About the ride from Cartagena to Isla Grande, Rosario Islands
Cartagena has some stunning beaches, but nothing compared to the idyllic stretches of soft white sand found on Isla Grande, one of Colombia's Rosario Islands.
Isla Grande is the largest and most popular of the 27 Rosario Islands. It's the ideal place to disconnect from the chaos of the mainland and embrace relaxing island life.
Sip cocktails with your feet in the sand, explore the island's vibrant coral reefs, and find your favorite palm tree. With beach bungalows and luxurious resorts overlooking the sparkling turquoise water, you may never wish to leave!
With miles of ocean separating Cartagena from Isla Grande, there's only one way to get there: by boat.
The journey takes 30 minutes to one hour, but the time will fly with the incredible views.
Multiple companies operate on this route, but all the departures are in the morning, giving you more time to unwind on Isla Grande.
Counting down the seconds until you reach paradise? Keep reading to learn exactly how to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande and what to do when you get there!
Fun things to do in Isla Grande, Rosario Islands
Like other tropical islands, the list of things to do follows a similar pattern: swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and relax. However, Isla Grande's unique variety of environments creates unforgettable adventures you won't want to miss out on.
Here are some of the best things on offer in Isla Grande:
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Since it's part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, you can only imagine the vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life that surround Isla Grande. Grab your snorkel gear and hop on a boat trip, or arrange to go scuba diving to explore this phenomenal underwater world.
Visit the Enchanted Lagoon: Head here at night to witness the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton. Swimming in the glowing water is a unique experience that feels like you've been transported to another planet.
Relax on the beach: You're on a tropical island, so chilling on the beach is non-negotiable. Most of Isla Grande's beaches are private and owned by resorts behind them. If you don't want to pay, visit Playa Libre. It literally means "free beach" in Spanish. Go there early to avoid the crowds and grab your shady spot!
Kayak through mangroves. Isla Grande isn't all about beaches; it's also home to incredibly diverse mangrove forests. Paddle through the mangroves, discover hidden lagoons, and enjoy the tranquil environment.
Grab a drink at Bar la Piscina. Situated on a tiny floating island off the coast of Isla Grande, there are few places more unique to grab a drink. Hire a kayak or SUP and make your way to this quirky bar.
Explore the local villages. Scattered across the island, you'll find small, traditional villages where you can interact with locals and experience the culture of the Rosario Islands. Orika is the only town on the island and a great place to grab some cheap, local food.
How to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande
There's only one way to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande: by boat.
The ferry trip takes 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the company you go with. All boats are open-air speedboat ferries with plastic chairs that aren't the most comfortable. There is a roof to provide shade.
There are multiple companies to choose between, with prices starting from $10 per person. All departure times are in the morning, between 8:30 and 10:30 am.
Most ferries depart from Muelle de Bodeguita, but some offer hotel pick-up in Cartagena. Some companies also offer hotel drop-off once you arrive in Isla Grande.
Make sure to check the luggage policy of the boat you pick. They all offer different weight limits, ranging from 10-12 kg (22-26 lbs) per passenger.
Before you board the boat, you'll also need to pay a COP25,000 ($6.20) port fee in cash.
What to expect from the journey from Cartagena to Isla Grande
Generally, the journey between Cartagena and Isla Grande goes smoothly, but you never know when the sea might get a little choppy and bounce you around a bit.
The boats are speedboat-style ferries, so they'll have you there in no time. Enjoy the endless ocean and wave goodbye to Cartagena's impressive skyline.
When is the best time to visit Isla Grande?
The best time to travel to Isla Grande and the rest of the Rosario Islands is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, expect sunny weather, calm seas, and less rain, making it perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying the beaches.
Avoid visiting during the rainy season, typically from May to November. Heavy rains and storms can affect water activity visibility and restrict sunbathing time!
How many days should you spend in Isla Grande?
The number of days you'll want to spend on Isla Grande depends entirely on how tight your Colombian itinerary is.
If you're flying through the country, you may spend 2-4 days on Isla Grande — just enough time to explore the island before heading back to the mainland or hopping over to another Rosario Island.
Others may check themselves into a beautiful resort and stay for a week, fully disconnecting from the world.
Where should you go after Isla Grande?
Instead of heading back to Cartagena, visit Isla Baru, a beautiful island just off Cartagena's coast. Once a peninsula, it became an island after the construction of the Canal de Dique but is still connected to the mainland via a bridge.
The island is famous for its stunning beaches, particularly Playa Blanca, and is a great place to spend the day before heading elsewhere in Colombia.
The ferry ride from Isla Grande to Isla Baru takes around 30 minutes.