Full day Isla del Encanto – Rosario Islands

One day, two kinds of water, and a real break from Cartagena heat. This full-day trip to Isla del Encanto takes you to the Rosario Islands in the Corales del Rosario Natural Park, with time to swim, lounge, and paddle (kayaking is included). I like the mix of easy beach time plus active moments, and I especially enjoy the island feel, with hammocks and beach beds to slow the day down.

Here’s the main thing to plan for: the pier and boarding experience can feel a bit chaotic, and the island can push add-ons and purchases once you arrive. Go in expecting basic organization and bring your essentials, like towels and cash, so you are not stuck improvising.

Key things to know before you go

• 60-minute speedboat ride to the Corales del Rosario Natural Park from Cartagena
• Isla del Encanto beach setup with hammocks, loungers, and access to the pool
• Included kayaking so you get more than just sunbathing
• On-site buffet lunch built into the island schedule
• Optional Oceanario visit with dolphins, turtles, rays, and cat sharks (extra cost)
• Small group feel, with a maximum of 40 people

Getting to Isla del Encanto the simple way: Muelle de la Bodeguita

The day starts at the Muelle de la Bodeguita area in Cartagena, with the tour departing from Gate 3. This is a big deal because early confusion at the pier can turn into wasted time, and this trip moves on a tight schedule once the boat leaves. If you want your day to feel smooth, arrive a bit early, be ready to show your booking details, and keep your eye on the group.

I like that the tour gives you a clear starting point in the most tourist-active part of town. It is easy to pair this with a morning in Cartagena, have breakfast nearby, then head straight to the port without guessing.

The speedboat ride: what that 60-minute journey means for your day

You are on the water for about 60 minutes each way. The good news is that it keeps the trip “full day” instead of “all day traveling,” so you still get solid beach time on the islands. The other reality is boats run on the sea, and if conditions are rougher, the ride can feel bumpy.

This is where you set expectations. This is not a luxury yacht day. You are doing a practical speedboat transfer to a beach resort island, and the priority is getting you there and keeping the schedule on track. If you get seasick easily, plan ahead with whatever works for you. If you handle it fine, you will probably enjoy the changing scenery as the coast drops away.

Isla del Encanto island time: beach beds, hammocks, pool, and sea dips

Once you land at Isla del Encanto hotel, you shift into vacation mode fast. The rhythm of the day is simple: you either explore the island on your own or follow along with guidance, then you spend the afternoon bouncing between the sea and the pool.

What makes this part work is the setup. You have sun loungers, beach beds, and hammocks available, so you can choose your kind of relaxing. Want quiet? Find a bed and stay put. Want a little movement? Swim, then cool down poolside. The islands are famous for that bright Caribbean feel, and the natural setting in the Corales del Rosario Natural Park is the main reason people do the trip.

A small practical note that matters

Bring your own towel if you can. Some island add-ons and sales efforts can catch you off guard, and having your basics with you keeps the day feeling like your day. Also pack sunscreen, water shoes if you prefer easier footing, and a dry bag for your phone or camera.

Lunch on the island: buffet style, quick refuel, no stress

Lunch is served as a typical buffet-style meal. The point is not fine dining. The point is time and convenience. Since you are on a schedule, you need food that is ready, filling, and easy so you do not waste island hours standing in line or searching for a restaurant.

In practice, this lunch works best if you treat it like refuel. Eat, then get back in the water. If you are a picky eater or you expect a gourmet spread, keep expectations grounded. The overall value of the day comes more from the setting and the included activities than from a standout menu.

If you want to feel extra prepared, grab water as soon as you can and pace your meal with swim time. Heat and sun do not care about your appetite.

Included kayaking: the activity that turns the day from “just beach”

A nice surprise here is that kayaking is included. This matters because it adds variety. Beach time alone can blur together, especially if you are traveling with kids or someone who gets restless after an hour.

The kayaking slot gives you a chance to be on the water in a different way than swimming. You get movement, a sense of adventure that still fits a relaxed day, and a break from the “shade only” routine.

