The Rosario Islands of Colombia, or Islas del Rosario, are a stunning archipelago of 27 islands located about 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, in the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Among the most famous are Isla Grande, Isla Barú, Isla Majagua, Isla del Pirata, and Isla San Martín de Pajarales – each offering its own slice of tropical bliss.

A private boat tour with Botegena is the ultimate way to explore them, blending luxury, adventure, and the freedom to set your own course (pssst use code “travelwrighter” for 10% off). We set sail with Botegena this past month and had such a wonderful experience I knew I had to share it with my readers.

In this post, you’ll find a full summary of everything you need to know about visiting the Rosario Islands, the types of tours Botegena has to offer, and what you can expect when doing the Private Botegena Rosario Island Tour.

FAQs: Rosario Islands Colombia

Best Time to Visit the Rosario Islands Colombia

If you’re chasing those perfect sunny days with calm seas, aim for the dry season (high season December-April). Temperatures hover between 77-88°F (25-31°C), the skies stay mostly clear, and the sea is calm enough to make your boat ride feel like a breeze.

The rainy season (low season) typically runs from May to November, with the heaviest rains in October and early November.

The shoulder seasons, February to April and again in late August to September, offer good weather and fewer crowds.

Avoid October and early November if possible. Rainy season can mean choppier waters and unpredictable showers. If you’re okay with occasional afternoon showers, the shoulder months can be a sweet spot with lower prices and fewer tourists.

Where are the Rosario Islands?

They’re about 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) southwest of Cartagena, tucked into the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, and the boat ride from Cartagena typically takes around 45 minutes on a speedboat. That means you can enjoy breakfast in Cartagena and be snorkeling in the islands before lunch.

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How to Get to the Rosario Islands

You can get there by speedboat, public day trip, or private boat tour with Botegena.

If you’re only looking to go directly to a specific island with no stops in between, speedboats are the fastest option, about 45 minutes from Cartagena, and can be booked online or through your hotel.

A quick tip: Make sure to do your research and avoid companies that overcrowd boats and have a reputation for running late.

Private tours, like those with Botegena, give you the flexibility and comfort of building your own personal itinerary and going at your own pace.

How Many Days Do You Need to See the Rosario Islands in Colombia?

You can see highlights of the most famous islands and beaches on a day trip.

If you’d like to stay on one of the islands themselves and get a good mix of adventure and relaxing, I’d recommend staying 3-7 days. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the islands after the day-trippers leave, giving you quieter beaches and magical sunsets.

Currency used in the Rosario Islands and is cash or card preferred?

The Colombian peso (COP) is the currency used throughout Colombia. On the islands, cash is king and many vendors don’t accept cards. In Cartagena and other big cities, cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for smaller spots. ATMs are scarce on the islands, so bring enough to cover your trip.

Do People Speak English in the Rosario Islands Colombia?

Spanish is the main language spoken in Colombia but you’ll find English is pretty common in the large cities such as Cartagena or Medellín.

In the Rosario Islands, it’s far less common for English to be spoken but having Google Translate on your phone helps, and locals are generally kind and patient if you at least try to to speak Spanish. Learning a few Spanish phrases like gracias (thank you) and cuánto cuesta (how much) can go a long way.

Are the Rosario Islands Safe?

I felt completely safe exploring with my friends, but like anywhere, you need to watch out for scams (overcharging) and petty theft. Stick with reputable tour providers like Botegena. Keep valuables secure and avoid leaving items unattended on the beach.

No matter how safe a destination is, you should ALWAYS have travel insurance. I highly recommend Safety Wing for travellers who will be traveling long term. Their essential plan not only covers medical emergencies but also travel emergencies such as lost luggage or trip cancellation.

How to get phone data when visiting the Rosario Islands Colombia

If your phone provider doesn’t have a great international roaming plan, then I’d recommend getting an eSIM. I normally use the Yesim or Airalo app to get my eSIM to access data abroad. You can use my code WRIGHT3 to get $3 off your first eSIM with Airalo.

Botegena Tour Types, Boats & Pricing

Tour Types

Botegena features a spectrum of experiences to suit every kind of sea-lover, with prices in USD ranging from budget-friendly to luxury (don’t forget to use code “travelwrighter” for 10% off your booking). If you’d like for them to drop you off at one of the Rosario Islands rather than returning to Cartagena like we did, this can be arranged.

• Adult Boat Party: $649-$1,199 – A lively day out with music, dancing, and stops at popular islands.
• Dinner on the Island: $449-$599 – Sunset cruise and dining on fresh seafood with your toes in the sand.
• Family Day Trip: $599-$1,099 -Kid-friendly stops and calm swimming areas.
• Romantic Boat Tour: $449-$649 -Secluded beaches, champagne, and a custom route.
• Rosario Islands Boat Tour: $599-$1,099 -The classic island-hopping experience.
• San Bernardo Islands Boat Tour: $1,049-$1,899 – For those wanting to explore further afield.
• Sunset Bay Boat Tour: $299-$449 – Short and sweet, perfect for an evening escape.

