Isla del Encanto Day Pass from Cartagena: A Family-Friendly Escape
Make your Rosario Islands day easy to plan with a hotel-style beach escape that works well for families, couples, and comfort-focused travelers. This curated Isla del Encanto day pass includes round-trip shared boat transfer, lunch, beach access, pool areas, and different comfort levels depending on the experience you choose.
Isla del Encanto Day Pass: Family-Friendly Beach, Pools and Lunch
Located inside the Rosario Islands National Natural Park, Isla del Encanto is one of the most established island hotels near Cartagena for travelers who want organized boat transportation, beach time, pool access, lunch, and a more structured experience than a basic beach stop.
This day pass is especially convenient for families with children, couples, and groups who want a balance between Caribbean beach time, practical facilities, food service, and a smoother island experience from Cartagena.
You can choose the comfort level that fits your trip, from a simple beach and pool day to upgraded plans with reserved amenities, open bar, premium dining, and wellness benefits.
What's included?
Standard Plan: Family-Friendly Beach and Pool Day
- Round-trip shared boat transportation from Cartagena to Isla del Encanto.
- Access to the hotel’s common areas, including beach, hammock areas, and main pool.
- Caribbean buffet lunch with one non-alcoholic drink.
- One hour of kayak or paddleboard use when available and safe to operate.
Gold Plan: Added Comfort and Reserved Amenities
- Round-trip shared boat transportation from Cartagena to Isla del Encanto.
- Access to selected hotel areas, including beach, pool zones, and relaxation spaces.
- À la carte lunch according to the hotel’s Gold menu.
- Three-hour open bar according to the drinks included in the Gold plan.
- Reserved oceanfront daybed and towel service.
- One hour of Jacuzzi access with prior reservation, depending on availability.
Black Honor Plan: Premium Island Day Experience
- Round-trip transportation from Cartagena, by land or boat according to the hotel’s operation.
- Non-alcoholic welcome drink upon arrival.
- Basic access to the beach club, including private beach area, standard sun loungers, day-pass pool access, and nautical games.
- Buffet lunch with one non-alcoholic beverage included and more than 12 food options available.
- Open bar with national liquors, based on a specific menu of shots and cocktails.
Not included:
- Mandatory dock tax, National Natural Park fee, and navigation insurance, payable in cash at the pier before boarding.
- Hotel pickup or drop-off in Cartagena.
- Towels for Standard Plan guests; travelers selecting Standard should bring their own towel.
- Extra drinks, cocktails, snacks, desserts, upgrades, optional spa treatments, tips, or purchases made directly at the hotel.
Schedule
- 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – Meeting and check-in: arrive at Muelle de la Bodeguita for registration, reservation validation, and cash payment of the mandatory pier-related fees. Final meeting instructions are sent after booking confirmation.
- 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. – Boat departure: board the shared boat for the ride from Cartagena to Isla del Encanto.
- 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Arrival at Isla del Encanto: check in with the hotel team and begin using the areas included in your selected plan.
- 10:00 a.m. – Free time at the hotel: enjoy the beach, pool areas, hammocks, water activities, or upgraded amenities depending on whether you selected Standard, Gold, or Black Honor.
- 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Lunch service: lunch is served according to the selected plan and hotel menu.
- 2:40 p.m. – Standard island departure: board the return boat from Isla del Encanto to Cartagena.
- 4:00 p.m. – Approximate arrival in Cartagena: disembark at Muelle de la Bodeguita, Cartagena’s main tourist pier.
Isla del Encanto works best for travelers who want a full hotel-style island day: pools, beach areas, lunch, and enough structure to make the experience easy for families and mixed groups.
Important Information
- Mandatory pier and park fees: the dock tax, National Natural Park fee, and navigation insurance are not included and must be paid in cash before boarding. Current fee details can be reviewed on the Cartagena port fee and National Park fee page.
- Plan differences: Standard, Gold, and Black Honor include different access areas, food options, beverage inclusions, amenities, and service levels. Review the plan details before checkout.
- Towels and amenities: towels are included only for Gold and Black Honor guests. Standard Plan guests should bring their own towel.
- Health and boarding restrictions: this experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers, guests with serious back or neck conditions, people with limited mobility, intoxicated travelers, or anyone unable to safely board a shared boat from the pier or shoreline.
- Activities and premium amenities: kayaks, paddleboards, Jacuzzi access, spa treatments, concierge-style assistance, wine pairing, and other amenities depend on the selected plan, reservation timing, availability, and safe conditions.
- Weather and boat ride: from December to March, stronger trade winds are common around Cartagena and the Rosario Islands. Boat timing, routes, and comfort on the return ride can vary with the sea.
- Natural island conditions: water clarity, currents, beach conditions, seaweed, and marine life can vary from day to day. Photos and videos are a general reference, not a guarantee of exact conditions.
- Cancellation policy: free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled activity start time, unless a different condition is shown during checkout or applies to a special rate.
FAQ
Is Isla del Encanto a good day pass for families?
Yes. It is one of the most family-friendly Rosario Islands day pass options because it offers hotel facilities, pool areas, lunch, and a more organized setting.
What is the difference between Standard, Gold, and Black Honor?
Standard covers the classic beach and pool day. Gold adds reserved amenities, open bar, upgraded food, and towel service. Black Honor is the premium version with concierge-style details, wine pairing, and wellness benefits.
Does the day pass include boat transportation?
Yes. Round-trip shared boat transportation from Cartagena to Isla del Encanto is included.
Are towels included?
Towels are included for Gold and Black Honor guests. Standard guests should bring their own towel.
What time does the boat return to Cartagena?
The return usually leaves Isla del Encanto around 2:40 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with arrival in Cartagena around 4:00 p.m.
What happens if there are strong winds?
The beach day may still operate, but the boat ride can feel more active and return timing may be adjusted for safety.
Is Isla del Encanto a party beach club?
No. It is more hotel-style and family-friendly, with beach areas, pools, food service, and a structured island day.