Islas del Rosario
A boat ride from Cartagena, these small coral islands suit a day trip or a few beach and snorkeling days on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
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Islas del Rosario is a group of small coral islands off Colombia's Caribbean coast, reached by boat from the walled city of Cartagena. Part of the group lies inside Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Natural Park, which protects the reefs, so the water is the main reason to go. Snorkeling over coral is the main activity, and many islands have sandy beaches and a few simple hotels.
A day trip from Cartagena works for many travelers. If you want quiet mornings in the water, stay a few nights on an island or in the city, so you can snorkel before the day boats arrive. Plan for the drier months, roughly December through April, when seas are usually calmer. In high season, book boats and island stays ahead.
Islas del Rosario in five
- Book a licensed boat from CartagenaBoats to the islands leave from Cartagena, and the crossing takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the boat. Ask the operator for a named return time before you pay.Tours and tickets
- Carry Colombian pesos in small notesMany island restaurants and beach stalls take cash only, so carry small peso notes for food and drinks. Break large notes in Cartagena before you sail.Money and costs
- Check the national park fee before you sailSome reefs around the islands are inside Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Natural Park, which charges an entry fee. Ask whether your boat ticket already includes it.
- Pack a dry bag and water shoesBoats stop for swimming and snorkeling, and salt water and sand get into phones and bags. Seal electronics in a dry bag and wear shoes that work on sand and coral.
- Get a SIM or eSIM before you leave CartagenaMobile signal can drop on the water and on quieter islands, so download boat times and maps first. Set up the eSIM before you leave the city.Phones and eSIM
Need to know
- Currency
- Colombian peso (COP)
- Entry
- Entry rules depend on your passport; check Migración Colombia Read more
- Emergency
- 123 national emergency line; 112 works from mobiles
- Tipping
- 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added
- Time
- UTC-5, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, busy
- FebruaryDry, breezy
- MarchDry, hot
- AprilDry, Easter crowds
- MayRains begin
- JuneHot, showers
- JulyHot, holiday crowds
- AugustHot, wet spells
- SeptemberWet, storm risk
- OctoberWet, storm risk
- NovemberWet, storm risk
- DecemberDry, holiday crowds
Right now in Islas del Rosario
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 76%
- Wind
- 12 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Islas del Rosario
03:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today29°26°100%Monday: Rain. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue29°27°69%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Wed29°27°76%Wednesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Thu28°26°89%Thursday: Rain. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 89%.
- Fri28°26°95%Friday: Rain. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 95%.
- Sat29°27°75%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Sun29°27°41%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 41%.
Updated 11:14 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 3,192 COP
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Cartagena old townabout 1 hour from the islands by boatThe walled city, with forts and sea walls, is the usual base for the boat.
- Playa Blancaabout 1 to 2 hours by road from CartagenaA beach on the Barú peninsula, reached by road rather than boat.
- Isla Grandeabout 1 to 2 hours by boat from CartagenaThe largest island in the group, with beaches and snorkeling stops on many day tours.
Before you go to Islas del Rosario
Rules for Islas del Rosario, checked
- Check Colombian entry requirements on Migración Colombia before you fly; rules change, so confirm them on the official site.Source
- Some reefs are inside Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Natural Park; check its fees and rules on the national parks site.Source
- Leave coral, shells and other marine life where they are; taking them from the park is not allowed.
Plan around Islas del Rosario
Boats from Cartagena, crossing times and what to expect on board
Read the guideWhere to stayCartagena bases for early boat departures and evening returns
Read the guideTours and ticketsDay boat tours, park entry and what each ticket includes
Read the guideMoney and costsPesos, cards and cash for a day trip
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for most visitors to Colombia
Read the guideAll of ColombiaCities, regions and entry rules for the wider trip
Read the guideIslas del Rosario FAQ
Is Islas del Rosario worth visiting?
Yes, for a day of clear water, reef snorkeling and beaches within boat reach of Cartagena. It is a weak choice if you want nightlife or a long, quiet beach stay on a busy weekend.
How do you get to Islas del Rosario from Cartagena?
Take a boat from Cartagena. Book a day tour or a private boat, and expect the crossing to take about 1 to 2 hours depending on the boat.
Can you visit Islas del Rosario as a day trip from Cartagena?
Yes. Leave early and agree a return time with the boat operator before you pay, so you are not stuck waiting for a ride back.
Are there beaches on Islas del Rosario?
Yes, several islands have sand beaches and reef snorkeling spots. Ask the boat which island it will stop at, since the beaches differ in size and crowd level.
When is the best time to visit Islas del Rosario?
January to April, the dry season, when seas are usually calmer. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and storms can cancel boats.
Is Playa Blanca the same as Islas del Rosario?
No. Playa Blanca is on the Barú peninsula and is reached by road from Cartagena. Islas del Rosario is an island group reached by boat.