Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

Leave Cartagena’s heat behind. This full-day catamaran trip trades the walled city for open water, two swimming stops, snorkeling, a filling lunch, and an easygoing ride back toward the harbor. I especially like the comfortable, spacious boat and the fact that soft drinks, juices, lemonade, and water are included all day.

The food gets unusually strong praise, with seafood or vegetable rice, salad, and dessert served onboard. The main thing to understand is that this is not really an island-landing tour. You may stop near white sand and swim toward shore, but the boat generally remains offshore, so choose it for a pleasant day on the water rather than for exploring Rosario Island villages or beach clubs.

Key points to know before booking

• Two open-water stops: Plan on swimming and snorkeling from the catamaran, with some stops lasting about an hour.
• Large but comfortable boat: There is seating in both shade and sun, clean onboard toilets, and enough room to avoid feeling packed in.
• Lunch is a real strength: Choose seafood, chicken, or a vegetable option with rice, salad buffet, and dessert.
• Free non-alcoholic drinks: Water, juices, lemonade, and soft drinks are available throughout the trip.
• Not a true island visit: The catamaran usually anchors near the islands instead of taking you ashore.
• A relaxed party atmosphere: Music and some dancing add life to the return trip, but this is not presented as a hard-party boat.

Leaving Cartagena from Bodeguita Dock

The meeting point is Bodeguita Dock, Door 1, directly in front of Cartagena’s walled city. The boat leaves promptly, so I would arrive early. The port entrance can be confusing, with queues and several lines, and the first few minutes may feel less organized than the cruise itself.

Once inside the waiting area, the process becomes easier. Some departures use a private waiting area, which gives you a quieter place to get out of the sun before boarding. Bring your booking details and identification, since the reservation requires each passenger’s full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, and address.

The listed duration is 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours. Several schedules return around 4 p.m., although the exact timing can change. The captain may adjust the route because of weather, and one report noted an earlier return, so do not build a tight evening plan around the advertised finish.

A welcome drink made with fresh fruit starts the day. There is also a mid-morning snack, which matters because the ride to the islands takes time. Some visitors describe the outward journey as roughly two and a half hours, and the catamaran may use both motor power and sailing depending on conditions.

The catamaran ride to Rosario

The vessel is one of the strongest parts of this outing. It has a broad layout, regular seats, places to sit in the shade, and open areas for sunbathing. Several people found that even a large group did not make the boat feel cramped.

That space changes the character of the tour. You can sit with a drink, watch the coast recede, or move around when the sun becomes too strong. The boat also has toilets that are described as clean and well maintained, a small but important comfort on a long day at sea.

The ride is not always a quiet sailing lesson. Some passengers report a smooth, relaxed crossing, while others enjoyed the wind and spray on the return. Music plays onboard, and the atmosphere may build into dancing and a small fiesta later in the day. If loud music bothers you, choose a seat away from the speakers or ask the crew where the calmer areas are.

The activity is listed in Spanish, but English announcements and assistance have been reported on some departures. I would still avoid assuming that every explanation will be bilingual. The crew appears focused on safety and service, but the amount of commentary about the islands can be limited.

Two swimming and snorkeling stops

The stops are the heart of the day. The catamaran anchors in clear water near the Rosario Islands, and you can swim from the boat with a life jacket and the supplied mask and snorkel. Equipment is included, but fins are not always available, so do not expect a full guided snorkeling setup.

The first stop gives you time to cool off and look beneath the surface. You may see tropical fish and coral, though the quality of the underwater view depends on weather, water conditions, and the exact anchorage. Some people found the snorkeling enjoyable, while others saw little beyond a few fish. This is best treated as casual snorkeling rather than a serious reef expedition.

A second stop usually follows, often with about an hour at each location. At one reported stop, swimmers could get close enough to land, but the boat generally stayed offshore. This is where the tour description can create confusion: it refers to an idyllic beach and white sand, but many departures do not include stepping onto a beach.

You might swim toward a sandy shoreline, or you may spend both stops entirely in the water beside the boat. Ask the crew early in the day how the current route will work. If your dream is to walk barefoot onto a secluded beach, book a tour that clearly promises shore time. If you mainly want clear water, a swim, and a catamaran deck, this format works well.

Safety equipment is provided, and the crew assists swimmers who need help. Still, you should be comfortable entering open water or wearing a life jacket. One person reported a jellyfish sting, so keep your eyes open and follow the crew’s instructions. Apply sunscreen often, especially on your shoulders, back, and legs. The reflected sun from the water is stronger than it feels at first.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks onboard

Lunch is served while the catamaran heads back toward Cartagena. The meal includes seafood, chicken, or a vegetable preparation with rice, a salad buffet, and dessert. Several people found the portions generous and the food better than expected for a boat excursion.

