Rosario Islands: Romantic getaway in Colombia

Colombia is a colorful country. From Andes to Sierra Nevada, from high altitude cities to old colonial seaside towns, from tallest wax palm trees in the world to pink colored river tributaries, this country packs in a lot of natural diversity. Moreover, it is also blessed with coastlines by both Pacific and Caribbean. So, when you are in Colombia, remember to book yourself some beach time. Or take it up another notch, make it a romantic island getaway. We recommend Rosario Islands.

Blue Caribbean Sea, blue sky

Rosario Islands – A national park

Rosario Islands form an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Cartagena. Referred to as Islas del Rosario in Spanish, these islands are part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park. The park was founded to protect the coral reefs and the broader marine ecosystem of Colombia.

Rosario Islands – Day trip or overnight stay?

Due to the proximity of the islands, one of the top things to do in Cartagena is taking a day trip to Rosario Islands. You can find plenty of tour companies offering guided tours to the islands with seemingly all-inclusive prices for all activities. Many Rosario Islands day trips from Cartagena include to-and-fro transfers, islands hopping, lunch, aquarium visit, snorkeling and sometimes island parties. The trips usually pick you up early in the morning and return you before sundown.

However, we recommend making the most of your trip by staying overnight on one of the islands. This is not just because we like to do our trips the DIY way. Okay yes, that is one of the reasons, but there are many more.

Why miss the sunset?

Spend the whole day on islands but leave before sunset? Ouch. Why? Actually, there is a very good reason why day trippers leave by afternoon. But we will come to that later.

Anyway, it is a fact that if you take a day trip to the Rosario Islands, you are going to miss the island sunset. Aren’t island sunsets what we live for? 😉

Orange sky during sunset at Rosario Islands
Am I right?

When everyone else leaves the island

Rosario Islands are popular among the visitors of Cartagena. So, packs of day trippers flock on the island during the day. But when they leave by afternoon, with only a handful of overnight guests remaining on the island, it feels as if a curtain of silence has been drawn. This is when you get to embrace the tranquility of the island.

Things to do on Rosario Islands

Although pictures of islands remind us of idyllic charm, there are plenty of things to do on the Rosario Islands, considered to be among the must-visit islands of South America.

Sunbathe and swim

When you are on an island, this is a given, right? But it is always such a tough battle between action and inaction. Flex your muscles by swimming in the clear blue Caribbean waters versus work on your tan by lying on the white sand or the blue sun bed. We say, alternate between both.

Thatched roof umbrella and tall trees providing shade to the blue sunbeds by the blue Caribbean Sea on Rosario Islands.
Sun, sea and sand = bliss

Go snorkelling

Remember, Rosario Islands are part of a national park protecting Colombia’s precious coral reefs. Amazing coral reefs house abundant marine life and thus offer excellent snorkeling spots.

We booked a snorkeling session with the in-house PADI certified dive shop of our hotel. One instructor was assigned to the two of us. A small white boat transported us from the hotel dock to the middle of the sea. On board, it was a mix of divers and snorkelers. Once the boat anchored, we plunged into the deep blue sea and followed our instructor. He led us to different areas of the reef where we observed astounding marine life. For about one hour, our eyes only saw colorful fish swimming past beautiful corals in the deep blue waters. Alas, we did not have any action camera with us at that point in time.

Every time we put our eyes below the ocean surface, whether for diving or snorkeling, we are reminded of how tiny we are in this magnificent scheme of the universe. So, when you are in Rosario, sign up for a snorkeling session and be prepared to get amazed by the treasures of the underwater world. But remember to choose a legitimate company to make sure the activity is pursued in an ethical way. That is why PADI-certified dive shops are the best bets even for snorkeling sessions.

Watch orange sunset

As we stated earlier, this is one of the top reasons why we highly recommend staying overnight on the island. Your body may be tired from all the swimming and snorkeling in the morning. But not as much that a sunset cannot cure. Grab a pint of beer and slide yourself gently onto the sunbed. Listen to the chirping of the birds synchronize with the sound of soft waves. Take a deep breath and get ready to watch the sun paint the sky orange.

Orange sky during the sunset hours. Small water bungalow in the middle of the frame. Beautiful sunset hour observed from hotel San Pedro de Majagua on Rosario Islands.
Orange sunset

Explore the village

Another advantage of staying overnight on the island is that you get to enjoy the morning after. Venture beyond the limits of your hotel property. Take a walk along the dusty roads of the village that makes up the island. As touristy as Rosario Islands may be, the islands with hotels on them are also inhabited by the local people of Colombia. Who do you think makes your hotel bed or serves your meals at the hotel restaurant? They too have families. So, set out on an expedition to explore the village in the morning. You might be rewarded with cool views of the sky blue sea, with not another soul in sight.

