Islas del Rosario

Location:
Near Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia

Other Activity

By Brenda Yun

About 25 miles southeast of Cartagena, Islas del Rosario is a coral islands archipelago with arguably the best beaches and diving in Colombia. The islands were declared a protected national park in 1977. Underwater delights can be found at the islands' 30 designated diving and snorkeling spots. The diversity of sea life — 35 species of echinoderms (such as sea cucumbers and urchins), 45 kinds of sponges, 52 types of coral, 170 different crustaceans, 180 kinds of mollusks, and 215 species of fish — keep even experienced divers occupied for days.

Most visitors begin their water adventures in Barú, which is 20 minutes by boat from Cartagena. Since there are only a few accommodation options on Barú and accommodations in the park are exorbitant, tourists prefer to arrange day trips through local tour operators. If you arrange your own transport and stay, expect to pay at least 50.000 pesos for transport each way and at least 200.000 pesos per night. There is also a park entrance fee of 4.500 pesos per person.

Accommodation options:

On Barú:

www.monaprieta.com

On Isla Grande:

www.hotelmajagua.com

www.cocolisoresort

Getting There
By boat to Isla Barú, and then another boat to Isla Grande

The easier alternative is to book your trip through a tour operator. That way, transportation (and accommodations) are often arranged for you.