Private full-day lancha from $680 · DIMAR-certified captain · 27 coral islands · Snorkeling inside Parque Nacional Corales del Rosario · Departs Marina Santa Cruz · Quote in 30 min.
The Rosario Islands require a full-day charter — 35 km offshore, 42-50 minute transit each way. Here is what each vessel delivers and who it is best for.
| Vessel | Capacity | Full Day (8 hrs) | Best For | Key Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancha 32-38ft Most Popular | Up to 12 | $680-$950 | Groups of 6-12 wanting speed and flexibility | Open-bow, fast, less shade |
| Large Lancha 38-42ft | 10-12 | $1,100-$1,400 | Extended families needing more deck space | More shade & comfort |
| Mid-Size Yacht 40-50ft | Up to 17 | $1,750-$2,750 | Comfort-focused groups wanting A/C cabin | Slower transit; full amenities |
| Catamaran 45-55ft | Up to 30 | $1,800-$4,500 | Large groups, events, families with children | Most stable; slowest (60 min) |
All rates include DIMAR captain, fuel, life jackets, cooler with ice. Park fee (~$6-7 USD/person in COP cash), snorkel gear, food not included. Prices last verified April 2026.
The Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) are an archipelago of 27 coral islands 35 km southwest of Cartagena, forming part of Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo — Colombia's most-visited marine protected area. They are a functioning coral ecosystem with snorkeling, mangroves, and private coves.
Nearly every Rosario Islands listing says "park fee not included" with no further explanation. Here is exactly what happens at the checkpoint so you arrive prepared.
The DIMAR-enforced 3:30 PM maximum departure from the islands is not negotiable. Caribbean afternoon swells in the Rosario Islands channel reach 1.5-2 meters between 3:00-5:00 PM, and every licensed operator must comply. Your time on the islands is determined entirely by when you depart Cartagena.
| Departure from Marina Santa Cruz | Arrival at Islands | Time at Islands Before Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM Recommended | ~8:20-8:30 AM | ~7 hours | Best sea conditions; first access before shared tours arrive |
| 8:00 AM | ~8:50-9:00 AM | ~6.5 hours | Optimal for most groups |
| 9:00 AM | ~9:50 AM | ~5.5 hours | Comfortable full day |
| 10:00 AM (shared tour average) | ~10:50 AM | ~4.5 hours | Standard shared tour arrival — limited time |
| 11:00 AM | ~11:50 AM | ~3.5 hours | Minimum viable; not recommended |
A representative full-day itinerary for a group departing at 7:30 AM. Your captain adjusts based on sea conditions, guest preferences, and park access on the day.
The Rosario Islands are 35 km offshore with no convenience stores, limited shade, and COP-only payments at the park checkpoint. This list is based on what first-timers wish they had brought.
4.9⭐ average across 216 verified reviews.
"Extremely professional team and so much fun! The captain knew exactly where to take us for snorkeling. We visited the Rosario Islands and it was the highlight of our entire trip to Cartagena. Highly recommend going private."
"Had an amazing boat ride to the islands. The crew took us to spots no shared tour would reach. Clear water, coral reefs, private coves — exactly what we were hoping for."
"Best charter option in Cartagena. Fully customizable route to the Rosario Islands, transparent pricing with zero hidden fees. We got 7 full hours on the water departing at 7:30 AM."
"Professional service and a beautifully maintained vessel. The early departure made all the difference — we had the snorkeling sites to ourselves until 10 AM before the shared tours arrived."