Cartagena’s Rosario Islands offer a captivating day trip, with round-trip transportation that ensures a seamless experience. For under $22 per person, travelers can enjoy a comfortable bus ride and thrilling speedboat journey to explore these stunning islands. While additional costs apply for lunch and Oceanarium entrance, the package includes essential amenities like a guide and WhatsApp assistance. With free cancellation available, it’s an enticing option for those seeking to discover the natural beauty of this Colombian archipelago. What’s more, the convenient itinerary and flexible cancellation policy make this tour an attractive choice for adventurous travelers.
Key Points
- Round-trip transportation from Cartagena to Rosario Islands is available, saving up to 12% compared to individual bookings.
- Prices range from $22.16 to $19.50 per person for a 7-hour tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The package includes air-conditioned bus transfer to Playa Blanca, followed by a 45-minute speedboat ride to the Rosario Islands.
- On-site activities like sightseeing, beach time, jet skiing, kayaking, and massages are offered, but lunch and Oceanarium entrance are excluded.
- Pickup locations cover key Cartagena tourist areas, and guests outside designated zones must meet at the historic center point.
Overview and Pricing
The round-trip transportation from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands offers a saving of up to 12%, with prices ranging from $22.16 to $19.50 per person.
The tour lasts 7 hours, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available for a full refund. Customers can also opt for the "Reserve now & pay later" option.
This package includes round-trip transportation, a guide, and telephone assistance via WhatsApp in English.
However, lunch and entrance to the Oceanarium aren’t included and come at an additional cost.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Baru.
Itinerary and Experience
Pickup locations for the round-trip transportation include Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillogrande, Marbella, Cabrero, and Centro.
The journey starts with an air-conditioned bus ride for about an hour to Playa Blanca, followed by a 45-minute speedboat ride to the Rosario Islands.
Once there, travelers can enjoy sightseeing, take photos, and even visit the Oceanarium at an additional cost. Visitors are free to spend time on the beach, participating in activities like jet skiing, kayaking, or indulging in massages.
The return trip to Cartagena is scheduled for approximately 3:00 PM.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The round-trip transportation package includes the bus and speedboat transfers, as well as a guide and telephone assistance via WhatsApp in English.
Lunch and entrance to the Oceanarium are excluded, though these can be purchased as optional extras.
Travelers should bring essentials like sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and insect repellent.
The pickup time is scheduled one hour before the activity start, with hotel pickups available for tourist areas.
Those outside the pickup zones must meet at the designated meeting point in the historic center.
Pickup and Meeting Points
For the transportation to Rosario Islands, pickups are available from several locations in Cartagena’s tourist areas.
Pickup points include:
- Bocagrande
- Laguito
- Castillogrande
- Marbella, Cabrero, and Centro
Those staying outside the designated pickup areas must meet at the Juan Valdez Cafeteria in the historic center.
Guests should be ready for pickup between 7:00-7:40 AM or 7:50-8:20 AM at their respective meeting points.
The tour departs promptly, so punctuality is essential to ensure a smooth start to the Rosario Islands adventure.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyDuration and Return Time
Spanning a total duration of 7 hours, the round-trip transportation to the Rosario Islands departs Cartagena at approximately 8:20 AM and returns at around 3:00 PM.
The journey begins with an air-conditioned bus ride that lasts roughly 1 hour, transporting guests from various pickup locations in Cartagena to Playa Blanca.
From there, a 45-minute speedboat ride takes visitors directly to the Rosario Islands. Guests can then enjoy free time on the beach, participating in optional activities like jet skiing, kayaking, or getting a massage.
The return trip to Cartagena follows the same route, with the bus and boat journey bringing travelers back to the city by the early afternoon.
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What to Bring
When heading to the Rosario Islands, visitors will want to come prepared. The tour operator recommends bringing a few essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. These include:
- Sunglasses to protect eyes from the bright Caribbean sun
- A sun hat or visor to shield the face and head
- Swimwear and a towel for swimming or relaxing on the beach
- Insect repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay during the boat ride and on the islands
Plus, guests should wear comfortable, lightweight beachwear and consider bringing any necessary medication or personal care items.
With the right preparations, travelers can fully enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Rosario Islands.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
What do the customer reviews and feedback indicate about the transportation to the Rosario Islands?
Based on the limited reviews, the experience appears to be mixed. While the water clarity at Baru was positively noted, some customers reported issues with the bus ride duration exceeding the expected 1 hour.
Plus, a few customers mentioned discomfort during the snorkeling experience due to improper seating.
The tour earns a 2.8/5 rating, suggesting room for improvement in the transportation logistics and activity planning.
Customers advise being prepared for a potentially longer bus ride and ensuring proper seating during water activities to maximize comfort and enjoyment of the Rosario Islands excursion.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can receive a full refund for their round-trip transportation to the Rosario Islands.
The flexible cancellation option makes it easy to adjust plans if needed. The key details include:
- Cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start time qualifies for a full refund.
- For last-minute changes, the "Reserve now & pay later" option allows booking without immediate payment.
- Refunds are processed promptly, providing peace of mind for travelers.
- The cancellation policy aligns with the 7-hour tour duration, giving ample time to make necessary adjustments.
Recap
The Cartagena to Rosario Islands round-trip transportation offers a convenient and exciting day trip. Guests can enjoy the scenic bus ride and thrilling speedboat journey, with the option to add on lunch and Oceanarium admission. The package includes essential amenities like a guide and WhatsApp assistance, making it a hassle-free choice for travelers to explore the stunning islands. With flexible cancellation policies, it’s a flexible and budget-friendly excursion.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Baru
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