Vibe chill · Travel Guide

How to Visit the Rosario Islands from Cartagena — 2026 Guide

Antoni Mercado

Cartagena Day Tours

March 29, 2026

12 min read

Vibe chill

How to Visit the Rosario Islands from Cartagena — Complete 2026 Guide

The Rosario Islands are located 35 km southwest of Cartagena, inside the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo. Getting there by speedboat from Muelle La Bodeguita takes 45 to 50 minutes. Boats depart between 7:50 and 8:30 AM. You pay two mandatory fees in cash at the pier — approximately COP $40,300 (~$10 USD) per person — and return between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. Book your beach club in advance: the best options sell out 2 to 3 weeks ahead during high season.

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to plan a Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena in 2026 — from choosing the right beach club to pier logistics, fees, the boat crossing, and what to bring.

Browse all Rosario Islands beach clubs — or contact our team on WhatsApp if you want everything organized for you.

Rosario Islands from Cartagena — turquoise Caribbean water aerial view Colombia

Quick Answer: How Do You Get to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena?

You get to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena by speedboat from Muelle La Bodeguita, near the Clock Tower in the Historic Center. The crossing takes 45 to 50 minutes. Boats depart 7:50–8:30 AM daily. You must pay the national park entrance fee (COP $31,500) and maritime insurance (COP $8,800) in cash at the pier before boarding. Return boats leave the islands between 3:00 and 4:00 PM.

Distance from Cartagena to Rosario Islands: 35 km southwest by sea
Travel time: 45–50 minutes by speedboat
Departure point: Muelle La Bodeguita, near the Clock Tower, Historic Center
Departure times: 7:50–8:30 AM
Return: 3:00–4:00 PM from the islands
Pier fees: COP $40,300 (~$10 USD) per person in cash — mandatory for all visitors
Exception: San Pedro de Majagua includes fees in the day pass price

Step 1 — Choose Your Beach Club Before Anything Else

The beach club you choose defines the entire experience — the atmosphere, the food, the service, and how your day feels. Don’t book transportation first and figure out the club later. The Rosario Islands have 14+ beach clubs spread across the archipelago, each targeting a different traveler profile.

The best options by traveler type for a Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena in 2026:

High energy and party: Bora Bora Beach Club ($109) — DJ music, adults-only, the most social island near Cartagena. Rated 4.9/5.
Luxury and gastronomy: Capri Beach Club ($125–$245) — Mediterranean design, professional chef, three plan tiers. Rated 4.8/5.
Boutique couples: Pa’ue Beach Lounge ($127) — swing beds, 2x1 cocktails all day, calm atmosphere. Rated 4.9/5.
Adults-only private island: Corona Island ($216) — unlimited beer, eco-certified, strictly 18+. Rated 4.7/5.
Snorkeling and activities: Mangata Ocean Club ($109) — guided snorkeling, kayaks, bikes, paddleboards. Rated 4.8/5.
Most exclusive: San Pedro de Majagua ($124–$169) — hotel-level service, park fees included, eco-luxury. Rated 4.8/5.
Best value: Pa’ue Beach Lounge ($127) or Isla Bela — solid experience at an accessible price point.

For a full comparison with ratings and prices: Best Beach Clubs in the Rosario Islands — Complete 2026 Ranking.

Step 2 — Book in Advance

The most popular Rosario Islands beach clubs operate with limited daily capacity and sell out fast. During high season in Cartagena — December to March and July to August — clubs like Capri, Pa’ue, and Bora Bora can sell out 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Even in low season, booking 7 to 10 days in advance is strongly recommended.

After booking through Cartagena Day Tours you receive a confirmation with your exact pier gate, departure time, what to bring, and the dock fee amounts — no surprises on the day.

