Full day at isla encantada beach

Isla Encantada is interesting because it mixes a simple beach escape with the bonus of a private-island feel in the Rosario Islands. You trade city time for salt air, calm breaks, and that Caribbean sense of not having to rush.

I especially like the way the day is built around real comfort stuff: you get a welcome cocktail and a proper lunch (fried mojarra plus chicken, with a vegetarian option). It means you are not hunting for food once you arrive, and you get to taste the local flavors without extra effort.

The one drawback to take seriously is timing and water conditions. One day can run long if the boat has problems, and the water entry can be tricky since the bottom may be coral and not ideal for hanging around waist-deep. Bring water shoes and expect to manage the day like a beach trip, not a guaranteed-schedule city tour.

Key points to know before you go

• A private-feeling island in the Rosario Islands, so you can aim for quieter beach time than you get in busier spots
• Colombian Caribbean lunch included, with fried mojarra, chicken, and a vegetarian option
• A short boat hop each way from Avenida Blas de Lezo, usually around an hour depending on conditions
• Water can be coral-heavy and murky, so plan safer entry with water shoes
• Your schedule can stretch, because boats can run into mechanical issues and return times can change
• Plenty of optional activity time like snorkeling, paddle boarding, and jungle hiking, but those can cost extra

Isla Encantada on a 6-hour clock: calm beach time, not a city tour

This is a full-day beach outing with a total duration listed at 6 hours. That sounds straightforward, but the real shape of the day is basically: boat there, beach club time with food and downtime, then boat back.

What I like about that format is that you do not waste half a day getting oriented on a packed itinerary. You get a single focus: the island, the water, and the break from Cartagena energy. Isla Encantada is the star, and everything else supports that.

One thing to manage in your head, though: a day like this is still a boat day. If something happens with the speedboat, your clock can get stretched. When you sign up, expect that the beach time might be shorter than planned on a rough day, even if the staff works hard to make it right.

Getting to the Rosario Islands: Avenida Blas de Lezo and gate #1

Your meeting point is Avenida Blas de Lezo. The key detail that keeps people from losing time is the dock entry process: you should arrive at the dock and enter through gate #1, at the bodeguita dock.

This matters because the difference between a smooth start and a scramble is usually minutes. If you show up late, you can end up separated from the group or forced to wait. So I’d treat this as a “be early, not just on time” situation.

Language is also useful here. Your host or greeter can be English and Spanish, which makes it easier to ask quick questions about where to line up and how the return works.

Speedboat ride realities: about an hour each way, with possible delays

The itinerary has you on a speedboat for about an hour each way. Included transportation is described as roundtrip boat transportation of 50 minutes, so you should think of it as roughly an hour travel time each direction, depending on actual conditions.

On a good day, it feels like you are switching worlds quickly. You start in the Cartagena-area dock zone, and you end up surrounded by island water fast enough that the day still feels like a vacation.

On a less-perfect day, travel time can expand. One past experience had a speedboat engine issue that forced extra stopping and a switch to another boat, which led to arriving later than expected and waiting longer for the return. I’m not saying this will happen to you, but I am saying it is a real risk with any speedboat operation. Keep your expectations flexible, and do not build a tight follow-on plan right after.

Isla Grande break and the beach club feel: lunch, photos, and downtime

Once you reach the main island area, the schedule gives you a long break period listed as 5 hours at Isla Grande. In that block you can expect photo time, lunch, free time, and welcome refreshments.

This is where the “private island” promise becomes practical. You are not constantly moving. Instead, you settle into a beach club environment and get to choose your pace. That kind of time is what makes a beach day work. You can lounge, swim where conditions allow, and enjoy the Caribbean vibe without rushing to the next stop.

Lunch that’s actually part of the experience

Lunch is included, and the specific menu is what makes it valuable. You get fried mojarra, chicken, and a vegetarian option. That is a solid spread for a beach outing because it covers the typical preferences without you needing to make choices on the fly.

I also like that there is a welcome cocktail included. It’s a small detail, but it helps the day feel like a planned island experience rather than a self-serve picnic.

Photo stops and downtime

There’s time built in for photos. That sounds simple, but it helps you capture the moment without turning your day into a photo mission. When the sea and shoreline look good, it’s nice to have that window built in.

Free time is also real value here. You can decide if you want to focus on relaxing or on optional activities, and you can switch plans if the water is not cooperating.

The water and coral check: what to expect at the entry

This is the part that can make or break your comfort level: water conditions and where you can stand.

One important theme from past experiences is that the water can be murky, and the bottom may be full of coral. That means the entry zone may not be ideal for just wading around, and it can be hard to go out much farther than waist-deep in a safe way.

