Discovering Rosario Islands: A Tropical Escape from Cartagena, Colombia

Intro

🐬 Join us as we embark on an unforgettable adventure from Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena, Colombia.

🛥️ From breathtaking views of Bocagrande to the serene beaches of Isla del Sol in the Rosario Islands, this journey promises a slice of paradise. 🏝️

Dive into the crystal-clear waters, where sea turtles gracefully glide and nurse sharks patrol the ocean floor. 🐢🦈

The Oceanarium Rosario Islands offers an immersive experience, from dolphin shows to natural pools teeming with marine life. 🐬🌊

After a day of exploration, savor a delicious lunch back on Isla del Sol before bidding farewell to this tropical haven. 🍽️ Don’t miss the chance to witness the beauty of the Rosario Islands in Cartagena from both land and sea! 🌊☀️ #RosarioIslands #Cartagena #IslandAdventure

The Rosario Islands

I had spent a wonderful week in Colombia. You can already read all of my adventures in the last few days here:

Exploring Cartagena: A Complete Guide of Colombia’s Vibrant Coastal Gem

Exploring the Amazon River: An Amazing Emotional Adventure!

Exploring the Amazon: From Kayaking Adventures to Brazilian Excursions

I had seen so much wildlife, and now I was about to see a lot of other wildlife but in the ocean. The Rosario Islands are a group of picturesque islands and coral reefs located off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia. Known for their stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and eco-tourism attractions.

I had purchased a tour on Albitours. I had used them before, and I recommended them in the past to people I know. The best is to contact them in WhatsApp and ask for discounts and add ons to your excursions.

The tour would take us to Isla del Sol, which had a beach and a pool. And it was closer to the Oceanarium, which was an add on.

On the way to the Rosario Islands

Very early in the morning, we all go to the Muelle de la Bodeguita, located at the Historical Center by the Torre del Reloj. We checked in, and got some bracelets.

Aorund 8:00 AM we got on the boat, I believe the most modern one I had been on these tours in Cartagena. From the boat I saw the Marriott I was staying in.

The view of the Bocagrande and Castillogrande skyline was amazing. The other neighborhoods like Manga, were also visible from the boat, on the way out of the inner bay, and into the external bay.

After an hour and a half we were getting to the Rosario Islands. The water was not rough at this time of the morning, and it was a peaceful ride, even in the two engine rapid boat.

We could see the Isla del Sol just in front of us. The blue and crystal waters were just unbelievable.

Enjoying Isla del Sol

Our day pass included lunch, some drinks, beach and pool use in this island. Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and additional tours like the Oceanarium were add on but could be purchased even on the same day.

We had a day of leisure in this island. Some people stayed for the night, since this is also a hotel. The pool and private beach were amazing. I would definitely had stayed the night if I did not have my flight back to New York the next day.

The beach chairs were also free to use. Back in Cartagena they cost money in any beach.

So far Isla del Sol was great, but I had gotten tickets to the Oceanarium of the Rosario Islands, which surprisingly I had never been to inside.

As the morning went, more boats got closer to Isla del Sol just to spend the day or to purchase drinks. These were mostly party boats which you can easily rent for your group if you want a more private experience.

It was time to go to the Oceanarium, so we got back into the boat.

Oceanarium Rosario Islands

The Oceanarium Rosario Islands is an aquatic attraction showcasing marine life indigenous to the region. Visitors can experience dolphin shows, interact with sea turtles, and observe nurse sharks in their natural habitat. The boat ride from Isla del Sol was around 10 to 15 minutes.

As you walk into the Oceanarium, there is a lot of wildlife to see.

This place is definitely a paradise, and you should not skip when you come to Cartagena in Colombia.

The Dolphin Experience

And add on that can be purchased after you enter the Oceanarium is the Dolphin Experience, where you get so swim, interact and even touch dolphins.

The Shark Show

Up next, the Oceanarium would have a presentation with the nurse sharks.

It is amazing how these animals interact between them and with humans.

The Dolphin Show

And to finish the visit to the Oceanarium we can find the Dolphin Show. This is a demonstration of the agility and intelligence of this mammals. They were really giving us a show, jumping around, making noises and doing tricks.

Back to the Isla del Sol and to Cartagena

It was only 2:00 PM but I was already exhausted. We went back to Isla del Sol, and had lunch, the typical Caribbean Plate: Fried fish, coconut rice, fried yucca and a salad. It was delicious, but after enjoying a bit more of the beach and the pool, we had to leave.

Most boats go back to Cartagena by 3:00 PM, because the tide gets strong after then.

The boat went against the waves and we all got soaked and wet after jumping over the sea for more than 40 min. The rest of the ride, and closer to land was a little bit less rough. Just have that in mind. If someone gets seasick easily, maybe have some dramamine.

But now it was the last few hours of my stay in Colombia, and I had still a lot to do.