The seafood rice receives particularly warm praise, while vegetarian and vegan diners also found the meal satisfying. You can add salad from the buffet, and the main serving is substantial enough that most people will not need a second plate.

Non-alcoholic drinks are included throughout the day. Expect soft drinks, juices, lemonade, and mineral water. The lemonade gets specific praise, which is useful on a hot Caribbean outing. Alcohol is not included, but the onboard bar sells cocktails, beer, and other drinks, with card payments accepted for extras.

Bring a credit or debit card if you want anything from the bar. Cash is not listed as an accepted payment method for onboard extras. You also cannot bring your own food or drinks, and smoking is not allowed.

The return trip is part of the experience

The trip back is not simply dead time after lunch. With the wind rising, the catamaran can feel lively, and spray may reach the deck when the boat dips through the water. Some people love this refreshing finish, while anyone hoping to stay perfectly dry should choose a sheltered seat.

Music often becomes more noticeable on the return. There may be dancing, but the overall mood remains more relaxed than the dedicated party boats leaving Cartagena. That makes this a useful middle ground: you get some atmosphere without committing to an all-day nightclub at sea.

The views are simple but effective. You have open Caribbean water, distant islands, and the changing outline of Cartagena as the boat returns. I like this kind of ending because it gives you time to rest after swimming rather than rushing from one stop to another.

Is $107 good value?

At $107 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Rosario area. But the price includes the catamaran cruise, park fees, boarding fees, welcome drink, snack, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and unlimited listed non-alcoholic drinks.

That package makes the cost reasonable if you plan to spend a full day on the water. Buying lunch, drinks, transport, and a separate boat ride individually could quickly narrow the difference. The clean facilities, large boat, and included refreshments also remove several small costs that can surprise you on cheaper trips.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to visit an actual island or beach. You are paying for the boat ride, service, food, and swim stops, not for an island walking tour. A beach-club excursion may suit you better if loungers, shore access, and land-based facilities matter most.

The cruise also works well for couples, families, and anyone who wants a low-effort escape from Cartagena’s heat. Strong swimmers will get the most from the open-water stops, but life jackets are available. If you dislike boats, long crossings, or direct sun, seven and a half hours may feel like a long commitment.

What to pack for this particular day

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a credit or debit card. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, since the first swim stop may arrive before you feel ready to change. A cover-up and hat will make the ride more comfortable.

Reapply sunscreen every one to two hours. This is not a minor tip: several hours on open water can cause a serious burn even when the breeze keeps you cool.

Do not bring your own drinks or food. Smoking is also prohibited. Keep your phone, sunglasses, and other small items secure when the boat starts moving quickly, especially on the return when spray may reach the deck.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would choose this tour if you want a full, easy day at sea with food and drinks handled for you. It is especially good for people who value comfortable seating, clean facilities, a friendly atmosphere, and time to swim without changing boats or organizing several separate activities.

It also suits anyone looking for a calmer alternative to a packed party boat. Music is part of the outing, and dancing may happen, but the focus stays on sailing, swimming, lunch, and relaxing.

I would hesitate if your main goal is reef snorkeling. The equipment is basic, the stops are brief by expedition standards, and underwater visibility can be modest. I would also hesitate if you expect to tour the Rosario Islands themselves, because the boat usually anchors offshore rather than delivering you to island streets or a beach resort.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The catamaran is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the practical details of boarding and swimming access are not specified, so confirm those needs before booking.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It leaves from Bodeguita Dock, Door 1, in front of Cartagena’s walled city.

How long is the trip?

The listed duration is 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours. The exact return time can change because of weather or the captain’s decision.

Does the tour visit the Rosario Islands on land?

Usually, no. The catamaran generally stops offshore near the islands for swimming and snorkeling. Some stops may be close enough to swim toward land, but shore access is not guaranteed.

How many swimming stops are included?

The usual program includes two swimming or snorkeling stops. Several departures allow roughly an hour at each stop, but the timing can change.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Fins are not specifically included, and one account noted that flippers were unavailable.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes seafood, chicken, or a vegetable option with rice, a salad buffet, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Non-alcoholic drinks are included, including soft drinks, juices, lemonade, and mineral water. Alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Can I pay for drinks with cash?

Extra onboard services can be paid for only with a credit or debit card.

Is the tour offered in English?

The listed language is Spanish. English announcements and assistance have been available on some departures, but full English service should not be assumed.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a credit or debit card. Do not bring outside food or drinks, and smoking is not allowed.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a comfortable boat day with two swims, a generous lunch, free soft drinks, and a relaxed return with music. The strongest reasons to go are the spacious catamaran, good food, clean toilets, and simple all-in-one price.

Skip it if visiting an island beach is essential or if you want serious reef snorkeling. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to swap Cartagena’s hot streets for open water, with just enough activity to keep the day moving and enough deck space to slow down.