Full day Isla del Encanto – Rosario Islands

Isla del Encanto feels like a postcard day trip, but the best part is how it delivers that Caribbean-calm vibe inside the Corales del Rosario Natural Park. You get crystal-clear water, a proper beach setup, and a full day away from Cartagena’s streets, usually with good time on sand.

I especially like the included beach setup (loungers, beach beds, and pool time) because it means you are not just paying for a boat ticket. I also like that kayaking is included, which gives the day more movement than “sit, swim, repeat.”

One possible drawback: this is a popular, semi-managed island setup, and the pier can be hectic getting everyone through the right gate. Also plan for extra costs once you are there, and keep your expectations realistic about the lunch.

Key things to know before you go

• Corales del Rosario Natural Park water and sand time on Isla del Encanto, with a beach setting and plenty of lounge space
• Speedboat ride from Cartagena takes about 60 minutes each way, keeping the day focused and not overly long
• Kayaking is included, so you get more than a basic swim stop
• Oceanarium is optional for an extra fee if you want dolphins, turtles, rays, and cat sharks
• Island extra charges are a real thing, so bring what you can (like towels) and budget for add-ons
• Small-ish group size with a maximum of 40 travelers, which usually helps the pace feel controlled

Isla del Encanto in the Rosario Islands: the core appeal

If you are picturing the Rosario Islands as “floating beach day,” this trip matches that fantasy, but with a more structured day plan than many self-booked options. The island area is part of the Corales del Rosario Natural Park, and the payoff is simple: clear water, time to relax, and an easy rhythm that fits a full day without constant decision-making.

You are dropped at the Isla del Encanto hotel after the morning speedboat ride. That matters because it changes how you experience the place. Instead of wandering unknown docks, you start your island time right where the services are set up.

Also, you are not stuck there alone for hours with no plan. There is lunch at midday, plus a mix of beach and pool time that makes the day feel complete.

A small reality check

This is not a barebones nature excursion. It is an island experience with amenities, and that usually comes with extras for anything beyond the core package. If you like your days friction-free, that is still manageable, but you should go in knowing you may spend more once you arrive.

From Cartagena at 8:00 am, meet at Bodeguita Pier gate 3

The day starts bright and early at 8:00 am at Muelle de la Bodeguita (Las De Lezo), in El Centro, Cartagena, and the key detail is this: you depart from gate 3.

This matters for your stress level. If you show up without a plan, you can lose time searching for the right group or the right gate. I’d rather you spend energy on the sea than on pier logistics, so arrive a bit early and keep an eye out for your operator’s group.

From there, you head toward the park in a speedboat ride of about 60 minutes. That short travel time is a big part of why the trip feels efficient. You get a day that is long enough to relax, but not so long that you spend half your vacation in transit.

Stop 1: Islas de Rosario on Isla del Encanto

Once you disembark at the Isla del Encanto hotel, your island time is built around choice. You can explore on your own or join a guided walk or tour moment, depending on what is happening that day.

Beach and pool time that actually feels usable

The package is designed for comfort. You have access to sun loungers, beach beds, and the pool. That means you can follow your mood: shade and pool when the sun is strong, beach when you want to soak up the water views.

One thing I like about this setup is that it reduces “what do we do next” moments. Some island trips feel like you are constantly being herded into the next activity. Here, you get a calmer structure: sea dips, rest spots, and a place to cool off.

Kayaking: the included activity that adds movement

The tour includes kayaking, which is a smart add because it creates a second kind of experience besides lounging. It also helps the day feel more like an outing and less like a long layover in paradise.

Even if you are not an experienced paddler, kayaking is one of those activities that works for a wide range of people because you can take it slow. It is also one of the easiest ways to get a different view of the water without needing extra gear or planning.

Lunch at midday, buffet style

At lunchtime, you get a typical buffet-style meal. This is a common approach for island lunches because it keeps lines moving and reduces waiting.

My practical take: expect it to be functional and enjoyable, not gourmet. The positive part is that it is included, which helps your day budget. The “watch your expectations” part is that buffet meals tend to be basic by design.

The optional Oceanario add-on: dolphins, turtles, rays, cat sharks

After your main island time, you have the option of visiting an Oceanario. This is not included, and the entrance is 30,000 COP per person.

