
Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 75 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena worth booking?
Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena is a 8-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $110 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 75 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (75)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $110 per person
A magical tour for all audiences in which fun, good food and the sea will always be present! Our tour is the best option to visit the most beautiful beaches on the outskirts of the Walled City (Cartagena de Indias). Its variety is such that it combines historical tourism, adventure, party, sun and the beach. On this tour you can enjoy the snorkeling activity without additional cost, you will have the opportunity to visit a private island and have the accompaniment of a bilingual guide.
What you get
About this experience
A magical tour for all audiences in which fun, good food and the sea will always be present! Our tour is the best option to visit the most beautiful beaches on the outskirts of the Walled City (Cartagena de Indias). Its variety is such that it combines historical tourism, adventure, party, sun and the beach. On this tour you can enjoy the snorkeling activity without additional cost, you will have the opportunity to visit a private island and have the accompaniment of a bilingual guide.
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 75 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
75 verified traveler reviews for Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
I had a ball! 🙌🏾 Cholón...
I had a ball! 🙌🏾 Cholón was NOT fun. We had people coming up to us nonstop getting us to buy something, but everything else was great. Our guide was wonderful, we took hella shots, they played good music, and we all felt safe! I met some of the best people in the world on this tour too!
Response from the operator: We are glad you enjoyed your experience in the Rosario Islands.
via Viator
Beach Life
Had a wonderful time with Mike the group. Check the weather forecast before you confirm your booking as it was very rough for us and we where not able to go snorkeling because of the weather. We still had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful beaches.
Response from the operator: We're glad you enjoyed the tour, and we hope you return to Cartagena soon. Thank you for your comment. Your opinion is the most important thing!
via Viator
Great Full Day Experience
We had a great time! Frankie was an amazing host and made sure that everyone was well accommodated on the sports boat. He allows us to request music and offered shots (I think it was rum, but could be wrong). I was celebrating my birthday and he made sure that I received a special birthday cocktail while on one of the islands as well as had the staff sing happy birthday! That was an awesome surprise! Here is what our experience was like - the time to meet stated 7:45AM but we did not leave the port until 9:00. The hour wait was mainly used to get passengers registered and to take lunch orders. It was not chaotic as there seem to be few tours leaving from our port location. The boat appeared to accommodate about 30-35 passengers. We seemed to be at capacity but life jackets were offered. The boat type is like a speed boat but the ride going to the islands was smooth (it was like a theme park ride on the way back lol). The first stop we visited was a historic site. I'd suggest bringing pesos for tipping the tour guide at the end as they do ask (but it's voluntary). After leaving the historic site we spent time snorkeling. Be mindful that this is not an island stop, but is one of the included 5 stops. I think the time allowed snorkeling was about 30-40 mins. We did see small fishes and someone spotted a jellyfish. Snorkeling equipment was provided (but no fins). The second island (3rd stop) we visited was quiet and offered a bar to purchase drinks and food. We were the only group there and there seem to be enough tables but not too many lounge chairs. This island was mainly for relaxing. Other than the bar and a massage therapist, I don't think there were any street vendors!! When we got to Cholon, the 'party island' passengers were given the option to get off of the boat. Most of the passengers on our tour elected to stay on and I think that may have lessen our time there. Personally, I enjoyed the experience although there are vendors everywhere. The oysters were delicious (salty/briny) and the DJ played good music for the most part. It was busy when we arrived (and it was a Weds afternoon). Great spot to drink and socialize with a group of friends willing to take in the experience. I just wish we could have stayed 20 mins longer. The last stop was Playa Blanca where we had lunch. For timing reference, we arrived there around 3:00PM or shortly after. I believe we were running far behind at that point as we were told in the beginning that we would be returning at about 3:00. By the time my group received our food and ate, we had very little time to enjoy the beach before it was time to leave. There didn't seem to be a lot of lounge chairs as they were owned by particular restaurants on the beach. The food was good. I had the fish that was included within the provided allowance. One thing to note (and they are clear about this in the beginning when taking your lunch order), you'll have a 30k pesos allowance for food but anything on the menu that exceeds that price, you will pay the difference once at the lunch restaurant. As noted before, the ride back on the sports boat was like a water rollercoaster. The captain was driving full speed back to the port. It made for a fun ride if you like a little thrill but probably not so much if you have back issues. We arrived back at the port around 5:15PM. Overall, we had a fun and full day doing the Rosario Islands tour. I would definitely recommend doing this tour with this tour company. I'm sure the time spent in each place could vary with each group but the tour did meet the expectations that is listed on the site!
Response from the operator: we are very happy that you enjoyed your birthday to the fullest, for us the most important are you, our customers, we will always be at your service.
via Viator
Visit to Rosario Islands
Tour operators were very disorganized and late. Boat was small for the number of people in the tour and safety vests were broken. The crew was pleasant and did what they could to make people happy. The beach in Cholon was horrible.
Response from the operator: We are very sorry about what happened, we apologize for the inconvenience caused, it is not normal in our operation, we will work hard to improve our services.
via Viator
Good overall experience
The tour was a good overall experience. You stop at locations as advertised. Lunch was good I recommend the snapper. Lunch however wasn't until the last stop at Isla Baru, by now its 2PM and you've been in the sun and water all day. The tour leaves at 8AM so if you didn't eat you'll be starving or paying for additional food along the way at one of the stops. Host was amazing, attentive and helpful.
Response from the operator: We are glad that you enjoyed the tour, we hope you return to Cartagena soon, thank you for such a nice comment, your opinion is the most important thing!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena cost?
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Prices start at $110 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 Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 75 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 Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena?
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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 Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena?
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Around 26 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena 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 happens to Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena 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 Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena?
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Across 75 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, organization. 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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