Rosario Islands Day Trip Review: Is it Worth it?

Thinking about ditching Cartagena’s vibrant, wall-lined streets for a day of sun, sand, and turquoise waters? The Rosario Islands, also called Islas del Rosario, might be what you are looking for. I went, I saw, and I have stories, actually, some recommendations and maybe a warning or two too to help you figure out if this day trip lives up to all the hype. So, listen up, it’s very much worth going over the good stuff, and some things you may want to think about, is that right?

What to anticipate on your Full Day adventure

The regular ‘Full Day in the Rosario Islands with Lunch from Cartagena’ tour – is that a mouthful, or what? – kind of includes transport on a speedy boat to one, sometimes two, of these postcard-pretty islands. These islands have all that white sand beaches you might be picturing, that seriously clear water that’s basically begging for you to take a dip, and palms doing that tropical-sway thing. Now, most trips package in lunch, usually, it’s pretty simple but yummy dishes like seafood, maybe some chicken, always rice and plantains, you know, the usual Caribbean eats. Snorkeling might be offered, sometimes you have to throw in a little bit of extra cash, same with using the beach chairs – those things never seem to be fully included, just saying, and they always feel kind of essential, very much depending on where you decide to hang your towel, of course.

Highs, Lows and Everything Else, actually

The Good Times: When you pull up to these islands, it’s almost like whoa. The colors alone are wowing – seriously blue water, sand that feels amazing when you wriggle your toes, that’s very special to witness, and then the sunshine doing its thing makes the whole island glow. It is beautiful, but be smart: slather on that sunblock. When you’re actually in the water, just floating, looking up at the sky, you forget about just everything, actually. You are very away from any streets, work, whatever – you’re on a lovely island vibe, that is it, yet keep a keen eye out for vendors. Snorkeling is actually super fun too if you get into it. The coral might be prettier in photos sometimes, maybe, that is just me, and not all the reefs are in top shape, but you get to spot colorful fish, for example, and that’s pretty great. The lunches, in that setting? Yes, please. So, tasting freshly cooked grub while checking out views which are absolutely superb – simple pleasures can be so great, very perfect, truly, which I am all for.

Things to think about: The boats can get quite packed. Think city-bus-at-rush-hour kinda packed, but wetter and bumpier. If you easily get seasick, is that you?, prepare, and if you don’t do well in large crowds this may not be for you, more or less, something worth going over. Some of the beaches, especially the very well-known ones, feel like everyone and their aunt decided to come on the same day as you, that’s a thing. The vendors… oh boy, those folks are committed to their sales. ‘No, gracias’ works, you might have to say it a whole bunch of times, though. So, I’d say you want to know exactly what’s included in your trip – sneaky add-ons can definitely add up, yet knowing that beforehand saves any misunderstandings.

Which Island suits you, I suppose

Alright, so not every island in the Rosario chain is exactly the same, or gives off the same vibe, maybe. That means that matching what you are kind of wanting with what the islands actually offer could make a pretty big difference in how you actually feel about the whole day.

Isla Grande: This is kind of the biggest of the bunch, that’s probably clear with the name. You’ll get a mixture of a party scene, and also quiet spots – with maybe slightly more options to get away from all that action than you would on some tinier islands. There’s a cool mangrove-lined lagoon you can check out, and it sometimes feels just a little bit more local, more authentic.
Playa Blanca, Barú: Okay, technically Barú is very much a peninsula, and not really one of the Rosario Islands. But lots of the day trips treat it just like it is one. This one is well known, is quite accessible by land too, that brings in a crowd. Playa Blanca has that unbelievably white sand you imagine, so too it has plenty of vendors and action. If you’re more up for people-watching and a scene then solitude, there you go.
Isla del Sol: Okay, so this is a bit smaller and usually less jam-packed, so they say. It gives off sort of a relaxed vibe, it seems. That sounds right. It also gives you a great view of the water. You can relax there.
Bocachica Island: So, the attractions on Bocachica range from beautiful beaches, dining establishments and exciting activities that create experiences which you will never forget. You could spend all day sunbathing, or swimming. The area offers boat cruises, snorkeling, and island hopping, which would fulfill even the pickiest thrill seeker.

Making it the Best Trip very much Possible, alright?

Okay, so how can you raise the odds of having the absolute very best possible day? Well, let’s think that through:

Book smart: Check out reviews, what others are actually saying about various tour operators. Is there a trend? What do they not say? Exactly what do you get, lunch, any added fees, etc.? Knowing all that lowers nasty surprises, more or less.
Pack like a pro: Sunscreen! The strongest stuff! Seriously, reapply a bunch. A hat, maybe some sunglasses, cover-up. A reusable water bottle – keep it full, be conscious. And probably bring a dry bag, helps keeps phones and whatnot from getting wet, you see.
Be early: Seriously, beat the lines for the boat, snag a good spot with an awesome view. It’s that simple, often overlooked.
Money situation: So, a little cash is super useful for those chair rentals, drinks, maybe a tip if someone offers excellent service. Maybe split it into smaller amounts, hidden safely. That probably would be a thing worth considering, for obvious reasons.
Lower your expectations, really: Going with the mind set that it might be very crowded can make any crowds that are really there not quite so annoying. Just take things in stride, even what feels disorganized can be part of the experience. So, maybe you could choose to experience the flow of island time?

The million dollar question: Should You Go, in that case?

Right, so is a day trip to the Rosario Islands worth your time, and more importantly your money? If you imagine picture-perfect, untouched, all-to-yourself paradise then maybe reset those expectations just slightly. Now, if you would enjoy gorgeous views, swimming in warm, clear-ish water, and just chilling on a sandy beach even with other people nearby, then absolutely, that’s probably good times for you, just thinking. You very much get some seriously lovely moments, seriously lovely photo opportunities. Maybe factor in the amount of time that you have when you are planning and then how much chill-time that you crave while weighing all these things. Maybe your view shifts to knowing that the Islands provide you with something that the historic Old Town doesn’t, then get ready for a memorable contrast. After that you may have to make arrangements that take into account how important your chill time is, it’s up to you, really.

But in the end? It depends on you. So, there you go.

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