All Rosario Islands day trips from Cartagena in our catalog: Browse all options →

Step 3 — How to Get to Muelle La Bodeguita

All departures for the Rosario Islands leave from Muelle La Bodeguita, located on Avenida Blas de Lezo in El Centro, Cartagena’s Historic Center. It is the main pier for all Cartagena to Rosario Islands boats and is 4 minutes on foot from the Clock Tower. Google Maps: Muelle La Bodeguita

Muelle La Bodeguita Cartagena — departure pier for Rosario Islands day trips Colombia

How to reach the pier from the main neighborhoods in Cartagena:

From Bocagrande — 10 minutes by Uber or taxi, approximately $4–6 USD. Drop off at the Clock Tower.
From the Historic Center (Centro) — 4-minute walk from the Clock Tower. Look for the waterfront promenade.
From Getsemaní — 8–10 minute walk through the walls, or 5 minutes by taxi.
From Castillogrande / Manga — 12–15 minutes by car depending on traffic.
From Zona Norte / El Laguito — 15–20 minutes by Uber.

We offer private hotel-to-pier transfers from any hotel in Cartagena. Ask about hotel transfer on WhatsApp →

Arrive at the pier before 7:30 AM. Boats depart between 7:50 AM and 8:30 AM and will not wait for late arrivals. Look for staff at your beach club’s gate — your confirmation email specifies your gate number.

Step 4 — Pay the National Park Fees in Cash

Two mandatory fees apply to all visitors entering the Rosario Islands national park, paid at Muelle La Bodeguita before boarding. These are government fees collected by Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia — they are not part of any beach club package and cannot be paid by card.

National park entrance: COP $31,500 per person (~$7.50 USD)
Seguro Marítimo (maritime insurance): COP $8,800 per person (~$2 USD)
Total per person: COP $40,300 (~$10 USD)

Bring minimum COP $50,000 per person in cash from your hotel ATM. The pier ATM frequently has a long queue or runs out of cash on busy mornings. Best ATMs in Cartagena: Bancolombia in Bocagrande, Davivienda in Getsemaní, or any ATM in the Historic Center the night before.

Exception: San Pedro de Majagua is the only beach club near Cartagena that includes both fees in the day pass price. No cash needed at the pier if you book Majagua.

Full price breakdown: Rosario Islands Day Trip Cost — 2026 Pricing Guide

Step 5 — The Boat Crossing from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands

The speedboat crossing from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands takes 45 to 50 minutes each way. Life jackets are provided and mandatory to wear during departure. The crossing is generally calm between December and April (dry season) and can be choppy between May and November when the wind picks up.

If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before the crossing — not after. The open Caribbean section between the coast and the island chain is the roughest part. Once inside the archipelago, the water calms significantly.

The view on the crossing is worth the early wake-up. The water transitions from dark bay green to vivid turquoise as the national park boundary approaches. The Rosario Islands appear on the horizon 35 to 40 minutes into the crossing.

Step 6 — Your Day on the Island

On arrival at the Rosario Islands beach club you will be shown to your assigned sunbed or seating area and receive your welcome drink. Most beach clubs include a 3-course Caribbean lunch between 12:00 and 1:30 PM. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available at most clubs during the morning.

Photography tip: the Rosario Islands are most photogenic between 8:00 and 10:30 AM when the light is soft and the beach is uncrowded. If photos matter, make the most of the morning before lunch service.

Want a professional photographer at the island? We arrange on-location photographers and drone sessions. Photoshoot + Drone from $169 →

Step 7 — Return to Cartagena

Return boats from the Rosario Islands to Cartagena depart between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, regulated by the DIMAR maritime authority based on sea conditions. The crossing back takes 45 to 50 minutes and arrives at Muelle La Bodeguita in the Historic Center.

You arrive back in Cartagena between 4:00 and 5:00 PM — enough time for a sunset dinner in the Historic Center, Getsemaní, or Bocagrande. For a sunset on the water instead, combine your Rosario Islands day with an evening sunset cruise in Cartagena Bay from $249.

What to Bring on Your Rosario Islands Day Trip

COP $50,000+ cash per person — for pier fees (~$10 USD) and extras at the club. Get this from a city ATM the night before, not at the pier.
Sunscreen SPF 50+ — apply before leaving your hotel. The 50-minute boat crossing is fully exposed. Reapply every 90 minutes at the island.
Towel — not always provided by beach clubs. Bring one from your hotel.
Swimwear under your clothes — plus a light change of clothes for the return crossing.
Reef-safe sunscreen — required in the national park. Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs.
Waterproof case for your phone — the water is worth photographing. Bring protection.
Hat and sunglasses — the boat crossing has no shade. Essential both ways.
Motion sickness medication — if needed, take before departure, not on the boat.
ID or passport copy — required at the pier for the national park fee.

