Sun, sand, and drinks on Rosario Island. This full-day escape from Cartagena focuses on easy beach time with minimal travel stress, and it keeps things simple: you get a resort-style base on Isla Grande, plus lunch and an open bar while you’re there.

I like that you control the day once you arrive, whether you’re sinking into loungers or going for a swim. I also like the early departure and the short, practical on-water routing, so you’re not spending your whole day in transit. One thing to consider: what you consider included can depend on the exact service level tied to your tickets, so it’s worth double-checking what’s included with your specific booking.

Key points before you go

• Isla Grande (Rosario Islands) resort access with time to relax on the main island
• Lunch + use of facilities included in the price
• Open bar with national liquor cocktails, so you’re not budgeting for drinks all day
• Short on-the-water history stop near a Spanish colonial fortification, weather permitting
• Boarding tax not included (plan about 22,000 COP per person)

A beach day that fits Cartagena’s schedule

This tour is built for people who want the Rosario Islands without turning the trip into a whole logistics project. You start from the city in the morning, head out by boat, and spend the middle chunk of the day on the main island—Isla Grande—where you can use the resort facilities and settle in.

The heart of the experience is the beach time. You’re not racing around multiple stops. Instead, you’re given a long stretch of time to enjoy the sand, soak up sun, and decide on the spot how active you want to be.

That format is great if you’re traveling with a mixed group—someone who wants to swim, someone who’d rather stay dry and read. It also means you’ll get more value from the “included” part of the day, because you’re likely to actually use the facilities rather than just pass through.

Getting there: the 7:30am start and the meeting point

The tour starts at 7:30am from Muelle de la Bodeguita, located on Blas de Lezo in El Centro. If you’re staying around the old city or central areas, this is usually the kind of departure point that’s easier to reach than remote ports.

The ride out to the islands takes place early enough that you’ll reach your beach base before the sun gets too aggressive. That matters. In Cartagena’s heat, earlier tends to feel kinder—especially if you’re planning to spend hours in and out of the water.

A note on timing: the total duration is about 6 to 7 hours. That’s long enough for a proper beach day, but not so long that you’ll feel trapped. It’s also why the morning start matters; it’s part of how the schedule makes sense.

Isla Grande: your main beach base for about four hours

Once you reach the Rosario Islands, you head to Isla Grande, the main island in the Rosario chain. This is where you’ll use the resort facilities, access the beach area, and generally have enough time to do the classic beach-day routine.

You’ll get roughly four hours at this stop, which is an ideal length for:

• getting in some swimming without rushing
• alternating between shade and sun
• eating lunch without turning it into a time-crunch event

What you’re paying for here is not just the view—it’s the convenience. Having resort-style access on the island means fewer decisions. You don’t have to hunt for where to eat. You’re not stuck asking where to find towels or where the drink options are. The included setup is designed so your day feels like a proper getaway, not a scavenger hunt.

Practical tips for Isla Grande time

Even with facilities included, you’ll enjoy the day more if you come prepared for beach rhythm:

• Use sunscreen before you fully commit to the sand time.
• Bring water and take breaks from direct sun (even if the bar is calling).
• If you’re sensitive to sun, plan your shade shifts early rather than waiting until you’re uncomfortable.

The boat stop: Spanish colonial fortification, weather permitting

On the water, there may be a short stop by a fortification from the Spanish colonial period. This isn’t guaranteed every single day, because it depends on weather conditions.

Think of this as a light add-on, not a full cultural detour. The main reason it’s included is to give you a little historical context and a chance for photos while the boat is underway.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes learning just enough to make what you see feel real, this quick moment can be a nice touch. If you’re mainly there for beach time, don’t worry if it’s brief or skipped due to conditions.

Lunch and open bar: included, but confirm the ticket level

The tour includes lunch, plus use of the facilities on the island. Drinks are also part of the package: you’ll have an open bar with national liquor cocktails.

This is one of the biggest reasons the value can work. When beach days are unstructured and you end up paying separately for meals and drinks, costs pile up fast. Here, those costs are wrapped into the ticket.

