Cartagena 5 Rosario Islands Tour: All Highlights, Snorkeling & Lunch Review

If you search for excursions in Cartagena Colombia and want to cover the most ground in a single day, this is the tour that consistently tops the list. With five distinct stops — each with its own character — you experience the full breadth of the Rosario Archipelago without having to choose between historical sites, snorkeling, beach clubs and local flavour.

What sets this tour apart from other Rosario Islands excursions is the itinerary's variety. You start at Bocachica Fort, a 17th-century Spanish coastal battery that protected the bay from pirates and privateers. From there you travel to the infamous mansion of Pablo Escobar, now a crumbling relic on a private island that has become one of the most photographed stops in the Caribbean. The day continues through three separate beach clubs before finishing with a proper Caribbean lunch. No two stops feel the same.

The three ticket tiers — Ecological, VIP and Party — let you customise the experience. The Ecological option is the classic choice for families and couples. VIP adds a private boat and premium beach access. The Party ticket turns the journey itself into a celebration with a sound system, dancers and open bar. Whichever you choose, all three tickets cover the same five island stops.

Each island on the itinerary offers something different. Here's what to expect at every stop.

• Bocachica Fort — a 17th-century Spanish defensive battery with cannon emplacements and views across the bay entrance
• Pablo Escobar's former island estate — now an atmospheric ruin surrounded by jungle and lapped by turquoise water
• First beach club island — free time for swimming and lounging with beach-bed access
• Isla Grande Oceanarium — optional dolphin and sea-lion show, plus a shark tank and marine life exhibits
• Playa del Rosario — the main lunch island with a beachfront restaurant serving traditional coastal cuisine
• Optional snorkel stop — mask and fins provided; the reef here is shallow and ideal for beginners

All three ticket tiers include the core package; VIP and Party add extras as described below.

• Round-trip speedboat or catamaran transfer from Cartagena docks
• Entry to five island stops including Bocachica Fort
• Three beach club day passes
• Optional snorkeling equipment (mask and life vest)
• Caribbean lunch at Isla Grande (fish, chicken or vegetarian option)
• Bilingual guide for historical sites

With over 5,500 people having done this tour, the reviews reveal a clear consensus on what to bring and what to watch out for.

• Book the Party ticket if you're travelling with a larger group or celebrating — the music and atmosphere on the party boat are a highlight in themselves
• Reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory inside the national marine park — regular SPF is confiscated at the reef stop
• Bring a waterproof bag for your phone; every seat on a speedboat gets splashed on rough days
• Arrange cash (Colombian pesos or USD) for extra drinks and tips — card machines are not available on the islands
• The Oceanarium optional upgrade sells out; pre-book it at the same time as your main ticket
• Arrive at the dock 15 minutes before departure — the boat waits for no one
• If prone to motion sickness, take medication the night before rather than the morning of

What to pack

Pack these before you head to the dock or meeting point:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Colombian pesos for the pier tax (~COP 31,500) — card is rarely accepted at the dock
• Extra cash or card for drinks and optional extras on the islands
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
• Waterproof dry bag for your phone

What to leave behind

The following are not permitted on this tour:

• Pets
• Tablets and iPads (leave them at the hotel)
• Bare feet — closed footwear required on the dock and boat
• Weapons or sharp objects

Practical advice from travellers who've done this tour:

• The Ecological ticket suits snorkelers and families; the VIP ticket is worth it if you want upmarket beach clubs and a more exclusive atmosphere; the Party ticket is exactly what it says — reggaeton, drinks, and dancing at Cholón.
• The Bocachica Fort stop is a photo pass from the boat — you don't disembark, so have your camera ready as you approach.
• Pablo Escobar's former estate on the islands is another photo-from-the-boat moment — the guide gives the context as you pass.
• Afternoons can get choppy, especially December to April. Tours depart early and return around 4–4:30 PM for good reason; the afternoon seas are rougher than the morning crossing.
• Bring cash for the pier tax (around COP 31,500) and a national park entry fee — these are not always included in the listed price.

With three ticket options and five distinct stops, this tour is genuinely versatile. The Ecological ticket is right for families, couples and small groups of friends. The VIP upgrade suits travellers who want exclusivity and quieter beach time. The Party ticket is purpose-built for large groups celebrating a birthday, bachelorette or simply wanting to dance at sea.

The 5-island format also makes this an ideal choice for travellers who only have one full day to dedicate to the islands and want to see as much as possible rather than spending the whole day on a single beach.

• Travellers with one full day to spend on the water
• Families with children who want variety across the day
• Groups celebrating a birthday, hen party or reunion (Party ticket)
• History enthusiasts interested in Bocachica Fort and the Escobar connection
• Snorkelers wanting a guided reef experience without an all-day focus on diving

Not ideal for

This tour is not a good fit for:

• Expectant mothers — speedboat rides can be bumpy in open sea conditions
• Anyone prone to seasickness
• Guests recovering from recent surgery
• Travellers over 70 years of age