Cartagena Island Hopping — Top 3 Islands Tour & What to Expect
Island hopping in Cartagena lets you visit multiple Rosario Islands in one day. Here's the honest guide to what's included, who it's best for, and how it compares to a beach club day pass.
See the Top 3 Islands Tour →What is Cartagena island hopping?
Planning your full Rosario Islands day? Start with our complete guide here: Rosario Islands Day Trip Guide →
Cartagena island hopping means visiting multiple islands or beach stops in a single day by speedboat, usually through the Rosario Islands National Park. Instead of spending the full day at one beach club, you make several stops for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and lunch — experiencing the breadth of the archipelago in one trip.
The most popular island hopping option near Cartagena is the Top 3 Rosario Islands Tour — a structured day trip that takes you to three different stops: Pao Pao, Islabela, and Bora Bora. Adults only (18+).
Three islands. One day. Each completely different.
With the Top 3 Islands tour you visit Pao Pao, Islabela, and Bora Bora in a single day — with speedboat transportation, welcome cocktails at each stop, lunch at Islabela, and a bilingual guide throughout the experience.
Natural environment with mangroves and crystal-clear waters. Quiet areas, attentive service, and sea birds that live on the island.
Serene beach with natural shade. Welcome cocktail on arrival. Lunch with 3 options: fish, chicken, or vegetarian.
The most lively stop — festive atmosphere and great energy. The perfect way to close the day before returning to Cartagena.
Full day itinerary
Schedules may vary depending on weather and sea conditions.
Included
Not included
Top 3 Rosario Islands Tour
Three island stops in one day — the best way to experience the breadth of the Rosario Islands without committing to a single location. Ideal for first-time visitors and travelers who want variety over relaxation.
From per person
COP 510,000 · + ~$10 USD pier fees (cash)
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Pros and considerations of island hopping in Cartagena
What island hopping does well: It gives you a broader view of the Rosario Islands in a single day. You'll experience different environments, water conditions, and island settings that you wouldn't see on a single beach club day. It's more dynamic, more active, and often more affordable than premium beach clubs.
What you should know before booking: Island hopping is a fast-paced experience. You'll spend time getting on and off the boat multiple times — each stop is shorter, which means less time to fully settle in and relax. If your priority is relaxation and staying in one beautiful place, a beach club will serve you better.
Island hopping is best for travelers who enjoy exploration over relaxation — people who want to see multiple places and don't mind a more active itinerary.
Island hopping vs beach club — which is right for you?
- Visit 3 different locations in one day
- More active and dynamic itinerary
- Broader view of the Rosario Islands
- Great for snorkeling at multiple spots
- Less time to relax at any one place
- Best for first visits and explorers
- Stay in one beautiful, curated location
- Reserved sun lounger for the full day
- Higher comfort and service level
- More time to relax and enjoy the water
- Better for couples, families, and groups
- Wider range of vibes — party to boutique luxury
Island hopping FAQ
The Top 3 Rosario Islands Tour is COP 510,000 per person (~$129 USD), including round-trip boat transfer, bilingual guide, welcome cocktails at each island, and lunch at Islabela. You'll also need to pay the mandatory pier fees of COP 40,300 (~$10 USD) in cash at the pier — dock tax COP 31,500 (~$8 USD) + maritime insurance COP 8,800 (~$2 USD).
Both are great options depending on what you want. If you want to see as much of the Rosario Islands as possible in one day, island hopping is ideal. If you want a more relaxed, comfortable day at a curated Caribbean beach club, choose a Rosario Islands beach club day pass. Many first-time visitors prefer beach clubs for the comfort and organization they provide.
Yes — the Top 3 Islands tour includes at least one stop with snorkeling opportunities in the Rosario Islands national marine park. The reef conditions here are among the best near Cartagena, with good visibility and diverse marine life.
Island hopping tours follow a fixed schedule — you move between stops as a group. If you want more flexibility and time at a specific location, a private boat rental is the better option. You can customize your route and spend as much time as you want at each island.
No — the Top 3 Islands tour is for adults only (18+). For family-friendly island experiences, explore our Rosario Islands beach club options — several clubs are well-suited for families with children of all ages.
When a beach club is the better choice
If your priority is comfort, service, reserved seating, and a slower Caribbean day — a Rosario Islands beach club day pass is usually the better fit than island hopping.
Beach clubs are ideal for couples, families, premium travelers, and groups who want one beautiful setting for the full day instead of moving between several stops.
Talk to Antoni directly
Not sure if island hopping or a beach club is right for your group? Tell us your dates, group size, and what kind of day you want — Antoni responds within 2 hours with a personal recommendation.
Book the Top 3 Islands Tour or browse all Rosario options
All experiences confirmed within 2 hours — every one personally vetted by Antoni.