Cartagena, the vibrant coastal city of Colombia, offers a captivating island adventure that promises to leave visitors in awe. Embarking on a full-day tour, travelers can explore four stunning islands in the Rosario archipelago, accessible by a thrilling speedboat ride. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, this excursion promises a truly unique experience – the chance to witness the mesmerizing glow of plankton during a nighttime sea bath. With a balance of guided tours, leisure time, and delectable local cuisine, this tour presents an opportunity to take in the rich culture and natural wonders that make Cartagena a must-visit destination. The stage is set for an unforgettable day, and the journey is just about to begin.
Key Points
- Full-day tour visiting four islands in Rosario Islands, Cartagena, with a duration of 12 hours and priced from €49.73 per person.
- Includes hotel pickup, round-trip speedboat transport, lunch, snacks, life jacket, and beach chair, with additional costs for port tax, aquarium access, snorkeling, and plankton photography.
- Itinerary includes a 30-minute bus ride, 45-minute long-tail boat ride, guided tour, one hour at Cholón Beach, lunch and sunset at Playa Blanca, and a 20-minute plankton explanation with luminous sea bathing.
- Tour not suitable for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, and individuals over 70 years old, with recommended attire and potential discomfort during the long-tail boat ride.
- Mixed customer reviews with positive comments on food quality and staff friendliness, but critiques on organization issues, language barriers, and unexpected additional costs.
👉 Check out our guide to the 15 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cartagena
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Experience
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Important Information
- Customer Reviews
- Pickup Locations and Transportation
- Activities at Rosario Islands
- Plankton Explanation and Sea Bathing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
- What Are the Safety Precautions Taken During the Boat Ride?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Luminous Sea Bathing Experience?
- How Reliable Is the Tour Operator Based on Past Customer Experiences?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cartagena
- More Tour Reviews in Cartagena
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cartagena we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour, which can be booked from £49.73 per person, offers a full-day experience visiting four islands in Cartagena’s Rosario Islands.
The 12-hour tour departs at 8:00 am and returns at 8:00 pm, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spots without upfront payment.
The tour includes hotel pickup from northern Cartagena, round-trip speedboat transportation, a panoramic tour of the Rosario Islands, lunch, snacks, a life jacket, and a beach chair.
Additional costs include port tax, aquarium access, snorkeling, and pictures of the plankton.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cartagena.
Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins with a 30-minute bus ride from the pickup locations in northern Cartagena to Muelle de la Bodeguita.
There, guests board a long-tail boat for a 45-minute ride to the Rosario Islands. A guided tour of the islands lasts about 30 minutes, providing an overview of the unique ecosystem.
Guests then have an hour to enjoy Cholón Beach before heading to Playa Blanca on Barú Island for lunch and sunset views.
After the meal, a 20-minute plankton explanation leads into a luminous nocturnal sea bathing experience, allowing guests to witness the glowing bioluminescence in the water.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour’s inclusions cover a range of services to enhance the overall experience. Guests can expect hotel pickup from northern Cartagena, round-trip speedboat transportation, a panoramic tour of the Rosario Islands, a delicious lunch and snacks, as well as a life jacket and guide. Plus, a beach chair is provided for your comfort.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup | Port tax |
| Round-trip transportation | National aquarium access |
| Panoramic island tour | Snorkeling fee |
| Lunch and snacks | Pictures for plankton |
| Life jacket and guide | Additional costs for drinks and deckchairs |
While the tour package includes numerous amenities, there are some additional costs to consider, such as the port tax, aquarium access, and optional activities like snorkeling and plankton photography.
Important Information
What’re the important considerations for this tour?
This tour may not be suitable for certain groups, including pregnant women, babies under 1 year, and people over 70 years old.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring sunscreen.
It’s important to note that the tour includes a long-tail boat ride, which may be uncomfortable for some.
Plus, there are several extra costs, such as port tax, national aquarium access, and a fee for taking pictures of the plankton.
Confirmation of the tour will be sent via WhatsApp the day before the reservation.
