Thing to do
Getsemaní
The historic barrio just outside the walls where Cartagena's independence movement began, now known for murals, the Plaza de la Trinidad and lively evenings.
Islas del Rosario
An archipelago of about 28 small islands under an hour by boat from Cartagena, with white-sand beaches, coral reefs, snorkelling and an oceanarium.
At a glance
- Type
- Island day trip
- Area
- Islas del Rosario, Cartagena, Colombia
Good to know
- Boat trips
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Oceanarium
- Island hotels
Why we recommend it
The Islas del Rosario are the classic day trip from Cartagena and the easiest way to see the Caribbean at its clearest. Colombia's official tourism board describes a small archipelago of about 28 islands, reached only by boat in a little under an hour from the city. The islands lie within the Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Natural Park, which protects the surrounding coral reefs.
Most visitors come for the white-sand beaches, warm water and marine life. Snorkelling is the simplest way to see the reefs and tropical fish, and divers can take short courses or certifications with operators based in Cartagena, such as Diving Planet, whose trips include a surface interval and lunch on the islands. The tourism board notes that visibility is good throughout the year.
On Isla San Martín de Pajarales is the Oceanario de las Islas del Rosario, a marine conservation centre. El Universal's 2025 guide describes more than 1,400 animals of about 140 marine species and gives daily opening from 09:00 to 13:30 with a paid entry, so plan your boat schedule around it if you want to include it. It was created by the same team behind the Aviario Nacional on Barú.
There are many ways to go. Group excursions leave Cartagena each morning and visit several islands; private boat charters, such as those run by Bendita Beach, let you set your own route, which might include swimming spots, the sunken light aircraft known as the Avioneta Hundida and the sandbank party spot of Cholón. On Bendita's private trips the municipal boarding tax and lunch are paid separately, a useful reminder to check exactly what is included before you book.
The tourism board suggests staying overnight on one of the islands, with hotels on Isla Grande and Isla del Sol among the options, if you want to see sunrise and sunset without the day-trip crowds. Whatever you choose, take sun protection, a hat and plenty of water, and book through an established, authorised operator, as the tourism board advises. Allow a full day: Bendita's private charters run from 09:00 to 17:00, and group tours such as Beyond Colombia's leave at 07:30.
Islas del Rosario FAQs
How do you get to the Islas del Rosario?
Only by boat from Cartagena. The trip takes a little under an hour, according to Colombia's tourism board.
How many islands are there?
About 28 small islands make up the archipelago.
Is it a national park?
Yes. The islands are within the Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Natural Park.
Can I snorkel or dive?
Yes. Snorkelling is easy from many beaches, and Cartagena dive centres run trips and courses on the reefs.
What is the Oceanario?
A marine conservation centre on Isla San Martín de Pajarales with more than 1,400 animals, open in the morning and early afternoon.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes. There are hotels on islands such as Isla Grande and Isla del Sol, and the tourism board recommends staying to see sunrise and sunset.
What should I check before booking?
Whether lunch, the municipal boarding tax and any park or entry fees are included, as many operators charge these separately.
How long does a day trip take?
Most of the day: boats usually leave in the morning and return in the late afternoon.