If you do it, plan for about 1 hour. The animals listed include dolphins, turtles, rays, and cat sharks. That makes it a good add-on if you want an indoor or controlled environment moment that breaks up beach time.

Is it worth paying for?

This is where your personal style matters. If your priority is sea time and relaxation, you can skip it and keep your day focused. If you like seeing marine animals up close and you enjoy structured viewing, it can add variety without extending the day too much.

Either way, go in knowing there are extra fees tied to this option, including boarding-related costs.

Budget and fees: the part that can surprise people

The headline price is $158 per person, and the trip itself covers several core items: lunch, speedboat transportation, loungers and pool access, and kayaking.

Then there are extra costs that can change the real total, so you should plan for them:

• Boarding tax (COP 31,500 per person) is not included
• If you do the Oceanario, there are added fees, including an Oceanarium boarding fee (COP 20,000 per person)
• The Oceanario entrance itself is 30,000 COP per person

This is not unusual for island add-ons in Cartagena. The value question is: does the base package plus the likely extras still fit your comfort zone?

My value read

If you want a smooth day with the boat, the beach setup, and kayaking already handled, the package can feel like good value. If you hate surprise spending, you need to budget for the boarding tax and possible Oceanario fees upfront.

How the boat ride feels on the way back

The day returns to Cartagena the same way you left, via speedboat. The itinerary includes the trip back directly to the pier, with the afternoon ride part of the overall experience.

Here is the one practical caution: sea conditions can change. The ride back can feel choppy on some days, so if you get motion sickness, bring your remedy. Sitting toward the middle of the boat often helps, and keeping your eyes on the horizon can reduce nausea.

Group size and pacing: fast enough for a full day

The maximum group size is 40 travelers. For a day trip, that is fairly reasonable. It usually means you get enough people for organization, but not so many that everything turns into a cattle call.

Also, it tends to sell well, with an average booking window of 38 days in advance. If you are traveling during busy weeks, booking early helps lock in your spot and reduces last-minute stress.

Who this tour suits best

This trip makes the most sense if you want:

• A relaxing beach day without planning everything yourself
• Included activities like kayaking and a set-up with loungers and pool access
• A family-friendly schedule that fits couples and groups too

If you are the type who wants pure wilderness and no island services, this may feel too “managed.” But if you want a clean day structure and you like your ocean time with comfort built in, it fits well.

It also works nicely for couples who want a quiet-feeling day, since the island setup is designed for rest and swim time rather than constant sightseeing.

Where this trip can frustrate you (and how to reduce the risk)

The most common friction point is not the sea, it is the start. Getting everyone through the correct gate at Bodeguita Pier can be confusing if you show up late or if you assume signage will guide you perfectly.

Bring a little patience, arrive early, and keep your confirmation details handy.

On the island side, expect that extras are part of the deal. People get pressured to buy items, and some of those purchases can feel overpriced. The easiest fix is simple: bring what you need for yourself. If you only pack “basic beach stuff,” you will still be fine, but you may save money by not counting on being able to buy everything at island prices.

A practical example: bring your own towels if you can. It is one of the small choices that can reduce both cost and hassle.

Should you book Isla del Encanto from Cartagena?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward day that delivers beach time, pool access, included lunch, and kayaking, all tied together by a speedboat that keeps travel reasonable. The overall format is built for ease, and when everything runs smoothly, it feels like a quiet island escape.

I would hesitate if $158 feels like a strict ceiling and you do not want any extra spending. Between the boarding tax and possible Oceanario fees, your final total can creep up. Also, if you strongly dislike any chance of a rougher boat ride, keep that in mind and pack motion-sickness help.

If your goal is to relax, swim, and enjoy a well-paced island day, this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

What time does the Isla del Encanto tour start?

It starts at 8:00 am from Muelle de la Bodeguita.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Muelle de la Bodeguita (Las De Lezo), El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. Departure is at gate 3.

How long is the tour?

The full day is about 8 hours (approx.).

What is included in the price?

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

Are there any extra costs?

Yes. There is boarding tax COP 31,500 per person that is not included. If you add the Oceanario, the entrance costs 30,000 COP per person, plus an Oceanarium boarding fee of COP 20,000 per person.

How long is the optional Oceanario visit?

The Oceanario visit is about 1 hour.

Does the tour depend on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather and can be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor conditions.