Careful consideration of these factors can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
Customers have provided mixed reviews for this tour, with an overall rating of 3.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.
While some praised the delicious food and friendly staff, others expressed concerns about the organization, language barriers, and additional costs.
Certain participants reported discomfort and miscommunication during the tour.
The feedback highlights the need for improved coordination and clearer communication to ensure a more seamless and enjoyable experience for all.
The tour’s unique offerings, such as the plankton experience and scenic island visits, have piqued the interest of many potential visitors seeking an adventure in Cartagena’s Rosario Islands.
Pickup Locations and Transportation
Four pickup locations are offered for this tour: Morros, Castillo Grande, Bocagrande, and Laguito.
From there, guests will board a bus for a 30-minute ride to Muelle de la Bodeguita. Once at the dock, they’ll embark on a 45-minute long-tail boat ride to the Rosario Islands.
The long-tail boat provides the transportation to explore the islands and reach Playa Blanca, Barú Island, where lunch and a sunset experience are included.
Throughout the day, you will enjoy a guided tour of the Rosario Islands, a visit to Chólon Beach, and a plankton explanation followed by a luminous nocturnal sea bathing experience.
Activities at Rosario Islands
The guided tour of the Rosario Islands provides visitors with a captivating introduction to the archipelago’s natural beauty. During the 30-minute guided tour, guests can marvel at the vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and pristine white-sand beaches that characterize the islands. Afterwards, travelers can unwind for an hour at the stunning Cholón Beach, taking in the serene atmosphere and crystal-clear waters. The highlight of the day is the lunch and sunset experience at Playa Blanca on Barú Island, where visitors can savor local cuisine while witnessing the breathtaking natural spectacle. Plus, the tour includes a 20-minute plankton explanation and a chance to experience the luminous nocturnal sea bathing.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Guided Tour of Rosario Islands | 30 minutes |
| Cholón Beach | 1 hour |
| Lunch and Sunset at Playa Blanca | – |
| Plankton Explanation | 20 minutes |
| Luminous Nocturnal Sea Bathing | – |
Plankton Explanation and Sea Bathing
One of the highlights of the tour is the 20-minute plankton explanation, where guests learn about the fascinating world of these microscopic marine organisms.
Participants are treated to a captivating presentation on the unique bioluminescent properties of plankton, which emit a mesmerizing glow when agitated.
After the informative session, visitors are invited to take a dip in the luminous waters, where they can witness the plankton’s natural light show up close.
This otherworldly experience allows guests to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the Rosario Islands, creating lasting memories of their Caribbean adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour overview doesn’t mention any options to customize the itinerary. The tour appears to have a fixed schedule and activities. Travelers may need to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about any potential customization or flexibility in the tour program.
What Are the Safety Precautions Taken During the Boat Ride?
The tour operator provides life jackets for all participants and has experienced guides to oversee the boat ride. Safety protocols are followed, and the boats are regularly maintained to ensure a comfortable and secure journey.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour package includes lunch and snacks. Additional costs may apply for bringing outside items or for requesting extra food and beverages during the excursion.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Luminous Sea Bathing Experience?
The luminous sea bathing experience has an age restriction. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or people over 70 years old. The tour operator likely has these restrictions for safety and liability reasons.
How Reliable Is the Tour Operator Based on Past Customer Experiences?
The tour operator’s reliability is mixed based on past customer reviews. While some praised the food and staff, others reported issues with organization, language barriers, and additional costs. The tour seems suitable for most but may have some coordination challenges.
Cartagena: Visit 4 Islands in a Speedboat + Plankton!
Recap
This full-day tour is the perfect way to experience the stunning beauty of Cartagena’s Rosario Islands. Travelers will enjoy a scenic speedboat ride, guided tours, and relaxation time at the islands’ picturesque beaches. The highlight is the unique plankton experience, where visitors can learn about and enjoy the luminous sea. With convenient hotel pickup and a vibrant Caribbean atmosphere, this tour offers an unforgettable day exploring Cartagena’s natural wonders.
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