Top 3 Islands Tour Bora Bora, Pao Pao and Islabela With Lunch

Three island vibes, one fast boat ride. This half-day-ish outing from Cartagena strings together Islas de Rosario, Pao Pao, IslaBela, and Bora Bora with a bilingual guide, welcome cocktails, and real downtime on the water.

I like the value here because lunch is included at IslaBela (fish, chicken, or vegetarian), plus you get an exclusive space at each stop instead of just arriving and hoping for a seat. One real consideration: the speedboat rides can feel bumpy, especially on the return.

Key things to know before you go

• Max group size of 28 keeps it feeling controlled, not chaotic.
• Four stops, about 6 hours total, so you get variety without spending a whole day in transit.
• Three included cocktails plus hydration helps if you plan to fully relax once you land.
• Lunch choice at IslaBela (fish, chicken, vegetarian) means you can match it to your appetite.
• Extra fees are common: dock taxes and insurance, optional towel rental, and VIP area access cost extra.
• Adults only: this one is for people over 18.

How this Bora Bora, Pao Pao, and IslaBela tour actually works

This is an island-hopping speedboat day that moves fast enough to hit multiple vibes, but not so fast you never get to chill. You start at La Bodeguita Dock, head out around the Rosario Islands first, then hop to Pao Pao, IslaBela, and finish at Bora Bora Cartagena.

The schedule is built around short, focused chunks of time. You’re looking at roughly 2 hours at each main island stop, plus travel and a panoramic introduction on the first stop. That structure is great if you want to see more than one island in a single go, and it also explains the main tradeoff: you won’t have “all day” on one beach.

Price and value: what $135 buys you, and what it doesn’t

At $135 per person, the big win is what’s bundled: speedboat transportation for the whole tour, a bilingual guide on board, panoramic sightseeing on the Rosario Islands, hydration on the boat, a welcome cocktail on each island stop, and lunch at IslaBela.

That matters because island days in Cartagena can get expensive once you add transport, beach-club entry, drinks, and food. Here, those pieces are grouped into one price, and the “exclusive space” at each stop is meant to reduce the friction of finding your own spot.

Still, you should budget for the extras listed for this experience:

• Dock taxes and insurance: 34,500 COP per person
• Towels: 15,000 COP per day (if you want to rent)
• VIP area access: 100,000 COP (optional)

If you want the day to feel smooth, bring the extra cash or be ready with payment that works for local vendors at the dock.

The morning flow: meeting at La Bodeguita, then out to Rosario

You’ll meet at Muelle de la Bodeguita (Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro). The meeting time starts around 8:00 am, but the boat itself heads out at about 8:45 am.

That gap is worth mentally preparing for. One common frustration is sitting in the heat for a while before departure. If you’re sensitive to waiting, aim to arrive early, bring water (if you’re allowed at the time you board), and plan to stay flexible.

On the water, the ride time to the Rosario Islands is about 45 minutes. Then you get a panoramic tour of the archipelago with your bilingual guide calling out points of interest.

Stop 1, Islas de Rosario: panoramic views and a quick orientation

The first stop is all about getting your bearings and seeing the area from the water. Once you arrive, you’ll take a panoramic tour through the archipelago, with the bilingual guide explaining what you’re looking at.

This part is useful even if you’re not a “lecture” person. It gives you context for the rest of the day. You start recognizing why the islands are so photogenic, how the channels look, and what kinds of coastlines you’ll be landing on later.

Also, admission here is described as free, so this tends to feel like a sightseeing bonus early in the day rather than another paid-feeling entry step.

Stop 2, Pao Pao Beach Club: mangroves, turquoise water, and real chill

Pao Pao is the stop that often reads as the calm reset. You arrive at a beach club on a small island, and you’re welcomed with a cocktail. The setting is described as surrounded by mangroves, with a bird reserve and crystal-clear turquoise water.

This is where the “relax” part becomes real. You have about 2 hours here, which is enough to:

• find shade without panic
• swim if the water conditions feel good
• settle in with a drink before the later stops get more party-energy

One pattern in the feedback is that people felt Pao Pao was the best balance of scenery and service, and some wanted more time here and less time on the next island. So if you naturally prefer quieter water and slower pacing, you’ll likely feel most satisfied during this stop.

A heads-up on beach expectations

A few people found the beaches smaller than they hoped, with rocks and less marine life than expected. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it does mean you shouldn’t build this stop around snorkeling dreams.

Stop 3, IslaBela: eco-hotel vibes, hammocks, and lunch choice

IslaBela is built around an eco hotel feel, with spaces designed for lounging and photography. The day’s structure makes sense here: you’ve had views and a warm-up stop, so by the time you reach IslaBela, you’re ready for a proper meal and a break.