A dusty road lined by thick green trees on either side. Yellow colored small house on the right side of the road. Local life on the island.
Village road
Clear blue Caribbean Sea framed by green foliage from top right. Thatched roof sunshade at a distance. Blissful Rosario Islands.
This is where we ended up
Paradise Catchers smiling at the camera. Blue Caribbean Sea in the background.
All smiles

Pair seafood with chilled beer

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Taking cues from the wise words of the saint, we say, when at a seaside place, eat seafood. As fresh as it can get. We love tasting the local cuisines of the places we visit. So, our lunch plates on the Rosario included seafood cooked in typical Colombian style and we washed them down with some chilled Colombian cerveza.

Plantain leaf wrapped steamed fish, with a side of rice and beans and green salad.
Comida Colombiano – Plantain leaf wrapped steamed fish, with a side of rice and beans.

Life on island time

According to us, this is the most important of all the things you can do on the Rosario Islands. You are on vacation because you wanted to apply brakes on your fast track life. But sometimes vacations can also get very busy depending on how you plan them. Even in Colombia, your vacation itinerary can seem pretty busy in cities like Medellin where there are plenty of things to do. But on an island, you can just switch off from everything and enjoy life on island time. Can anyone ever get tired of doing nothing? No, no, do not even try to answer this now if you are currently living the self-quarantine life in 2020.

A small white speedboat docked near the wooden deck. Green tree leaning on to the blue Caribbean Sea. Romantic Rosario Islands.
On island time

Bioluminescent plankton tour

Some marine organisms emit light. Yes, like fireflies. This biochemical emission of lights by plankton lends a blue glow to the water under a starry sky. You can take the bioluminescent plankton tour to Laguna Encantada to experience this astonishing phenomenon.

This is totally a bucket list experience for us. But sadly we could not take this tour as we visited Rosario Islands during the full moon. No stars in the sky, no visible bioluminescence. Science!

Oceanarium

On the way to Rosario Islands from Cartagena, some boats make a stop at the Oceanario. You can also book a tour with your hotel. This oceanarium, that is aquarium in the ocean, is a conservation center that is home to more than 1400 marine animals. They offer educational tours to visitors and also allow interactions with dolphins.

We chose to skip this activity as we like animals better in the wild.

Diving

Diving is a great way to observe marine life from up close but in their natural habitat. I still remember my first dive. Very few life experiences can match up to the feeling of breathing under water with eyes wide open. With its rich coral reefs, Rosario Islands can offer a good diving experience.

Couple massage

What better way of soothing your muscles than getting your body massaged by professionals with mineral rich ingredients. Enjoy a couple massage on the island with the soft sea breeze brushing against your warm bare skin.

We did not opt for this activity because I don’t know, may be we were too busy swimming, snorkeling and relaxing?

Where to stay on Rosario Islands

The key to an awesome stay on the Rosario Islands is to choose the hotel/resort wisely. Colombia is a country where you can plan budget friendly travel without compromising on your preferences. But if there is one place where you can afford to splurge, make it your stay on the Rosario Islands. That is what we did and can confirm that the stay was totally worth the bucks.

We stayed at Hotel San Pedro de Majagua on Isla Grande. For more accommodation options, check out this guide on Rosario Islands hotels.

By the blue Caribbean Sea, lies a set of couch on a wooden deck on the hotel property of Hotel San Pedro de Majagua. A hammock is hanging from the tree.
Idyllic romance

Hotel San Pedro de Majagua is a beautiful big property by the Caribbean Sea with large yet cozy well-appointed rooms and private sit-outs with hammocks and couch. Trees and red fallen flowers adorn the ample open spaces on the property. Blue sun beds and thatched roof umbrellas by the palm trees line the private white sand beach. Strategically placed white sofa and poster bed with white linen generate a romantic aura at Hotel San Pedro de Majagua. It is an excellent place to stay on the Rosario Islands, we highly recommend it despite the price tag.

A thatched roof cottage, attached private sit-out with sofas and hammocks. The cottage is framed by green foliage on left, right and top. Red flowers fallen from the trees adorn the ground. San Pedro de Majagua is a great place to stay on Rosario Islands.
Cottage at San Pedro de Majagua
A poster bed with white linen and white curtains, placed by the blue waters of Caribbean Sea. Hotel San Pedro de Majagua.
Ideal location for a siesta?

