Rosario Islands from the Cartagena cruise port

Beach45-60 minutes by speedboat from the cityFull dayToo far for a typical call

Coral islands with clear water and snorkelling about an hour by speedboat.

Getting there from the ship

From
Cartagena Cruise Terminal
Travel time
45-60 minutes by speedboat from the city · 35 km
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Cartagena taxi fares.
Cost
Independent full-day trips about US$80–140 (2026).
Time to allow
Full day

Will you be back for all aboard?

Not on a typical 9:00 am–5:00 pm Cartagena call: with travel both ways and an hour's margin you would have about 4 h 40 min at Rosario Islands, not enough for a visit (allow a full day). Save it for a long call, or book a cruise line excursion, where the ship waits if the tour runs late.
  1. 1
    9:00 am · Ship docks
    Allow about 20 minutes to get off and through the terminal.
  2. 2
    10:20 am · At Rosario Islands
    45-60 minutes by speedboat from the city from Cartagena Cruise Terminal.
  3. 3
    3:00 pm · Leave Rosario Islands by
    That gets you back to the ship an hour before all aboard.
  4. 4
    5:00 pm · All aboard
    Typical for Cartagena; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

Only on long calls, with an operator that guarantees your return time; seas can be rough in December and January.

Cartagena cruise port: Rosario Islands FAQ

How far is Rosario Islands from the Cartagena cruise port?

From Cartagena Cruise Terminal it is 45-60 minutes by speedboat from the city, about 35 km.

How much does it cost to visit Rosario Islands?

Independent full-day trips about US$80–140 (2026).

How much time do you need at Rosario Islands?

Allow full day. Not on a typical 9:00 am–5:00 pm Cartagena call: with travel both ways and an hour's margin you would have about 4 h 40 min at Rosario Islands, not enough for a visit (allow a full day). Save it for a long call, or book a cruise line excursion, where the ship waits if the tour runs late.

Can you visit Rosario Islands on your own from a cruise ship?

It is easier with a tour or a pre-booked driver, because transport there and back is not simple to arrange on the day. Only on long calls, with an operator that guarantees your return time; seas can be rough in December and January.

More things to do near Rosario Islands

All 8 places
  • Bocagrande · Beach · 10-15 minutes by taxi from the pier · 32 km from Rosario Islands
  • Port Oasis Ecopark · Nature · inside the cruise port from the pier · 34 km from Rosario Islands
  • Getsemaní · Town & walking · 10-15 minutes by taxi from the pier · 35 km from Rosario Islands
  • Walled City · Town & walking · 10-20 minutes by taxi from the pier · 35 km from Rosario Islands