjoy at the same time the rumbero atmosphere. And finally one of the most desired destinations for visitors as is Isla Baru sector Playa Tranquila, one of the destinations with a majestic water color and its color of white sand that charms, a natural attraction that should be known.
What you get
About this experience
On this excursion we will make several guided tours of the Rosario Islands, the guide will give a historical review about the forts of the island of Bocachica We will snorkel with a mask where you can appreciate coral reefs, colorful fish and even a plane that is located on the seabed. At about noon we will arrive at a private island where we will have a delicious lunch, sea bath and relaxation time We visit an island called Cholón, better known as the island of the fiestas, where you can take a sea bath, and enjoy at the same time the rumbero atmosphere. And finally one of the most desired destinations for visitors as is Isla Baru sector Playa Tranquila, one of the destinations with a majestic water color and its color of white sand that charms, a natural attraction that should be known.
What's included
Included
- Medical assistance
- Mask to perform caretaker
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Return to the Hotel
- All Fees and Taxes
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Cartagena
We start picking up our passengers an hour early at their location and take them to the meeting point to check in
60 minutes here
Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica
We will take a panoramic view of the forts of Bocachica where the guide will give us a historical overview
Pass by without stopping
Islas de Rosario
We will enjoy a panoramic tour of the archipelago of the islands of Rosario, where the guiding guide will give us a historical and cultural overview
45 minutes here
Isla Grande
We will carry out the snorkeling activity on a large island where a plane is located on the seabed about 7 meters deep approximately where you can appreciate various coral reefs and variety of fish, we will be approximately 30 minutes, the snorkeling glasses are included in the activity with the mandatory use of a life jacket in the company of the guide
45 minutes here · Admission included
Cholón better known as the party island, in this place we will spend approximately 45 minutes where we will enjoy the best atmosphere, crossover music.
45 minutes here
Islas de Rosario
We will arrive at a private island where we will have a delicious lunch that has several options You can enjoy and relax at the same time
45 minutes here
Playa Tranquila Baru
Finally we will be arriving at a quiet beach on the island of Barú, where you can know one of the most paradise beaches in the Colombian Caribbean, here we will spend some time to take a bath and enjoy the white sands and warm waters Be careful with card payments , we recommend carrying cash for drink and meal payments sold on this island.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Muelle La Bodeguita
We will be returning from 3 : 00 to 3 : 30 pm to the city and drop you off at the Pegasus Pier where you can take a taxi to return to your hotels
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cartagena
Our meeting point is next to the clock tower
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Tour ends at the Pegasus Pier
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- COSTEÑA TRAVEL
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 49 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
49 verified traveler reviews for 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not as titled or described
First I use Viator all the time in SA and Europe. This was the first time I’ve given Viator a poor rating. The description was very confusing. There was no snorkeling. Only a mask was given at 2 locations. This was a party day. And if you signed up for that it was great. But we didn’t want that. Then the time description is the problem if you are on a cruise ship and need to be back by a set time. Luckily David with the tour company worked really hard to get us back earlier than the rest of people on our boat. He had to put us on another boat to get us back by 430pm. I blame Viator for not giving a better description of the excursion. David and the boat captain saved us thousands of dollars.
Response from the operator: Dear Betty, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We truly appreciate all reviews, as they help us improve our services. First, we would like to clarify that when your reservation was initially made for March 3, you contacted us to request a change to March 7 because you were arriving in Cartagena on a cruise ship. We gladly assisted you and confirmed the change without any inconvenience. However, at no point during the booking process or in your messages did we receive information about the specific departure time of your cruise ship or that you needed to return by a certain hour. Cartagena receives many cruise ships with different schedules, so this information is very important for us in order to recommend the most suitable option. Our tour is a shared public excursion, which follows a set schedule for all guests. For travelers who have strict time limitations, such as cruise passengers, we usually recommend private tours, where the itinerary and return time can be fully adjusted to their needs. That said, we are very happy to know that David and the boat captain were able to assist you and make special arrangements to ensure you returned to your cruise ship on time. Our team always does their best to help our guests in unexpected situations. We truly regret that the experience did not fully meet your expectations and appreciate your kind words about our guide and staff. Your feedback will also help us review how the tour description is presented to avoid confusion for future travelers. Thank you again for visiting Cartagena. Kind regards, Jelyneth Osorio Costeña Travel
via Viator
Great time
Had a truly great time, I was the only person in my group who didn't speak Spanish, however, I never felt excluded. Would recommend anyone to do it
Response from the operator: Hello, I am very happy to know that you liked the activity and that you really liked it. Thank you for choosing us as your confirmation agency and recommending our service.
via Tripadvisor
Lots of fun
We had lots of fun, the boat trip was very informative, lunch was delicious and the islands very entertaining.