How to make kayaking easier

• Wear swim-friendly clothes you can get wet and still feel comfortable in.
• Bring something to secure your phone or keys. Even if the tour provides guidance, you do not want to be scrambling mid-session.
• Don’t overpack. You need freedom of movement more than you need souvenirs.

Optional Oceanario: dolphins, turtles, rays, and cat sharks

The Oceanario is an add-on, not part of the standard day plan. If you choose it, plan for about 1 hour, with an extra entrance cost of 30,000 COP per person.

The lineup you can expect includes dolphins, turtles, rays, and cat sharks. Whether it feels worth it comes down to your priorities. If you love marine animals and you enjoy structured viewing, this can add a meaningful stop.

If you prefer a purely beach-and-pool day, you can skip it and protect your relaxation time. Just be sure you have enough cash for the extras, because this tour does add optional spending on top of your base price.

Price and logistics: what $158 covers and what costs extra

The listed price is $158.00 per person for a day that runs about 8 hours total. The included items are the main reason this trip is appealing for the money:

• Lunch
• Speedboat transportation
• Sun loungers, beach beds, and pool access
• Kayaking

At the same time, you should budget extra. Not-included costs are part of the real math:

• Boarding tax: COP 31,500 per person
• Oceanario entrance: COP 30,000 per person (optional)
• Oceanario boarding fee: COP 20,000 per person (not included)

So the smart approach is to treat the $158 as the “island day” foundation, then add taxes plus any Oceanario choice. If you want a no-surprises day, carry some cash or make sure you know you can pay on-site for optional charges.

Group size keeps the value feeling real

This tour caps at 40 travelers. That size is big enough for efficiency, but small enough that you are less likely to feel lost in a crowd. In a place like Cartagena, where logistics can get messy fast, this helps.

Who will love this trip, and who should adjust expectations

I think this is best for people who want a straightforward day trip with real downtime. It is a good fit if you are:

• traveling as a couple or with family
• after a quiet-feeling beach day rather than nonstop sightseeing
• happy to trade high culture for sun, water, and simple pleasures

It is also a strong choice if kayaking sounds fun, because that included activity gives the day structure beyond lounging.

The main reason some people feel disappointed

When you pay a premium price, you want the day to feel smooth from start to finish. If you get frustrated easily by pier congestion, wait times, or people trying to sell extras once you are on the island, you might feel the value slipping. Keep your head, plan with buffer time, and bring your own towel.

Also, this is not a long, multi-stop island expedition. You get one island focus, one lunch, and optional Oceanario. If you want a packed itinerary, you may find the day more relaxed than you expected.

Should you book Isla del Encanto from Cartagena?

Book it if you want an easy, full-day break built around the Rosario Islands, with included kayaking and real time to swim and lounge. The setting in the Corales del Rosario Natural Park, plus the pool access and hammocks, is exactly the kind of “vacation day” that makes Cartagena feel more worthwhile.

Skip or rethink it if you know you hate basic logistics, are sensitive to rougher boat rides, or want a top-tier meal and zero extra charges. In that case, focus your budget on what you truly want, like a different island option that matches your style.

If you do book, do it with a simple checklist mindset: arrive early for Gate 3, bring a towel, and budget for the boarding tax. Then you will get what this day is designed to deliver, a calm island reset with minimal planning stress.

FAQ

How long is the full-day Isla del Encanto trip?

It runs about 8 hours, including the time on the boat and on the island.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena, departing from Gate 3.

What is included in the price?

Lunch, speedboat transportation, sun loungers and beach beds, pool access, and kayaking are included.

Is the Oceanario included?

No. The Oceanario visit is optional, with an extra entrance cost of 30,000 COP per person.

How much are the Oceanario extras?

Besides the 30,000 COP entrance fee, there is also an Oceanario boarding fee of 20,000 COP per person (not included).

What additional taxes should I expect?

There is a boarding tax of COP 31,500 per person that is not included.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.