How Much Does a Rosario Islands Day Trip Cost — 2026 Prices
The question isn't really how much it costs. The question is what it's worth. A day on the Rosario Islands — the right beach club, turquoise water that looks like it belongs in a travel magazine, Caribbean food, good company — is worth more than most things you'll spend money on in Cartagena.
But since you're here for the numbers: this guide gives you the real 2026 prices across all three island destinations, the mandatory fees most tourists don't know about, what's included in every tier, and exactly what to budget so there are no surprises at the pier.
A beach club day pass in Cartagena, Colombia costs between $72 and $216 USD per person in 2026. Most travelers spend $100–$130 USD all-in, including the mandatory national park fee (~$10 USD cash) for Rosario Islands trips.
Beach Club Day Pass Cost by Island Zone
Rosario Islands beach clubs average $100–$130 USD and are the most popular. Tierra Bomba offers the closest option ($50–$120 USD, 10–20 min from the city) with no dock fee. Barú runs $60–$100 USD with a more natural, less developed beach experience.
| Island Zone | Day Pass Range | Travel Time | Dock Fee | Water Clarity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosario Islands Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario | $72 – $216 USD | 45–55 min speedboat | ~$10 USD cashPark fee + maritime insurance | Crystal turquoise10–15m visibility | Beach clubs, coral reefs, full-day experiences |
| Tierra Bomba Closest island to Cartagena | $50 – $120 USD | 10–20 min speedboat | No fee | GoodLess clear than Rosario | Luxury, wellness, party, boutique clubs |
| Barú / Playa Blanca Peninsula south of Cartagena | $60 – $100 USD | 45–60 min boat | No fee | BeautifulLong white-sand beach | Natural beach, authentic Caribbean |
Not sure which zone fits your travel style? Tierra Bomba vs Rosario Islands vs Barú — Full 2026 Comparison →
Why the Rosario Islands Are Non-Negotiable on Any Cartagena Itinerary
The Rosario Islands are protected inside the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo, a 120,000-hectare marine reserve active since 1988. Water visibility averages 10–15 meters. Temperature stays 27–30°C year-round — conditions found nowhere else near Cartagena.
Travel writers, long-term expats, and first-time visitors all say the same thing: you cannot leave Cartagena without visiting the Rosario Islands. Not because it's the only experience worth having — Cartagena's walled city, the food, the nightlife are all world-class. But because the islands offer something the city cannot: a complete disconnection.
What you're actually paying for
2026 Beach Club Day Pass Prices — Every Club, Every Tier
Day passes range from $72 USD (Isla Bela, budget) to $216 USD (Corona Island, ultra-luxury). Mid-range clubs like Bora Bora and Pao Pao run $108–$109 USD. Luxury options — Capri and Paue — start at $125–$127 USD. All prices include round-trip speedboat, lunch, and beach access.
Every experience below departs from Muelle de La Bodeguita, Cartagena's main island departure pier in the historic district. Boats leave between 7:50 and 8:30 AM — arrive 15 minutes early.
Rosario Islands Beach Clubs
The Rosario Islands have the widest selection of beach clubs near Cartagena, ranging from budget-friendly escapes to ultra-exclusive private retreats. All operate inside the protected national park. See the full Rosario Islands ranking →
Tierra Bomba Beach Clubs — 10–20 Min from Cartagena
Tierra Bomba beach clubs range from $50 (Kabanna) to $120 USD (Makani Luxury). No national park dock fee. Only 10–20 minutes by speedboat from Bocagrande — the fastest Caribbean escape from Cartagena.
Full Tierra Bomba beach club guide →
Read also: Makani Luxury Beach Club — Complete Review →
Barú Beach Clubs — Authentic Caribbean, Playa Blanca
Barú beach clubs range from $60–$100 USD. No dock fee. Playa Blanca is one of Colombia's most photographed white-sand beaches — longer journey but more natural and authentic than the Rosario Islands clubs.
Barú Beach Clubs — Complete Day Pass Guide 2026 →
What's Included in a Cartagena Beach Club Day Pass
A standard day pass includes: round-trip speedboat from Muelle de La Bodeguita, a welcome drink, sun lounger, and Caribbean lunch. It does not include the Rosario Islands national park dock fee (~$10 USD cash), extra drinks, or optional activities.
Exception: San Pedro de Majagua includes both pier fees (~$10 USD total) in the day pass price. No cash needed at the pier.
Total Rosario Islands Day Trip Cost — Realistic Budget Per Person
Budget $100–$270 USD per person for a full Rosario Islands day trip in 2026. The day pass is $72–$216 USD; mandatory pier fees add ~$10 USD in cash; extra drinks and tips are optional but typical.
Get COP 50,000+ (~$12 USD) per person in cash from a Bancolombia or Davivienda ATM in the city — not at the airport (worst rate) and not from the pier ATM (long queues, often out of cash). Best ATMs are in Bocagrande near your hotel. Exception: San Pedro de Majagua includes all pier fees in the tariff.
Which Beach Club Is Right for Your Budget?
