Tour of Rosario and Barú Islands and White Beach With Lunch

Exploring the idyllic Rosario and Barú Islands off the Caribbean coast of Colombia can be an enchanting day trip from the historic city of Cartagena. This tour promises a chance to take in the region’s natural beauty, with opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters, savor traditional Colombian cuisine, and soak up panoramic vistas. While the logistics can be a bit unpredictable, the allure of these stunning island destinations is undeniable. For those seeking a more organized experience, private tour options may be worth considering. The decision ultimately depends on one’s priorities and preferences for this captivating island adventure.

Key Points

• The tour departs from Bodeguita Pier and includes round-trip speedboat transportation to Rosario and Barú Islands.
• Visitors can enjoy sea bathing at Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú and a traditional Colombian lunch.
• Additional activities like snorkeling, chairs, and parasols are available for an extra cost.
• Reviews mention positive experiences with colorful fish and food, but also problems with disorganization and unprepared guides.
• Private club or day trips may offer a more personalized and organized experience compared to the public tour.

Tour Overview

The tour of the Rosario and Barú Islands and White Beach with Lunch is a popular excursion from Cartagena, Colombia. It departs from the Bodeguita Pier and takes travelers to explore the picturesque islands and beaches.

The trip includes round-trip speedboat transportation, panoramic island tours, and sea bathing at Isla Barú’s Playa Tranquila. A typical Colombian lunch featuring fish, coconut rice, plantains, salad, and aguapanela is also provided.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 500 travelers and is priced from €42.98 per person. Travelers should note that additional costs may apply for activities like the Oceanarium, snorkeling, and renting chairs or parasols.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour package encompasses a variety of inclusions, such as round-trip speedboat transportation, panoramic island tours, and sea bathing at Playa Tranquila on Isla Barú.

Along With these activities, the tour also provides:

• A typical lunch featuring fresh fish, coconut rice, plantains, salad, and aguapanela
• A knowledgeable guide to lead the group
• Admission to the Oceanarium at an additional cost of $12
• Port tax of $7 per person
• Optional add-ons like snorkeling ($14), chairs ($12), and parasols ($22)

These inclusions and costs provide a well-rounded experience for visitors to explore the picturesque Rosario and Barú Islands.

Reviews and Feedback

A total of 8 reviews have been submitted for the tour, resulting in an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 on Viator and Tripadvisor. Customers have provided both positive and negative feedback. Karla_I enjoyed the colorful fish and delicious lunch, while Andr_B found the reception confusing, guides unprepared, and conditions at Playa Tranquila poor. Nadim_M cited disorganization, excessive shuttling for other tours, rude staff, and stressful delays.

Reviewer	Rating	Feedback
Karla_I	Positive	Enjoyed colorful fish and delicious lunch
Andr_B	Negative	Confusing reception, unprepared guides, long wait times, poor conditions at Playa Tranquila
Nadim_M	Negative	Disorganization, excessive time spent as a shuttle for other tours, rude staff, and stress due to delays

Meeting and Pickup Details

Tourists meet at the tourist boat dock next to the Pegasus dock, in front of the clock tower. A guide will be waiting at gate 1 to greet the travelers.

The activity ends back at the original meeting point. To make the pickup and dropoff process smoother, keep in mind these 4 tips:

1. Arrive on time at the designated meeting spot.
2. Look for the guide with a sign or uniform.
3. Follow the guide’s instructions for boarding the boat.
4. Be prepared to return to the same location after the tour.

Tour Highlights

During the tour, travelers can expect to take in panoramic views of the picturesque Rosario and Barú Islands, with stops to swim and relax on the tranquil Playa Tranquila beach.

The tour includes round-trip speedboat transportation, allowing visitors to easily explore these idyllic Caribbean destinations.

A traditional Colombian lunch featuring fresh fish, coconut rice, plantains, salad, and aguapanela is included, providing an authentic culinary experience.

Snorkeling, parasols, and chairs are available for an additional cost, allowing travelers to customize their island adventure.

Travel Tips

Though the tour offers a comprehensive experience, travelers should consider a few tips to make the most of their island adventure.

First, plan for potential delays, as the tour is organized as a public outing with multiple stops.

Second, for a more personalized experience, consider exploring private clubs or booking a day trip.

Third, travelers with mobility concerns should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Finally, pregnant women may want to consult their healthcare provider before participating.

Alternatives and Recommendations

For travelers seeking a more personalized and seamless island experience, alternative tour options are available.

Private clubs or day trips offer better conditions and organization compared to the public tour. These alternatives provide a more enjoyable and relaxing day on the islands, without the delays and poor organization reported by some guests.

While the public tour may be more cost-effective, the tradeoff can be substantial wait times, disorganized logistics, and subpar experiences at certain stops.

For those willing to invest a bit more, the private tours promise a higher-quality outing tailored to individual preferences, ensuring a memorable day on the picturesque Rosario and Barú Islands.

Recap

The Tour of Rosario and Barú Islands and White Beach offers an idyllic day trip from Cartagena, showcasing the region’s natural beauty. Though the tour includes a knowledgeable guide, travelers should be prepared for potential delays. For a more organized experience, private tours are recommended. This tour provides an opportunity to take in the captivating Caribbean scenery and savor traditional Colombian cuisine.