Is There a Ferry from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands?

No. There is no public ferry service from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands in 2026. All transportation operates through licensed speedboat operators departing from Muelle La Bodeguita. The boats are privately operated but publicly accessible — your beach club day pass includes the round-trip speedboat crossing. There is no independent ferry option for public use.

Can I Visit the Rosario Islands by Private Boat?

Yes. Private boat charters from Cartagena can include the Rosario Islands as a stop on a custom itinerary. This is the most flexible option: your group departs at its own time, visits multiple islands, and includes a beach club stop for lunch if desired. Popular for groups of 6 or more, honeymoons, and birthdays. Private catamaran charters from $459 — private speedboats from $499.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far are the Rosario Islands from Cartagena?

The Rosario Islands are approximately 35 km (22 miles) southwest of Cartagena, inside the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo. The speedboat crossing from Muelle La Bodeguita takes 45 to 50 minutes each way.

How long is the boat ride from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands?

45 to 50 minutes by speedboat from Muelle La Bodeguita. The crossing is direct — there are no intermediate stops. Sea conditions vary by season: calmer from December to April, choppier from May to November.

What time do boats leave for the Rosario Islands from Cartagena?

Boats depart from Muelle La Bodeguita between 7:50 AM and 8:30 AM. Arrive at the pier before 7:30 AM. Return boats from the islands depart between 3:00 and 4:00 PM and arrive back in Cartagena around 4:30–5:00 PM.

Is there a ferry from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands?

No. There is no public ferry service from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands. All transportation uses licensed private speedboats departing from Muelle La Bodeguita. The boat crossing is included in every beach club day pass.

What does the national park fee cost for the Rosario Islands?

COP $31,500 per person (~$7.50 USD) for the national park entrance, plus COP $8,800 (~$2 USD) for maritime insurance. Total: approximately COP $40,300 (~$10 USD) per person, paid in cash at the pier before boarding. San Pedro de Majagua is the only club that includes this in the day pass price.

Which is the best Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena?

For most travelers: Bora Bora Beach Club ($109, 4.9/5) for social energy, Capri Beach Club ($125, 4.8/5) for luxury and gastronomy, or Pa’ue Beach Lounge ($127, 4.9/5) for boutique couples. For the most exclusive experience: Corona Island ($216, adults-only) or San Pedro de Majagua ($124–$169, park fees included). Full comparison: Best Beach Clubs in the Rosario Islands.

Can I visit the Rosario Islands without booking in advance?

Technically possible in low season for some clubs. Not recommended. The best clubs have limited daily capacity and sell out, especially on weekends and during December–March and July–August peak season. Book at least 7 days in advance, ideally 2–3 weeks for popular clubs during high season.

Are the Rosario Islands in Cartagena worth visiting?

Yes — consistently one of the most recommended day trips in Colombia. The turquoise water inside the national park marine reserve is unlike anything accessible from Cartagena itself. The quality of the experience depends heavily on which beach club you choose and how you book. Full honest review: Is Rosario Island Worth Visiting in 2026?

What is the best time of year to visit the Rosario Islands from Cartagena?

December to March is peak season — best water clarity (10–15m visibility), calmest sea conditions, most reliable boat crossings. July–August is a second peak. The rainy season (April–May, September–October) brings occasional afternoon showers and fewer crowds. Island day trips are viable year-round from Cartagena.

What is the difference between the Rosario Islands, Barú, and Tierra Bomba?

The Rosario Islands have the best water clarity near Cartagena (inside a protected national park) and the widest selection of beach clubs, but require a 45-minute boat crossing and a mandatory pier fee. Tierra Bomba is 15–20 minutes away with no pier fee and no park fee — less variety but faster access. Barú is accessible by land or boat with no pier fee — the best eco-luxury option. Full comparison: Tierra Bomba vs Rosario Islands vs Barú.