Cartagena: All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day spent soaking up Caribbean sunshine, exploring coral reefs, and relaxing on pristine beaches, this all-inclusive Rosario Islands speedboat tour might just be your ticket. Promising a combination of scenic cruising, cultural sights, and underwater adventures, it’s designed for travelers looking for a balanced mix of comfort, fun, and authentic experiences. As with many group tours, it has its pros and cons, but overall, it offers solid value and memorable moments.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are its native English-speaking guide assistance and the included entry to the Oceanarium, which can be a real highlight for those eager to learn about local marine life. The vegetarian lunch is another nice touch, catering to different dietary preferences and freeing you from extra costs. That said, some travelers have found the lunch disappointing, citing dryness and uninspiring food, so keep your expectations in check if you’re a foodie. Also, pregnant women and those with mobility issues are advised to skip this activity, due to the boat’s speed and physical demands.

This tour works well for active travelers who enjoy boat rides, scenic views, and a bit of exploration. It’s perfect if you’re flexible, curious, and looking for a hassle-free way to visit the Rosario Islands without the stress of planning every detail yourself. But if you prioritize relaxed lounging or have specific needs, consider whether this tour’s pace and structure match your travel style.

Key Points

• Includes essential amenities: Entrance to the oceanarium, lunch, taxes, and guide assistance.
• Fast-paced adventure: The speedboat trip is quick and bumpy, ideal for thrill-seekers.
• Multiple activity options: Snorkeling, oceanarium visit, and beach breaks.
• Cultural highlights: Forts visible from the boat add a historical touch.
• Limited free time: Around 2 hours at Playa Blanca and Barú is brief but enough to enjoy the scenery.
• Mixed reviews on lunch and guides: Some find the food disappointing; guide assistance varies.

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The Real Deal: What to Expect on This Tour

Starting Point and Early Morning Routine

We appreciate that the tour begins early, with pickups from Bocagrande or El Laguito, or alternatively, guests can meet at the Bodeguita dock. The evening before, you’ll receive clear instructions about your pickup time—around 7:50 am if staying locally—and the necessity of arriving promptly to ensure a smooth start. The staff at the dock is identifiable in bright turquoise or white, and their professionalism helps set a welcoming tone.

Once onboard, you’ll verify your reservation, receive your lunch voucher, and wait for official clearance. The process is straightforward but expect a bit of a wait—granted, part of the adventure is the anticipation.

The Speedboat Experience

The boat ride itself is fast and lively, with a few bumps depending on sea conditions—a fact that might concern some, especially pregnant women or those with mobility challenges. We loved the thrill of zipping across the water, passing by Tierra Bomba Island with its four districts, and viewing the historic forts of San Fernando and San José. These forts, built by the Spanish during the colonial period, add a layer of history to your scenic journey.

The approximately 45-minute crossing to the Rosario Islands feels like a mini adventure in itself. The boat’s navigation is handled by experienced sailors, but the ride can get choppy. It’s worth noting that no bath or swimming is permitted around the Forts, due to high boat traffic—an important safety point.

Arrival at Isla Barú and Playa Blanca

Your first stop is Isla Barú, specifically the quiet beach area where the tour’s restaurant is located. The setting is postcard-perfect—crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and lush greenery. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch, which is pre-selected according to your plan—options include fish, coconut rice, plantains, and salad. The tables are reserved for lunch, but chairs and tents are available for rent if you want a more private spot or protection from the sun.

Guests have around 2 hours in this area, which is enough for a quick swim, a walk along the beach, or a few scenic photos. The reviews indicate some dissatisfaction with the quality of the food, describing it as “very dry,” but the setting compensates for that. We think the value here lies in the spectacular scenery and the chance to relax in a peaceful environment.

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Snorkeling and Oceanarium Time

After lunch, the tour splits into two options: snorkel or visit the oceanarium. You’ll get about 45 minutes to an hour for either activity. The oceanarium offers a chance to explore marine life without getting wet, which some travelers find more manageable, especially those less comfortable with snorkeling.

Participants who opt for snorkeling may find the experience somewhat chaotic, according to reviews, with too many visitors crowding the spots, making it hard to see fish or enjoy the underwater scenery. If your group includes children or less experienced swimmers, the oceanarium might be the safer and more engaging choice.

