Nature, Tours · Cartagena

Islas del Rosario (Parque Nacional Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo)

An archipelago of islands with coral reefs inside a marine national park, about 45 km from Cartagena bay. Boats leave from the Muelle de La Bodeguita.

Hours: Departures depend on each operator; most leave in the morning from La Bodeguita.
Price: Paid: boat ticket or operator package, plus the park entry fee and the pier's port fee.
Price level: $$$$$
Duration: All day
Address: Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo, about 45 km southwest of the Bay of Cartagena

See on the map Google Maps Official website

The Islas del Rosario are part of the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo, an almost entirely marine park within the Cartagena district, about 45 km southwest of the bay.

It protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and beaches. Underwater there are corals, fish, sea urchins and starfish; above, pelicans and other seabirds.

The typical outing is a day trip: a boat in the morning from the Muelle de La Bodeguita, stops at islands to swim or snorkel, lunch and back in the afternoon. There's an aquarium (oceanario) on the island of San Martín de Pajarales.

What to see

Coral reefs for snorkeling or diving.
Beaches on the islands of the archipelago.
The aquarium on the island of San Martín de Pajarales.

Getting there

Boat or catamaran from the Muelle Turístico de La Bodeguita, the pier authorized by the Port Authority for public passenger transport to the islands.
Trips are sold by tour operators or at the pier's ticket booths.

Tips

Bring cash: there are no ATMs on the islands.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a cap and water.
Don't stand on the coral or take shells or sand.
If the sea is choppy, you'll feel it on the boat ride; ask the operator about sea conditions.