ISLAS ROSARIO, ISLA BARU, TIERRA BOMBA and PLAYA BLANCA
The Rosario Islands is a small archipelago made up of 27 tiny islands located south of the Bay of Cartagena, about one hour away by boat. This is where you will find the see-your-feet crystal clear waters, coral and snorkelling that you associate with Caribbean paradise. Isla Baru, and its most famous beach, Playa Blanca is where you will find white sand beaches, palm trees and all the other picturesque scenes you will photograph to make your friends at home jealous. Baru is also now accessible by land. Tierra Bomba is the closest of the islands to Cartagena centro. It is very big and only accessible via boat. Tierra Bomba has beaches on the "Cartagena -side" of the island, and also on the more remote, Bocachica side. Tierra Bomba is located in the Bay of Cartagena. The advantage is that it is closer, and you don't have to brave the oftentimes rough seas of the open water. The downside is the water is usually not the same transparent gorgeous blue of Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca.
You can explore the Rosario Islands by day tour or by staying overnight at one of the many accommodation options. No matter what option you choose, visiting the Rosario Islands is not going to be cheap. Also, the vast majority of the accommodation available is fairly old and not exactly amazingly maintained considering the hefty price-tags. Prices (starting around 300USD per night) that would get you extreme luxury in Thailand, will only buy you fairly basic here. For this reason, many people opt for the less expensive day tours. We don't want to discourage you from going - in fact, we consider the islands to be "must do". We just want to ensure expectations are where they should be. Here is our summary of the different islands and what options you can find on them. More detail on any of the listed places by clicking on the link or in the drop down menu
You can explore the Rosario Islands by day tour or by staying overnight at one of the many accommodation options. No matter what option you choose, visiting the Rosario Islands is not going to be cheap. Also, the vast majority of the accommodation available is fairly old and not exactly amazingly maintained considering the hefty price-tags. Prices (starting around 300USD per night) that would get you extreme luxury in Thailand, will only buy you fairly basic here. For this reason, many people opt for the less expensive day tours. We don't want to discourage you from going - in fact, we consider the islands to be "must do". We just want to ensure expectations are where they should be. Here is our summary of the different islands and what options you can find on them. More detail on any of the listed places by clicking on the link or in the drop down menu
HIRE A PrIVATE BOAT
When luxe locals and visitors want to hit the aqua waters of the Rosario Islands they normally gather a group of friends (the more they can muster, the cheaper it gets), hire a boat, load it with plenty of aguardiente and reggaeton music and have a spectacularly full and fun day out on (and in) the water. The benefit of this option is that you can leave, go and do exactly what/where/when you want. You have complete flexibility and control. Ofcourse we can definitely help out with an itinerary. Private boat hire prices start at 1,250,000 pesos and increase according to size and luxury. They will usually come stocked with ice but you will need to bring your own food and drink. Also.. they have great sound systems.. but their song choice is often limited to about 5 reggaeton songs.. so bring your own music too. Contact us with the size of your group and we'll help with options. Choose from speed boats, power yachts, catamarans etc More boat info here.
ROSARIO ISLANDS
AKA Las Islas del Rosario. Here you find the truly beautiful crystal water.. but they are usually coral-based islands so there might not be sand unless it has been brought in. The exception is Isla Arena (now called Bendita Beach) which has an all sand peninsula.
Some Rosario Islands options we like include:
Isla Fragata (new!) very limited day passes, great location
Isla Coralina luxe, strictly limited number of day passes per day
Gente del Mar operate their own boat for more direct departure times
Islabela or Isleta eco-beach and hotel operated in conjunction with nativos from the island
Bendita Beach white sand, rustic
Bora Bora higher likelihood for party vibes on weekend
Some Rosario Islands options we like include:
Isla Fragata (new!) very limited day passes, great location
Isla Coralina luxe, strictly limited number of day passes per day
Gente del Mar operate their own boat for more direct departure times
Islabela or Isleta eco-beach and hotel operated in conjunction with nativos from the island
Bendita Beach white sand, rustic
Bora Bora higher likelihood for party vibes on weekend
PLAYA BLANCA
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About 300 times a week people will ask me what my favourite beach in Cartagena is. Playa Blanca is my favourite beach.
People don't usually like that answer: "But I've heard it's crowded, that vendors bother you all day", they will say. That might be a true experience for many people, but I personally (and it's probably because I've lived here for 6 years and speak spanish and know how to handle them) never get bothered by vendors after I quickly tell them no thanks, and I will avoid weekends and go during the week and also seek out a section where there are less people. But honestly many people hate it. And that's ok. I have a whole website of options with a description of each so you can find something that matches with what you are looking for. I'm just saying, Playa Blanca is my personal favourite because people ask me. Why is it my favourite? I love that I can arrive by land to avoid the rough seas (and trust me, sometimes it gets crazy rough). I love that I can arrive and leave at a time of my choosing if I arrange private transport. I love that it is soft white sand and beautiful clear aquamarine water. I love having the flexibility of choosing to go to a different restaurant or bar nearby if I want. I actually love that it can feel local. That it has personality. I love staying after 3pm when the crowds go and having sunset in relative solitude, or staying later and going swimming with phosphorescent plankton. So if you want to risk it, what are your options? You can take your own taxi or try the app In Driver to negotiate a price to take you there privately. Or you can book day passes with Nena Beach, Banana Beach, Ocean Blue. Nena Beach stylish, 'grammable day club and cabins Banana Beach quieter end of beach, colourful day club Ocean Blue way down the other end of the beach, less crowded more hostel vibe |
BARU ISLAND + CHOLON
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Baru is a pretty big island and in addition to Playa Blanca, there's also quite a few private residences and private hotels located there.
One good option on Baru but not Playa Blanca is Aura. Their day passes are very well organised and depart 8.15am most days and return at around 4.30pm by private boat owned by the hotel (and includes pick up from your hotel). You get to hang out on the private beach where they have chairs and hammocks for you to enjoy, a typical and tasty seafood lunch is included, you can use the Hotel's kayaks, beach volleyball court and facilities, and they will also ferry you across to the beautiful Playa Azul private beach. Cholon is situated just opposite (this is the party place on weekends) and if that's where you would prefer to go, they will usually be able to take you there instead. More info here. |
TIERRA BOMBA
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Tierra Bomba is the very large island closest to Cartagena, only accessible by sea. Because it is located within the Bay of Cartagena, the boat voyage is a lot calmer than the trips to the further out islands and it's also a lot closer. Also because it is within the bay of Cartagena, the sea isn't usually the postcard perfect blue that you find in the Rosario Islands or Playa Blanca. So if that's a priority, it's something to keep in mind. But there's definitely some of our most popular options located on Tierra Bomba, especially if you are looking for a menu more diverse than the staple fried fish (which I am definitely not knocking, it's amazing). Fenix and Blue Apple both have a great menu of both food and cocktails.
Fenix Beach Tulum/Burningman-esque Blue Apple Beach love in all the details, the darling of international press Bomba Beach more affordable, colourful and local Namaste the more chill, hippie sister of Bomba with yoga options Eteka Boho Beach also chill and hippie with truly beautiful, tulum-like installations |