Cartagena Rosario Islands Day Tour: Review with Snorkel & Lunch

Thinking about doing a day trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena? The islands are supposed to have super attractive turquoise waters and pretty, powder-white sand, a nice break from Cartagena’s town streets. So, I went ahead and checked it out myself! This is just a little lowdown on the ‘Cartagena Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch’ I selected, focusing on getting a sense of what the tour is really like, sharing a few helpful tips, and, obviously, providing my honest thoughts.

Why Visit the Rosario Islands?

Ok, so, the Rosario Islands are actually a cluster of islands a quick boat ride from Cartagena, Colombia. What makes people want to come out here? The beaches definitely pull you in, I mean that perfect combo of super clear water and pale sands really grabs your attention. Plus, there’s a bunch of coral reefs; if you’re at all into snorkeling or diving, these spots might become some of your faves. Also, it’s almost an escape from the hustle in Cartagena, just offering like, total relaxation.

Word around town is that these islands, part of the Islas del Rosario National Natural Park, really show off Colombia’s natural charm. Locals and folks visiting outside of the country drop by because, in a way, you get these chill vibes mixed with some picturesque scenes. Is it always super quiet? Maybe not, but very close! But that scenery—that’s kind of guaranteed. A little getaway from Cartagena? Totally.

Selecting the Right Tour

Okay, there’s loads of different tours that can get you out to the Rosario Islands, that is also something to keep in mind! Turns out they’re really not all created equal. When I was looking, so, what I did was try to zoom in on ones that gave you like, snorkeling—I wanted to see that marine life, you know. Lunch on the beach? I like that idea as well. Reading the reviews? Super important, I am serious! Seeing what people had to say about things like how crowded the boats felt or the general attitude of the staff let me narrow things down properly. If they seemed keen and willing to accommodate you if possible.

Just so you are aware, tour size mattered to me a bit. Huge groups can sort of take away from feeling like you’re getting away from crowds. Did I get it completely right with my pick? Pretty close. Did what I research work out perfectly? Keep reading!

The Day’s Activities: Snorkeling, Lunch, and Beach Time

The tour typically starts, anyway, really, by hopping onto a speedboat from Cartagena. Is it quick? Ish, but don’t think you’re going to be relaxing fully, some people get seasick very easily! I was warned about that too! When you arrive on one of the islands, now it’s free time—usually to either lie out and enjoy the sand or jump right into the water for some snorkeling.

For the snorkeling bit: so, don’t assume you’re going to spot tons and tons of sea life like you’re in a documentary, just, so you are prepared for that. A few colorful fish and corals? Yes! A whole crazy world under the sea? That might be pushing it. Still, it’s something to do! Next up? That laid-back lunch on the beach they sell you on! The food wasn’t too bad; you’ll usually see local-style dishes—think of fish, rice, maybe some plantains, simple, tasty, good enough! Then the rest of the day is really yours to grab a drink, sunbathe, and be on your merry way until it’s time to boat it back to Cartagena. I liked that it was flexible.

Snorkeling Experience: A Closer Look

Getting in the water is very enticing, you get tempted easily. Snorkeling? Kind of a high point for many, it is, actually! I’d recommend grabbing your equipment to explore the coral reefs. Did it blow my socks off? Honestly, no. What you get, that is actually pretty clear, the water is warm, yet the underwater scene isn’t super lively, is a chill swim. A few vibrant fish popped up, is that enough? In my book. Just lower your expectations so you aren’t majorly upset and you will love this activity.

Here’s my take: bring your own equipment if you’ve got it because then you totally know it fits properly. It could be kind of gross using used equipment, just something you may want to avoid and may find helpful to your health! Keep the sunblock slathered on. I mean, the sun’s hot, and being fried to a crisp doesn’t really help with peeking at fish, it’s almost common sense.

Lunch on the Beach: What to Expect

Let’s chat food now: typically the lunch you see is part of these tours happens right on the beach at a table. Ambiance points are given for listening to the waves. Is it some gourmet spread? Eh, you get what you pay for! I had fish; It’s nearly freshly cooked, simple sides, tastes alright. Honestly? It was alright. If you’ve special dietary requirements or very selective; you will have issues so it’s something that should be kept in mind.

Don’t expect too many bells and whistles. What you should actually consider bringing is things you’ll be familiar with so you’re not caught off guard or get food poisoning, just to keep it safe!. It’s typically not the kind of place for a fancy foodie adventure, this meal is just meant to fill your stomach so you may get through the day of swimming and being in the sun.

The Beach Experience: Relaxation or Crowds?

I hate crowded beaches, I just had to get that out there so you know, for full transparency. When I pictured relaxing in the Rosario Islands, is that something that came to mind? A tiny part, is the truth, since I sort of looked into the reviews I talked about previously, and lots of people seem to say that, well, it isn’t completely easy. How the reality turns out is you are really in the same space with like, plenty of other visitors doing pretty much the same thing.

Basically, in the quieter times of the year, or if you end up on one of the slightly more secluded beaches, it’s a great experience, don’t get me wrong. Want to enjoy a super chill and almost undisturbed day? Splurging for like, a private beach spot could be what makes sense.

Things to Bring with You

Before you even head off, you can definitely make the experience easier and more relaxing if you think about these points; a good sunblock is like a must, to start off, and is super key if you are trying to not burn! That tropical sun has super-powers!. Snorkel gear, again, could be very useful to have as you are aware of all things to do with that gear. Taking something for seasickness could prove very very important to taking one of the tours. Money to grab some refreshments is actually useful as well. Ultimately? Pack like you’re setting off for a typical beach thing—just imagine you’re doing that but it will involve a speedboat and potentially shared gear and then, well, off you go!

Is the ‘Cartagena Rosario Islands Day Tour with Snorkel & Lunch’ Worth It?

Okay, now it’s my thoughts on all of this! Yeah, visiting the Rosario Islands can feel worthwhile as a break away from Cartagena’s regular bustle. If what you’re imagining is something similar to an absolutely secluded experience on a paradise island? That might be slightly overdoing it.

So, the snorkeling is not crazy mind-blowing. What you get is a taste. The beaches? They are pretty, granted. The food’s okay—just alright, nothing memorable, which I talked about already. Should you adjust your expectations somewhat? Yes, that will assist you greatly with that! Should you expect that the experience might also bring memories for a while, that aren’t all bad? You just may do that! Is the trip to Rosario Island something worth your money if all you need is a relaxing day?. This answer would have to be your own so you don’t disappoint yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• The Rosario Islands have like, seriously beautiful scenery, that you see in all the pictures, but the experience also depends a great deal on crowd levels.
• Tour selection should be pretty important. Look into stuff that matches up with what you’re hoping for the most: snorkeling spots, smaller group sizes, beaches that don’t fill up to capacity.
• Keep your packing simple and practical; so remember, you are set up to be in the sunshine for long periods, that type of stuff!
• Modify what you are thinking before you go—manage what you are wishing for, manage what’s realistic.