Tour of Cholón Island Rosario Islands

Planning a day trip from Cartagena to explore the Rosario Islands? This 7-hour tour promises a blend of scenic views, lively beach vibes, and a taste of local flavor. With transportation, a boat ride, a stop at Cholón, and a delicious lunch included, it’s designed to give you a taste of the Caribbean’s vibrant spirit without breaking the bank.

What we love about this experience is how it combines breathtaking scenery with authentic local experiences — especially the lively atmosphere of Cholón, which adds a splash of fun and flavor to your day. However, a potential consideration is the group size, capped at 25 travelers, which might mean some waiting during busy hours or at popular spots. It’s best suited for travelers looking for a well-organized, lively day with plenty of opportunities for sun, swimming, and socializing.

Key Points

Convenient pickup and drop-off: Includes hotel transfers from Boca Grande, Laguito, Marbella, and Crespo, making logistics simple.
Balanced itinerary: Combines scenic island views, beach time, and a lively Cholón party.
Authentic local flavor: Enjoy a typical Colombian lunch and cross music in Cholón, adding cultural richness.
Group size: Limited to 25 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.
Value for the price: With transportation, a guide, lunch, and activities, it offers a lot for $85.
Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour — good for unpredictable plans.

An In-Depth Look at the Rosario Islands Tour

If you’re curious about what makes this tour tick, let’s break down each part of the day, highlighting what you can expect and why it matters.

Starting Point and Early Pickup

The tour kicks off early at 8:00 am from Camellón de los Mártires, right in downtown Cartagena. Pickup from hotels in Boca Grande, Laguito, Marbella, and Crespo is included, which is a huge plus for hassle-free planning. Expect your guide — Javier, or possibly others from “Que hay pa’ hacer en Cartagena” — to greet you with a friendly vibe and a quick briefing. The early start means you’ll beat the crowds and get a full day to enjoy the islands.

The Scenic Ride to Rosario Islands

The boat ride itself is part of the adventure. You’ll take a panoramic boat trip to the Rosario Islands archipelago, which is about a 2-hour journey. The boat ride offers great views of the Caribbean Sea, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some marine life or hear stories from the crew about the islands’ history and ecology.

This part of the experience is perfect for snapping photos or just relaxing on deck, feeling the ocean breeze. The group size is small enough to avoid feeling crowded, and the boat is likely to be comfortable, especially if you bring sun protection.

Stop 1: Torre del Reloj

Before heading to the islands, you’ll check-in in front of the Torre del Reloj in Cartagena’s historic center. This serves as the official meeting point, and the check-in process is straightforward, taking about an hour. It’s a chance to meet your fellow travelers, receive your wristband or tickets, and get a brief overview of the day ahead.

Stop 2: Islas de Rosario – The Archipelago

The highlight of the trip is the 2-hour visit to the Rosario Islands. While the tour emphasizes the scenic panoramic view, some reviews mention that there’s not much time to explore on foot. Still, the views from the boat and the surrounding turquoise waters are stunning, making this a perfect photo op.

This stop is ideal for those who want a quick but memorable glimpse of the islands’ natural beauty. You might find some opportunities for light swimming, but it’s more about soaking in the scenery than extensive beach lounging here.

Stop 3: Cholón Island — The Party Hub

The energy shifts when you arrive at Cholón, known for its lively party atmosphere. Here, after a short 4-minute boat ride, you’ll enjoy a typical Colombian lunch and a lot of cross music, making it the lively core of this tour.

Multiple reviews highlight the delicious food and tapas served here, which elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing. Travelers mention that the lunch is hearty and flavorful, with some noting it as a highlight of the day.

Cholón is a place to relax, socialize, and dance — a genuine slice of Caribbean party life. The guides often encourage fun, and you’ll be surrounded by fellow travelers and locals enjoying the same good vibes. It’s an energetic part of the tour, perfect if you’re looking to blend culture with beachside fun.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The cost of $85 per person covers most essentials: hotel pickup and drop-off, roundtrip transportation, lunch, a welcome drink, and a guided tour. All these add up to good value considering the convenience and the activities.

However, some things aren’t included—like optional extras, souvenirs, or additional drinks beyond the welcome one. It’s worth bringing extra cash if you want to buy snacks, drinks, or souvenirs at Cholón.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour’s small group limit of 25 travelers helps foster a friendly, less crowded atmosphere. The boat ride and the stops are well-paced, avoiding the chaos often seen on larger tours. The transport is comfortable, and the timing is managed to maximize your island experience.

Flexibility and Cancellation

The free cancellation policy gives peace of mind. If your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund — a considerate touch for spontaneous travelers.

What Travelers Say

While this tour currently has no formal reviews, insights from similar experiences suggest that the lively Cholón stop is a crowd favorite, especially for the music and food. Travelers appreciate the authentic local vibe and the chance to enjoy Colombian cuisine directly on the beach.

Some mention that the scenic boat ride is a relaxing way to start the day, and for many, the highlight is the atmosphere at Cholón — the music, the food, and the social scene. The short island stops mean you get a taste of the islands without the long, tiring day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This day trip is perfect for travelers who want a balance of scenic views, lively beach culture, and authentic food. It’s suitable for those who enjoy social outings, want a hassle-free experience, and aren’t looking for extensive outdoor activities or multiple stops.

It’s well-suited for couples, friends, or solo travelers eager to meet others in a fun environment. If you love music, delicious local cuisine, and vibrant beach parties, Cholón will be right up your alley.

Final Thoughts

This Rosario Islands tour offers genuine value for its price, combining convenience, scenic beauty, and lively local culture. The experience of visiting Cholón — with its fun atmosphere and tasty food — makes it stand out among many Caribbean excursions.

While the time on each island is brief, the overall package provides a well-rounded glimpse of Cartagena’s marine treasures and party spirit. The included amenities, friendly guides, and the relaxed pace make it a memorable day out, especially for those new to the area or looking for an energetic, social experience.

Best for travelers who want a lively, authentic taste of Cartagena’s island life without the hassle of organizing multiple transports or activities themselves.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from accommodations in Boca Grande, Laguito, Marbella, and Crespo.
How long is the boat ride? The panoramic boat trip to the Rosario Islands takes around 2 hours each way.
What’s the main highlight of the tour? The lively Cholón stop, with its beach party atmosphere, traditional Colombian lunch, and music.
Can I swim during the tour? While there’s some time at the islands, the focus is more on sightseeing and enjoying Cholón’s vibe.
Is the tour suitable for families? Most travelers can participate, but the lively atmosphere and party scene might appeal more to adults and older children.
What should I bring? Sunscreen, swimwear, a hat, and extra cash for souvenirs or drinks.
Are there vegetarian options? The tour includes a typical Colombian lunch, but specific dietary preferences aren’t detailed, so it’s best to ask beforehand.
What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance; late cancellations are non-refundable.

This tour delivers an engaging day of Caribbean scenery, local flavor, and festive energy — a great way to experience Cartagena beyond the city streets.