A quiet island day on speedboat time. This Cartagena to Isla del Encanto trip takes you to the Corales del Rosario Natural Park for crystal-clear water, a pool-and-hammock setup, and over 300 meters of sand to claim. I like the calm, private-feeling beach vibe and the fact that the day stays simple and well organized once you’re on the pier. One big consideration: the island is built for purchases, and extra fees add up fast if you go for add-ons like the Oceanario.

Meet at Muelle de la Bodeguita at 8:00 am and keep your eye on Gate 3, because the morning flow matters. The boat ride is about 60 minutes each way, and the group is capped at 40 people, so you’re not fighting a crowd all day. If sea conditions turn choppy, the speedboat ride can feel rough, so I’d plan your mindset accordingly.

Key things I’d mark on your map

Gate 3 departure from Muelle de la Bodeguita

Easy to find when you get there early, and it sets the tone for the day.

Corales del Rosario Natural Park beach time

Crystal-clear water plus more than 300 meters of sand for lounging.

Kayaking is included

Not just a beach stop, you get active water time too.

Pool + beach beds + hammocks

You can mix sea dips with real rest, not constant walking.

Buffet-style lunch is part of the day

A full meal that many people find better than you’d expect for an island buffet.

Oceanario is optional and costs extra

If you want dolphins and turtles, budget the extra entrance and related fees.

Isla del Encanto in Corales del Rosario: why this day feels special

This is a classic Cartagena coastal escape, but it’s built around comfort and time in the water. Isla del Encanto sits inside the Corales del Rosario Natural Park, so you’re dealing with that famous Caribbean-style clarity and a beach that’s long enough to spread out.

The island setup matters. You get sun loungers and beach beds, plus access to a pool area and hammocks for downtime between sea swims. That combination makes the day work for couples and families who want a relaxed rhythm instead of a nonstop itinerary.

If you’re expecting a rough-and-wild adventure, recalibrate. This trip is more “beach day with a boat” than “hard-core exploration.” It can be perfect for that, and a letdown if you want constant thrills.

Meeting at Muelle de la Bodeguita and the Gate 3 start

You start at Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena, in the center area near Blas de Lezo. The tour begins at 8:00 am, and you’ll depart from Gate 3.

This is one place where being early really pays off. There’s no extra time built in for confusion, so show up with buffer time and have your booking details ready. Some people have run into friction trying to get through the gate or board smoothly, and the easiest fix is arriving early rather than trying to brute-force the line.

Once you’re past the start, the pace becomes easier: you’ll head out toward the Rosario Islands in a speedboat and get to the island quickly.

The speedboat ride: quick route, real weather dependence

The boat trip is about 60 minutes to reach the island, and roughly 60 minutes back. That’s a big part of the appeal: you spend your day where you want to be, not on a bus.

The trade-off is weather. The experience requires good conditions, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. When conditions are okay, the ride is part of the fun; when conditions turn choppy, it can feel jolty.

I treat a speedboat ride like a rollercoaster with sunscreen. Bring what you need for comfort and keep your expectation realistic: short, fast, and sometimes bouncy.

Stop 1: Isla del Encanto beach time with kayaking included

This is the heart of the day. Isla del Encanto gives you a long stretch of sand—over 300 meters—plus clear water and a place to rest in the Caribbean climate.

What you can do once you land

After disembarking at the island hotel, you have time to start your island experience either freely or guided. The day is built so you can choose your pace:

• Sea dips and pool time
• Rest on loungers, beach beds, or hammocks
• Kayaking, which is included

Kayaking is the best kind of “included extra.” It gives you something to do besides lying still, and it also helps break up the day so you don’t feel like you’re just repeating the same routine.

How the day usually feels

A lot of the positive energy here comes from how the island day can feel controlled and calmer than you’d expect. The beach often feels more private than open public shoreline, which is what many people want in a day trip from Cartagena.

But here’s the balancing note: the island is also a commercial resort environment. You should assume there are on-site sales and extra charges for certain items.

Lunch on the island: buffet, but not a total afterthought

Lunch is included and served buffet-style on the island. This is one of the areas with mixed impressions, but the overall signal is helpful: many people rate the lunch as exceptional for an island buffet.

