Rosario Islands Day Trip - Rosario del Mar

Book this Rosario del Mar day trip if you want a relaxed Rosario Islands beach club experience with Caribbean water, white sand, sun loungers, lunch, and round-trip boat transportation from Cartagena. This is a good fit for travelers looking for a comfortable island day with a calmer atmosphere than the busiest party-style routes.

A Relaxed Isla Grande Beach Day with Caribbean Lunch Included

Rosario del Mar is one of the most established beach club experiences in the Rosario Islands, located in a scenic area known for turquoise water, soft sand, palm trees, and a relaxed island setting. After a shared speedboat ride from Cartagena, guests arrive at a beach club designed for swimming, resting, enjoying lunch, and spending the day by the sea.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized island day without the intensity of a multi-stop party boat circuit. It works well for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families who prefer a more comfortable beach club setting in the Rosario Islands.

What's included?

Arrecife Plan: The Classic Beach Escape

• Round-trip shared speedboat transportation from Cartagena to Rosario del Mar.
• Full day pass entry and access to Rosario del Mar beach club facilities.
• Assigned individual sun lounger in designated beach areas, subject to daily operation.
• Refreshing non-alcoholic welcome drink served upon arrival.
• Coastal-style lunch with a choice of available entrées from the daily menu.
• One non-alcoholic drink served with lunch.

Abanico Plan: Beach Club Day with Open Bar

• All standard features, shared boat transportation, and beach club access included in the Arrecife Plan.
• Two-hour open bar from approximately 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with selected house cocktails, according to the day’s bar service.
• Selected cocktails may include Cuba Libre, Caipiroska, Margarita, Padrino, and Rosario del Mar.
• Selected house shots, such as vodka or tequila, available during the open bar service window.
• Beach towel included for use during the experience.

Not included:

• Mandatory dock tax, National Natural Park fee, and navigation insurance, payable separately in cash at the pier before boarding.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off services in Cartagena.
• Additional food, snacks, premium beers, bottles, cocktails, or drinks outside the selected plan.
• Recreational equipment rentals, including snorkeling masks, paddleboards, diving gear, or island bicycles.
• Tips, personal expenses, water shoes, waterproof phone cases, or any items not specifically listed as included.

Schedule

1. 07:45 AM – Check-in at La Bodeguita Dock: Arrive at Muelle de la Bodeguita, Gate 4, for registration, booking validation, and cash payment of mandatory pier-related fees.
2. 08:20 AM – Speedboat departure: Complete boarding and begin the shared speedboat ride from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands, subject to same-day maritime and port conditions.
3. 09:20 AM – Approximate arrival at Rosario del Mar: Receive your welcome drink, complete beach club registration, and settle into your assigned sun lounger area.
4. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Abanico open bar window: Guests who selected the Abanico Plan can enjoy the included house cocktail and shot service during the scheduled bar window.
5. 12:30 PM – Lunch service: Enjoy your selected lunch entrée in the beach club dining area, according to the menu available on the day of travel.
6. Afternoon – Beach time: Continue swimming, relaxing, or enjoying the beach club facilities before the return process begins.
7. Around 3:00 PM – Return navigation: Board the shared speedboat for the standard return route from the island to Cartagena according to authorized maritime schedules.
8. Around 4:00 PM – Approximate arrival in Cartagena: Disembark at Muelle de la Bodeguita, Cartagena’s main tourist pier.

Maritime schedules for Rosario Islands day trips are authorized and regulated by DIMAR, the Colombian Maritime Authority. The standard return navigation usually begins around 3:00 PM, with approximate arrival in Cartagena around 4:00 PM. Timing, boarding gate, departure time, return time, and navigation route may change without prior notice due to wind, waves, port operations, maritime traffic, beach club logistics, or safety instructions issued on the day of travel.

Important Information

1. Beach club atmosphere: Rosario del Mar generally offers a relaxed beach club setting, but it remains a shared tourist destination. Crowd levels, music volume, service pace, and atmosphere may vary depending on daily occupancy and season.
2. Mandatory fees: Dock tax, National Natural Park fees, and navigation insurance are not included in the booking rate and must be paid in cash before boarding at the pier. Current fee details can be reviewed on the Cartagena port fee and National Park fee page.
3. Open bar conditions: The Abanico Plan includes a scheduled open bar from approximately 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with selected house cocktails and shots. Drinks outside this window, premium liquors, bottles, beer, or additional beverages may have an extra cost.
4. Outside food and drinks: Outside food and alcoholic beverages are not allowed at the beach club.
5. Children pricing policy: Children under 3 years old may only pay the mandatory dock fee, according to the operator’s policy. Children up to 7 years old may have a different rate, so families should contact customer support before completing checkout.
6. Optional activities: Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, diving equipment, bicycles, and other recreational rentals are not included unless specifically confirmed in the selected plan. These services may depend on availability and weather conditions.
7. Active boat boarding: Guests may need to board or exit the boat using stairs and may step into shallow water depending on tide, dock conditions, and daily operation. Good mobility and balance are recommended.
8. Health and mobility restrictions: This shared speedboat journey is not recommended for pregnant travelers, guests with serious back, neck, or spine conditions, severe motion sickness, limited mobility, or anyone unable to safely board and exit a boat.
9. Natural island conditions: The Rosario Islands are a natural coastal environment, so water clarity, currents, beach conditions, seaweed presence, marine visibility, and weather can vary from day to day. Photos and videos may not reflect the exact conditions on your travel date.
10. Weather and maritime safety: From December to March, stronger trade winds are common around Cartagena. Boat routes, travel times, beach access, and return schedules may change without prior notice if the captain, port authorities, or maritime conditions require adjustments for safety.
11. Cancellation policy: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled activity departure time. Late cancellations, late arrivals, and no-shows may be non-refundable.

FAQ

Is Rosario del Mar a quiet beach club?

Rosario del Mar is generally more relaxed than mass multi-stop party routes, but it is not a private or silent beach sanctuary. Visitor volume, music, and atmosphere can vary depending on the season, day of the week, and daily beach club occupancy.

What is the difference between the Arrecife and Abanico plans?

The Arrecife Plan includes the classic beach club experience: round-trip boat transportation, facility access, an assigned sun lounger, welcome drink, lunch, and a soft drink. The Abanico Plan includes those core benefits plus a scheduled two-hour open bar and beach towel service.

Does the experience include hotel pickup or ground transfers?

No. Hotel pickup and ground drop-off services are not included in either plan. Guests must arrive directly at Muelle de la Bodeguita, Gate 4, to complete check-in before boat departure.

Are the dock tax and National Park fees included in the final price?

No. The mandatory dock tax, National Natural Park fee, and navigation insurance are excluded from the booking rate. These fees must be paid separately in cash at the pier before boarding.

Can I rent snorkeling gear or paddleboards at Rosario del Mar?

Equipment rentals such as snorkeling masks, stand-up paddleboards, diving gear, and island bicycles may be available on site for an additional cost. Availability depends on daily inventory, weather, and sea conditions.

What time does the speedboat return to Cartagena?

The standard return navigation from the island usually begins around 3:00 PM, with approximate arrival at Muelle de la Bodeguita around 4:00 PM. Return timing may change due to maritime conditions, port operations, or safety instructions.

What should guests bring?

Guests should bring sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, sandals or water shoes, a dry change of clothes, personal ID, waterproof phone protection, and cash in Colombian pesos for pier fees, rentals, drinks, tips, and extra purchases.