Planning a trip to the Rosario Islands is an exciting adventure to a Caribbean paradise. These 27 islands and islets, located 37km from Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, are part of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, protecting a rich marine biodiversity and offering white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It is the perfect destination for lovers of aquatic activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving, as well as for those seeking the tranquillity of its beaches and the chance to spot dolphins. Planning your trip to the Rosario Islands will allow you to make the most of this unique experience.
To organise your visit to the Rosario Islands, it is essential to take into account various aspects, such as the ideal season to travel, accommodation options and the activities available on each island. From tips on how to get there and where to stay to the best places to visit on the islands, read on to find out how to plan your trip to the Rosario Islands and create unforgettable memories in the Colombian Caribbean!
1. Have at hand the necessary documentation to travel to Rosario Islands
When planning a trip to the Rosario Islands, one of the most important steps is to make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter Colombia and prepare them well in advance. It’s crucial to know that you don’t need a visa for tourist stays of less than 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the country. On arrival, the immigration authorities will ask you to present your return tickets, as well as the Check Mig form. This form is an online document that you must complete before your trip, and which collects information about your health status and recent movements. It is an indispensable requirement and must be presented upon arrival in Colombia.
In addition to these basic documents, it is advisable to have copies of all your important documents, such as your passport and travel reservations, for added security. Taking out travel insurance is also a good tip, providing coverage against unforeseen events during your stay. Make sure you carry all necessary documents with you in an organised manner, preferably on your mobile phone for quick and easy access. With all these preparations in place, you’ll be ready to enjoy your trip to the Rosario Islands without any worries.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
2. Choose the date to plan your trip to the Rosario Islands
Choosing the right dates for your trip to the Rosario Islands is crucial if you want to get the most out of your trip. The climate in this region is tropical, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. During the rainy season, especially in the months of June and October, rainfall can be heavy and frequent, which can affect outdoor activities and boat trips. In addition, the sea can be rougher, which not only reduces visibility for snorkelling and diving, but can also make boat trips less comfortable.
Therefore, the best time to visit the Rosario Islands is during the dry season, from December to April. During these months, the weather is sunnier and rainfall is less frequent, allowing you to enjoy the beaches and water activities to the fullest. Sea conditions are generally calmer, ideal for snorkelling, diving and other water sports. In addition, the sunny days and warm weather create the perfect environment for relaxing and exploring the different islands of the archipelago. However, it is worth remembering that this is the peak tourist season on the islands.
3. Compare and find accommodation
Finding accommodation in the Rosario Islands is easy if you follow a few basic steps. You can use online platforms such as Booking.com to search for availability, compare prices and read reviews from other travellers, allowing you to filter options according to your preferences and budget.
The Rosario Islands offer a variety of accommodation to suit different budgets and tastes. Luxury resorts and eco-lodges can cost between €150 and €300 a night, offering amenities such as private pools, water activities and spa service. More modest cabins and bungalows, perfect for those looking for a more rustic experience, tend to be priced between 50 and 100 euros per night. There are also hostels and communal lodges that offer budget options, with prices ranging from 20 to 50 euros per night. These types of accommodation allow travellers to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands without spending a fortune.
4. How to get to and around the Rosario Islands
A key aspect of planning a trip to the Rosario Islands is finding the best way to get to the archipelago. The most common way to do this is by boat from Cartagena. There are several options that can get you there, from speedboats to larger vessels offering tours and organised trips to the islands. If you’re travelling on your own, you can take a boat from the Muelle de la Bodeguita or the Muelle turístico de los Pegasos, both in Cartagena. The journey costs around €6.
As we said, if you opt for an organised tour, you won’t have to worry about transfers, as the tour includes transport between the different islands by boat. However, if you decide to go on your own, you can hire boat or kayak transfers from Isla Grande to the other islands.
5. What places to visit in Rosario Islands?
When planning a trip to the Rosario Islands, it’s best to create a travel itinerary with all the places and activities you want to see and do. Among the must-do’s are:
- Isla Grande: The largest of the archipelago, known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. It is an excellent place for snorkelling and diving, with coral reefs teeming with marine life. There are also hiking trails to explore the island and discover its tropical flora and fauna.
- Playa Dulce: Famous for its soft white sand and clear waters. It is the perfect place to relax in the sun, swim and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Its palm trees and cabanas provide an ideal setting for a day of relaxation.
