The 5 Islands at a Glance
| Island | Distance from Cartagena | Time by Speedboat | Best For | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosario Islands | 35 km | about 1 hour | Snorkel, nature | No separate fee |
| Playa Blanca (Barú) | — | About 35 min | Beach, relaxation | Free |
| Cholón | — | — | Calm water, families | Free |
| Tierra Bomba | 5 km | 10–15 min | Quick trips, budget | Free |
| Isla Grande | 38 km | 55–70 min | Ecotourism, nature | No separate 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: Every private charter departs at a fixed 9:00am, arriving at the islands before the busiest midday crowds (11am–2pm).
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 and return at fixed times, and you share the beach with many other passengers. With a private boat, you choose your arrival time, your spot on the beach, and when you leave.
Pro tip: Arrive before 10 AM 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 calm, clear water, with floating bars with music and drinks, and you can get in the water. It is quieter on weekdays, and it is not the best stop for families with children because there are lots of people and lots of boats.
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 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. See our guide to hidden beaches near Cartagena.
Best combination: Rosario Islands snorkel + a stop at Isla Grande, departing at 9am.
The Two-Island Day: How to Do It
9:00am — Depart from your marina in Cartagena (confirmed on WhatsApp)
10:00am — Arrive Rosario Islands, 90 min snorkeling
11:30am — Isla Grande (short hop within the archipelago): mangroves
5:00pm — Back in Cartagena (Full Day, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
Cost for 10 people: $680 per boat — ~$68 per person with 10. No separate park fee on a private charter. Food not included — you can bring your own.
• You're a solo traveler → join a shared group tour
• You want a 2-hour visit and nothing more → local agency day trips work fine
• You are a very small group on a tight budget → public ferry to Playa Blanca