Top 3 Rosario Islands – Island Hopping Day Trip from Cartagena
Top 3 Islands Tour — Island Hopping Cartagena: Pao Pao, Islabela & Bora Bora in One Day
The best way to experience the Rosario Islands is to see more than one. The Top 3 Islands Tour is the most complete island hopping Cartagena experience available — a single day that takes you through three completely different island atmospheres: the natural mangroves and crystal-clear water of Pao Pao Cartagena, the serene beachfront of Islabela, and the iconic social energy of Bora Bora Cartagena.
This curated Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena includes speedboat transportation, a bilingual guide, welcome cocktails on each island, hydration on board, a panoramic tour of the archipelago, and lunch at Islabela — everything organized so you spend your time enjoying the islands, not figuring out logistics. Adults only (18+). Limited spots per day.
- The only island hopping tour in Cartagena that visits Pao Pao, Islabela, and Bora Bora in a single day
- Three completely different atmospheres — nature, calm beach, and lively social energy — all in one Rosario Islands day trip
- Bilingual guide throughout the entire day — the most organized way to see the archipelago
- Welcome cocktail on each island — three stops, three cocktails
- Exclusive space reserved for the tour group on each island — no scrambling for spots
- Panoramic Rosario Islands boat tour included in the ride out
- Lunch at Islabela with 3 menu options + non-alcoholic drink included
- The best option for first-time visitors who want to see the Rosario Islands properly without committing to just one beach club
Stop 1 — Pao Pao Cartagena
The natural start — mangroves, crystal-clear Caribbean water, sea birds, and a calmer, more nature-connected island setting.
- Natural mangrove and reef environment inside the Rosario Islands National Natural Park
- Crystal-clear water ideal for a first swim of the day
- Welcome cocktail on arrival
- Quieter and more nature-forward than the other two stops
- Attentive service and organized facilities
Stop 2 — Islabela
The most relaxed stop — natural shade, calm beach atmosphere, welcome cocktail, and lunch served here.
- Serene beach setting with natural shade areas
- Welcome cocktail on arrival
- Lunch included here — 3 menu options + non-alcoholic drink: typical fried fish, grilled chicken, or vegetarian
- The calmest stop on the route — ideal for relaxing between the two more active islands
Stop 3 — Bora Bora Cartagena
The most iconic finish — the most social and energetic stop, ideal for guests who want to end the day with music and a lively beach club atmosphere.
- The most famous beach club in the Rosario Islands — Bora Bora Beach Club Cartagena
- Welcome cocktail on arrival
- DJ music and vibrant social atmosphere
- Adults-only environment (18+) — the most energetic stop on the route
- The perfect ending to a full Rosario Islands island hopping day
- Speedboat transportation — round trip from La Bodeguita Pier, Gate #3
- Bilingual guide throughout the entire day
- Welcome cocktail on each island (3 total)
- Panoramic tour of the Rosario Islands
- Hydration on board
- Exclusive space reserved for the tour on each island
- Lunch at Islabela — 3 menu options + one non-alcoholic drink: typical fried fish, grilled chicken, or vegetarian
- National Park dock fee: COP 31,500 per person (~USD 8) — paid in cash at the pier
- Maritime insurance: COP 8,800 per person (~USD 2) — paid in cash at the pier
- Food and drinks beyond the included lunch and cocktails
- Towels
- Optional activities such as spa services at the islands
Times are approximate and may vary depending on weather and sea conditions.
- Adults only — strictly 18+. No exceptions
- Bring beach shoes — some areas may have coral remains in the sand
- Dock fees and insurance must be paid in cash at the pier (~$10 USD per person)
- Voucher and instructions sent by email after payment — check your spam folder
- This is a group tour — the social dynamic is part of what makes it fun
- Sells out fast on weekends and holidays — book as early as possible
Is this the best island hopping tour in Cartagena?
The Top 3 Islands Tour is the most complete island hopping experience in Cartagena — it's the only tour that visits Pao Pao, Islabela, and Bora Bora Beach Club Cartagena in a single day with a bilingual guide, welcome cocktails at each stop, and lunch included. If you want to see the variety of the Rosario Islands rather than committing to one beach club, this is the right choice.
Which island is the best stop on the tour?
Each stop is different by design. Pao Pao Cartagena is the most natural — mangroves, crystal-clear water, and a calm atmosphere. Islabela is the most relaxed — calm beach, shade, and where lunch is served. Bora Bora Cartagena is the most energetic — DJ music, social atmosphere, and the iconic Rosario Islands beach club experience. Most travelers say Bora Bora is the highlight, but Pao Pao surprises people the most.
Is this a good option for first-time visitors to the Rosario Islands?
It's one of the best options for first-timers. Instead of committing to a single beach club without knowing which one fits your style, this Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena lets you experience three different atmospheres in one well-organized day — with a bilingual guide handling all the logistics.
Is the tour adults-only?
Yes — the Top 3 Islands Tour is strictly adults-only (18+). This is partly because the last stop, Bora Bora Beach Club Cartagena, is an adults-only venue. If you're traveling with children, we recommend Isla del Encanto or Isla del Sol — both are excellent family-friendly options in the Rosario Islands.
How much time do you spend at each island?
Approximately 2 hours at Pao Pao, 2 hours at Islabela (where lunch is served), and about 2.5 hours at Bora Bora before the return boat at ~4:30 PM. Times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on sea conditions and group logistics.
What are the mandatory dock fees?
All guests pay two mandatory fees in cash at the pier before boarding: the Rosario Islands National Park entrance fee (COP 31,500 ≈ USD 8) and maritime insurance (COP 8,800 ≈ USD 2). Bring cash — no card payment at the pier.
What's the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 72 hours before departure. No refund within 72 hours. If the tour is cancelled due to unsafe sea conditions, you receive a full refund or the option to reschedule at no charge.
Hotel pickup & drop-off
Door-to-dock transfer from your hotel in Cartagena, plus return after the tour.
Private boat upgrade
Skip the shared speedboat — your group gets a private vessel for a more exclusive island-hopping experience.
Photographer & drone
Professional island photos and aerial footage across three islands — ideal for birthdays, couples, and celebrations.
Celebration package
Birthday, bachelor/bachelorette, or anniversary — custom decorations, bottle service, and more across the islands.
- Full payment required at time of booking
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 72 hours before departure
- No refund for cancellations within 72 hours of departure
- Tour cancelled due to unsafe sea conditions — full refund issued
- Secure checkout — Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal accepted
This is the tour I recommend to anyone who says "I don't know which island to pick." The answer is all three. Pao Pao surprises people the most — nobody expects how beautiful and natural it is. Bora Bora Cartagena is the one everyone knows, and it always delivers as a finish. The bilingual guide is a real advantage — the Rosario Islands have a lot of history and ecology that most day passes skip entirely. Book early on weekends — this one sells out faster than most.
Want to Visit Just One Island Instead?
If you'd prefer to spend the full day at Bora Bora, the Bora Bora Beach Club day pass gives you more time at the most iconic adults-only beach club in the Rosario Islands.
If the natural setting at Pao Pao was what caught your attention, the Pao Pao Beach Club day pass includes guided snorkeling in protected reef areas and mangrove kayaking — the full nature experience.
Explore all Rosario Islands beach clubs and day passes, or read our guide to the best beach clubs in the Rosario Islands to compare before booking.
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