Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

Leave the city heat behind. This full-day catamaran trip gives you a breezy escape from Cartagena, with two swim stops, snorkeling gear, lunch, and soft drinks included. I especially like the roomy boat, clean facilities, and the easygoing mix of music, swimming, and quiet time in the sun.

The seafood rice and vegetarian options earn strong marks, and the free juices, lemonade, water, and soft drinks add real value to the $107 price. The main catch is important: you may not actually set foot on the Rosario Islands or a beach. Many departures stop offshore, so you swim from the catamaran instead.

Key points to know before booking

• Two offshore swim stops: Plan to jump from the catamaran into clear water rather than stroll onto an island beach.
• A large, comfortable boat: There is seating in both sun and shade, plus onboard toilets and room to move around.
• Lunch is better than basic tour food: Choose seafood, chicken, or a vegetable option with rice, salad buffet, and dessert.
• Soft drinks stay included: Juices, lemonade, mineral water, and other non-alcoholic drinks are available throughout the day.
• The ride takes about 7.5 hours: Much of the pleasure comes from the boat ride itself, especially the breezy return to Cartagena.
• Arrive early at Bodeguita Dock: The port entrance can be confusing and crowded, and the catamaran leaves promptly.

Leaving Cartagena from Bodeguita Dock

Your day begins at Bodeguita Dock, Door 1, directly in front of Cartagena’s walled city. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the pier.

Allow extra time for the port entrance. The area can feel disorganized at first, with lines and several departure points competing for attention. Once you reach the private waiting area, the process becomes calmer and easier to follow. Arriving early is wise because the boat leaves on schedule.

Bring the passenger details required for admission: full name, date of birth, passport or identification number, and address. Onboard extras can be paid for only by credit or debit card, so do not count on paying with cash.

The welcome begins with a fresh-fruit drink. A mid-morning snack follows, which helps bridge the long stretch between departure and lunch. Announcements are made in Spanish, and several departures have also provided information in English, though the listed operating language is Spanish.

The 450-minute boat ride to the Rosario Islands

The Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park lies offshore from Cartagena. The trip uses a catamaran, with a mix of sailing and motor sailing, but you should not expect a silent, sail-only voyage. One direct account describes it as largely motorized, so the boat experience is best understood as a comfortable sea cruise rather than a traditional sailing lesson.

That distinction matters. You are paying for a full day on the water, not simply fast transport to an island. The journey gives you time to sit back, watch the coast recede, feel the wind, and enjoy the open water.

The catamaran has seating in the sun and shade. This is one of its best features, especially in Cartagena’s strong tropical heat. You can move between bright, breezy areas and covered seating instead of being stuck in one hot position for hours.

The boat is large enough that it generally does not feel cramped, even when carrying a substantial group. One departure had around 100 people onboard, yet the spacious layout kept the atmosphere comfortable. Clean, maintained toilets are another practical plus. Boat bathrooms are rarely a selling point, but you will appreciate them during a long day offshore.

Music plays during the trip. The atmosphere is more relaxed than a dedicated party boat, though the volume can become too high for some people. On the return, the mood may become livelier, with music, dancing, and plenty of wind. If you prefer peace and quiet, choose a shaded seat away from the speakers when you can.

What the swim stops are really like

The biggest point to clarify is the beach promise. The tour description refers to an idyllic white-sand beach, but the actual experience can involve stopping off the coast of two islands rather than landing on them. You may be able to swim toward land at one stop, but the main activity is getting into the water directly from the catamaran.

For many people, this is no problem. The water is the star. Several stops have clear, blue water that feels refreshing after the warm ride from Cartagena. You get time to swim, float, use the inflatables, and take in the scenery without needing to spend the day at a busy beach club.

For others, this will feel like a mismatch. If your dream is walking barefoot on white sand, browsing an island village, or settling into a beach resort, choose another Rosario Islands excursion. This catamaran is built around swimming from the boat, not island exploration.

Two stops usually provide about an hour each, though exact timing can change. Some departures make two swimming and snorkeling stops, while the locations may vary with weather and the captain’s decision. The boat sounds its horn before leaving, but keep an eye on the schedule and return promptly.

Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are supplied. Flippers are not always provided, so strong swimmers should not assume they will have fins. If you are less confident in open water, use the life jacket and stay close to the catamaran and crew.

The water can be excellent for a refreshing swim, but snorkeling quality is less predictable. You might see colorful fish and coral, while another stop may offer little to see. Some people find the snorkeling perfectly enjoyable; others find the underwater activity brief or underwhelming. Conditions, visibility, and the chosen anchorage all matter.

There is also a small chance of encountering jellyfish. It is sensible to pay attention to crew instructions and avoid touching anything in the water. Reapply sunscreen every one or two hours, especially during the long ride and while swimming. One passenger reported a severe sun reaction after underestimating the tropical sun.

Lunch served while sailing back

Lunch is served onboard, often during the return to Cartagena. The meal is more substantial than the usual excursion plate. You can choose seafood, chicken, or a vegetable preparation with rice, depending on the available option. A salad buffet and dessert round out the meal.