- Oceanarium: A marine aquarium located on the island of San Martin de Pajarales. Here you can learn about the marine life of the Caribbean, see dolphin and shark shows, and meet various species of fish and turtles. It’s an educational and entertaining activity for all ages.
- The Enchanted Lagoon: A magical place known for its bioluminescent waters, which glow in the dark due to the presence of microorganisms. It is a unique experience to swim in the lagoon under the stars, surrounded by flashes of natural light.
- Pirate Island: A small private island that offers a more exclusive and peaceful experience. With its rich history of pirates and hidden treasures, it is ideal for those looking for a relaxing getaway. Its secluded beaches and serene waters are perfect for swimming and water sports in an intimate setting.
6. Try the local gastronomy
The gastronomy of the Rosario Islands is distinguished by its focus on fresh seafood and tropical flavours. Restaurants in the area offer a wide variety of dishes including fish, seafood and local fruits. Here you can indulge in dishes such as shrimp ceviche, fried fish, grilled prawns and seafood rice dishes, all of which highlight the authentic flavours of the Colombian Caribbean.
In addition to satisfying the appetite, sampling the local cuisine is essential to fully immerse yourself in the travel experience. Food not only offers a unique cultural aspect of the region, but also provides a deeper connection to the local environment and community. Tasting the typical dishes of the Rosario Islands is an opportunity to explore their history, traditions and culinary diversity, thus enriching the travel adventure with new flavours and unforgettable sensory experiences.
You’ll find a wide variety of dining options, from beachside restaurants offering fresh seafood and local dishes, to gourmet restaurants in resorts and boutique hotels.
7. Is it safe to plan a trip to the Rosario Islands?
The Rosario Islands are generally considered a safe destination for traveling, especially for tourists who follow basic safety recommendations and take normal precautions. As with any tourist destination, it is important to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas at night. In addition, it is advisable to be informed about weather conditions and local regulations before undertaking any activity, especially those related to the sea. In general, by following standard and basic safety practices and staying informed, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable experience in the Rosario Islands.
8. Take out travel insurance: cover yourself against unforeseen events
Buying travel insurance when planning a trip to the Rosario Islands is a prudent move for several reasons. Firstly, the limited access to specialised medical services on the islands makes having adequate medical cover essential in the event of an emergency. In addition, water activities can increase the risk of certain accidents, so having insurance to cover medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Likewise, travel insurance often provides coverage for trip cancellations, lost luggage and other mishaps, ensuring a safer and worry-free experience during your stay in the Rosario Islands.
Before taking out insurance, shop around and compare the one that best suits your needs and make sure you read and understand all the clauses.
9. How to plan a trip with friends to the Rosario Islands
Sharing a trip with friends is one of the most special experiences there is, especially to a place as incredible as the Rosario Islands in Colombia. However, organising a trip for a large group can be challenging. Aligning schedules, keeping everyone informed and agreeing on a suitable budget for all participants, creating an itinerary that interests everyone? Sometimes it can be more complicated than one might expect.
The Passporter App makes it easy to organise such trips, allowing you to plan your itinerary from start to finish with the participation of all members of the group. You can add your friends, draw inspiration from other travellers’ experiences and design the ideal route together. When you return, you can share your experiences through the photos taken during the adventure. In addition, we have created a post with useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.
10. How to plan a travel itinerary to Islas del Rosario?
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
- Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
- Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
- Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
- Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
- Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
- Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own tips on how to plan a trip to the Rosario Islands.
- Enjoy your trip to the Rosario Islands!
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
11. Frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Islas del Rosario
The Rosario Islands enjoy a warm and humid tropical climate all year round. Annual temperatures range from 27ºC to 32ºC, and humidity is high. The rainy season runs from May to November, with June and October as the rainiest months. In contrast, the dry season, from December to April, offers drier and sunnier weather, with generally higher temperatures.
The months of January to March generally feature sunny and warm days, perfect for water activities and enjoying the beaches. However, these are also the months when there are more tourists.
The most common way to get to the Rosario Islands is by boat from Cartagena. There are various transportation options, from speedboats to larger vessels, that offer organised tours and trips to the islands. These tours usually include visits to various islands in the archipelago and some activities. The cost of organised tours is around €65. If you prefer to go on your own, you can take a boat from Muelle La Bodeguita in Cartagena de Indias, which costs around €6.
If you opt for an organised tour, you won’t have to worry about transfers, as the tour includes transport between the different islands by boat. But if you decide to go on your own, you will need tourist boats, chalupas or kayaks to move between the islands.
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