Spend a full day hopping the Rosary Islands from Cartagena—snorkel coral gardens at Isla Grande, party and taste shrimp cocktails on Cholón, relax on Agua Azul and finish with lunch and sunset at Playa Tranquila. Practical details and prep tips for a 7‑hour boat tour.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A sharp ocean breeze lifts the salt and the chatter of a boarding dock as the boat peels away from Cartagena’s old harbor. In an hour the skyline softens and the water changes from slate to every shade of turquoise; the islands—Isla Grande, Cholón, Agua Azul and Playa Tranquila—arrive one by one like chapters of the same story. The day moves with a steady, Caribbean rhythm: clear water for snorkeling, a lively beach for music and shrimp cocktails, a quiet cove to photograph, and a wide sandbar to watch the sun lower into the sea.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming ability recommended for snorkeling and getting in/out of small boats
Wildlife
History
The islands form part of the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo marine park, established to protect the area’s coral reefs and coastal fisheries and to manage tourism impacts.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to use reef‑safe products, avoid touching or standing on coral, and take all trash back to the mainland to reduce plastic pollution.
Reserve your spot on the Full Day Tour of 4 Rosary Islands with Lunch and Snorkeling today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Protect coral and your skin—use reef‑safe sunscreen and reapply after swimming to minimize reef damage.
Secure your camera
Use a wrist or chest strap and a waterproof case—waves and wet sand make loose gear vulnerable on small boats.
Hydrate and pack snacks
Although lunch is provided, bring water and light snacks to stay energized between stops in the sun.
Prepare for motion
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding and sit mid‑boat where motion is milder.
Snorkel mask and fins
A properly fitting mask and fins make reef viewing easier and reduce fatigue in choppy seas.
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin and prevents harmful chemicals from damaging coral ecosystems.
Light waterproof daypack
Keeps towel, dry clothes, documents and sunscreen organized and dry between stops.
Water shoes
Useful for walking on shell‑strewn beaches and rocky jetties during island visits.