The Rosario Islands are one of Colombia’s most spectacular natural destinations — and they happen to sit just 45 minutes by boat from the historic center of Cartagena. With over 120,000 hectares of protected Caribbean waters, coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and some of the clearest water on the Atlantic coast, it’s no surprise that a day trip to the Rosario Islands tops nearly every visitor’s itinerary.
But there’s a big difference between showing up to a crowded shared tour dock and stepping onto a private boat with your group and full control of your day. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a private Rosario Islands boat tour with Botegena — from choosing the right boat size to knowing what to bring and what to expect at every stop.
What Are the Rosario Islands?
The Islas del Rosario (Rosario Islands) are an archipelago of 27 small islands located in the Caribbean Sea, about 35 kilometers southwest of Cartagena. They are part of the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park, a protected marine area that is home to one of the most important coral reef ecosystems on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
The islands vary in character — some are home to small beach clubs and restaurants, others are quieter spots with pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling. The most well-known party destination in the area is Cholón, a sandbar where boats anchor together and the party atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in Colombia. Other popular stops include Barú, Playa Blanca, Blue Apple Beach Club, and various calm swimming coves scattered throughout the archipelago.
Because the islands span a wide area, a private boat tour gives you the flexibility to design your own route based on what your group actually wants to do — whether that’s snorkeling, beach club lunches, exploring quieter spots, or mixing all of the above.
Why Choose a Private Boat Tour vs. a Shared Tour?
Shared tours to the Rosario Islands are common and affordable, but they come with real trade-offs. You’re locked into a fixed group, a fixed schedule, a fixed route, and often long waits at shared stops. If you want to spend extra time snorkeling in a spot you love, or skip a beach club that doesn’t interest you, that’s simply not possible on a shared tour.
A private boat with Botegena means your group has the full vessel from morning until around 5:00 PM. The captain and assistant work with you to plan the route based on your preferences — families get directed toward calmer, more child-friendly spots; party groups get pointed toward Cholón and the best beach clubs; couples looking for something peaceful can find quieter coves. You stop where you want, for as long as you want, and you move on when you’re ready.
For groups of 6 or more people, the per-person cost of a private boat also becomes very competitive compared to shared tours, especially when you factor in the quality of the experience.
Choosing the Right Boat Size
Botegena offers private speedboats in four size categories for the Rosario Islands tour:
29-foot speedboat (up to 10 people): The smallest and most agile option. Great for couples, small friend groups, or families. Moves quickly between islands and is easy to maneuver into tighter spots.
32–34 foot speedboat (up to 13 people): A popular mid-size choice for friend groups and small families. Comfortable deck space with good shade and seating.
38-foot speedboat (up to 17 people): Ideal for larger groups. More space to spread out, relax, and move around while underway.
42–45 foot speedboat (up to 23 people): Botegena’s largest speedboat option. Best for big groups — bachelor parties, corporate outings, extended family trips. Plenty of deck space, a powerful sound system, and room for add-ons like coolers stocked with drinks and gear.
All boats include a captain, first mate, water and ice, a cooler, a Bluetooth sound system, and life jackets. You’re welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks, or pre-order drinks, food, and add-ons directly through Botegena before your trip.
What Does the Tour Include?
Every private Rosario Islands tour with Botegena includes:
- The private boat rental for the full day (departure to approximately 5:00 PM return)
- Captain and assistant
- Fuel for the standard Rosario Islands route
- Water and ice on board
- Cooler
- Bluetooth sound system
- Life jackets
- Flexible route planning based on your group’s style
- Botegena team recommendations for beach clubs, snorkeling spots, lunch stops, family-friendly areas, or party locations
The tour does not include lunch, beach club entry fees, dock fees, towels, tips, or optional add-ons such as scuba diving, fishing, e-foil, or decorations — all of which can be added when you book.
What Are the Best Stops on the Rosario Islands?
There’s no single “right” route — it depends entirely on your group. Here are the most popular stops:
Cholón: The most famous stop in the Rosario Islands area. Boats anchor together in the sandbar, music plays from multiple vessels, and the atmosphere is a full Caribbean party on the water. Not ideal for young children, but a must-visit for anyone looking for the social, festive side of Cartagena’s island scene.
Blue Apple Beach Club (Isla Barú): One of the most popular beach clubs near Cartagena, located on Isla Barú. Beautiful setting, great food and cocktails, good snorkeling nearby.
Playa Blanca: A long, wide stretch of white-sand beach on Barú island. Busy but beautiful — great for swimming and sunbathing.
Snorkeling Coves: Botegena’s captains know the best coral spots for snorkeling within the Rosario Islands. Visibility is typically excellent, and you may encounter tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles depending on the season.
Quieter Island Stops: For groups who prefer a more relaxed, less crowded experience, the captain can guide you to calmer anchoring spots away from the main beach clubs.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (reef-safe is recommended in the protected marine area)
- Sunglasses and a hat
- A light layer or cover-up for the boat ride
- Towels (not included)
- Cash for beach clubs, food, and tips
- A dry bag or waterproof case for your phone
- Any drinks or snacks you’d like on board (or pre-order through Botegena)
- Snorkel mask (or add one through Botegena’s store)
What Time Should You Depart?
The tour price is the same regardless of departure time, but earlier departures give you significantly more island time. Botegena offers departures between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, with all tours returning to Cartagena by approximately 5:00 PM. Departing at 8:00 AM gives you a full nine hours on the water; departing at 10:00 AM gives you closer to seven.
For groups planning to visit multiple stops — snorkeling, a beach club for lunch, and Cholón — an early departure is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to swim? No. Life jackets are always on board, and you’re never required to enter the water. Many guests enjoy the boat and beach clubs without swimming at all.
Can we bring our own alcohol? Yes. You’re welcome to bring drinks on board, or pre-order bottles, beer, and mixers through Botegena’s add-on store before your trip.
Is this tour good for children? Yes — with the right route planning. Botegena’s team will direct families toward calmer, child-friendly spots rather than the party areas. The Family Day Trip tour is also specifically designed with families in mind.
How far in advance should I book? As early as possible, especially during peak season (December–January and June–August). Popular departure times fill quickly.
What happens if the weather is bad? Botegena monitors weather conditions and will contact you if conditions are not safe for sailing. In cases of cancellation due to weather, you will be offered a reschedule or refund.
How to Book
Booking is done directly on the Botegena website. Select your boat size, departure time, date, and any add-ons you’d like. A 50% deposit secures your reservation, with the balance due before departure. After booking, Botegena will send you the exact meeting location, logistics, and everything you need to know for the day.
The Rosario Islands are one of those places that genuinely live up to the hype — and a private boat tour is the best way to experience them. Plan ahead, pick your group, and let Botegena handle the rest.