The seafood rice receives especially strong praise, as do the vegetarian and vegan choices. Portions are generous, and the salad buffet lets you add more if you want. The food is a major reason this tour feels like fair value at $107 rather than a simple boat transfer with a snack.

Non-alcoholic drinks are included throughout the trip. Expect soft drinks, juices, lemonade, and mineral water. The lemonade gets particular praise, and the quality of the included drinks helps the package feel less bare-bones.

Alcoholic drinks cost extra. Prices are described as reasonable, and purchases can be made by card or debit card. You are not allowed to bring your own food or drinks onboard, so plan to use the bar and the included refreshments.

The return voyage can be the most memorable part of the day. When the wind picks up, the catamaran may dip and spray water over the deck. Some people find this thrilling and fun, while others will want a dry seat in the shade. Pack a towel and protect phones, cameras, and other electronics.

How the atmosphere feels onboard

This is a social boat trip, but it is not designed as a nonstop floating nightclub. Music, dancing, and drinks create a cheerful mood, yet there is also enough seating to relax and watch the sea.

The crew handles food service, drinks, safety, and the swimming stops efficiently. Communication can be limited, with automated announcements doing much of the explaining. That works well for practical instructions, but you may not learn much about the islands or the places where the boat stops.

If you want detailed cultural or natural interpretation, this is not the strongest choice. The crew may explain basic information in Spanish and English, but the focus is on comfort and recreation. You are there to swim, eat, and enjoy the boat, not attend a formal marine biology talk.

The family-friendly setup is a plus. There are no reports of a rough party atmosphere, and the large catamaran has room for different types of passengers. Couples can find a quiet corner, families can use the swimming time, and groups of friends can enjoy the music and bar.

The tour is wheelchair accessible according to the activity information. Because the stops involve entering the sea from the boat, you should confirm that the swimming portion works for your individual needs before booking.

Is $107 good value?

At $107 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Rosario area. The value comes from what is bundled into the long day: catamaran transport, a welcome fruit drink, a snack, lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, boarding charges, and National Natural Park fees.

You also avoid arranging separate transport, food, and equipment. A cheaper boat may leave you paying for lunch, drinks, park admission, and snorkeling on top of the advertised fare. Here, the main costs are clear from the start, apart from alcohol.

The boat itself adds value. You get shaded and sunny seating, onboard toilets, a bar, inflatables, and enough space that a full boat does not always feel crowded. That matters on a 7.5-hour outing. A cramped vessel can ruin an otherwise beautiful sea day.

The price is less convincing if you mainly want to visit an island beach. Since you may not land anywhere, compare this trip with a beach-club or island-landing tour before booking. Those alternatives may offer less sailing comfort but more time on sand.

For a comfortable swim day with a good lunch and reliable onboard service, I consider the price reasonable. For serious snorkeling, island sightseeing, or a quiet sailing voyage, I would spend the money differently.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy full-day break from Cartagena’s heat and busy streets. You get scenery, swimming, food, and a pleasant ride without having to organize each part yourself.

It suits:

• Couples looking for a relaxed day on the water
• Families who value a large boat and included refreshments
• Friends who want music, swimming, and affordable drinks
• People who prefer comfort over a rough speedboat ride
• Anyone who wants a good lunch included in the price
• Visitors who are happy swimming offshore instead of visiting an island beach

I would hesitate if you need extensive English guiding, quiet conditions, guaranteed beach time, or high-quality reef snorkeling. The underwater sights can be modest, and the commentary is limited.

The trip also requires care in the sun. You need sunscreen, a towel, and a willingness to get wet. Do not bring your own snacks or drinks, and remember that card is required for onboard purchases.

Practical verdict for your Cartagena plans

Book this catamaran if your ideal Rosario Islands day means sitting comfortably at sea, swimming in clear water twice, eating a generous lunch, and enjoying music on the way home. The clean boat, friendly crew, good food, and included soft drinks make the package easy to enjoy.

Skip it if the words Rosario Islands mean walking on white sand and exploring island communities. This is mainly a catamaran and swimming experience, with the islands providing the setting rather than the destination.

My best advice is simple: arrive early at Bodeguita Dock, pack a towel and serious sun protection, bring a card for extras, and treat the advertised beach as a possible view rather than a guaranteed stop. If you accept that, the $107 fare buys a comfortable, well-fed day away from Cartagena.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The meeting point is Bodeguita Dock, Door 1, in front of Cartagena’s walled city.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from the dock.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration is 450 minutes, or about 7.5 hours. The exact return time can vary slightly.

Does the tour stop on a beach?

The itinerary describes a stop near an idyllic beach, but the catamaran may remain offshore. Several departures have used two swim stops where passengers entered the water from the boat rather than walking onto an island.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Flippers may not be provided.

What food is included?

You receive a mid-morning snack and lunch with a choice of seafood or vegetable food with rice, a salad buffet, and dessert. Reviews also refer to chicken as an available lunch option.

Are drinks included?

Non-alcoholic drinks are included, including soft drinks, juices, lemonade, and mineral water. Alcoholic drinks are not included and cost extra.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.