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How to Visit Rosario Islands: Colombia’s Hidden Gem

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Stumbling Upon Rosario Islands: My Accidental Slice of Paradise

If you haven’t heard of the Rosario Islands, you’re not alone. This little-known archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Colombia is a real hidden gem.

When people think of islands near Cartagena, they usually imagine San Andres—a place that’s become overcrowded and overly touristy. But the Rosario Islands are completely different. Nestled within a national park that protects a vibrant coral reef, these islands offer an off-the-grid, peaceful esacpe.

We ended up at the Rosario Islands by complete accident. A German traveler mentioned this tiny island you could reach by boat from Cartagena. At first, I wasn’t really sold—there wasn’t much info online, and it seemed a little too remote. But the more he talked about it, the more it pulled me in. I figured, why not? And honestly, it was one of the best decisions of the whole trip. Perfect beaches, colorful coral reefs, and a laid-back vibe that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret paradise.

Day Trip or Stay Longer: What’s the Best Way to Experience Rosario Islands?

If you’re short on time, sure, you can book a day trip to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena. But honestly, that’s not the way to experience this place.

You’ll spend a few hours snorkeling, maybe lounging on the beach, and then be whisked back to the mainland. While that’s nice, it doesn’t capture the magic of Rosario Islands.

To truly immerse yourself in the laid-back island life, you need to stay for at least a couple of nights. We stayed for two nights, and it was perfect—just enough time to unplug and fall in love with the simplicity of it all.

How to Get to Rosario Islands

The most common route is by boat from Cartagena, where you can either book a day trip or just a simple boat ride.

Head to La Bodeguita Dock early in the morning to catch your ride. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 60,000 Colombian pesos.

Pro tip: Pack light.

There’s limited space on the boats, so it’s best to leave your large backpack or suitcase behind. We left our main bags at our hostel in Cartagena and just brought a small backpack. Honestly, all you really need is a swimsuit, pajamas, and some comfy clothes—trust me, you won’t miss the extra stuff!

Where to Stay in Rosario Islands

When it comes to accommodation, you have two main options: resorts or hostels. We opted for the hostel experience, and it did not disappoint.

We stayed at Paraiso Secreto (Secret Paradise), and the name couldn’t be more fitting. The moment you step off the boat onto the small beachfront, surrounded by mangroves and trees, you’re greeted by the island’s laid-back vibe. Just a few steps in, you’ll find the reception area welcoming you to this hidden paradise.

Paraiso Secreto:

Paraiso Secreto is a collective of six different hostels from across Colombia, each with its twin on the island. Built on the grounds of former emerald barons’ mansions, the hostels are arranged around an old central pool, giving the place a unique charm with its cottage-like buildings and high ceilings.

You can choose from Saman, Galeria, Fulano, Alegria, Golden Frog, or The Local House, all lined up next to each other, each offering that same relaxed island vibe.

The decor of each hostel is distinct, with vibrant colors, wooden furniture, and plenty of hammocks for lounging. Imagine cozy cottages with high ceilings, private rooms or dorms, kitchens, and spacious common areas perfect for unwinding.

We stayed at Saman Hostel and absolutely loved it. The decor was cozy and colorful, but what really stood out was the hospitality. Our host, Diego, was incredibly kind—even going the extra mile to bring my forgotten laptop all the way back to Cartagena!

For more hotel options in Rosario Island:

 

What To Do in Rosario Islands

Once you arrive, you’ll quickly realize that the best part of Rosario Islands is how relaxed everything is. No one’s in a rush, and the island encourages you to slow down and just be. The hostel will offer a range of activities (some free, some paid), and the staff are happy to help with recommendations.

Here are some of the highlights:

Snorkeling:

Head out on a boat trip to explore the coral reef or even a plane wreck under the water.

Galería de imágenes de este alojamiento
Sunken plane wreck at Rosario Islands. (Booking.com)

Kayaking or Paddleboarding:

Rent a kayak or paddleboard and navigate through mangrove tunnels that connect the island’s lakes.

Fluorescent Plankton:

This is an absolute must. Take a nighttime trip to Laguna Encantada (Enchanted Lagoon) and watch as the water lights up with bioluminescent plankton—an experience you won’t forget.

Biking:

Rent a bike and ride through the lush forest trails.

Sunset Watching:

My favorite pastime was just chilling at Playa Cocotera, watching the sunset with the local island dogs as my companions.

Island Life: Important Things to Know

The most important thing to know about Rosario Islands is that time slows down, and there’s no rush to be anywhere. But before you fully unplug, there are a few things you should know. (All tips are relevant to 2018).

  • No Wi-Fi: Back in the day there’s no Wi-Fi in the rooms, only in the main bar and pool area. Use it as the perfect excuse to disconnect from the digital world!
  • Water and Electricity: Water is limited, so expect short showers. Similarly, electricity is only available from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., with a short midday break for cooking. Be prepared to go without power during the day.
  • Food: The hostel offers simple lunches—usually fish, rice, and yuca. If you have specific dietary needs or cravings, I’d recommend bringing snacks from Cartagena. There’s a small grocery store about a 10-minute walk from the hostel where you can pick up basics like fruits and rice. As a vegan, I didn’t bring any extra food and still got by, but it never hurts to be prepared.

Our days on this island were pure magic. If you’re looking for a secluded island, a hidden paradise where you can wander aimlessly and get lost in nature’s beauty, Rosario Islands is the place for you.

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Hey there!

I’m Reut Sugar, a travel addict who doesn’t want to quit!

From my solo female travels to my life as a digital nomad, I’m on a mission to uncover the coolest spots in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Peru, Israel, and beyond.

Whether you’re after off-the-beaten-path adventures, mindful travel tips, or delicious vegan eats, I’ve got you covered.

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