Natural Feature
Isla Grande
The archipelago's largest island spans about 200 hectares. Its coast is densely vegetated and fringed with mangroves, with tranquil bays inland. The island offers overnight accommodation.
Colombia
Islas del Rosario
Point of Interest
The Islas del Rosario are an archipelago of around 28 small coral islands southwest of Cartagena. They belong to the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Park, which you visit from Cartagena for snorkeling, diving, and beach days.
by Felix Gillen
The Islas del Rosario are an archipelago of around 28 small coral islands southwest of Cartagena. They belong to the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Park, which you visit from Cartagena for snorkeling, diving, and beach days. You can only reach the islands by boat, usually as a day trip combined with the Barú Peninsula and Playa Blanca.
Sights in Islas del Rosario
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Beach
Playa Blanca
The long sandy beach on the Barú Peninsula is one of the most famous beaches near Cartagena and a stop for many island tours. Unlike the islands, you can also reach it by land, via the bridge to Barú, in about one and a half to two hours. On weekends and during peak season, it gets very crowded.
Attraction
Mangrove Tunnel
The larger islands have mangrove areas with narrow channels and calm bays inland. Ask at your accommodation on Isla Grande if they rent kayaks or SUPs.
Restaurants in Islas del Rosario
Food & Drink on the Islas del Rosario
The islands off Cartagena do not have their own unique cuisine; instead, Caribbean fish is enjoyed on the beach. Lunch is typically included in most day tours, with the menu varying by provider.
Pescado frito con arroz de coco
Whole fried fish with coconut rice, patacones, and salad is the typical lunch on island excursions. Many providers also serve yuca.
Mojarra frita
Fried Mojarra is a typical dish of the coast. On tours that stop at Playa Blanca on Barú, it's frequently offered as a choice.
Consomé de pescado
Klare Fischbrühe, die manche Touranbieter als Vorspeise zum Mittagessen reichen. Danach gibt es oft eine Süßspeise von den Inseln.
National Park & Reefs
The Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo was established in 1977 and covers approximately 120,000 hectares, predominantly marine area. It protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and beaches.Behavior: Bring a reusable bottle and stick to the permitted activities.
Arrival and Fees
Boat: The authorized pier for passenger boats is Muelle La Bodeguita in Cartagena. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes to one and a half hours, depending on the boat and destination.Excursion Types: Organized tours including boat trip, food, snorkeling; public boats to specific sectors; or private charters.Park Fee: In 2026, National Park entry costs 13,500 COP, 11,000 COP for the San Bernardo sector. A port fee applies at the pier; inquire with tours if both are included.By Land to Playa Blanca: Via the bridge near Pasacaballos, you can reach Barú by car or bus and mototaxi; allow 1 to 2 hours.Insurance: Accident and assistance insurance is mandatory for Barú and the Islas del Rosario. Without a policy, disembarking on the islands is not allowed.
Accommodations in Islas del Rosario
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