For budget travelers: Isla Bela at $72 USD — same national park water as premium clubs. Mid-range: Bora Bora at $109 USD — most recognized. Luxury: Capri at $125 USD — TripAdvisor Top 3 of 253 things to do in Cartagena.
| Your Profile | Recommended Club | Price | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| First time, budget-conscious | Isla Bela | $72 | Same national park water, solid experience, no frills |
| Party, groups, bachelor/bachelorette | Bora Bora | $109 | DJ all day, 800+ Viator reviews, iconic Caribbean energy |
| Couples, romance, honeymoon | Paue Beach Lounge | $127 | Swing beds, intimate atmosphere, 45-min archipelago tour |
| Luxury, best service | Capri Beach Club | $125 | TripAdvisor Top 3 Cartagena, Mediterranean style, limited capacity |
| Nature lovers, snorkeling | Pao Pao | $109 | Coral park, mangroves, guided snorkeling, family-friendly |
| Maximum privacy, no crowds | San Pedro de Majagua | $124 (fees incl.) | Eco-luxury private island, limited daily visitors, coral reefs |
| Closest to city, short on time | Makani (Tierra Bomba) | $100 | 15–20 min from Bocagrande, infinity pool, spa, no dock fee |
| Best budget, no pier fee | Kabanna (Tierra Bomba) | $50 | Open bar, DJ, great value, 10–15 min from city |
Need help deciding? Let Antoni plan your perfect island day → — free, responds within 2 hours.
Beach Club Day Pass vs. Private Boat Rental — Which Costs More?
A private boat rental costs more per person than a beach club day pass but gives full flexibility to visit multiple islands. Day passes ($72–$127 USD) suit structured all-inclusive experiences. Private boats work best for groups of 6+ wanting custom itineraries.
Beach Club Day Pass
Fixed price per person
Boat + lunch + beach included
Best for couples, solo travelers
Fixed schedule (7:50–8:30 AM)
Private Boat Rental
Full flexibility — your schedule
Visit multiple islands in one day
Best for groups of 6+
Higher cost for small groups
Private Boat Rental in Cartagena — Complete Guide →
When Are Beach Club Prices Higher in Cartagena?
Peak season runs December–March and July–August. During these periods, Capri, Paue, and Bora Bora sell out 2–3 weeks in advance, especially on weekends. Weekday visits in May–June or October offer the same water quality with easier availability.
Seasonal Pricing Guide — Rosario Islands 2026
Peak Season (Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug): Drier skies, best water visibility (10–15m), warmest temperatures (28–30°C / 82–86°F). Book Capri, Paue, and Bora Bora 2–3 weeks ahead. Weekend spots disappear fastest.
Shoulder Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov): Short tropical showers, still great beach weather. 7–10 days advance booking usually sufficient. Slightly lower occupancy at premium clubs.
Best value window: Weekday visits in May–June or October — same water quality, easier availability.
If you're visiting between Christmas and Carnival (January–February), send a WhatsApp message as soon as your flights are confirmed — not one week out. The clubs I recommend at $125–$127 have genuine capacity limits. By the time most people think to book, the dates are gone.
Group Pricing — Can You Get a Better Rate for Larger Groups?
Groups of 6 or more can arrange dedicated boats, custom itineraries, and better pricing through Cartagena Day Tours. Contact us before booking individual tickets — group options aren't listed on the public pricing page.
If you're organizing a group trip, corporate retreat, bachelor or bachelorette weekend, or family reunion — contact us before booking individual tickets. Groups of 6+ have access to dedicated speedboats, combined beach club + private island experiences, and flexible return schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions — Costs, Fees & Value
Yes — consistently. The Rosario Islands are rated by long-term Cartagena residents and first-time international visitors alike as a non-negotiable on any Cartagena itinerary. The water clarity inside the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo, the beach club infrastructure, and the complete separation from the city delivers an experience that Cartagena's urban beaches simply cannot replicate.
No — cash only, in Colombian pesos. The total is COP 40,300 per person (~$10 USD): COP 31,500 national park fee + COP 8,800 maritime insurance. Get cash from a Bancolombia or Davivienda ATM in Bocagrande or El Centro the night before. Exception: San Pedro de Majagua includes both fees in the tariff — no cash needed.
Isla Bela at $72 USD is the smartest budget pick — same protected national park water as the $125 clubs. For mid-range value, Bora Bora at $109 USD consistently delivers. For luxury value, Capri at $125 USD is the most consistently praised experience across all review platforms.
A 10% service charge is typically added automatically to your final check at Colombian restaurants and clubs — standard practice. It is not legally mandatory. You can ask to have it removed, though most travelers leave it as a gratuity for the staff.
Shared group tours from $30–50 USD exist, departing from Muelle de Los Pegasos. They typically don't include assigned seating, a proper beach club, or structured lunch. The curated day pass starting at $72 USD (Isla Bela) is the minimum for a genuine, organized beach club experience with confirmed transport, seating, and food.
San Pedro de Majagua includes both fees (COP 40,300 / ~$10 USD total) in the day pass price. No cash needed at the pier. The experience also includes three lunch options and snorkeling access on the island's coral reef.
Most departures from Muelle de La Bodeguita in Cartagena's historic center take place between 7:50 AM and 8:30 AM. Exact departure times vary by club and are confirmed after booking. Return crossings depart the island between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. Arrive at the pier 15 minutes early.
Booking through Cartagena Day Tours gives you the same price as booking directly with the club — no added fees. What you get in addition: fast English-language confirmation within 2 hours, clear documentation of what's included, WhatsApp support before and on the day, and personalized guidance on which club fits your group. We are a registered US LLC with full transparency on pricing and policies.
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