Warm-weather escape. This is one of the easier ways to get out to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena for a full beach day. You’ll trade city streets for a beach bed waiting for you, plus a speedy boat ride across crystal water.

Two things I like a lot: the trip is built for all-day relaxation (you don’t feel rushed once you’re there), and your typical lunch is included so you’re not constantly scanning menus. One thing to think about: the boat ride back can feel choppy in Dec–Apr wind, and the water entry area isn’t always rock-free.

Key Highlights Before You Go

• 7:30am meet-up at La Bodeguita Pier (3rd Gate) keeps the day moving
• About 45 minutes each way by speedboat to Isla Grande (Rosario Islands)
• Beach bed included when you arrive, with options for VIP upgrades
• Lunch at noon with 3 meal choices (and more options if you upgrade)
• Swimming plus kayaking and paddleboarding are part of the day’s setup
• A pier tax is not included (Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club charges $9 per person)

Cartagena to Bora Bora Beach Club: Why This Day Trip Feels Like a Reset

This is the kind of excursion that makes sense when you want a break from Cartagena’s heat, cobblestones, and crowds. You start early at MUELLE DE LA BODEGUITA, then you’re out on the water before you’ve really had time to think too hard. About an hour later, you’re at the beach club on Isla Grande, ready to sink into a sunbed and forget your phone for a while.

What makes it work for real people is the structure. The day is simple: transfer to the island, claim your bed, eat at noon, then return to Cartagena in the late afternoon. And you’re not stuck only staring at the ocean—there’s time for swimming and water activities, or you can do the smarter plan and just relax.

The biggest practical consideration is wind. The operator notes that between December and April, winds are stronger, and the return journey might be a bit rocky. If you’re prone to seasickness or you don’t love bumpy rides, it’s worth thinking about timing.

The Speedboat Ride to Isla Grande: Quick, Scenic, and Not Always Smooth

You’ll leave in the morning after check-in (the day’s schedule has a meet time of 7:30am, with departure typically between 7:45am and 8:30am). The crossing to Bora Bora Beach Club is about 45 minutes on the speedboat.

On calmer days, it’s a fast hop into postcard water. The point isn’t just getting there—it’s that the boat ride itself is part of the “I’m really on vacation now” feeling. Still, plan for motion. Some people find the ride can feel rough, especially on the return trip in windy season, and one guest even described being in waves for a long stretch.

If rough water worries you, aim to travel outside Dec–Apr if you can. Also, bring a mindset change: treat the boat as a means to a long beach day, not the main event.

Arriving at the Beach Club: Getting Your Bed and Settling In

Once you reach Bora Bora Beach Club on Isla Grande, you’ll check in and get guided to your spot. A welcome moment is included: a welcome cocktail, and your beach bed (or sunbed based on your party size) is waiting.

This is where the excursion either feels smooth or starts testing your patience. On well-organized days, the process is quick and you’re set up with shade and a place to put your towel/bag and actually enjoy your morning. But you should also expect some lines during check-in at the pier—one review noted longer queues for the entry bands/arm bands, and another mentioned a departure delay tied to a scheduled event.

The good news: once you’re inside, the club is set up for doing very little. You’ll likely spend the day bouncing between swimming, lounging, and ordering drinks.

The Included Beach Day Setup: Sunbeds, Shade, and VIP Reality Checks

The core of this experience is the beach club comfort. Your ticket includes a beach bed/sunbed based on how many people are in your group. If you want more space, better placement, or a more “special day” feel, there are upgrades—like VIP access and front-row beds for an extra cost, subject to availability.

Here’s the practical truth I’d plan around: “VIP” can mean different levels of what you actually get on the ground. Some guests described VIP as a letdown, saying they didn’t receive what they expected in terms of bed type and service attention. Another guest loved the VIP and even recommended a cabana bed for comfort and service.

So if you upgrade, do one simple thing: be clear in writing about what the VIP package includes (bed type, shade coverage, and placement). That one step can prevent the most common kind of disappointment—spending extra money for the wrong version of comfort.

Swimming, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, or Just Lying There

The day is built around being on the water and being comfortable on land. Your time at the beach club includes the chance to swim in warm Caribbean water, with options to kayak and paddleboard if you feel like doing more than relaxing.

This is also where you need to consider the entry conditions. One guest said the area where people can swim had a lot of rocks, making stepping into the water less pleasant. If you’re sensitive to rocky shorelines, consider footwear that helps you enter and exit without stress.

If you don’t want to think about it at all, the club is designed for the low-effort vacation plan: bed, shade, music/atmosphere, and a long lunch break. You can easily fill the day without over-scheduling.

Lunch at Bora Bora: Included Food, Clear Choices, and VIP Adds Options

Lunch happens around 12:00pm. It’s included and it’s typical Colombian food, served with three options: chicken, fish, or vegetarian.

