Most visitors to Cartagena have heard of the Rosario Islands — but far fewer know about the San Bernardo Islands, a group of ten remote islands located further south along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This is precisely what makes them special. Less developed, less crowded, and arguably more beautiful, the San Bernardo Islands offer a Caribbean experience that feels genuinely off the beaten path.
Getting there requires a longer boat ride than the Rosarios, but for travelers who are willing to make the journey, the reward is extraordinary: turquoise water so clear you can see the seafloor from the surface, coral gardens teeming with marine life, and white-sand beaches where the only footprints are yours.
Where Are the San Bernardo Islands?
The San Bernardo Islands (Islas de San Bernardo) form part of the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park — the same protected marine area that encompasses the Rosario Islands. They are located approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Cartagena, meaning the boat ride from the city takes roughly two to two and a half hours each way depending on weather and sea conditions.
The archipelago consists of ten islands of varying sizes. Isla Múcura is the most well-known, home to upscale eco-lodges and one of the most photogenic beaches in Colombia. Isla Palmarito is another popular stop, known for its shallow turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere. Isla Tintipán offers quiet mangroves and some of the best snorkeling in the area.
Because of the distance from Cartagena, the San Bernardo Islands see a fraction of the visitors that the Rosario Islands receive — which is exactly the appeal for travelers looking for a more authentic, uncrowded experience.
What Makes This Tour Different?
The San Bernardo Islands tour with Botegena is a full private day experience — your group gets a dedicated boat, captain, and assistant for the entire day. Unlike the Rosario Islands tour, which can accommodate a more spontaneous itinerary, the San Bernardo Islands tour is typically planned in advance due to the longer travel time and the logistics of reaching islands further from the city.
Botegena’s team helps plan the best route based on your group’s interests — whether you want to focus on snorkeling, spend time at Isla Múcura, explore the quieter outer islands, or combine several stops into a full day of discovery.
Because of the extra distance and fuel involved, this tour represents a premium experience compared to the Rosario Islands tour. Groups who choose the San Bernardo Islands are typically looking for something more remote, more scenic, and less commercialized.
What to Expect During the Tour
The day begins with an early departure from Cartagena — earlier than a typical Rosario Islands tour, given the travel time involved. The boat ride itself is part of the experience: two hours across open Caribbean water, with views of the Colombian coastline and the opportunity to spot flying fish, dolphins, and seabirds along the way.
Upon arriving at the San Bernardo Islands, the boat navigates between stops based on your group’s plan. Typical highlights include:
- Snorkeling over coral gardens: The reef systems around the San Bernardo Islands are among the healthiest on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Visibility is typically excellent, and the diversity of marine life — including parrotfish, angelfish, barracuda, and nurse sharks — is impressive.
- Beach time on Isla Múcura or Isla Palmarito: Both islands have beaches worthy of a postcard. Isla Múcura in particular has a quality of light and color that photographers travel specifically to capture.
- Lunch: Depending on the itinerary, lunch can be arranged at one of the small restaurants on the islands, or brought from Cartagena as a catered experience through Botegena’s add-on options.
- Calm water swimming: The protected lagoons between islands offer calm, shallow water that’s ideal for floating and relaxing.
The return trip to Cartagena typically arrives back in the late afternoon, making for a genuinely full day on the water.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
The San Bernardo Islands tour is best suited for:
- Experienced travelers who have already seen the Rosario Islands and want to go deeper into Colombia’s Caribbean
- Nature and diving enthusiasts who prioritize marine life and reef quality over party atmosphere
- Small groups and couples who want an intimate, private island experience
- Photographers and adventurers looking for Colombia’s less-documented landscapes
It is not the best fit for first-time visitors with limited time, or for groups primarily interested in the party/beach club scene — for those guests, the Rosario Islands or Adult Boat Party tours are better options.
Practical Information
Duration: Full day — departure by 7:30–8:00 AM, return by approximately 5:30–6:00 PM
Boat options: Available on multiple speedboat sizes depending on group size
What’s included: Private boat, captain and assistant, water, ice, cooler, sound system, life jackets
What’s not included: Lunch, island entry fees, towels, tips, optional add-ons
Best season: The dry season (December–April) offers the calmest seas and best visibility for snorkeling. The green season (May–November) can bring choppier conditions on the longer open-water crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the boat ride rough? The open-water crossing can be choppy, particularly in the afternoon when trade winds pick up. If your group is prone to seasickness, bring medication and consider departing as early as possible when seas are typically calmer.
Can we snorkel without experience? Yes. The snorkeling spots near the San Bernardo Islands are accessible to beginners. Basic snorkel equipment can be added to your reservation through Botegena.
Is it possible to stay overnight on the islands? Botegena’s tours are day trips. If you’re interested in staying overnight on Isla Múcura, the island has accommodation options that can be booked independently — Botegena can drop you off and arrange a return pickup the following day if desired.
How many people can join? The tour is private, so the boat is exclusively for your group. Boat sizes range from 10 to 23 people depending on which vessel you choose.
How to Book
The San Bernardo Islands tour is available through the Botegena website. Because of the logistics involved in the longer journey, it’s especially important to book well in advance and confirm your itinerary preferences with the Botegena team after booking. They will help you plan the specific stops, timing, and any catering or add-ons you’d like for the day.
The San Bernardo Islands are one of Colombia’s great undiscovered treasures. If you have the time and the appetite for adventure, this is one of the most rewarding day trips you can make from Cartagena.