Cartagena: All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour

Explore the Rosario Islands on a Speedboat Adventure with Included Lunch and Oceanarium Entry

The Cartagena: All-Inclusive Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour offers a full day of marine exploration, cultural sights, and relaxing beach time. This 7-hour excursion departs from Bocagrande or El Laguito, with a lively speedboat ride across the Caribbean Sea. The tour includes lunch, entry to the oceanarium, and native guide assistance in English and Spanish, making it suitable for those seeking a comprehensive day trip.

While the tour covers several highlights and offers great value with taxes and meals included, it’s important to note that pregnant women and people with mobility issues should avoid this activity due to the boat’s fast pace and physical demands. This tour appeals most to travelers eager for a mix of adventure, cultural insight, and marine experiences in a single day.

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Key Points

• 7-hour full-day tour exploring Rosario Islands and nearby sites
• Speedboat transportation offers quick, thrilling rides across open sea
• Includes lunch, oceanarium entry, and guided commentary in English and Spanish
• Stops at Barù Island, Coral Reef Park, and Playa Blanca for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxation
• Not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments
• Pickup from Bocagrande or El Laguito, with options to go directly to the meeting point at Muelle de la Bodeguita

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Cartagena

The tour begins at La Bodeguita, where guests meet the crew, show their pre-booked registration, and receive lunch tickets. Pickups from Bocagrande and El Laguito start early, around 7:50 am, with the boat departure authorized between 8:30 am and 9:00 am. Those not staying at the hotels must go directly to Muelle de la Bodeguita.

Boarding involves passing through turnstiles and being greeted by staff in turquoise uniforms with red sleeves or white sweaters. Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with disabilities should note the activity’s physical demands, especially due to the bumpy, fast-paced boat rides. The crew advises sitting at the back of the speedboat for safety.

The Scenic Journey Past Tierra Bomba Island and Forts

The voyage begins with a passage in front of Tierra Bomba Island, which is only accessible by water. This island features four towns: Tierra Bomba District, Punta Arena, Caño del Oro, and Bocachica. From the boat, travelers can admire the historic forts of San Fernando and San José, originally built during the colonial era by the Spanish.

The speedboat trip to the Rosario National Park takes approximately 45 minutes across open sea, providing a lively, wind-in-your-hair experience. The expert pilot adjusts speed based on sea conditions, ensuring safety but also delivering a thrilling ride.

Visiting Barù Island and Its Peaceful Beach

Upon arrival at Barù Island, the tour pauses at a quiet beach area where guests can enjoy scenic views and relaxation. The lunch service occurs here, with options selected beforehand. The restaurant and seating areas are reserved for lunch, but visitors can rent chairs or tents to settle in comfortably on the beach.

This stop provides a calm environment to unwind after the boat ride, with great photo opportunities of the surrounding sea and landscapes. The beach at Barù is noted for its tranquility but lacks extensive sand area for lounging, which is a consideration for those seeking more space.

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Options to Visit the Oceanarium or Snorkel in the Rosario Islands

From Barù Island, guests have the choice to enter the oceanarium or snorkel in the surrounding waters. Both activities are designed to last around 45 minutes to an hour, with only one activity allowed per person at a time. If some guests prefer not to participate in these activities, they can wait outside the area sitting or walking.

The oceanarium offers a chance to see marine life up close in a controlled environment, while the snorkeling option lets visitors explore the vibrant reef life in the open sea. It’s important to note that swimming in the oceanarium is not permitted due to safety concerns and boat traffic.

A Lunch Break at Playa Blanca on Isla Barú

The tour includes a two-hour lunch at Playa Blanca, one of the most popular beaches in Isla Barú. Guests dine on pre-selected meals at the on-site restaurant, which has dedicated seating for lunch service. Tents and chairs are available for rent if visitors wish to set up closer to the water.

Playa Blanca offers a relaxing environment for sunbathing, walking, or swimming in calmer waters. The beach’s popularity means it can be crowded, and the lunch quality and service have received mixed reviews, so expectations should be realistic.

Free Time for Swimming and Beach Activities

After lunch, there’s an hour of free time for swimming and relaxing on the beach. The waters here are calm, making it suitable for casual swimming. However, the crowd density can sometimes make it difficult to find a quiet spot, especially during peak times.

Guests can also rent chairs or tents to enhance their comfort during this segment of the tour. The two-hour stop at Playa Blanca balances leisure and exploration, providing a good opportunity to enjoy the Caribbean coast.

Return Trip and Final Stop at Playa Tranquila

The return journey involves a one-hour speedboat ride back across the sea to Playa Tranquila at Isla Barú. This segment offers another chance for sightseeing and enjoying the sea breeze. The tour then proceeds to the Muelle de la Bodeguita, where guests are dropped off, marking the end of the day’s activities.

While the boat ride is lively, travelers should be prepared for bumpy, fast-paced sailing, which may not be suitable for everyone. The entire experience emphasizes marine adventure combined with cultural and natural sights.

Additional Details on Tour Timing, Accessibility, and Pricing

The 7-hour tour starts early in the morning, with pickups at 7:50 am for hotel guests in Bocagrande and El Laguito. The activity is wheelchair accessible and offers live guides in both English and Spanish. Reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and can be paid later, offering flexibility for travel planning.

Infants from 0 to 2 years old can join free of charge but must be under parental supervision. If such infants participate in the oceanarium, they pay a small entrance fee of approximately 30,000 COP. It’s also advised that due to the maritime nature of the trip, guests should prepare for getting wet and bumpy rides.

Common Feedback and Considerations from Past Participants

Feedback indicates that the tour offers beautiful scenery and interesting marine and historical sights like the forts of San Fernando and San José. However, some reviews point out disappointing experiences at the oceanarium and poor quality of lunch for certain guests.

The guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude are often highlighted, but the pace of the boat ride can be rough, especially for those prone to seasickness. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues due to physical demands and safety considerations.

The Sum Up: A Dynamic Day with Marine and Cultural Highlights

The Cartagena Rosario Islands Speedboat Tour delivers a full day of adventure, combining thrilling boat rides, historic sights, marine life encounters, and beach relaxation. It offers good value with lunch, oceanarium entry, and navigation in English and Spanish included.

While the speedboat rides and crowded beaches might not suit everyone, those looking for a active, scenic trip with a mix of cultural and natural experiences will find this tour engaging. It’s ideal for travelers eager to explore multiple highlights in a single day and who enjoy water-based activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome, but infants from 0-2 years old travel free, with some paying for oceanarium entry if involved in activities.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, and rain jackets if needed, as it gets wet and sunny. Consider renting chairs or tents at the beach.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, the activity is not recommended for pregnant women due to the fast, bumpy boat rides.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation, lunch, oceanarium entry, taxes, and guidance.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops at Barù Island and the oceanarium are about 45 minutes to 1 hour, with two hours allocated for lunch and additional time at beaches.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

What is the pace of the boat ride?
The boat ride is generally fast with bumpy movement, determined by sea conditions and the pilot’s discretion.

Can I do both snorkeling and oceanarium activities?
No, only one activity can be done per person, with a 45-minute to 1-hour limit.

What happens if the weather is bad?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour’s flexibility suggests possible rescheduling or cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Where does the tour end?
Guests are dropped off at Muelle de la Bodeguita, concluding the 7-hour adventure.

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