4 Cartagena Island Hopping Tours to Build a Day Around

1.Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,479 reviews · 7h 30m · from $107Our pick

Sail from Cartagena’s Bodeguita Dock to the Rosario Islands on a spacious, wheelchair-accessible catamaran. You’ll get a welcome fruit drink, snacks, two swim stops, snorkel gear, lunch, and free soft drinks. Expect a Spanish-led outing with some bilingual announcements, open-water swimming, music, and a smooth ride back.

“A great day out. Well organised with minimal hassle, friendly staff, and clean facilities. The food was good and plentiful, with unlimited soft drinks. We stopped in clear waters and were given plenty of time to swim. Overall, I would definitely recommend this trip. The highlight of the day was the return journey. It was a bit windy, and as the catamaran dipped into the sea, water splashed over us — which we all loved.”

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2.Full Day Tour of Five Premium Islands in Cartagena

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 337 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $110

Spend a full day from Cartagena visiting Rosario-area islands, snorkeling near Isla Grande, stopping at party-focused Cholon, swimming at Isla Agua Azul, and waiting at Playa Tranquila Baru for bioluminescent plankton. Lunch is included, but bring water, towels, cash, and your own snorkel.

“I got robbed during this tour… I always travel and this is the first time I got robbed during a tour because it was supposed to be safe with the crew… I mentioned this situation to the guide (Jafet Ruiz) and he didn't just give me attitude but also blocked me on WhatsApp which it makes me believe he was involved in the robbery because I talked to another tourist who was on the same tour as me and they also got robbed… I don't recommend this for anyone!!! Do not book this tour for your travel to Cartagena because they're going to do the same to you…”

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3.5 Island Tour with Lunch Snorkel in Cartagena Rosario Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 94 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $110

Spend about seven hours visiting Bocachica, Isla Grande, Rosario reefs, Cholón, Agua Azul, and Playa Tranquila Barú. A bilingual guide, lunch, beach chairs, and a snorkeling mask are included. Expect a lively speedboat ride, loud music, vendors, and no snorkeling tube.

“Our tour guide was great. I believe her name is Miranda. She help translate for the bill when eating. Only con is going back, the captain drives fast and it is very bumpy. I would not advise to older people or very young kids.”

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4.5-Island Trip by Boat with Lunch and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 82 reviews · from $89Best value

Spend 10 hours exploring Bocachica, the Rosario Islands, Isla Grande, Cholón, and Tranquila Beach by sports boat. Expect snorkeling, water activities, seafood tasting, lunch, and a night stop for glowing plankton. English and Spanish guides are available, with David praised for leading water activities.

“Brilliant tour. Boat was fun! The bioluminescence plankton was so cool, a must if you do this trip. The food was nice. The only thing we weren't too keen on was Cholon island. It was really busy, party place (maybe this is what you're after) standing in the water that just felt dirty. But other than that an amazing trip! We loved it!”

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