If you upgrade to the VIP area, the lunch selection expands to five options. That matters if you have a picky eater in the group, or if you like variety rather than picking from a short list.

A few people rated the lunch as good but not amazing, which is fair. The value here isn’t that lunch is fine-dining—it’s that you get a proper meal included in an excursion that already costs real money. Also, you’re not stuck hunting for food with hungry kids or a crew of sun-exhausted adults.

The Drinks Reality: Worth It, But Plan for Costs

Drinks are available for purchase all day, and that’s a big part of how people enjoy the scene. One guest called out that drinks can get pricy, so it helps to set a budget before you start ordering.

If you’re thinking of buying cocktails repeatedly, consider doing just one “vacation splurge” drink early, then keep it more controlled later. That way you still enjoy the atmosphere without your day turning into a surprise bill.

Timing and Logistics: What to Expect From 7:30am to About 4:00pm

The experience is about 8 hours 30 minutes total. You meet at 7:30am at La Bodeguita Pier (3rd Gate). You depart the pier between 7:45am and 8:30am, then reach the island about 45 minutes later.

You’re back on the boat around 3:00pm, then you arrive at La Bodeguita Dock around 4:00pm.

A couple of timing notes that can matter to your day:

• On high-demand days, check-in can involve waiting in lines for entry bands.
• The schedule can slip. One review described a multi-hour delay tied to a marathon event, which shortened time at the club and caused frustration.

If your Cartagena itinerary is tight (like you’ve got a dinner reservation the same night), give yourself breathing room. You’re traveling on a fixed schedule, but real life can add delays at the pier.

Price and Value: What You Get for $116 (and What Costs Extra)

At $116 per person, you’re paying for more than a beach chair. You’re paying for:

• Roundtrip speedboat
• A beach bed/sunbed
• Lunch at noon
• The setup for water time (swimming and paddle activities)

That’s why this price can still feel fair—even if you could theoretically find a beach on your own. You’re getting transport, club access, and a meal without planning all day.

Costs that can catch you if you don’t read carefully:

• Pier tax fee at $9 per person for Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club (not included in the main price)
• Towels are not included
• Extra food and beverages are a la carte
• First row beds cost extra if you’re aiming for that premium placement
• VIP upgrades are extra, and cabana choices are limited by availability

If you’re budgeting, add the pier tax and assume you’ll spend something on drinks. If you can, travel with that mindset and the math looks better.

Who This Beach Club Day Trip Suits Best

This is a great fit when you want a one-day dose of Caribbean water without building a complicated plan. It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want an easy “special day” format
• Groups that want shared relaxation and a clear schedule
• People who don’t want to negotiate local boats, tickets, and timing

It may be less ideal if you:

• Hate bumpy boat rides (especially Dec–Apr)
• Need lots of service attention and quick replenishment (some guests reported slow waiter check-ins)
• Expect a guaranteed pool experience (there’s mention that pool access may be restricted, depending on who you are and what the property allows)

Also, if you’re traveling solo and upgrading, confirm exactly what you’ll receive so you don’t end up with a less-shaded option than you expected.

Should You Book Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club Full Day?

I’d book this if your goal is a relaxing, organized beach day with transportation handled for you and an included meal. The Rosario Islands location plus a dedicated beach club setup is a strong payoff, and the day’s timeline is built so you can enjoy the island without constantly thinking about logistics.

I’d hesitate if you’re going during the windier months and you’re sensitive to rough water. I’d also hesitate if you’re counting on a very specific VIP bed setup—upgrades sound tempting, but you’ll want clarity on what the VIP area gives you in practice.

If you book, go in with smart expectations: the beach is the main event, lunch keeps you fueled, and the boat ride is the tradeoff to get there fast. That mindset turns the day from “How perfect is everything?” into “I’m here, and it’s beautiful.”

FAQ

What time do I need to meet in Cartagena?

You meet at 7:30am at MUELLE DE LA BODEGUITA (Bodeguita Pier), specifically 3rd Gate.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at La Bodeguita Pier in Cartagena: MUELLE DE LA BODEGUITA, Blas De Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias.

How long is the boat ride to the island?

The crossing to Bora Bora Beach Club takes about 45 minutes.

Is lunch included, and do they offer vegetarian?

Yes, typical lunch is included. You can choose from three options (chicken, fish, or vegetarian). Vegetarian options are also available.

What’s included with my ticket?

Your ticket includes roundtrip speedboat, a beach bed/sunbed based on guest count, and a typical lunch.

What extra costs should I plan for?

You should budget for the $9 per person pier tax charged by Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club. Also, towels and extra food and beverages are not included. First row beds and VIP upgrades cost extra.

When could the ride back be rough?

Between December and April, the wind is stronger, and the journey back to Cartagena might be a bit rocky.