The Rosario Islands are a group of 27 islands and islets located in the Caribbean Sea, 37 km away from Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. These islands are part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park. It is a protected place with a great marine biodiversity. It is also an ideal location for water activities such as snorkeling, diving and marine life observation in the coral reefs.
With sand beaches, crystal clear waters and impressive coral reefs, the Rosario Islands are home to hundreds of endemic species. That’s why you can practice dolphin watching and learn about the nature of the place in its marine research centers. So, read on and don’t miss anything about these fantastic Caribbean islands. We’ll share some tips that will make your trip easier.
What are the best things to do in the Rosario Islands?
1. Isla Grande
Isla Grande is the jewel of the Rosario Islands archipelago. It is the largest island located about 45 minutes away by boat from Cartagena de Indias. Basically, it is the arrival destination for boats going to the islands.
This island is a popular destination for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and coral reefs. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to rustic cottages. You’ll also find a plethora of restaurants offering delicious fresh seafood dishes, the islands’ specialty.
Among the activities worth doing in Isla Grande, we should mention scuba diving, snorkeling, exploring the mangroves, and relaxing in the famous Playa Dulce…
2. Playa Dulce
Playa Dulce is a true hidden gem in the paradise-like Isla Grande of the Rosario Islands. This beach invites you to enjoy a true natural wonder framed by lush tropical vegetation with its fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.
Isolated from the bustling tourist activity, Playa Dulce is a sanctuary for those seeking an authentic travel experience. There you can dive into its crystalline waters to discover the diversity of marine life. Or you can simply lounge on the beach and enjoy the majestic scenery. And while the it’s always a good option, if you visit Playa Dulce, don’t forget your snorkeling gear, as the experience is well worth it.
3. Oceanarium
The Oceanarium is one of the visits that you cannot miss on your trip to the Rosario Islands. Located on San Martin de Pajarales Island, this open-air aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine species native to the Colombian Caribbean. These include sharks, turtles, colorful fish, rays and other amazing aquatic animals.
The Oceanarium offers educational programs on the importance of marine life and protection of the ecosystems for all ages. So, it is a perfect plan to do with the family. In addition, you can enjoy a truly unique experience. The Oceanarium offers the possibility to swim with dolphins in a safe and supervised environment with instructors.
4. The Enchanted Lagoon
Another place you should visit on your trip to the Isla Grande is the famous Laguna Encantada (Enchanted Lagoon). Its mystical name is owed to its waters. The presence of phosphorescent plankton makes them shine with an intense blue color at night. It does look like a magical place.
Bathing in the Enchanted Lagoon and its light show is one of the most striking and unique experiences that can be lived in the Rosario Islands. The waters seem to come to life by touching the skin.
5. Pirate Island
Dive into a tropical paradise like no other and discover the Pirate Island. It’s one of the most famous of the archipelago of the Rosario Islands. Pirate Island is a dream place that enchants any traveler with its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that sparkle in the sun. The shores, with lush vegetation and an intense blue sea, are protected by a barrier reef. This destination is a true oasis of tranquility and relaxation on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Among the activities that are available on the island are nature walks, swimming in the sea and natural pools or just relaxing in the sun in this oasis. Besides, many of the organized excursions to the Rosario Islands include the Pirate Island. However, if you go on your own, you can always buy an excursion to this island.
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.
Things to do around the Rosario Islands
Cartagena de Indias
This beautiful coastal city on the shores of the Caribbean Sea is the starting point to reach the Rosario Islands. It is also one of the greatest charms of Colombia. Cartagena de Indias radiates light and color wherever you look, whether in the beautiful streets of its historic center or in the archipelagos and paradisiacal islands that are just a few kilometers away.
On your trip to Cartagena de Indias you can not miss a beautiful walk through the Walled City, its historic center. As you might guess, it is surrounded by a wall that includes the Centro and San Diego neighborhoods. Here you can feast your eyes on the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría. It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful cathedrals in America, with its yellow and salmon colors. Also in the Walled City you can find the Torre del Reloj. Basically, it’s a yellow tower that crowns the old main entrance to the city and now leads to the Plaza de los Coches. On the other side of this entrance, we encounter the Barrio de Getsemaní. Here low whitewashed houses with colorful shutters mingle with beautiful urban art murals and craft stores.
What and where to eat in the Rosario Islands
The gastronomy of the Rosario Islands focuses mainly on seafood and fresh fish. Some of the most popular dishes are rice with coconut and seafood, fish ceviche, grilled fish fillet, fish soup, seafood casserole and fish empanadas.
The best area to eat is in Isla Grande. Most restaurants as well as other catering services are located there.
Where to stay in the Rosario Islands?
In case you decide to spend the night on the Rosario Islands, rather than just taking a day trip, you’ll be interested to know what some of the best accommodations are:
- Hotel IslaBela Islas Del Rosario: Hotel IslaBela Islas Del Rosario is a paradise on Isla Grande with a garden, terrace, restaurant and bar. It offers a private beach area and free Wi-Fi in all of its spacious and beautiful rooms, some with ocean views. It serves daily continental, American or a la carte breakfast included in the price. Price range: 70-170€ depending on dates.
- Eco-Camping El Frutal: Eco-Camping El Frutal is an ideal place for nature lovers looking for a different experience. The campsite is located 1.1 km away from the beautiful beach of Pasadía and 2 km away from Playa Libre. The tents include bedding. Price per night: 15€
What should I know before a trip to the Rosario Islands
- The currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso (1€ = 4,412.08 Colombian pesos)
- Always carry some cash, not all stores, especially the smaller ones, accept cards.
- Protect yourself from the sun. The Rosario Islands are located in a tropical zone, so it is important not to abuse the sun, as well as to use sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap.
- Respect the marine ecosystem, the Rosario Islands are a protected nature reserve, so it is essential to take care of the marine environment. Do not throw garbage into the water and use “sea friendly” sunscreen.
- Do not feed marine wildlife. Feeding fish or any other marine wildlife can cause imbalances in the marine ecosystem and harm the health of the animals.
- Keep beaches and reefs clean.
- Take precaution when practicing water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing or kayaking and follow the instructors’ instructions.
- Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
How to organize things to do in the Rosario Islands
Register or download the Passporter app and take advantage of all its features:
- Get inspiration from other travelers’ experiences
- Create your own itinerary and add the suggestions from the app to it.
- Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat. If you need inspiration you can use the places of interest listed in this post as a reference
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we mention in the post).
- Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for the trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of all the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app to inspire other users.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to the Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands have a warm and humid tropical climate throughout the year. The average annual temperature varies between 27ºC and 32ºC, with high humidity. The rainy season extends from May to November, with June and October being the rainiest months. During the dry season, from December to April, the weather tends to be drier and sunnier, with higher temperatures.
The months of January to March usually have sunny and hot days, ideal for water activities and enjoying the beaches. On the other hand, these are usually the months with the highest number of tourists.
The most common way to get to the Rosario Islands is by boat from Cartagena. There are different boat options, from speedboats to larger vessels, that offer tours and organized trips to the Rosario Islands. The tours usually include visits to different islands of the archipelago, water activities such as snorkeling or diving, and time to enjoy the beaches and the sea. The price of the organized excursions is usually around 65€. If you go on your own, you can take a boat that leaves from the Muelle la Bodeguita, in Cartagena de Indias. The price is about 6€.
If you travel on an organized tour you won’t have to worry about getting around, since the tour itself will take you from one island to another on the boat. If you decide to go on your own, you will have to use tourist boats, chalupas or even go by kayak.
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