Rosario Islands Catamaran Tour with Lunch, Drinks and Snorkeling Stops

Choose a Rosario Islands catamaran tour if you want more space, onboard comfort, and a smoother open-water experience than a small speedboat. This shared catamaran day trip from Cartagena includes lunch, drinks, swimming stops, snorkeling time, and a relaxed social atmosphere without docking at island beaches.

Sail, Swim, and Relax on a Shared Caribbean Catamaran

This large-scale catamaran tour is designed for travelers who prefer the comfort of a bigger vessel over the speed and intensity of a smaller boat. The experience takes place mainly on board, with open-water navigation, swimming stops, snorkeling time, shaded areas, sunbathing nets, and enough space to move around during the day.

When wind and navigation conditions allow, the catamaran may sail part of the route. However, the captain may use engine power at any time for safety, timing, maritime traffic, or operational reasons. This tour does not dock at island beaches; the vessel remains anchored in protected open-water areas, and guests swim or snorkel directly from the catamaran.

What's included?

• Shared catamaran navigation from Cartagena to protected areas of the Rosario Islands.
• Check-in and boarding from Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena.
• Welcome drink served after boarding.
• Light mid-morning snack during the outbound navigation.
• Freshly prepared onboard lunch served while the catamaran is anchored.
• Non-alcoholic drinks throughout the tour, including mineral water, sodas, and lemonade.
• Two open-water swimming and snorkeling stops of approximately 60 minutes each, subject to maritime conditions.
• Use of onboard areas, including shaded lounge spaces, bow sunbathing nets, and restrooms.
• Snorkeling masks and snorkels, subject to availability and refundable deposit requirements.
• Port fee and Travel insurance activated with complete passenger information before boarding.

Not included:

• Hotel pickup or drop-off services in Cartagena.
• Beach access or island beach docking; this tour remains on board and anchored in open-water areas.
• Alcoholic beverages, cocktails, premium drinks, or extra orders at the onboard bar.
• Personal beach towels, personal snorkeling gear, waterproof phone cases, or personal items.
• Tips, personal expenses, or services not specifically listed as included.

Schedule

1. 08:00 AM – Check-in at the pier: Arrive at Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena for passenger registration, data validation, and cash payment of the mandatory pier-related fees. Bring your booking confirmation and ID.
2. 08:30 AM – Catamaran departure: Begin the navigation from Cartagena toward the Rosario Islands National Natural Park, subject to same-day maritime and port conditions.
3. Morning – Welcome service and navigation: Enjoy a welcome drink, light snack, shaded lounge areas, sunbathing nets, and open-water views as the vessel navigates toward the islands.
4. Late morning – First swimming and snorkeling stop: The catamaran anchors in a protected open-water area for swimming and snorkeling directly from the vessel stairs.
5. Midday – Onboard lunch: Lunch is prepared and served on board by the crew while the catamaran is anchored.
6. Early afternoon – Second swimming and snorkeling stop: Enjoy another open-water swim session when weather, maritime conditions, and captain authorization allow.
7. 03:00 PM – Return navigation: The catamaran begins the return route to Cartagena according to the authorized maritime schedule.
8. 04:00 PM – Approximate arrival in Cartagena: Disembark at Muelle de la Bodeguita, Cartagena’s main tourist pier.

Maritime schedules for Rosario Islands day trips are authorized and regulated by DIMAR, the Colombian Maritime Authority. The standard return navigation usually begins around 3:00 PM, with approximate arrival in Cartagena around 4:00 PM. Timing, anchoring points, sailing conditions, and return routes may change without prior notice due to wind, waves, port operations, maritime traffic, or safety instructions issued on the day of travel.

Important Information

Before booking: The Catamaran tour remains anchored in open water throughout the day; there is no beach access, island docking, or walking on land during this experience. Ambient music is played on board at a moderate level, creating a social shared maritime environment rather than a high-energy party boat format. Marine visibility, currents, coral conditions, and swimming areas vary naturally according to the weather and sea conditions of the day.

1. Mandatory pier and park fees: The National Natural Park dock tax and navigation insurance are included in the booking.
2. Passenger information required: Full name, date of birth, and passport or ID number are required for every participant immediately after checkout. This information is mandatory to issue boarding tickets and activate travel insurance.
3. Boarding restrictions: This open-water cruise involves marine navigation and swimming from the vessel. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers, guests with limited mobility, severe motion sickness, serious back or neck conditions, or anyone unable to safely move around a catamaran.
4. Families and children: Children aged 0 to 6 may sail free of charge but must be registered under the booking details of their parent or guardian. Families should consider that the entire experience takes place on board without access to sand or dry land.
5. Sailing and engine use: The catamaran may sail when wind and navigation conditions allow. The captain may use engine power at any time for safety, timing, maritime traffic, or port operational reasons.
6. Snorkeling conditions: Snorkeling stops are planned but depend on weather, sea visibility, currents, and captain authorization. If conditions are not suitable, the captain may adjust the route or anchoring points.
7. Snorkel gear deposit: Masks and snorkels may be provided subject to availability, and a refundable deposit may be required by the crew before use.
8. Weather and maritime safety: Boat routes, anchoring points, sailing method, swimming stops, travel times, and return schedules are governed by DIMAR regulations and may change without prior notice if the captain, port authorities, or maritime conditions require adjustments for safety.
9. Cancellation policy: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled activity start time, unless a different condition is shown during checkout or applies to a special rate.

FAQ

Does this Rosario Islands catamaran tour stop at a beach?

No. This catamaran tour does not dock at island beaches. The vessel remains anchored in protected open-water areas, and guests swim or snorkel directly from the catamaran stairs. There is no beach club access or walking on land during this tour.

Is this catamaran tour a party boat?

No. Music is part of the onboard atmosphere, but the experience is focused on stable navigation, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and maritime relaxation. It is a good fit for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a calmer alternative to high-intensity party boats.

Will the catamaran sail or use engines?

The catamaran may sail when wind and navigation conditions allow. The captain may use the engines at any time for safety, timing, maritime traffic, or port operational reasons.

Are snorkeling stops guaranteed?

Snorkeling stops are planned into the itinerary but depend on weather, sea visibility, currents, and captain authorization. If real-time conditions are not suitable, the captain may adjust the route or anchoring points.

Is lunch included on the catamaran tour?

Yes. Lunch is prepared and served on board by the crew while the catamaran is anchored. Mineral water, sodas, and lemonade are included throughout the tour.

What passenger information is required before boarding?

Full name, passport or national ID number, and date of birth are required for every passenger after booking. This information is used to issue boarding tickets and activate travel insurance.

Is this catamaran tour good for families with children?

It can be a good option for families who are comfortable spending the day on board a spacious vessel. Children aged 0 to 6 may sail free of charge, but parents should note that there is no beach access or dry land stop during the journey.

What time does the catamaran return to Cartagena?

The return navigation from the islands usually begins around 3:00 PM, reaching Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena at approximately 4:00 PM. This schedule is regulated by DIMAR and can vary according to maritime conditions.

What happens if weather or sea conditions change?

Passenger safety comes first. DIMAR, port authorities, or the captain may adjust the route, anchoring points, sailing method, swimming stops, or return time depending on wind and wave conditions to support safe navigation back to Cartagena.