Frequently Asked Questions

Booking takes less than 2 minutes. Browse experiences at island day passes, select your preferred beach club, choose your date and number of guests, and complete checkout. Payment is processed securely via Stripe. You'll receive a pending confirmation email immediately and a full booking confirmation within 2 hours once we verify availability with the operator.

Your card is authorized at the time of booking and charged only once we confirm availability with the operator — usually within 2 hours. If we cannot confirm your experience for any reason, you will not be charged.

Yes — especially during high season (December–March and July–August). Popular clubs like Bora Bora and Capri can sell out days or weeks in advance. We recommend booking at least 3–5 days ahead in peak season. In low season, 1–2 days is usually sufficient.

You'll receive two emails: an immediate pending confirmation right after booking, and a full confirmation within 2 hours once we verify your spot with the operator. The confirmation includes your exact departure time, meeting point, what to bring, dock fee reminder, and a direct contact for questions.

All payments are processed through Stripe — one of the world's most trusted payment platforms — with 256-bit SSL encryption. Cartagena Day Tours is a registered US LLC (Illinois). Your card details are never stored on our servers.

Yes — simply select the number of guests during checkout. For large groups (10+ people) or special event bookings, contact us directly via WhatsApp or email for group pricing and availability.

Standard beach club day passes follow the club's set schedule. For a fully customizable experience, a private boat rental allows you to design your own itinerary — choose between speedboats, catamarans, or yachts. Contact us via WhatsApp for special requests like anniversary setups, birthday surprises, or dietary requirements.

Travel insurance is recommended for any international trip. Basic maritime insurance is included in your boat transfer. For comprehensive coverage of cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings, we recommend purchasing a separate travel insurance policy before your trip.

Most beach club day passes include: round-trip speedboat from Cartagena, welcome cocktail, reserved sun lounger or beach bed, Caribbean lunch (fish, chicken, vegetarian options), and full-day access to the club's beach, pool where available, and facilities. Specific inclusions vary by club — always check the product page before booking.

Not included in most day passes: the national park entrance fee for Rosario Islands (~$9.50 USD per person, paid in cash at the pier), extra drinks beyond the welcome cocktail, additional food outside the set lunch, water sports equipment rental, spa services, and tips. See our full pricing breakdown for details on costs.

The Rosario Islands are a protected national marine park. The Colombian government requires all visitors to pay a mandatory entrance fee of COP 31,500 (~$7.50 USD) plus a Seguro Marítimo maritime insurance of COP 8,800 (~$2 USD) — total approximately $9.50 USD per person, paid in cash at the pier. This cannot legally be bundled into online bookings. One exception: San Pedro de Majagua includes fees in the tariff. Tierra Bomba and Barú do not require this fee.

Yes — lunch is included in most beach club day passes. Options typically include fish, chicken, pasta, vegetarian dishes, and traditional Caribbean coastal food. Premium clubs like Capri and Pa'ue offer more elaborate menus with fresh seafood, ceviches, paella, and international options. Outside food and alcohol are not permitted at most clubs.

Most beach clubs do not provide towels. We recommend bringing your own towel from your hotel. Water shoes are also useful at beaches with rocky or coral shorelines. See our complete packing guide for the Rosario Islands.

Most premium beach clubs accept credit and debit cards for extras on-site. However, connectivity on the islands can occasionally be limited, so we recommend bringing some cash (USD or COP) as a backup — especially for the dock fee and smaller purchases.

Most Rosario Islands experiences depart from Muelle de La Bodeguita — located in Cartagena's historic center, just steps from the walled city. Tierra Bomba tours depart from the pier behind Hospital de Bocagrande in the Bocagrande neighborhood. Exact meeting point details are confirmed in your booking email.

Boats to the Rosario Islands typically depart between 7:50 AM and 8:30 AM. Return boats depart the islands between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, arriving back in Cartagena around 4:00–5:00 PM. Tierra Bomba departures are more flexible due to the shorter journey. Exact times are confirmed in your booking email.

Boat rides to the Rosario Islands take approximately 45–50 minutes by speedboat. Tierra Bomba is much closer — just 10–20 minutes by boat. Barú can be reached by boat (50–60 minutes) or by private land transfer (approximately 90 minutes).

Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure to pay pier fees in cash and check in. Muelle de La Bodeguita can be busy in the mornings, especially during high season. Boats depart on schedule and will not wait for late arrivals.

Light rain does not cancel island tours — the Caribbean is tropical and brief showers are completely normal. Tours are only cancelled if maritime authorities restrict navigation due to genuinely unsafe sea conditions. If your tour is cancelled for safety reasons, you receive a full refund or free rescheduling. Read our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Cartagena for seasonal weather details.

Yes — the Rosario Islands are a safe, well-established destination for tourists. All boat transportation is regulated by Colombian maritime authorities. Life jackets are provided on all boats. All operators we work with are vetted for safety and reliability. For general safety advice, read our Cartagena safety tips guide.

For most visitors with fewer than 5 nights in Cartagena, a day trip is the best option. If you have 5+ nights, spending a night on the islands can be a memorable experience. Read our complete Rosario Islands day trip guide for a full breakdown of what to expect.

Rosario Islands — 45–50 min by boat. Crystal-clear water, 30+ islands, widest selection of beach clubs, national park. Best for most travelers who want the full Caribbean island experience. Tierra Bomba — 10–20 min by boat. Closest island, no national park fee, flexible schedule, great for wellness or quick escapes. Barú — reachable by boat or private land transfer. Home to Playa Blanca, more traditional Caribbean atmosphere, and two world-class luxury properties. Read our full destination comparison.

