Rosario Islands tours from Cartagena
Five ways to experience the archipelago with DYK: boat tours with snorkeling and several stops, a full day on a private island, or the route that includes the Oceanarium. Compare stops, duration, inclusions and return times and choose with confidence.
In 30 seconds: which tour should I pick?
- I want several stops, snorkeling and Cholón4 Islas RecargadoSee
- I want to visit the Oceanarium and end the afternoon at Playa TranquilaAventura 4 DestinosSee
- I want the Oceanarium, snorkeling at the sunken plane and three beach stops with drinks includedTop LuxurySee
- I want to spend the day on one private island, lunch includedCocolocoSee
- We're a group and want snorkeling, Cholón and an open-bar option5 IslasSee
What the Rosario Islands are
The Rosario Islands are a coral archipelago off the coast of Cartagena, inside the Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Natural Park. You get there by boat: our departures leave Marina Rosales, in the El Bosque neighbourhood, at around 9:00 a.m. and return in the afternoon.
In a single day you can see the islands from the water, snorkel at the sunken plane and the coral area, visit the Oceanarium on San Martín de Pajarales, stop at the private island Cocoloco, pass through Cholón and have lunch by the sea. What you combine depends on the tour you choose.
Compare the five tours
| Tour | Main stops | Snorkeling | Lunch | Plankton | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Islas Recargado | Rosario panorama, sunken plane, Cocoloco, Cholón and Playa Tranquila | Yes, at the plane and the coral area | Playa Tranquila | Optional | By boat to Marina Rosales; with plankton, by bus to the Muelle de los Pegasos area |
| Aventura 4 Destinos | Bocachica, sunken plane (view from the boat), Oceanarium, Cocoloco, Cholón and Playa Tranquila | No: the Oceanarium takes that slot | Playa Tranquila | Optional | By boat to Marina Rosales; with plankton, by bus to the Muelle de los Pegasos area |
| Top Luxury | Bocachica, sunken plane, Oceanarium, Cocoloco, Sol y Papaya and Rosario del Mar | Yes, at the plane | Cocoloco, with local drinks | Optional | By boat to Marina Rosales; with plankton, by bus to the Muelle de los Pegasos area |
| Cocoloco | Bocachica, sunken plane (view from the boat) and the whole day at Cocoloco | Beach: snorkeling or Oceanarium (pick one) · Deluxe: Oceanarium included | On the island | No | By boat to Marina Rosales |
| 5 Islas | Bocachica, sunken plane and reefs, private island, Cholón and Playa Tranquila | Yes | Private island | Optional; adds a second island | By boat around 4:00 p.m.; with plankton, by bus to the Pegasos area |
The order of the stops may change with sea conditions. Per-person prices are on each tour page and come straight from the catalogue.
How the day goes
- Meeting point
Pickup by zone or go straight to Marina Rosales, in El Bosque. Your guide confirms the spot and time.
- Departure around 9:00 a.m.
We set off by boat and see the Bocachica forts from the water.
- Tour stops
Snorkeling, the Oceanarium, private islands and Cholón, depending on the tour you chose.
- Lunch included
Fish, chicken breast or vegetarian with salad, fried plantain, coconut rice and lemonade; at Cocoloco, the island menu.
- Return
By boat to Marina Rosales in the afternoon. If you choose plankton, the evening ends at Playa Tranquila and you return by bus to the Muelle de los Pegasos area. The last leg to your hotel is on you.
What costs extra
- The ride from Marina Rosales (or Pegasos) to your hotel at the end of the day.
- Activities outside the itinerary and services not listed in the option. 4 Islas Recargado and 5 Islas do not visit the Oceanarium.
- On Cocoloco Beach and Deluxe, the dock fee: COP 20,000 per person from age 4.
- Swimming with dolphins at the Oceanarium: optional, paid on site.
- Drinks and anything not listed in the plan.
When to go and what to bring
Departures run through the year, subject to sea conditions and maritime authority decisions. December to April is usually drier, but trade winds can increase the swell: the dry season does not mean calm seas.
Bring sunscreen, water for the ride, comfortable clothes, swimwear, a towel and your ID. If you cannot swim, tell the team before booking and follow the guide’s instructions for activities in the water.
The five Rosario tours
4 Islas Recargado
Full day · Experience a little of everything
From $200,000 · View options ↗
Aventura 4 Destinos
Full day · Sea and Oceanario
From $320,000 · View options ↗
Top Luxury
Full day · Islands with a VIP touch
From $350,000 · View options ↗
Cocoloco
Island day · Unwind by the sea
From $340,000 · View options ↗
5 Islas
Full day · Share with friends
From $300,000 · View options ↗Keep exploring
Quick answers
How much does a Rosario Islands tour with DYK cost?
It depends on the tour. Each tour page shows the current per-person price and its options; 4 Islas Recargado combines snorkeling and Cholón; Top Luxury combines the Oceanarium, snorkeling and three beach stops. All include transport from Cartagena, a bilingual guide and lunch; the final ride to your hotel, optional activities not listed and unlisted purchases are extra.
Where do the tours leave from and at what time?
From Marina Rosales, in El Bosque (Cartagena), departing at around 9:00 a.m. You can choose pickup by zone or go straight to the dock; your guide confirms the spot and time.
How long is the tour?
It is a full day: departure around 9:00 a.m. and return by boat to Marina Rosales in the afternoon (on 5 Islas the reference is about 4:00 p.m., not a guaranteed time). With plankton, you return by bus at night to the Muelle de los Pegasos area.
When is the best time to visit the Rosario Islands?
December to April is usually drier, but wind can increase the swell. Departure and route depend on the day’s conditions and the maritime authority; confirm the plan with the team.
Can I go if I can't swim?
You can enjoy the beach stops and sightseeing. Tell the team before booking if you cannot swim; the guide will explain how to take part in water activities and which equipment to use.
Which is the prettiest island in the Rosario Islands?
Each stop has its own character: Cocoloco is a private island for slowing down; Cholón is atmosphere and music from the boat; the sunken plane and the coral area are the best snorkeling of the route; Sol y Papaya and Rosario del Mar (Top Luxury) add two beach stops. To see several in one day, pick a tour; if you prefer just one, Cocoloco.
Can I do the route on a private boat?
Yes. DYK 1, DYK 2 and Love go out as a whole boat for your group; capacity, rate and inclusions are confirmed with your enquiry. See the boats page.
Other destinations and stops
Updated on 2026-10-24 · Information taken from the current DYK VIP Tours catalogue and itineraries.