Major city · Colombia
Islas del Rosario
Spend one full day on Islas del Rosario; take a 90‑min boat from Cartagena, snorkel at Isla Múcura or Palma, lunch on Playa Blanca, and return by late afternoon.
Islas del Rosario is a protected archipelago 100 km off Cartagena, best explored in a single day via a boat tour that includes snorkeling, a beach stop and a visit to the aquarium. The islands are small, so a longer stay adds little beyond a beach day.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- COP
- Best months
- Dec–Apr
- avoid May–Nov (rainy season)
- Airport
- CTG
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Colombia ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Migración Colombia or a Colombian consulate; some travellers must complete an online migration form before arrival.
- Colombia ↗Security advice lists specific departments and border areas: check your own government's advice for every place on your route, including coastal roads.
- Colombia ↗Never accept drinks, food or cigarettes from strangers, and be careful with people met on dating apps: drugging (including with scopolamine) followed by robbery is a known risk.
- Colombia ↗Fill in Check-MIG only on the official Migración Colombia site; it is free, and lookalike sites charge a fee.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Islas del Rosario123 ▾
- Police, ambulance, fire123
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Islas del Rosario, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Colombian peso (COP, $).Colombia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckClaro (best coverage), Movistar and Tigo SIMs in malls and at airports; passport required and IMEI registration may apply for longer stays — check.Colombia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Bogotá and Medellín; drink bottled on the coast and in rural areas.Colombia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% propina voluntaria offered on the bill.Colombia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Colombia-wide
- SafetyIslas del Rosario is generally safe for tourists; keep valuables on the boat, watch for strong currents while snorkeling, and respect park rules.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin in most places; bring tissues for bus stations.Colombia-wide
- Emergency numbers123 police, ambulance, fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; Monday holidays (puentes) move almost half of public holidays.Colombia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCTG Rafael Núñez International Airport (30 min drive to Cartagena port; many tours depart from here.).
- Getting aroundBoat tours depart from Cartagena’s historic port; most include transport, lunch and a short stop at the aquarium.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealPotato chips snackCOP 7,000
- BeerBeer (bottle)COP 5,000–6,000
- Budget bedEco Hotel Las Palmeras room, a night, per personCOP 50,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget COP 50,000 · Mid COP 80,000 · High COP 150,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CTG Rafael Núñez International Airport (30 min drive to Cartagena port; many tours depart from here.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: May–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C) low), wettest Jun (9 rain days), driest Mar (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Islas del Rosario: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
6 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
6 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
8 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
9 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
9 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
9 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
8 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
7 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
7 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Boat tours depart from Cartagena’s historic port; most include transport, lunch and a short stop at the aquarium. No public transport on the islands; walk or use provided kayaks.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cartagena
goDoor to door: ≈ 3 h round‑trip
Boat from Cartagena port, about 90 min each way
Combine island visit with a quick Cartagena stroll if time permits.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Eco Hotel Las Palmeras
Family‑run eco hotel on Isla Grande; basic rooms.
Hotel Cocoliso Island Resort
Suites on the sea; good for a relaxed beach day.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- COP 50,000–70,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- COP 80,000–120,000 excl. bed
- High
- COP 150,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Eco Hotel Las Palmeras room2 × 3 nights × COP 80,000 | COP 480,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × COP 80,000 | COP 480,000 |
| Trip total≈ COP 160,000 per person per day, bed included | COP 960,000 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Boat tour (incl. lunch, aquarium)Check for extra fees (snorkel gear, harbor tax). | COP 50,000–70,000 |
| Snorkelling gear rental | COP 5,000 |
| Beer (bottle) | COP 5,000–6,000 |
| Cocktail | COP 15,000–20,000 |
| Potato chips snack | COP 7,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Tours often charge extra for snorkeling gear and aquarium entry; confirm total price before booking.
- Harbor tax and park entrance (≈ COP 16,500) are not always included in advertised rates.
- Food, drinks and bathroom fees are higher than on the mainland.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire
- 123
Pocket card
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Islas del RosarioIslas del Rosario
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire123
Embassy
US consulate in Cartagena (check address); other embassies in Bogotá.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Cartagena → Islas del Rosario boat: about COP 55,000 per person, 90 min each way (check exact price)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (ˈɡɾasjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkwesta)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (ˈpweðo paˈɣaɾ kon taˈɣɾeta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (ˈdonde esˈta el ˈβaɲo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Islas del Rosario. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr · avoid May–Nov (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 1 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Book a reputable tour operator at Cartagena’s tourist office; compare prices before paying.
- Consider a private boat for flexibility (extra cost).
- Bring snacks and water to avoid high on‑island prices.
Sources
Ask about Islas del Rosario
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