Full day Isla del Encanto – Rosario Islands

Crystal water, simple pleasures. This day trip pairs a 60-minute speedboat ride from Cartagena with a sandy island stay at Isla del Encanto in the Corales del Rosario Natural Park. I like the easy mix of beach, pool, hammocks, kayaking, and lunch, all in one place. The main drawback is the extra cost for port fees and the optional Oceanarium.

I also like that you can set your own pace once you arrive. You may follow a guided visit or wander freely, then spend the afternoon swimming or resting on a lounger. The trip is less appealing if you want a smooth, quiet departure, since the pier and boat boarding can feel crowded and disorganized.

Key points to know before booking

• The island has more than 300 meters of sand, giving you room to spread out, rest, and enjoy the Caribbean setting.
• The speedboat reaches the Rosario Islands in about 60 minutes, making this a practical full-day escape from Cartagena.
• A buffet lunch, pool, loungers, beach beds, hammocks, and kayaking are included, so the basic day covers more than just a boat ride.
• The Oceanarium is optional and costs extra, with an additional entrance fee of 30,000 COP per person plus a 20,000 COP boarding fee.
• The port boarding tax is separate, costing 31,500 COP per person before departure.
• The group can reach 40 people, so this is organized group travel rather than a private island outing.

From Cartagena to Isla del Encanto in 60 minutes

Your morning begins at Gate 3 of the Bodeguita Pier in Cartagena. The listed start time is 8:00 am, and the boat heads toward the Rosario Islands by speedboat.

The crossing takes about an hour. That is a useful detail when comparing island trips from Cartagena. You are not spending half the day on the water, yet you still get the feeling of leaving the city behind and reaching a Caribbean island setting.

The boat ride is part of the experience, but it may not suit everyone. Speedboats can feel lively, and the return journey may be rough if the sea is choppy. One account describes the boat hitting hard at the front on the way back, so I would not choose this trip if you are especially sensitive to motion or want a completely calm crossing.

The pier is another point to plan for. Allow time to find Gate 3 and deal with the boarding process. The departure area can feel confusing, and getting through the gate and onto the boat may not be as orderly as the advertised schedule suggests. Keep your booking details easy to reach, and arrive ready for a busy port rather than a quiet marina.

The boarding tax is not included in the advertised $158 price. You pay 31,500 COP per person separately. That changes the real cost, so add it to your budget before deciding if the day offers good value.

Arrival at the hotel beach on Isla del Encanto

The boat drops you at the Isla del Encanto hotel, located inside the Corales del Rosario Natural Park. This is not a simple unserviced beach stop. You have access to a managed island area with sand, a pool, sun loungers, beach beds, and hammocks.

The beach area stretches for more than 300 meters. That gives you a proper place to settle in instead of standing around a small patch of sand. I like the flexibility here. You can swim for a while, move to the pool, find a hammock, or simply sit near the beach and let the day pass without a strict schedule.

The setting is the main reason to book this trip. The water is described as crystal clear, and the island offers the kind of bright Caribbean scenery that is hard to find in central Cartagena. You get a full day away from city streets, traffic, and city noise, while still returning to the same pier that evening.

There is a difference between an island day and an island adventure. Isla del Encanto is set up for comfort and easy recreation. It is a good match for couples and families who want a beautiful, quiet place to swim and rest. It is less suitable if you want remote-island solitude, active exploration, or a long list of scheduled activities.

The beach may feel private compared with the more crowded parts of Cartagena, but you should not expect complete isolation. The group size can reach 40 people, and other people may also be using the hotel area. The atmosphere is best understood as a comfortable resort day on an island, not a wilderness outing.

Free time, guided options, and kayaking

Once you get off the boat, you can explore the island on your own or take part in a guided visit. The details of the guided portion are not specified, so I would treat it as an option rather than the main reason to book.

The real advantage is having room to choose. You do not have to spend the whole day following a guide or moving from one attraction to the next. You can use the included kayak, swim in the sea, or rest on the supplied loungers and hammocks.

Kayaking adds a small active element to what is otherwise a very relaxed day. It may appeal to you if sitting on the beach for several hours sounds dull, but you do not want a demanding excursion. At the same time, the provided information does not give details about kayak duration, routes, or conditions, so you should not expect a guided paddle through a particular part of the park.

The pool is useful for families and for anyone who wants a break from salt water. You can move between the sea and pool without arranging another activity or paying a separate fee. The included loungers, beach beds, and hammocks also mean you do not need to plan every minute around finding somewhere to sit.

Bring your own towel. One account specifically warns that towels may cost extra on the island, and the supplied inclusions do not list towels. This is the sort of small expense that can make an already pricey day feel less generous.

Buffet lunch and the question of value

Lunch is included and served buffet style, with local flavors. That is convenient because you do not need to leave the beach area or arrange a separate meal during the island stay.

The meal receives mixed impressions. Some people consider the food exceptional, while another account describes it as a cheap buffet. That tells you what to expect: lunch is a practical part of the package, but it may not be a major culinary reason to book.

