The Rosario Islands are a coral archipelago 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena — 27 islands of white sand beaches, turquoise water, and the kind of Caribbean paradise that the mainland city's urban intensity makes you need. The islands are part of a national marine park and contain some of the best-preserved coral reefs on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
The standard day trip includes a boat ride through Cartagena's bay (passing the fortress of San Fernando de Bocachica and the mangrove channels that line the coast), time on a beach island (most trips go to Isla Grande or Playa Blanca on Isla de Barú), a seafood lunch, and snorkelling on the coral reefs. The water clarity and marine biodiversity (tropical fish, sea fans, brain coral) provide excellent snorkelling by Caribbean standards.
Playa Blanca on Isla de Barú (technically a peninsula, not an island) is the most visited beach — a kilometre of white sand with crystal water that is the postcard Caribbean that Cartagena's city beaches can't provide. The beach is crowded and commercialised during peak season, but the water quality and the setting remain beautiful.
Verified Facts
The Rosario Islands are 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena
The archipelago contains 27 islands
The islands are part of a national marine park
Playa Blanca is on Isla de Barú
Get walking directions
Islas del Rosario, Cartagena, Colombia