Fleets & Custom Add-Ons

Choose your ride:

• Speedboats (29-45 ft) – Fast and nimble, perfect for smaller groups. Here’s a photo of the 29 ft boat we booked for our group of 5 girls + carry on luggage + 3 crew and we had plenty of space

• Catamarans (Mavi, XEM3, and more) – Spacious decks for lounging or partying. Great for bigger groups
• Yachts (Ambar, Palladium, Azimut) – Luxury cruising with all the amenities.

Add-ons include drinks, snorkel gear, paddleboards, photography packages, extra experiences, and extended hours.

What to Bring on Your Rosario Islands Colombia Boat Tour

• Bathing suit (obviously) – You’ll be in and out of the water all day.
• Reef-safe sunscreen – Protect your skin and the coral reefs.
• BYO Alcohol – Botegena provides a cooler with ice and water, but it’s BYO for your own alcohol and mixers.
• Cash – For food, vendors, and tipping the boat crew.
• Snorkel gear if you prefer your own – Rentals are available but can be worn.
• GoPro or waterproof camera – Capture underwater moments.
• Dry bag for electronics – Peace of mind when splashes happen however, wouldn’t worry too much as we had our luggage and laptop bags with us on our trip and nothing got wet

Full Botegena Private Rosario Islands Tour Summary and Review

Pickup

We arranged pickup at our preferred dock in Cartagena. The crew was on time, loaded our luggage, and had us onboard with music playing in minutes. Isabella helped us plan the perfect route while drinks were served. Her attention to detail and ability to translate made the entire day smooth.

Rosario Islands and Beaches Visited

Playa Tranquila (located on Isla Barú)

About 45 minutes from Cartegna we arrived at Play Tranquilla, our first spot (note: this is usually the last stop on the way back to Cartagena, however we were ending and staying on Isla Grande so they re-arranged it to be the first).

This tiny, peaceful island feels worlds away from the bustle of Cartagena, offering calm, glassy waters that are perfect for a lazy afternoon.

You can rent a kayak and explore the shoreline at your own pace, snorkel in the shallows to spot small tropical fish, or simply float and let the gentle waves carry you.

Playa Blanca (located on Isla Barú)

About 10 -15 minutes from Playa Tranquila, Playa Blanca instantly felt like our own slice of untouched paradise and this was my favourite spot! There were no crowds in sight, just miles of turquoise water shimmering under the sun, powdery soft sand that seemed to stretch forever, and hidden coves to explore.

Perfect for snorkelling and swimming straight off the boat. We spent time wandering its length, collecting shells, taking photos, and soaking in the quiet, a true escape from Cartagena’s bustle. As we swam, colorful fish darted around us, and the only sound was the gentle lapping of the water.

Isla Cholon

After all the tranquillity and relaxation of the morning, it was time to turn things up a notch and head to the ultimate party stop and just about a 20-minute boat ride from Playa Blanca, Isla Cholon. Here, boats tie together, music pumps, and local food shacks serve fresh seafood – some of the best I’ve ever had!

Make sure you try the local fried fish of mojarra with coconut rice and patacones, as well as the crab and shrimp platters. Don’t forget to order a limonada de coco served in a fresh coconut to wash it all down. This food was so good I’m still dreaming of it. 

Heads up: they’ll not only charge you a service fee but also a fee just to use one of the wooden tables on the beach (which is a bit odd). You can opt to eat on the beach to avoid the table charge if you want. Also, make sure you’re given the right change as they almost short changed us by 70K COP. 

Between bites, we bought some jewellery from the local vendors. The energy here is infectious, whether you’re dancing in the water or sipping a cold beer, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the vibe.

Rosario Islands Boat Tour Activities

Here’s a quick summary of all the fun activities we enjoyed on the Botegena Rosario Islands Colombia Boat Tour:

• Dancing on deck to your own playlist: crank up your tunes, feel the sea breeze, and let loose.
• Swimming and Snorkeling in crystal-clear reefs: dive into underwater worlds full of coral and fish.
• Sunbathing on quiet beaches: unwind away from the crowds.
• Lunch at Isla Cholon or a beach club: choose your vibe, party energy or peaceful indulgence.

Botegena Crew Experience

The crew kept us safe, entertained, and hydrated. Isabella translated when needed, made sure our drinks were always full, and coordinated our stops. The captain navigated expertly and they treated us like VIPs from start to finish, making sure every detail was perfect.

Drop Off

We ended our day at Isla Grande at the Isla del Sol Beach Hotel. The crew unloaded our bags and did a full sweep of the boat to ensure nothing was left behind. Tipping 10-20% is customary and well-deserved here.

Conclusion

Botegena offers a premium variety of boat tours from Cartagena, whether you’re after a romantic getaway, a family outing, or a full-on floating fiesta. They’ve got everything from speedboats to yachts, customizable packages, and rave reviews about safety and personalized service. Make sure to use my discount code “travelwrighter” for 10% off your next booking.

Sure, you could book a public boat tour of the Rosario Islands in Colombia to save a bit of money, but you’ll most likely be packed in like sardines with complete strangers and taken to the overcrowded tourist traps. I think spending a little bit extra and splitting the cost of a private boat with your friends and family is absolutely worth it.