I would judge the food as a bonus rather than build the trip around it. You are paying for transportation, access to the island facilities, and a full day by the water. The buffet helps make the schedule easy, especially for families, but food quality can be a personal matter.

At $158 per person, the price is on the high side for a beach day. The value improves if you use the pool, loungers, hammocks, and kayak, and if you appreciate having round-trip speedboat transportation and lunch arranged together. It is harder to justify if you plan to spend most of the day sitting on the sand and do not care about the resort facilities.

Remember that the price is not the final total. Add the 31,500 COP port tax, then consider the optional Oceanarium costs. You may also face small on-island charges for items such as towels. I would make a quick list of these extras before booking, especially if you are arranging the day for a family.

The optional Oceanarium visit and its extra fees

The Oceanarium is offered as an optional stop for about one hour. The visit includes the chance to see dolphins, turtles, rays, catsharks, and other marine life.

The entrance costs 30,000 COP per person. There is also a 20,000 COP per person boarding fee for the Oceanarium. These charges are separate from the main tour price, so the stop adds 50,000 COP per person before any currency conversion.

This option may suit you if you want more than a beach day or if marine animals are a priority. It also gives the schedule a clearer activity during the island visit. If your main goal is swimming, resting, and using the beach facilities, you may prefer to skip it and keep your time at Isla del Encanto.

The Oceanarium stop also affects the shape of your day. The main island visit is listed at about seven hours, while the Oceanarium is listed at one hour. Together, that fits the advertised eight-hour duration. If you want every minute on the beach, ask how the stop fits into the day before paying for it.

What the return trip is really like

In the afternoon, the boat heads directly back to the Bodeguita Pier. The activity ends at the same meeting point where you began.

A direct return is convenient. You do not have to arrange a second transfer across Cartagena, and the city is easy to reach from the pier once you disembark. The downside is that the sea can become rough, and the ride may be less comfortable than the morning crossing.

If you get motion sickness, sit where the crew advises and bring any personal remedy you normally use. The tour data does not specify seating or onboard facilities, so it is better to prepare for a standard speedboat transfer rather than assume a spacious ferry-style ride.

You also need to allow for the full day. The formal duration is about eight hours, but departure procedures, sea conditions, and port activity can affect the exact timing. Do not schedule an important fixed appointment immediately afterward.

Who will enjoy this island day most

I would recommend Isla del Encanto for a couple or family that wants a simple day by the sea without arranging separate transport, meals, and beach facilities.

It is especially suitable if you want:

• A clear-water beach within reach of Cartagena
• A mixture of sea swimming and pool time
• Comfortable places to sit and rest
• A buffet lunch included in the basic price
• A gentle activity such as kayaking
• The option to add a marine-life visit

The trip is also a good fit for people who prefer a resort-style island day. You arrive, settle in, eat lunch, swim, and rest. That straightforward rhythm can be a pleasure after several days of city sightseeing.

I would think twice if you want a low-cost beach outing. The $158 price, port tax, optional Oceanarium fees, and possible small purchases on the island add up. I would also look elsewhere if you want a small private group, a demanding outdoor adventure, or a remote beach with no organized facilities.

One other point matters: the island has people selling goods, and you may encounter pressure to buy souvenirs or other items. Keep your spending plan clear and remember that you are not required to purchase anything simply because someone approaches you.

Booking timing, weather, and cancellation

This experience is often booked well ahead, with an average booking time of about 38 days in advance. That suggests you should reserve early if your Cartagena dates are fixed, especially if you want a particular morning.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The group may include up to 40 people, and most people can participate, according to the supplied tour information.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 8:00 am start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The time limit follows Cartagena local time.

The tour depends on good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is important for an open-water trip, since sea conditions affect both comfort and safety.

Should you book Isla del Encanto?

Book it if you want a well-organized idea for a full beach day, and you value having the boat, lunch, pool, loungers, hammocks, and kayaking arranged together. The island setting and easy mix of swimming and rest are the strongest reasons to go.

Before you commit, add the 31,500 COP port tax to the $158 price. Decide in advance if the Oceanarium is worth another 50,000 COP per person in entrance and boarding fees, and bring your own towel to avoid an unnecessary island charge.

My call: this is a good choice for couples and families seeking comfort and scenery, but not the best value for independent visitors who want a cheap beach day or a more adventurous island experience. If you accept the group setting and possible rough boat ride, Isla del Encanto offers a pleasant, low-effort escape from Cartagena.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Gate 3 of the Bodeguita Pier, Muelle de la Bodeguita, in Cartagena.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the trip last?

The full experience lasts approximately eight hours. The main Isla del Encanto visit is listed at about seven hours, and the optional Oceanarium visit takes about one hour.

How long is the boat ride to the Rosario Islands?

The speedboat journey from Cartagena to the Corales del Rosario Natural Park takes about 60 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and served as a typical buffet-style meal.

Is the Oceanarium included in the price?

No. The Oceanarium is optional and costs 30,000 COP per person for entrance, plus a 20,000 COP per person boarding fee.

Is the port tax included?

No. The boarding tax costs 31,500 COP per person and is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you are offered another date or a full refund.