Rosario Islands
Bask in the island sun of the Colombian-Caribbean Islands.


The Rosario Islands, located in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of Cartagena, are an easily-accessible Colombian
getaway destination with the white sand and clear water you’re dreaming of in a Caribbean vacation. The 27 islands are an
hour away from Cartagena and make for an incredible weekend getaway while visiting the Colombian coast.
As one of the 46 national parks in Colombia, this beautiful island chain offers nature lovers an incredible opportunity to
snorkel in one of the most biodiverse regions in South America, swim with bioluminescent plankton, and experience well-
preserved coral reefs.
As with most Caribbean and coastal destinations, fresh seafood is a must in the Rosario islands. Visit beach clubs or hotel restaurants and try their selection of fresh seafood dishes, or get it right from the source and enjoy catches from local fishermen in the region. Dishes like fish with coconut rice are classics to be tried in the Rosario Islands.
The Rosario Islands have a long history associated with the slave trade, and the Island of Barú was one of the places enslaved Afro-Colombians escaped to. Today it is still home to this community of Black Colombians, who have a very distinct culture from the rest of the country, including speaking Spanish, and Caribbean English creole. Visitors can tour the town of Santa Ana to learn more about Afro-Colombian culture and history in the Colombian Caribbean.
The Rosario Islands offer no shortage of adventurous activities, most of which revolve around the pristine waters surrounding the islands. Scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts can enjoy pristine coral reefs and biodiverse waters with colorful fish and other incredible sea creatures. Those looking to surf, parasail, kayak, or jetski will also find themselves with ample opportunity for adventure in the Rosario Islands, with plenty of tour operators in the region offering these activities.
The Rosario Islands were named a National Park in 1988, in an effort to preserve one of the most important coral reefs in the Caribbean. This park extends 420 kilometers and boasts scenery that is full of animal and plant life, crystal-clear waters, corals of different colors, mangroves, forests, wetlands, beaches, and fields of sea grass, among others. The Rosario Islands offer visitors an incredible opportunity to get a first-hand look at some of the Caribbean’s most untouched nature.
When booking a luxury vacation to Colombia, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind so you enjoy the spoils of this
untouched Eden to the fullest extent. Be inspired by a few of our signature itineraries, then talk with one of our team
members to begin curating the ultimate luxury vacation to Colombia!
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This is also the dry season in the Colombian Caribbean and will ensure minimal chance of spending your
beach vacation in the rain.
Go snorkeling or scuba diving Home to over 1,300 species of marine animals and plants, the Rosario Islands are an incredibly desirable snorkeling destination. The Rosario Islands are undeniably one of the best places to visit in Colombia if you’re interested in superbly preserved coral reefs and spectacular views of underwater life. Grab your underwater camera and goggles and get ready to explore life below the waves. For divers, The Rosario Islands boast numerous species of coral, lobsters, crabs, starfish, and lots of fish, and a trip under the sea can’t be missed.
Open-Air Aquarium The “Open-Air Aquarium” can be found on the docks of the island San Martín de Pajares and is considered one of the best aquariums in all of the Caribbean. This is an ideal plan for both the kids and the rest of the family! The main attractions of the aquarium are the trained sharks, and the dolphins that jump, play and applaud, and behind the thick glass, you can see starfish, manta rays, and an immense variety of colorful fish.
Swim with bioluminescent plankton Once the sun sets over the Caribbean horizon and the clear blue waters turn to darkness, get ready to dip your head below the surface. Among the coastal mangroves of the coral island of Mucura, surround yourself with an otherworldly scene where speckles of blue-green light will ignite the dark waters. Tiny bioluminescent plankton produces a chemical called luciferin which glows with your soft movements in the water. A night-time swim is an ideal adventure, for it immerses you in a surreal natural world. Underneath the night sky, you’ll find yourself swimming amongst the ocean’s version of the northern lights.
Visit the beach clubs Lay back, relax and enjoy coconut water or cocktail in hand at one of the Rosario Island Beach Clubs - here, you’ll get to spend a beach day in luxury, enjoying fresh seafood, a day bed, drinks, and of course, the pristine waters of the Rosario Islands. Beach clubs like Bora Bora Beach Club, or Pa’ue have private beaches that seem secluded from the main beach areas, giving a more intimate, private feel to your luxury beach day.
Take an islands tour Sail, snorkel, and enjoy visiting many of the most renowned beaches in the Caribbean on an islands tour that takes you from Isla Baru, to Playa Grande, Private Island Resort, and the Caribbean paradise of Cholon. Taking an island tour is a great way to see some of the most famous spots in the region in one afternoon if you’re short on time.
Hotel Punta Faro Located on Mucura Island, Hotel Punta Faro is a dream oasis of white sands and warm sea breezes. Conveniently situated in the Isla Mucura part of Isla Mucura, this property puts you close to attractions and a variety of dining options. In design and feel, it’s more cabaña-meets-comfortable-jungle-lodge than a polished resort. It also places an emphasis on training and employing local people. The rooms are quaint and minimalistic, with rustic beach-shack-style decor and private decks with hammocks. All meals are buffets, serving fresh Colombian food.
Hotel Playa Manglares Hotel Playa Manglares in Isla Barú is an eco-lodge located on Barbacoa Beach and just a 10-minute drive from Playa Blanca. It has a private beach and restaurant and offers guests hammocks, open terraces, free Wi-Fi, and spacious bungalow accommodations. Breakfast is served daily and includes regional tropical fruits. This boutique eco-lodge provides guests with an exclusive beach area, for more serene beach days without the crowds, and also organizes activities like snorkeling or island tours directly from the hotel.
Hotel Las Islas Let yourself be soothed by the serenity of eco-luxury in its purest form. Just a 45-minute boat ride from Cartagena transports travelers to Hotel Las Islas, an oasis in the Caribbean paradise of Baru. Treetop bungalows and private villas elegantly decorated with Colombian flair are surrounded by lush vegetation. An over-water restaurant and beach bar offer seaside dining at its best. Spend time on the island’s white sand beaches, explore the fascinating coral and marine life with a dive into the sea, or view a breathtaking sunrise from your treetop hideaway.
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