Top 3 Islands Tour Bora Bora, Pao Pao and Islabela With Lunch

What makes this tour interesting is the format: you get a full day of island time without doing any planning, then you come back to Cartagena after a smooth circuit by speedboat. It is a compact way to see big Caribbean-style scenery, plus a couple of themed beach stops that feel built for hanging out.

I like how tight the group size is, with a maximum of 28 people, and how the tour includes real perks on the water like hydration and a bilingual guide on board. I also like that you get to mix “look at the islands” time with actual beach and lunch time, instead of making the day all transit.

One possible drawback to keep in mind is the ride itself. The speedboat segments can feel bumpy, and you may also wait on the mainland before the boat finally leaves, especially if you show up at the earliest arrival window.

Key points before you go

• Max 28 travelers means you should feel more “together on the boat,” not lost in a crowd
• Panoramic Rosario Islands tour with a bilingual guide so you have context, not just photos
• 3 welcome cocktails total across Pao Pao, Islabela, and Bora Bora
• Lunch is choose-your-menu at Islabela, with fish, chicken, or vegetarian options
• Bumpy return ride can be real so plan for comfort (and maybe bring your patience)
• Not all costs are included, dock taxes and insurance, plus towel and VIP options

A 6-hour speedboat loop through Rosario, Pao Pao, and Islabela

This is a half-day style island tour that runs about 6 hours total, with stops that balance sightseeing and beach time. You’ll start at Muelle de la Bodeguita in central Cartagena, then ride out by speedboat, return by speedboat, and end back where you began.

The overall rhythm is simple. You head to the Rosario Islands first for a panoramic introduction, then you rotate through Pao Pao and Islabela for beach relaxation and lunch, and you close with Bora Bora Cartagena as your final wind-down. The tour includes speedboat transport for the entire experience, plus an exclusive space for the group at each island.

Because you move islands multiple times, this tour is best for people who want variety and don’t mind a schedule. If you’re the type who wants one long beach and zero “next stop” pressure, you might prefer a single-island day instead.

Getting to Muelle de la Bodeguita and timing your day

Meet-up is at Muelle de la Bodeguita, on Av. Blas de Lezo in El Centro. The start time is listed as 8:00 am, but the boat departs later, heading toward the Rosario Islands at 8:45 am.

That gap matters. If you arrive early, you could end up waiting in the heat at the dock. If you arrive right at 8:00, you’ll probably feel less rushed, but you still might not be on the water immediately.

A smart move: treat the first hour as “dock time,” not “on-island time.” Once you’re seated and moving, the tour tends to feel like a proper Caribbean day rather than a long wait.

Also note the tour is only for people over 18, and the group is capped at 28. That helps keep the vibe more social and manageable when you’re switching islands.

Stop 1: Islas de Rosario and your first panoramic island intro

Your first stop is Islas de Rosario, about a 45-minute speedboat ride from Cartagena. When you arrive, you get a panoramic tour of the archipelago with a bilingual guide who explains the most emblematic places.

This is a great start because it gives you mental landmarks fast. Instead of arriving and only seeing water, you learn what you’re looking at, and you can snap better photos because you know where the interesting points are.

The tour notes say admission for this stop is free, and you’ll also have hydration on board. That combo helps the first part feel easy, especially if you’re going early and still waking up.

Practical expectation: this isn’t a “swim all day” stop. It’s more about the scenic intro and orientation for what comes next.

Stop 2: Pao Pao Beach Club for mangroves, birds, and calm water

Next up is PAO PAO Hotel & Restaurant, a small island where you’re welcomed with a cocktail. You’ll be in a setting described as surrounded by mangroves, with a bird reserve and bright turquoise, clear water.

This stop is where the day starts to feel like a true beach break. You have about 2 hours here, and the time is meant for relaxation, photo moments, and just enjoying the water in a slower way.

One thing I’d plan around: Pao Pao is smaller, and you’ll likely be using the island spaces that the tour’s group is assigned. That’s not automatically bad, but it can limit how spread out you feel compared with larger beach areas.

Based on what people emphasize, Pao Pao tends to be the most comfortable, best-run stop. If you only care about doing one island “right,” Pao Pao is the one I’d prioritize mentally during the day.

Stop 3: Islabela eco-hotel time, plus the lunch decision

Then comes IslaBela, an eco-hotel style island stop designed for both lounging and photos. You get time to explore the different spaces, relax on the beach, or unwind in an outdoor hammock if the setup is available during your visit.

Here’s the practical win: lunch is included, and you actually get a choice. The lunch options are fish, a chicken-based selection, and a vegetarian alternative. That means you’re not stuck with one default plate, which is a big deal on group tours.

Another practical expectation: lunch timing and food temperature can vary when you’re dealing with a set lunch slot on an island. Some people felt their lunch wasn’t hot enough, so if you’re picky about that, come hungry but expect island dining to be more casual than restaurant dining at home.

Also, at Islabela, the water quality and beach setup can be a mixed bag depending on conditions. You’ll find people who loved the look of the water, and others who mentioned rougher water. If you’re sensitive, consider water shoes to help on uneven areas.

Stop 4: Bora Bora Cartagena to finish with Caribbean party energy

The final stop is Bora Bora Cartagena. The vibe here is described as Caribbean paradise energy, with a festive atmosphere and staff attention that aims to keep the mood upbeat from start to finish.