While at the oceanarium, you’ll get guided insights into marine species, making it both fun and educational. Those not doing activities must wait outside or walk around—no swimming or bathing is permitted here due to boat traffic.

Visiting Playa Blanca

The highlight for many is the visit to Playa Blanca, the most iconic beach of the tour. With clear waters and fine white sand, it’s a picture-perfect location. You’ll have a couple of hours to swim, stroll, or simply lounge while enjoying the panoramic views. A review from a traveler mentions that the beach was “very beautiful,” but another felt that the time was slightly rushed for full relaxation.

Expect busy watersports vendors and plenty of photo opportunities. If you’re after a relaxing swim or a scenic walk, you’ll find this stretch of coast quite captivating, although it can be crowded.

Return Journey and Final Stops

Post-lunch and activities, the tour heads back via speedboat to Isla Barú, then continues toward the Oceanarium for a quick visit, followed by a return trip to Cartagena. The whole journey takes about 7 hours, balancing adventure with enough downtime to enjoy the scenery.

The trip wraps up at the Bodeguita dock, usually around 4 pm, giving you time to reflect on a full day of excitement. Based on reviews, the guides are generally knowledgeable, and the boat’s fast pace is exhilarating—though some travelers found the guides a bit impatient or not as helpful as expected.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Timing is key: The tour departs between 8:30 am and 9:00 am, so punctuality is essential.
• Bring essentials: Sunscreen, hats, and waterproof clothing are advisable, as you’ll get wet on the boat and in the water.
• Food and drink: The included lunch is handy, but if you’re particular about food quality, consider bringing your own snacks.
• Physical demands: The boat ride can be bumpy, and activities are not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.
• Cost vs. value: At $81, the tour offers a lot—transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and guided insights—but be mindful of the brief beach and activity times.
• Reviews note inconsistency: While many enjoy the day, some mention chaotic snorkeling experiences or mediocre food, so keep expectations realistic.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for energetic travelers who love boat rides, scenic views, and a mix of cultural and marine activities. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a fast-paced day and want to see some key highlights without worrying about logistics. If you seek a relaxing, quiet day on the beach, you might find this tour a bit rushed or loud. It’s also a good choice if you’re interested in the oceanarium or historical forts, adding extra layers to your experience.

The Sum Up

For travelers eager to explore the Rosario Islands without the hassle of planning each step, this all-inclusive speedboat tour offers solid value. You’ll enjoy the thrill of the ride, stunning views of Cartagena’s coast and forts, and the chance to visit iconic beaches like Playa Blanca. The included lunch and guided insights enhance the experience, though some might find the food and snorkeling chaos less than perfect.

This tour shines brightest for those craving a combination of adventure, sightseeing, and cultural touchpoints—all packed into a compact, well-organized day. If you’re flexible, love water activities, and want a taste of Caribbean island life, it’s worth considering.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments. Children might enjoy the oceanarium or beach, but the speedboat’s speed and physical demands could be challenging for some.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers port taxes, entrance to the oceanarium, round-trip speedboat transportation, lunch (fish, coconut rice, plantain, salad), a guide, and optional dolphin show or snorkeling.

Can I choose my lunch option?
Yes, lunch options are predefined based on your plan. The restaurant reservation is for a specific seating area, and chairs or tents can be rented separately.

How long is each stop?
Expect about 2 hours at Playa Blanca, 45 minutes to 1 hour at the oceanarium or snorkeling, and a brief time at Barú Island. The overall tour lasts approximately 7 hours.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, waterproof clothing, and possibly cash for renting chairs or tents. Be prepared to get wet on the boat.

Are there any hidden costs?
Extras like chairs, tents, or additional activities are not included. Be aware that drinks like beers are not covered and would need to be purchased separately.

Is the tour flexible?
The schedule is quite fixed, but some options like snorkeling or the oceanarium are flexible. However, timing and activity choices may be limited once on site.

This Rosario Islands speedboat tour offers an energetic, well-rounded day in Cartagena’s nearby paradise—perfect for those who want adventure, beautiful scenery, and a taste of local culture in one package.

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