One important caution comes from a serious complaint about an apparent mismatch between ticket expectations and what was delivered on arrival. The core issue wasn’t that anyone refused to serve alcohol at all—it was that the “VIP” area had different amenities than the “classic” access, including things like cabanas, towels, and where the open bar access applied. The complaint also involved confusion around resort availability and images shared during booking.

I can’t verify the details beyond what was described, but it leads to a simple takeaway for you: before you go, confirm exactly what your ticket includes. If the booking page or confirmation uses words like classic or VIP (or shows different pictures), ask the operator to clarify what’s included for your specific option: open bar access, towels, and any reserved seating like cabanas.

A quick message can save you from a stressful hour at the venue.

Price and value: what 155 USD really buys

At $155 per person, this tour sits in the mid-to-upper range for Cartagena day trips. The question is whether that price feels fair.

In this case, the value is strongest if you treat it as a full package beach day:

• Four hours on Isla Grande (not a quick stop)
• Lunch included
• Open bar with national liquor cocktails
• Resort facilities included
• A boat day that stays within about 6–7 hours total

If you would normally pay for a boat ticket plus a resort day pass plus lunch plus drinks, the bundle can make sense. You’re paying for the “someone else handles it” convenience.

Where the price can feel less good is if your actual access ends up being more limited than what you expected (again, this comes down to ticket category clarity). That’s not a reason to panic—it’s just a reason to confirm the details now, not later.

Also remember the boarding tax is not included. You’ll need about 22,000 Colombian pesos per person (approx., as stated), so factor that into your budget.

Group size and how it affects your day

This tour has a maximum of 30 travelers. That’s a sweet spot for many people: you’ll be with others, but it’s not so large that you feel like you’re stuck in a crowd the entire time.

A small group also helps with comfort at meeting points and during the boat ride. It doesn’t eliminate waiting entirely, but it usually keeps the vibe manageable.

What I’d pack for a Rosario Islands beach day

Even when things are included, you’ll travel lighter and feel more comfortable if you bring the basics:

• sunscreen and a hat
• a light cover-up for shade breaks
• a small bag that can handle sand
• swimwear you can rinse and wear again
• cash for the boarding tax (around 22,000 COP)

If you plan to enjoy the open bar, keep hydration in mind. Alcohol + sun can turn a slow day into a headache day faster than you expect.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want another option)

This is a strong fit for you if:

• you want beach time on Isla Grande as the main event
• you prefer a structured day where lunch and drinks are handled
• you like a boat trip that doesn’t swallow your entire day
• you’re okay with a schedule that leaves little room for long detours

It might not be your best match if:

• you’re very particular about resort-style amenities (like reserved cabanas/towels)
• you need a guaranteed level of “premium” setup and don’t want any ticket-category confusion
• you’re sensitive to heat and prefer fewer sun-heavy hours on the sand

Should you book this Rosario Islands open bar tour?

I think you should consider booking if you want a straightforward Rosario Islands beach day with lunch + open bar and a real chunk of time on Isla Grande. The schedule makes sense for first-timers and for anyone who wants an easy win.

But I’d book with two smart actions:

1. Confirm your exact inclusions in writing before you pay—especially if you see different access levels (classic vs VIP) mentioned anywhere in your booking.
2. Budget for the boarding tax (around 22,000 COP per person) so there’s no surprise at the last minute.

If your goal is relaxation and convenience, this tour can deliver exactly that. If your goal is a very specific luxury setup, double-check your ticket category first so your day starts smooth.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:30am.

Where is the meeting point in Cartagena?

You meet at Muelle de la Bodeguita, Blas de Lezo, in El Centro, Cartagena de Indias.

How long is the Rosario Islands day trip?

The total duration is about 6 to 7 hours.

How much time do I get on Isla Grande?

You get about four hours on Isla Grande, the main island of the Rosario Islands.

What is included in the price?

The price includes lunch, use of the facilities, and an open bar with national liquor cocktails.

Is the open bar included for everyone on the tour?

The tour description says there will be an open bar with national liquor cocktails, but you should confirm your ticket level to make sure your specific access matches what you expect.

Is a boarding tax included?

No. The boarding tax is not included. It is listed as about 22,000 Colombian pesos per person (approx.).

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 30 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.