The 5 Islands at a Glance
| Island | Distance from Cartagena | Time by Speedboat | Best For | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosario Islands | 35 km | 45–60 min | Snorkel, nature | ~$5 USD/person |
| Playa Blanca (Barú) | 25 km | 30–45 min | Beach, relaxation | Free |
| Cholón | 22 km | 25–35 min | Calm water, families | Free |
| Tierra Bomba | 5 km | 10–15 min | Quick trips, budget | Free |
| Isla Grande | 38 km | 55–70 min | Ecotourism, nature | Included in Rosario fee |
Island 1 — Rosario Islands: Colombia's Best Snorkel Reef
The Rosario Islands form part of the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo, one of the most important coral ecosystems in the Caribbean. Water visibility reaches 15–20 meters in the dry season (November–April), making it the best snorkeling destination in the region.
Best time to arrive: Before 10am. The main tourist crowds hit between 11am and 2pm. A private boat departing at 7:30am gets first choice of anchorage spots and the clearest water of the day.
Don't miss: The floating fish restaurant on Isla del Rosario — fresh lobster and pargo at reasonable prices, especially at lunch before the tour boats arrive.
Island 2 — Playa Blanca (Barú): The Most Photographed Beach in Colombia
Playa Blanca is the image you've seen in every Colombia travel post — white sand, turquoise water, palm trees. The beach is real. The photos are accurate. What most guides don't mention is the experience difference between arriving on a private boat versus a public ferry.
Public ferries leave at a fixed time (7–8am) and return at a fixed time (3–4pm). You get roughly 3 hours on the beach, stuck with 80–120 other passengers. With a private boat, you choose your arrival time, your spot on the beach, and when you leave.
Pro tip: Arrive before 9am to claim the best stretch of beach before the public ferries start landing their crowds.
Island 3 — Cholón: The Warning Nobody Gives You
Cholón is a protected lagoon on Isla Barú with famously calm, clear water — perfect for families, non-swimmers, and groups that want a relaxed day without ocean swell. The atmosphere is festive, and the lagoon fills with music on weekends from December to March.
Our advice: Bring your own drinks in a cooler on the boat. Honest operators — including Nauty360 — always tell clients this before departure.
Island 4 — Tierra Bomba: The Best Value Option
Tierra Bomba is just 5 kilometers from Cartagena's historic center — a 10–15 minute ride by speedboat. The short distance means lower fuel costs and a lower overall charter price. It's the right choice for half-day trips, groups with smaller budgets, or families with very young children who shouldn't spend an hour on the water.
Best beaches on Tierra Bomba: Punta Arena and Playa Caño del Oro. Caño del Oro is a local secret — almost no tourists — just 20 minutes from central Cartagena.
Island 5 — Isla Grande: Ecotourism and Silence
The largest island in the Rosario archipelago, Isla Grande offers a completely different experience: mangrove channels, walking trails, small eco-lodges, and a tranquility that the other islands don't have. If you've been to Playa Blanca already and want something different, Isla Grande is the answer.
Best combination: Rosario Islands snorkel + lunch on Isla Grande, departing at 7am.
The Triple-Island Day: How to Do It
7:00am — Depart from Muelle de los Pegasos
8:00am — Arrive Rosario Islands, 90 min snorkeling
10:00am — Isla Grande, mangroves + lunch (~$15 USD/person)
1:00pm — Playa Blanca, 2.5 hours on the beach
4:00pm — Return to Cartagena (~5pm arrival)
Cost for 10 people: $895 (boat) + $50 (park fee) + ~$150 (lunch) = ~$1,095 total / $110 per person
• You're a solo traveler → join a shared group tour (~$85/person)
• You want a 2-hour visit and nothing more → local agency day trips work fine
• Your budget is under $50/person for a group of 2–3 → public ferry to Playa Blanca