You get about 2 hours at IslaBela, with options to relax on the beach or use outdoor hammock-style seating. Lunch is included and you can choose between:

• fish
• a chicken-based option
• a fresh vegetarian alternative

Now for the practical reality. A few comments flagged that lunch could be served less hot than you’d want, and that some beach areas felt dirty. That’s a useful note because it affects comfort during the hour where you’re eating and cooling off.

If you’re the type who gets picky about presentation and warm food, you might want to come with patience, and plan to focus on the setting and the fact that lunch is included, not on restaurant-style temperature perfection.

Stop 4, Bora Bora Cartagena: festive atmosphere, loud music risk, and beach time

Bora Bora is the finale, and it leans into the party side more than the first half. The vibe is described as Caribbean paradise with a festive atmosphere and attentive staff.

You get about 2 hours here too, so it’s your chance to end strong, take photos, and enjoy the beach scene at peak energy.

But there are some details that can make a difference:

• The area can be loud, especially if you’re near the DJ station. If you’re sensitive to sound, how early you claim your spot matters.
• Some service staff may not speak much English, so if you rely on English for drink ordering or clarifications, you’ll want to keep your requests simple or rely on your bilingual guide on board.

Some people also said the drinks were not their favorite, even though cocktails were included. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth treating the included drinks as part of the overall package rather than as “this will be amazing every time.”

Boat reality check: the bumpy return is the main downside

The speedboat is the engine of this tour, and that’s also where your comfort can change the most.

A few comments pointed out that both rides can be really bump-y, and that the return to the mainland can feel worse. If you have back issues or you get motion-sick, this is the number-one reason to think twice.

Practical move: when you board and seating is available, choose the position that feels best for you. If you’ve ever learned what parts of a boat make you seasick, use that knowledge. Also keep your day snacks light, stay hydrated, and plan to take the bumps as part of the experience, not an unexpected surprise.

How English support and named guides can help

Communication is a make-or-break detail on island tours. In the feedback you can see examples of strong support. People specifically mentioned translators and guides who helped English speakers stay on track.

Names that came up include Laura as a guide who translated when needed, and Ralph as a translator who supported an English-speaking group on the boat. People also mentioned the boat team, including Joel and Johnny.

Even with that, don’t assume every dock announcement or every staff member ashore will match your language comfort level. Some safety or pier info may be announced in Spanish without a full English redo. If you want fewer surprises, listen for what your guide says, and ask your guide directly when you have questions.

What to pack and what not to bring

The tour includes hydration and welcome cocktails, and towels are available for rent, so you don’t need to plan like you’re packing for a week-long beach stay.

But do plan for strict rules at some beach-club checks. One of the biggest surprises in the feedback is that outside items can be rejected. In multiple comments, people described being unable to bring any liquids or food, even water, with bags checked on arrival.

That means your safest plan is:

• assume outside drinks and food may not be allowed at certain stops
• rely on what’s provided or what you can buy once you’re there
• pack light so you’re not stressed during bag checks

Also, bring sun protection. Your time is spent outdoors, and you do start in the morning heat.

Who this tour is best for, and who might want a different day

This tour fits best if you want variety in one day and you like the idea of island beach clubs with included drinks and lunch. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with a group and you want a guided route that prevents decision fatigue.

It’s less ideal if:

• you hate rough boat rides
• you want huge stretches of sand and calm, glassy water all day
• you need strict food temperature and cleanliness standards to feel comfortable
• you want to bring your own snacks and drinks without hassle

One more match detail: it’s over 18 only, so it’s aimed at adults looking for a social day, not a family-focused outing.

Should you book this Bora Bora, Pao Pao, and IslaBela tour?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward Cartagena island day with good structure, included lunch, and multiple settings from mangroves to party-beach energy. The price can feel fair because you’re getting speedboat transport plus three cocktails and lunch without piecing it together.

I’d think twice if you’re sensitive to motion or back discomfort, since the boat rides can be rough, and the return can be especially uncomfortable. Also, if you’re picky about food temperature and beach cleanliness, aim to keep expectations realistic at the IslaBela and Bora Bora portions.

If you do book, go in with the right mindset: this is a fast, social, included-meal island hop. When you treat it like that, it can feel like a great use of your time in Cartagena.

FAQ

What time do I meet and when does the boat leave?

You meet at Muelle de la Bodeguita around 8:00 am, and the boat sets sail at about 8:45 am. The activity returns back to the meeting point and runs about 6 hours total.

Which islands are visited on this tour?

You visit Islas de Rosario, Pao Pao (Pao Pao Hotel and Restaurant / Beach Club), IslaBela, and Bora Bora Cartagena.

What meals and drinks are included?

You get hydration on the boat, a welcome cocktail on each island stop (three total), and lunch is included at IslaBela with three options: fish, chicken-based, or vegetarian.

What extra costs should I plan for?

Dock taxes and insurance are 34,500 COP per person. Towels cost 15,000 COP per day if you want to rent them, and VIP area access costs 100,000 COP.

Is this tour only for adults?

Yes. It is only for people over 18 years old.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you do not get a refund.