This is the “end of the day” island, so it works best if you’re ready to switch gears from sightseeing to social beach time. You get around 2 hours there, and the tour includes another cocktail and access to an exclusive group space.

A specific detail worth knowing: one person pointed out being seated behind the DJ station, and that it can get loud. If you’re the kind of traveler who needs quiet for a beach chat or a nap, you might want to position yourself away from the speakers when you arrive.

In terms of drinks, opinions can vary. Some folks said the drinks weren’t their best, so if you’re a particular cocktail person, treat the included drinks as a bonus, not the main event.

Price and logistics: what $135 covers, what costs extra

At $135 per person, the headline price looks straightforward for a full island circuit with speedboat transport, guide time, cocktails, and lunch. For Cartagena, that’s the kind of bundle pricing that saves you from piecing together boats, entry fees, and meals.

Still, the tour is clear that not everything is included. You’ll pay dock taxes and insurance, listed at 34,500 COP per person. Towels are not included, with a cost listed as 15,000 COP per use per day. VIP area access is also listed at 100,000 COP, so if you’re offered it, know it’s extra.

Here’s the value angle I’d use to judge this tour. If you want multiple islands in one day, with lunch and drinks handled for you, the package price makes sense. If you only care about one island, or you already have a plan for beach access, you might pay more than you need.

My advice: budget for the extras ahead of time so there are no surprise moments at the dock.

Comfort notes: what to pack and what the bumpy speedboat really means

The speedboat does the heavy lifting, and that means you should pack for motion. Some people described the ride as really bumpy, especially on the way back, and also mentioned discomfort for anyone with a bad back.

If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, take that seriously. Bring your usual remedy, and consider sitting where the boat movement feels least intense for you. The tour notes don’t specify seating, but your body will learn fast once you’re underway.

On the island side, towels are not included, so either pack one or plan to rent one for the day. And because you’re rotating islands, you’ll want quick-dry gear and a simple beach kit.

One more logistics detail that you might encounter. Some people said they were not allowed to bring liquids or food, with bag checks at the island access points, even for things like water. This is not stated in the main inclusions list, so I can’t promise it’s universal. But it’s common enough in the experience to suggest you should travel light on outside snacks and drinks.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want variety and a guided day. You’ll get the Rosario panoramic orientation, plus beach relaxation at Pao Pao and Islabela, then a lively final stop at Bora Bora Cartagena. The fact that lunch has three options makes it easier to travel with different eating preferences.

It also suits people who like a tight schedule. You’ll be on the move, but not endlessly. About 2 hours per island keeps things moving and helps you fit a lot into one day.

Who might skip or think twice? If you hate bumpy rides, have back issues, or want long stretches of quiet at one beach, the multi-stop speedboat format may feel stressful. If you’re very strict about lunch temperature and serving style, the island dining experience can be inconsistent.

If you’re choosing between islands and want the best odds for a great day, aim your expectations at Pao Pao and Bora Bora as your highest-priority parts. People highlighted Pao Pao as their favorite, while Bora Bora was described as the standout later in the day.

The guide team, language support, and how the experience feels in real time

Language support is a real strength here. The tour includes a bilingual guide on board, and people specifically praised translator help when needed.

Names that came up include Laura, described as a great guide and translator, and Ralph, noted as amazing. There were also positive mentions of Joel and Johnny as pilot and co-pilot roles. That matters because on a boat tour, you’re hearing safety info and island explanations live, and you don’t want that to get lost.

The vibe can vary by stop. Some people felt one island’s staff were more hospitable than others, so if you’re sensitive to service tone, the timing of the day may matter. Still, the included drinks and group setup at each island help keep the day feeling continuous.

Should you book Top 3 Islands Tour Bora Bora, Pao Pao and Islabela with Lunch?

Book it if you want a guided, multi-island beach day with speedboat transport, cocktails, and a real included lunch choice. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes seeing three different island styles in one outing, this is a practical way to do it.

Hold off or choose another option if you’re worried about comfort on bumpy boats, or if you need a calm, quiet beach with minimal noise. Also be prepared for possible restrictions on outside liquids or food, since bag checks came up in people’s experiences.

If you do book, I’d go in with a simple game plan. Pack a towel or budget to rent one, bring water-shoes if you dislike uneven beach areas, and treat the day as a schedule-based outing, not a lazy all-day beach crawl.

That mindset usually turns this kind of tour from “why so fast” into “exactly what I wanted.”

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience runs for about 6 hours total.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Muelle de la Bodeguita on Av. Blas de Lezo in El Centro, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the boat actually leave for the first island?

The speedboat heads to the Rosario Islands at 8:45 am, even though the meeting time is 8:00 am.

What is included in the $135 per person price?

Speedboat transportation for the whole tour, a bilingual guide on board, panoramic tour of the Rosario Islands, hydration on the boat, a welcome cocktail on each island (3 total), lunch included with three options, and exclusive space for the tour on each island.

What extra costs should I expect?

Dock taxes and insurance are listed at 34,500 COP per person. Towels are listed at 15,000 COP per day use. VIP area access is listed at 100,000 COP.

What lunch options are available at Islabela?

You can choose between fish, a chicken-based option, and a vegetarian alternative.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 28 travelers.

Is this tour only for adults?

Yes, it is only for people over 18 years old.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.