Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

The Rosario Islands day trip is interesting because you get the coast without the usual stress. This is a full sailing catamaran outing from Cartagena, with time in the water and a real meal onboard.

I love the comfort of the boat, with plenty of seating in both shade and sun. I also love that lunch comes onboard, including a seafood or vegetable rice option with salad buffet and dessert.

One drawback to plan around: you mostly swim from the boat during your stops, not from an organized beach on the islands. So if you want long beach walking time, set your expectations for open-water swimming instead.

Key highlights and practical takeaways

• Comfort-forward catamaran with seating options in shade and sun, plus clean onboard toilets
• Multiple swim stops in clear water, typically two anchored periods for snorkeling and swimming
• Snorkeling gear included, but you should know what to expect once you’re in
• Lunch onboard is part of the value, not an afterthought, with salad buffet and dessert
• Drinks are reasonably priced at the bar, while non-alcoholic drinks are included
• Not really an island tour, more of a cruise with water time

Getting to the right place at Bodeguita Dock

Your day starts at the Bodeguita Dock, Door #1. The catamaran leaves from there in front of Cartagena’s walled city area, and most of the hassle happens right at the port entrance. One review noted the start can feel chaotic while you’re figuring out which line to stand in, but once you get into the proper waiting area, the process tends to feel more organized.

My advice: arrive early and keep it simple. Don’t wait until the last minute to find Door #1. Give yourself time to get through the busy entrance and get settled before the boat calls your group.

The catamaran ride: seating, shade, bathrooms, and bar vibe

This is a full-day outing (about 450 minutes, roughly 7.5 hours), so comfort matters. The catamaran is set up so you can choose your spot. You’ll find seats in the sun if you want to work on your tan, and other areas that feel cooler when Cartagena’s heat rises.

The boat also has toilets that people found well maintained. That sounds like a small detail, but for a day at sea, it makes a big difference to your mood.

Onboard, there’s also a bar. Non-alcoholic drinks are included (soft drinks, juices, lemonade, and mineral water), but you can also buy alcoholic drinks. Several people said bar prices felt reasonable, and at least one person specifically called out that alcoholic beverages were priced reasonably.

If you’re sensitive to sound: there’s music onboard. A couple reviews mention the music was loud, so if you want quiet, bring earplugs and aim for a calmer section of the boat.

Sailing to the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals area

Your cruise goes toward the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park area. The ride includes sailing and motor sailing, and you’ll start with a welcome drink made with fresh fruit.

This matters because the trip is not only about the swimming stops. It’s about getting out on the water for a long stretch of time. Several reviews described the return journey as a highlight because it can get windy and splashy, and the catamaran moves in a way that feels fun rather than rough.

Another tip from the way the day runs: announcements during the trip are handled in both Spanish and English, often via automated messaging. That helps if you don’t speak Spanish fluently.

What the swim stops are really like (and what they are not)

Here’s the key expectation-setting point. This tour does not feel like a “hop off onto the island for beach time” day. Most of the experience is built around swimming from the boat.

You’ll typically do two swim periods, each long enough for a relaxed paddle around. Reviews mention about an hour per stop, and the water is often described as blue and clear. You’ll also have fun inflatables available at the white-sand area stop, so it’s not just “jump in and go straight back out.”

A few important realities:

• You may be asked to jump off the boat into the water.
• People reported life jackets are provided, and snorkeling equipment is on hand.
• One review noted they did not have flippers available, so if you love a kick-and-glide style, plan to adjust without them.
• One review said you should be careful about jellyfish. It’s not a reason to avoid the trip, but it is a reminder to treat the water gently and wear proper protection if you have it.

If you want an Instagram-perfect beach picnic, you might feel slightly shorted. If you want a breezy day on the sea with swim time, you’re in the right place.

Snorkeling time: gear included, fish sightings vary

Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to pack your own mask or snorkel. That said, snorkeling results can be a bit “luck plus conditions.” One review said they saw colorful fish but mostly enjoyed the swimming rather than the underwater show. Another said snorkeling wasn’t great, with limited things to see.

