Rosario Islands Snorkeling & Cholon Party Island: A Detailed Review

Visiting the Rosario Islands and Cholon is one of the things to do if you’re near Cartagena, Colombia. It offers a mix of seeing colorful sea life and partying on the water. Many people go to experience these unique spots, and this review tells you almost everything you may need to know for your visit.

First Stop: Isla Grande and Snorkeling

So, your trip usually kicks off with Isla Grande. It’s one of the bigger islands. Often, boats from Cartagena start out here, and people are pretty excited when they arrive for a good reason. Now, the snorkeling could be the main attraction for a lot of folks, giving them a good peek into the underwater view around the Rosario Islands. The thing is, how good your snorkeling is could depend a little on when you visit. Sometimes the water is incredibly clear, which really helps to spot all types of ocean critters and coral, while other times it might seem a little cloudy. Visibility depends, and it really has quite a range to it, which makes your view less exciting and kind of changes the entire vibe. This is definitely what I experienced.

The coral here in certain parts can actually be really eye-catching, even more when the sun is shining down just right. The fish really appear like tiny rainbows flashing. You might just get to see parrotfish munching away, angelfish, and all sorts of other colorful guys. It’s often a really calm spot, ideal for newbies that are not used to snorkeling or people that only like swimming a bit and feeling safe when swimming. Basically, it is pretty okay, yet remember, how much you dig it just changes a little bit due to water visibility and crowds.

Plus, beyond just what’s underwater, Isla Grande has neat beaches to lie down on. Some people explore the little local areas of the island. This is where you catch some sun, relax after swimming, or, actually, get a closer peek at how island people go through their day. Still, many folks mainly only consider it more of a stop over, it appears to be that kind of pit stop place before the next move.

Cholon: Party Central on the Water

Then, pretty soon you cruise towards Cholon, so people see this spot for more of a fun vibe. Here’s where you may find boats gathered, pumping out tunes and people kicking back in the water that isn’t too deep. Just imagine floating around with a drink, while chatty people all over party around you. The parties there just usually create that specific atmosphere for meeting others. Is that really what you seek? Now, just that feel and vibe could seriously range though depending on when and even the day that you choose to visit.

So, there can really be some super loud music going that seems to compete coming from several boats at a time. Remember that, when you aren’t a huge fan of dance tunes blasting. So, be equipped, really! Cholon appears super lively, so remember that the cost of food and drinks can surprisingly be high because this is a very popular area.

Many are really calling it a must visit type of place. For others, the appeal actually might wear off quickly if it feels just a bit busy or even overly touristy, as you can feel just kind of “on display.” All said, a lot of visitors seem to find this visit exciting to some extent! Just watch the level of rowdiness when that just isn’t up your street.

What You’ll Need

Packing the appropriate items just ends up truly useful. Therefore, always tote sunscreen. It appears seriously hot, almost constantly, to me anyway. Hats may even provide you more cover. Taking more cover can be really important. Besides that, quick dry clothes might be useful. I was also incredibly relieved to remember sunglasses and cash for the island vendors as, often, many aren’t equipped with card readers. With your phone dry (very dry!) it’s basically all memories made. I think, to most, the whole aim may revolve mostly around keeping tech unsoaked.

Picking a Tour Operator

Settling on an operator could also seriously impact the day’s entire feeling. So, loads run day outings there, it’s almost constant. Therefore, peep at several options beforehand, specifically their trip plans and just exactly what past travelers have written. Confirming whether lunch is part of the offer is really important, it is very important that, too! A smaller group might offer a plusher experience which, arguably, some desire more, however bigger ones sometimes sell cheaper. I mean, seriously consider the choice carefully with everything!

Extra Activities on the Islands

Apart from the snorkeling or just the typical Cholon meetup, that is also the party meetup, the islands do offer you so much more when you’re keen. There’s the Oceanario, an aquarium, and various beaches or lounges to choose. Therefore, I found myself relaxing to that extreme once at Playa Azul with those super calm waters and that fine sand. Palmarito Beach may equally offer you that slightly quiet vibe when you seek chill moments! Any extra stops might require an extra admission cost so people may often consider planning finances around doing so, that, or be totally content doing just Cholon and snorkeling, maybe.

What to Know About the Crowds and Timing

The thing is, during the peak times you could just find many fellow travelers which influences the atmosphere. So, going midweek could provide more space to stretch out. I find it really advantageous to actually know the top hours there to adjust plans where that’s feasible, for what you may enjoy there.

Meals on the Islands

Lunch might come included on these trips, yet that varies greatly. Yet, whether or not provided within the offer, anticipate local meals offered all over Isla Grande where you may get grilled fish plus those sides like plantains and rice, of course. Always check costs or just those inclusions, I suppose! You might want some yummy alternatives or snacks also, too, if specifics satisfy you far better.

Making the Best Out of Your Outing

The key really means organizing based on your desired activities, arguably. If you seek calm snorkeling experiences then go off season while if vibey hangouts interest you, Cholon’s rhythm should fulfill. Always put protecting your own property foremost and, usually, arrange stuff through the reliable services. All that consideration assists, generally, towards better travel recollections.

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