How to reach Rosario Islands from Cartagena and return

We could book a shared service boat transfer with our hotel for additional cost. Our boat would pick us up from La Bodeguita dock. We took a taxi from our hotel in Cartagena and reported at the dock by 8:00 am. The white boat had the hotel’s name painted in blue on its body, giving it a premium feel. This boat would exclusively transfer the guests of Hotel San Pedro de Majagua, both day pass as well as overnight guests.

La Bodeguita dock - Blue Caribbean Sea with Cartagena's skyline of white tall buildings in the background.
Starting the boat ride from La Bodeguita dock

Cartagena to Rosario

The onward journey from Cartagena to Rosario is a pleasant one hour sail on calm blue waters. As the boat starts moving towards the island, Cartagena’s skyline of tall buildings starts to fade away.

After a while, you see small green mounds peeking out of the sea. This is the last stretch of deep blue water before you move closer to the landmass where the surrounding water is transparent azure.

Rosario Islands as seen from the boat. Green landmasses rising from the blue waters.
The large island is our destination – Isla Grande, Rosario Islands

Rosario to Cartagena

The return trip from the island to Cartagena is one we can never forget. It would be an understatement if we called this boat ride crazy.

The boat crew warned us of a rough ride and advised us to stow away ALL our belongings in the closed luggage holding area of the boat. As obedient people, we handed over our backpacks. However, I held the phone in my hand so that I can click some photos of the Caribbean Sea glowing under the afternoon sun.

But the Caribbean Sea had different plans. It swelled up so big and so frequently as if it wanted to gulp down our tiny white speedboat. Huge waves started crashing on us. The first big wave took us by surprise and drenched us thoroughly, including the phone in my hand. Sea water dripping from our hair and sea salt burning our eyes, we grabbed each other’s hand tightly and closed our eyes. One member of the boat crew started handing thick cover sheets to all the passengers. We grabbed ours and used those to shield us from the giant waves. We tried to peak through our sheets in order to see the sea, but the salty waves shut our eyes again.

However, despite the choppy waters, we reached Cartagena safe around 3:30 pm.

Cartagena skyline in the distant horizon, as seen from the boat on Caribbean Sea. White waves splashing.
Cartagena skyline in sight. Sea now calmer than before.
Paradise Catchers, with chaotic wet hair and eyes still closed. Effects after a bumpy boat road on the choppy waters of the afternoon Caribbean Sea. Return journey from Rosario Islands to Cartagena.
The aftermath – chaotic wet hair and eyes still closed

Crazy is normal?

Apparently, afternoon sea conditions on this route are normally like this. That is why the port authorities issue daily advise to the boats on the best times for departure from Rosario Islands.

Now, do you realize why the Rosario Islands day trippers have to come back before sundown? Told you there is a very good reason. So again, stay overnight to get the best out of this romantic island.

Are the Rosario Islands worth it?

We love the Caribbean. Whether playing in the cold light blue waters on the 21 kilometre strip of Varadero beach in Cuba or sleeping on the golden sand beaches on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, we are always intoxicated by the Caribbean charm in its various forms.

Rosario Islands off the Caribbean coast of Colombia were no exception in extending its charm to us. With white sands, clear azure water, plenty of green foliage, action packed activities and bliss of idyllic island life, Rosario Islands are totally worth a space in your Colombia travel itinerary.

Paradise Catchers on Rosario Islands. White sand beach and blue Caribbean waters in the background.
Happy us

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Paradise Catchers

We are Pubali and Indranil, an Indian couple living in Costa Rica and slow traveling Latin America and Caribbean.

8 thoughts on “Rosario Islands: Romantic getaway in Colombia”

  1. As usual interesting description covering every nook and corner of the place and made allured for visiting the beach.
    Rich writing compels a person to go deep into the content. Wish you keep your writing up.

    Reply
  2. This looks just wonderful! I’m probably the only person on the planet who didn’t like Cartagena very much – too touristy, not Colombian. But this island sure looks like paradise!

    Reply
  3. My husband and I are always excited to find new exciting spots for a romantic weekend getaway. I had never heard about these islands in Colombia, but they look incredible and I am glad I came across this blog post. Appreciate your hotel recommendation as well – we will check it out.

    Reply
  4. Have heard some good things about Colombia but hadn’t heard of Rosario Islands. They look amazing and peaceful. Just what I need right now!

    Reply
  5. Oh the Rosaria Islands sound lovely! The beach and water look so inviting!! I just love the idea of staying overnight while most of the visitors leave, that sounds like our type of trip!!

    Reply

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