So what should you do? Go in with the right plan:

• Use snorkeling as a chance to explore a bit, not as a guarantee of big coral spectacle.
• Spend the time actually moving slowly and looking around. Many people focus on the easiest spots right under the surface.
• If you’re the type who wants lots of fish, consider spending your energy finding the best light and current edges during each anchored period.

Also, bring your own sunscreen and reapply. Several people made a point of sunscreen since you’re in sun and wind at the same time, and reapplying is easy to forget.

Lunch onboard: a real meal, not a snack in disguise

Lunch is one of the best parts of this trip for many people. It’s included and served onboard while you’re sailing back toward Cartagena.

The menu is straightforward:

• You’ll get either seafood with rice or vegetables with rice
• There’s a salad buffet
• Dessert is included

One vegeterian-friendly review described the lunch as amazing for their diet, and that lines up with the presence of the vegetable rice option. The chef also loads plates, and at least one person said you can go back for more salad if you want it.

Practical tip: treat lunch as part of the fuel plan for swimming. You’ll be in and out of the water, and a good meal helps you feel human for the rest of the day.

Included drinks and the onboard bar reality

Non-alcoholic drinks are included all day. That includes soft drinks, juices, lemonade, and mineral water. More than one person called out the lemonade as a favorite, and others liked that the included drinks felt generous rather than watered down.

Then there’s the bar for extras. Alcohol is not included, but reviews often mention the bar was reasonably priced. That matters because you can keep the day fun without worrying that every soda or water will cost extra.

Also note: onboard payments for extra services must be made by credit card or debit card. So if you plan to buy extras, bring a card.

Time away from Cartagena: why the return ride hits

You’re not just “going and returning.” The day has a rhythm: a journey out, anchored swim stops, lunch while sailing back, and then a return that can feel like its own event.

A couple people specifically loved the return because the catamaran dipped into the sea a bit and water splashed over the boat in a way everyone seemed to enjoy. If you like breezes, music, and open sea motion, you’ll probably enjoy the home stretch.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, you might still feel fine on a catamaran, but bring your usual anti-nausea habits just in case. The ride is described as smooth by multiple reviewers, but sea conditions can change.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at about $107

At around $107 per person, the value comes from a combination of things you would otherwise pay for separately.

You’re getting:

• Full cruise time on the catamaran
• National park and boarding fees
• Snorkeling equipment
• Welcome drink and mid-morning snack
• Lunch onboard with salad buffet and dessert
• Non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day

If you compare that to typical Cartagena “boat only” tours, this is priced as a day package. The included meal and drinks are a real piece of value, especially when you’re stuck on the water for hours. You’re also not paying for hotel pickup since it’s not included, so you should factor your own logistics into the cost.

Worth knowing: some people were disappointed because they expected more island and beach time. This tour is best valued if you want swimming, snorkeling, and boat time more than shore time.

Who this trip is best for

I think this works best for:

• People who want a chill day on the water with swimming and a decent meal
• Anyone who wants to escape Cartagena heat and humidity for most of the day
• Couples, friends, and families who like the idea of two swim stops rather than constant hopping around

It may not suit you if:

• You need lots of walking time on islands or long beach lounging
• You expect snorkeling to be a guaranteed “wow” coral and fish show
• You’re very sensitive to music volume

Should you book this catamaran with lunch and snorkel?

If your dream day in Cartagena includes a comfortable catamaran, two anchored swim stops in clear water, included snorkeling gear, and a real onboard lunch, I’d book this. The repeat praise is not just about pretty water. It’s about the whole package, the comfort, the food, and how relaxed the day feels.

But if you’re chasing a classic island day with lots of beach time on shore, adjust your expectations first. This is a cruise for swimming from the boat, with a breeze, a snack, lunch onboard, and a long return ride.

FAQ

Where do I meet the catamaran?

You meet at Bodeguita Dock, Door #1.

How long is the tour?

The duration listed is 450 minutes, which is about 7.5 hours. Check availability to see starting times.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard, with a choice of seafood or vegetables with rice, plus a salad buffet and dessert.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcohol is not included, though there is a bar onboard and you can purchase drinks.

Do you snorkel, and is equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling is part of the experience, and snorkeling equipment is included.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed onboard?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a credit card. Smoking is not allowed, and you are not allowed to bring drinks or food onboard.