Yes — the Rosario Islands are consistently rated the best day trip from Cartagena. They're part of a protected national marine park with over 30 coral islands, crystal-clear turquoise water, excellent snorkeling, and the widest selection of premium beach clubs near Cartagena. Read our honest review for a detailed answer.

It depends on your priorities. Choose the Rosario Islands for clearer water, more beach club variety, and the most complete Caribbean experience. Choose Tierra Bomba if you want the closest island with the shortest boat ride, no national park fee, and a flexible schedule. Read our detailed comparison.

Yes — the Rosario Islands have some of the best snorkeling in Colombia. Mangata includes the Escobar plane wreck snorkel, the Top 3 Islands tour includes a dedicated reef stop, and San Pedro de Majagua has excellent natural snorkeling. Equipment can be rented at most clubs.

Yes — through island hopping tours. The Top 3 Rosario Islands Tour visits three different locations in one day, combining beach stops, snorkeling, and sightseeing. Island hopping is more fast-paced than a beach club day pass. You can also browse private boat rentals for a fully customizable multi-island day.

The best time is during the dry season from December to April — calm seas, clear skies, and best water visibility. July and August are also excellent. The islands can be visited year-round. High season means higher demand and earlier booking required. Read our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Cartagena for a complete seasonal breakdown.

Bora Bora is the most social — adults-only with DJ. Capri is rated #3 on TripAdvisor and excellent for a premium experience. Pa'ue is the best boutique luxury option. San Pedro de Majagua is the most exclusive. Isla Bela offers the best value. Read our complete beach club comparison.

Makani Luxury Club is the top option — largest pool, full spa, resort-style experience. Éteka is best for boho wellness. Kabanna is unique for its Nikkei cuisine and stays open until 11 PM. Namasté is ideal for holistic relaxation. Browse all Tierra Bomba experiences.

Top choices for couples: Pa'ue Beach Lounge for boutique luxury and intimacy, Éteka for a boho spa experience, San Pedro de Majagua for exclusive private island vibes. Browse all luxury beach clubs for the most refined options.

Best family-friendly options: Capri Beach Club (safe waters, excellent facilities), Kabanna on Tierra Bomba (close to the city, calm waters), and Nena at Playa Blanca. Always check whether your chosen club is adults-only before booking. Browse all family-friendly island experiences.

Top picks for celebrations: IBBIZA Island (high-energy DJ, party atmosphere), Bora Bora (adults-only, music all day), and Kabanna on Tierra Bomba (open until 11 PM). All three accommodate group bookings. Browse all party beach clubs.

Yes. Bora Bora Beach Club is the most popular adults-only option. IBBIZA is focused on parties and celebrations for adults. Browse all adults-only beach clubs for the full selection.

Yes. For a fully private experience, a private boat rental gives you a dedicated boat and captain to design your own island itinerary — with speedboats, catamarans, and yachts available. For premium semi-private environments, San Pedro de Majagua and Pa'ue both offer low-capacity, exclusive settings.

Cancellations made more than 72 hours before departure receive a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours are non-refundable. If your tour is cancelled by the operator due to unsafe sea conditions, you receive a full refund or free rescheduling — your choice.

Free rescheduling is available up to 48 hours before your departure, subject to availability at the new date. Rescheduled experiences are valid for 12 months at the same price originally paid.

If maritime authorities cancel navigation due to unsafe conditions, you will receive a full refund or free rescheduling — your choice. We contact you as early as possible if there is any issue. Light rain does not cancel tours.

Contact us as soon as possible via WhatsApp or email if you need to adjust your guest count. Changes are subject to availability and may require a price adjustment. Reductions within 72 hours may not be refundable.

Bring: swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+ minimum), sunglasses, a hat, your own towel, water shoes (useful at rocky beaches), a small dry bag for valuables, cash for the dock fee (~$9.50 USD for Rosario Islands) and any extras, and your booking confirmation. Outside food and alcohol are not permitted at most clubs. Read our complete packing guide for a full checklist.

For Rosario Islands: budget at least $15 USD per person in cash for the national park fees (~$9.50) and pier extras. For additional drinks, tips, or water sports, $20–40 USD is comfortable. Tierra Bomba and Barú don't require the park fee.

Yes — many beach clubs are family-friendly. Best options for families: Capri, Kabanna, and Nena at Playa Blanca. Always check whether your chosen club is adults-only before booking. Browse all family-friendly experiences.

The speedboat ride to the Rosario Islands (45–50 min) can be choppy in certain conditions. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before departure. Tierra Bomba (10–20 min) is much less likely to cause issues due to the short journey.

USD is widely accepted at the pier for dock fees. Colombian Pesos (COP) are accepted everywhere. Most premium beach clubs accept credit cards for on-site purchases. Online booking through Cartagena Day Tours is priced and charged in USD.

Cartagena Day Tours (CDT) is a US-based travel company (Illinois LLC) specializing in curated island day trips and beach club experiences from Cartagena, Colombia. CDT personally vets every experience it offers and handles booking, coordination with operators, and guest support from start to finish.

Booking directly with clubs is more complex — you'd need to arrange your own boat, negotiate dock access, and handle logistics separately. CDT bundles everything into one booking with transparent pricing, pre-confirmed access, and direct English-language support. Our prices are equivalent to arranging it yourself, with significantly less hassle.

Via WhatsApp (fastest response), by email at info@cartagenadaytours.com, or via SMS for US travelers. Response time is typically under 2 hours during business hours.

Yes — some CDT experiences are listed on Viator and GetYourGuide. However, booking directly at cartagenadaytours.com gives you access to the full catalog, better pricing (no OTA commission markup), and direct communication with our team.