The meal is there to keep you fueled for sea time, not to be a culinary destination. Still, it’s valuable because it removes a common hassle on island days: hunting for food once you arrive and then losing your beach time.

If you’re picky about quality, go in with a practical mindset and eat early enough that you don’t rush through it while you’re sun-warmed and ready to swim.

Stop 2 (optional): the Oceanario add-on and what you’ll see

You can add an optional visit to the oceanarium for an extra cost of 30,000 COP per person. The visit is about 1 hour.

The oceanarium’s animal lineup includes dolphins, turtles, rays, cat sharks, and more. If you’re traveling with kids or you know someone who loves marine animals, this is the kind of add-on that can turn a good beach day into a memorable one.

Just know the Oceanario isn’t free and it has related fees too: you’ll also pay a boarding fee of 20,000 COP per person for the Oceanario. So you’re not just paying for the entrance ticket.

Price and value check: what $158 really means in practice

The tour price is $158.00 per person for roughly 8 hours on the water and beach. On paper, that sounds straightforward: speedboat transport, lunch, kayaking, and access to loungers, beach beds, and the pool.

But there are additional costs you should plan for so you don’t get surprised mid-day:

• A boarding tax of 31,500 COP per person is not included
• Oceanario entrance is extra (30,000 COP) if you choose it
• Oceanario boarding fee is extra (20,000 COP per person)

How does that affect value? If you do the main island day only, you’re getting a lot: boat transfers, a full meal, and active water time (kayaking) plus comfortable downtime. Many people feel the experience is worth it when the day is smooth and you stick to the core plan.

If you add Oceanario, your total spend climbs quickly. I’d decide ahead of time if you truly want that animal-hour. If you’re not sure, you can always skip it and keep the day focused on the beach and kayaking.

What to pack (and what to skip) so the day stays easy

Because this is a resort-style island setup, you’ll want to pack like you’re going to spend the whole day in swimwear. I’d treat it like a beach day first, shopping second.

The most practical tip: bring your own towels. Some people have found that the island charges for everything once you’re there, and towels are an easy place to avoid an extra purchase. Even if you’re not trying to save money, it’s just simpler.

Also plan for sun. You’ll have hours of beach time plus pool time, and the island climate is Caribbean. Bring sunscreen, and consider a hat or sunglasses that can handle saltwater.

Who this tour is best for (and who should choose something else)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A quiet, comfortable island day with room to relax
• A family-friendly rhythm that includes lunch and downtime
• A mix of beach time and kayaking without planning your own transportation

It may feel less ideal if you came to Cartagena for a rugged adventure or a very active itinerary. When you add the possibility of choppy tides on the return boat ride, the day is best enjoyed if you’re cool with a little motion.

It’s also a good choice if you like the idea of a smaller group. With a maximum of 40 people, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed.

Final call: should you book Isla del Encanto from Cartagena?

I’d book this tour if you want a classic Cartagena-to-island day that delivers on comfort: long beach time in the Corales del Rosario Natural Park, loungers and hammocks, pool access, a included lunch, and kayaking to keep it from feeling too static.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re trying to hunt for a budget, DIY adventure or if you hate paying extra once you arrive. Also, if you know you get motion-sick, plan for the possibility of a rougher speedboat ride and choose accordingly.

If you want the simple version of an island day done right, this is one of the more sensible ways to structure it from Cartagena. Just show up early for Gate 3, bring your towel, and decide ahead of time whether Oceanario fits your day and your wallet.

FAQ

How long is the Isla del Encanto full-day experience?

It runs about 8 hours total.

Where do I meet in Cartagena?

The meeting point is Muelle de la Bodeguita, in Blas De Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. Departure is from Gate 3.

What’s included in the price?

Included are lunch, speedboat transportation, sun loungers and beach beds plus pool access, and kayaking.

Is the Oceanario included?

No. The Oceanario visit is optional, costs 30,000 COP per person, and has an additional boarding fee of 20,000 COP per person.

Are there extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes. A boarding tax of 31,500 COP per person is not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.