So here is the practical advice: bring water shoes and walk carefully. If you only plan to swim in knee-deep conditions, you’ll probably be fine. If you want to roam in deeper shallows, coral and visibility can limit how enjoyable it feels.

Also, do not assume towels are ready for you unless you confirm. In one experience, it was not clear in advance, so the easiest move is to bring your own towel so you can dry off fast and stay comfortable.

Optional activities: snorkeling, paddle boarding, and jungle hiking

You can add on activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, and hiking through the jungle. These are listed as available options, but the exact inclusions are not spelled out as included, so treat them as additional activities that may cost extra.

That said, having options is a good sign for value. If the water is not great for snorkeling, you may still enjoy paddle boarding or the hike. If you want a more relaxed day, you can skip the add-ons and focus on beach time.

My tip: match the activity to the water conditions you see when you arrive. If visibility looks poor or the entry is rough, choose the option that keeps you comfortable and safe, even if it is not your first choice.

Price and value: $75, plus the port tax you must plan for

The price is $75 per person for a day on Isla Encantada. That sounds like a lot until you break down what is included.

You get roundtrip speedboat transportation, a welcome cocktail, lunch (fried mojarra, chicken, vegetarian), and use of the facilities. In other words, the tour is not just “boat you over and hope you can eat somewhere.” It handles the key fixed costs for the day.

What you must add on is the port tax. The port tax is 23,000 COP, and it is not included in the price. So your real budget needs to include that amount, plus any extra activities you choose to do on the island.

Is it good value?

It is good value if you want a simple day plan: boat + food + facilities + beach time. It is less value if your main goal is long, easy beach swimming, because coral and murkiness can limit comfort in the water.

If you care most about schedule precision, also note that boat delays can happen. That is not a small detail, because a delay affects how much beach time you actually get.

Crowds versus privacy: how to get the quiet time you want

The experience is described as private and a good fit for people looking for a quiet getaway. At the same time, one past experience mentioned a crowded boat for both directions.

So here is the balanced takeaway. You may still find the island and beach club feel calmer than a city beach, but you cannot guarantee a totally empty boat or a private transfer. The island itself likely helps create the escape feeling, but your group size during transit can affect comfort.

If you want the best shot at a peaceful vibe, go into the day with a relaxed mindset. Prioritize where you spend your time on the island, not how crowded the boat feels for an hour. Early arrival into the island block and choosing a quieter spot at the beach club can help.

What to bring (and what to double-check)

You are told to bring comfortable clothes. That’s the baseline, but you should also plan for the specific conditions that have come up before.

Bring:

• Comfortable clothes for sun and salt air
• Water shoes, because coral can make entry uncomfortable
• Your own towel, since it may not be clearly provided
• Money for the port tax (23,000 COP) since it is not included
• A plan for additional activity costs if you want snorkeling, paddle boarding, or the hike

If you want a low-stress day, also keep your schedule flexible for the return. When boats get delayed, it can push your departure later and extend your overall day.

Who this trip suits best, and who should skip it

This is a good fit if you want:

• A beach escape in the Rosario Islands without complicated planning
• An included lunch that tastes like the Colombian Caribbean
• A mix of downtime and optional activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, or jungle hiking

It may be a less good fit if:

• You have mobility challenges, because water entry can be uneven and coral can be an issue
• You want guaranteed time slots with no delays
• You dislike crowded transit, since the boat can be full

The activity is not suitable for people over 95 years, and also not suitable for people over 70 years. So it’s worth respecting that limit for comfort and safety.

Should you book Isla Encantada with Backpackers Cartagena?

I’d book it if you like beach days with included food and you want a single-focus outing that gets you out to Isla Encantada without thinking too hard. The lunch menu and welcome cocktail are real perks, and the beach club time is built for relaxing.

I would hesitate if your top priority is easy swimming with clear water and calm entry. Coral and murky conditions can limit where you can comfortably stand and swim, and you’ll be happiest if you come prepared with water shoes and a calm plan B.

If you go in knowing it is still a speedboat day, you’ll get the most out of it. Isla Encantada can be a charming, peaceful island escape, as long as you travel smart and keep expectations flexible.

FAQ

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Isla Encantada full-day trip?

You meet at Avenida Blas de Lezo, and you should enter through gate #1 at the bodeguita dock.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are roundtrip boat transportation, a welcome cocktail, lunch (fried mojarra, chicken, vegetarian option), and use of the facilities.

What extra cost should I expect?

You must pay a port tax of 23,000 COP, which is not included. Additional activities may also cost extra.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes fried mojarra and chicken, with a vegetarian option available.

Are snorkeling, paddle boarding, or hiking included?

Snorkeling, paddle boarding, and jungle hiking are listed as activities you can enjoy, but additional activities are not included in the base package.

What if my plans change?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve and pay later to keep plans flexible.