Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Cholon and Playa Blanca

The Rosario Islands offer a captivating escape from the bustling city of Cartagena. Nestled just off the coast, this full-day tour allows visitors to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the stunning Isla Grande to the picturesque Cholon and Playa Blanca, the itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure, complete with snorkeling, beach relaxation, and savoring local cuisine. With essential amenities provided and a well-structured schedule, this tour caters to both beach enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. But the true allure of the Rosario Islands lies in the memories waiting to be made.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Drinking Tours In Cartagena.

Key Points

• The full-day Rosario Islands tour explores 3-5 islands, including Isla Grande, Cholon, and Playa Blanca, with activities like snorkeling, swimming, and beach relaxation.
• The tour package includes national park fees, lunch, snorkeling gear, local guide, snacks, fruit salad (VIP), bottled water, and port tax, with an option for a private guided experience.
• The tour itinerary includes stops at Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica, Isla Grande, Cholon, and Isla Barú, with a 2-hour stay at each island.
• Guests have provided an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 from over 1,520 reviews, with positive feedback on the tour guides and natural beauty of the islands, but concerns about safety protocols and organization.
• The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, individuals with back problems, or those needing wheelchair accessibility, and luggage restrictions apply.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The full-day Rosario Islands tour allows travelers to explore three to five of the picturesque islands, including the popular destinations of Isla Grande, Cholon, and Playa Blanca.

During the tour, guests can enjoy a range of activities such as snorkeling on coral reefs, swimming, and relaxing on the beaches.

The tour includes national park fees, lunch, snorkeling equipment, a local guide, snacks, fruit salad (VIP only), bottled water, and port tax.

Travelers can choose to upgrade to a private guided experience for a more personalized adventure.

The round-trip transportation from Cartagena is provided in comfortable speed or standard boats, making the journey to the islands both convenient and enjoyable.

Itinerary and Schedule

The full-day Rosario Islands tour kicks off with a meeting point at Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande in Cartagena, where guests are expected to arrive at 8:00 AM for an 8:30 AM departure.

The itinerary includes several stops:

1. Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica for 45 minutes.

2. Isla Grande for 30 minutes.

3. Isla Grande again for 2 hours.

4. Cholon for 1 hour, followed by a 2-hour stop at Isla Barú.

The tour then ends back at the original meeting point.

Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to explore the islands, go snorkeling, swim, and relax on the beaches.

Guest Experience and Reviews

According to feedback from over 1,520 reviews, guests have provided a mixed assessment of the full-day Rosario Islands tour, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5.

While many praised the tour guides’ friendliness and the stunning natural beauty of the islands, some guests expressed concerns about safety protocols, overcrowding, and poor organization.

Snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on Playa Blanca’s beaches were highlights for most. However, a few felt rushed and dissatisfied with the overall experience.

The tour operator’s responsiveness to issues and handling of refunds also drew some negative comments from disgruntled travelers.

Safety and Accessibility

While some guests praised the tour’s offerings, there are important safety and accessibility considerations to keep in mind.

The Rosario Islands tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, or individuals requiring wheelchair accessibility, as the safety protocols and infrastructure may not fully accommodate their needs.

Life jackets are typically provided, but guests should still exercise caution when participating in water activities.

Plus, there are restrictions on the amount of luggage allowed, with each traveler permitted one suitcase and one carry-on. Excess luggage must be confirmed with the operator ahead of time.

Dining Options

Guests on the Rosario Islands tour can enjoy lunch at Playa Blanca, with a COP 30,000 menu allowance for special dishes.

The lunch menu features a variety of local seafood and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Travelers can indulge in fresh ceviche, grilled fish, or flavorful rice dishes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

During the 2-hour stop at Playa Blanca, guests have ample time to savor their meal and soak up the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

The lunch break provides a refreshing respite from the day’s activities and allows travelers to refuel before continuing their exploration of the stunning Rosario Islands.

Refund Policy

The Rosario Islands tour operator offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience. However, some guests have reported issues with the refund process, highlighting concerns about the operator’s responsiveness and transparency around cancellations.

Some key points about the refund policy include:

1. Guests must request a refund within 24 hours of the tour’s departure time to be eligible for a full refund.

2. Partial refunds may be offered for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance, but this is at the operator’s discretion.

3. Refunds are typically processed within 7-10 business days, but some guests have reported longer wait times.

4. Guests experiencing difficulties with refunds are advised to contact the operator directly at [email protected].

Contact for Assistance

For any inquiries or complaints regarding the Rosario Islands tour, guests can reach out to the operator at [email protected]. This email address provides a direct channel for communicating with the tour provider.

Guests can use this contact to address any issues they encountered during the tour, such as safety concerns, organization problems, or dissatisfaction with the overall experience.

The operator is responsible for responding to these inquiries and working to resolve any complaints in a timely and professional manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’re the most common questions travelers have about the Rosario Islands tour?

Many wonder about the duration of the experience, the specific islands visited, and the activities included. The full-day tour typically spans around 8 hours, with stops at 3-5 of the picturesque Rosario Islands, such as Isla Grande, Cholon, and Playa Blanca.

Commonly asked questions include:

1. Can I bring my own snorkeling equipment?

2. Is the lunch included in the tour price?

3. Are there any age or physical restrictions?

4. What’s the cancellation and refund policy?

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, with all necessary equipment and meals provided.

Travelers should check for any special requirements or restrictions prior to booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Opportunities for Bird Watching on the Islands?

The islands offer limited opportunities for bird watching, as the focus is primarily on water-based activities like snorkeling and swimming. Visitors may spot some coastal birds, but the islands do not have a diverse avian population.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour operator allows and encourages guests to bring personal provisions to enjoy during the day’s activities and excursions.

Is There Cellular Service and Internet Access Available on the Islands?

There is limited cellular service and internet access available on the Rosario Islands. Connectivity can be spotty and unreliable, so travelers should plan accordingly and not rely on having consistent access to online services during the tour.

Can I Rent Equipment Like Kayaks or Paddleboards on the Islands?

Yes, visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other water equipment on the Rosario Islands. Rental prices and availability may vary by island and operator, so guests should inquire locally upon arrival.

Are There Any Religious or Cultural Sites to Visit on the Tour?

The tour does not include visits to any religious or cultural sites. The focus is on natural attractions like beaches, snorkeling, and relaxation on the Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena.

Recap

The Full-Day Rosario Islands tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore stunning locations, engage in exhilarating activities, and savor local cuisine.

With a well-structured itinerary, essential amenities, and positive guest reviews, this tour provides a memorable getaway for beach enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The package’s accessibility and safety features make it a convenient and worry-free option for those seeking an unforgettable island escape.