Response from the operator: I am glad that you found the activity enjoyable, it is a pleasure for us to receive good comments.
via Viator
A great day trip, can be bought cheaper in person
The trip was excellent overall and reasonably priced, but there were aspects that could have been improved. Pros: - Communication through their WhatsApp number was good. - Included meal was nice and a reasonable portion (Fish or Chicken or a third option I don't know). - Sufficient time at each stop. - Our tour guide Randy was accommodating in English despite the rest of the boat speaking Spanish. - Despite being a Sunday, only the party island was really busy (which added to the atmosphere) the other islands weren't crowded. - The boat was 85% full, space to move and sit in one or two different spots - Our boat had a cool box to store drinks Cons: - Buying the ticket through Tripadvisor cost us 100K cop more than buying the ticket in person. Although we don't know where the other tour members bought that ticket from. Buying the ticket online was convenient. - We were told to be at the meeting point at 7:45 latest but we didn't leave the meeting point until 8:30 - Snorkelling didn't include a snorkel, which wasn't a massive issue for the activity just a bit miss-leading Notable mentions - Bring your own snacks and bottles of water, prices for food and drink on the islands were very expensive - The music on the boat was loud, fine for us but not to everyone's taste
Response from the operator: It is a pleasure for us to receive this comment and to know that 80% of the tour was excellent. Thanks to your recommendations we will take into account the sound of the music. Through WhatsApp we specify to our clients that because it is a public destination they can bring beers. , water, soft drinks and snacks to avoid these inconveniences, thank you very much, your rating helps us improve
via Tripadvisor
Beware ... this is not the trip for anyone. Period
After lot of research we settled on this tour. Sadly this has been the low point of entire stay in Cartagena. Anyone used to high quality tours, this is not going to meet the expectation. The summary is as follow 1. Picked up from the hotel late - 30 min past the time 2. Drove for 2 hrs to blanca beach. 3. The beach entrance is quite something. It doesnt have a normal road. Took about 30 min to traverse probably 500 yards. Having been on Indian roads, this was a shock to me. Felt like i was on Mars with craters 4. Walk from the parking lot to the beach - well there were literally million people in small place. There is no place to navigate,. Not to mention that i lost my money in this process (my mistake) 5. After another 45 min wait .. get on to a speed boat with basic ladder hangin on the side of the boat 6. Go on a boat for 45 min to show couple of islands 7. Snorkel with head gear, no air tube or flippers. This was not what i had expected 8. after snorkel go to island with party, This is ecoli in the making,. Probably 500,000 folks in cramped beach 9. Back to Blanca beach for some food 10. Back to hotel Net net the time we spent in water - 1.5 hr This is really not worth the trip. Recommend hire a private boat for island tour would be my recommendation. We were glad to be back in one piece... just couldnt get off this tour
Response from the operator: Thanks for leaving your comment! We as Agencia Costeña Travel regret not having been able to meet all your expectations on this occasion, but believe me that we work hard so that our clients have fun and enjoy our services, we regret everything that happened, but we thank you for giving us your opinion because it helps us to work on your disagreements and improve to offer an excellent service.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 17
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar cost?
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Prices start at $143 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cartagena usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar take?
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Plan for about 5.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cartagena is not rushed.
Is 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 49 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cartagena, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar?
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Around 17 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cartagena can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cartagena and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cartagena within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cartagena?
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On Outty we rank every Cartagena experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena, Cartagena Antigua & Barrio Getsemani group with audio system, Cartagena VIP Boat Tour: Rosario Islands & Snorkel. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar?
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Included: Medical assistance; Mask to perform caretaker; Lunch; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Return to the Hotel; All Fees and Taxes; Bottled water; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 285 listed pickup locations in and around Cartagena. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cartagena. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar?
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Across 49 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, value for money. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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