Cartagena Colombia excursions run two ways: on foot through the UNESCO walled city and Getsemaní from $13, or out by speedboat to the Rosario Islands, 27 km southwest, from $70.
Updated 2026-08-07
Quick answer
Cartagena excursions fall into two groups. Inside the city, walking and panoramic tours of the Walled City, Getsemaní and San Felipe castle run 2.5 to 4 hours and cost $13 to $49. Out of the city, speedboat days to the Rosario Islands 27 km southwest take 6.5 to 9 hours and cost $70 to $72, lunch included. Cruise passengers dock about 4 km from the old town, so a 5-hour shore tour fits comfortably in a port call.
Key takeaways
Certified by GetYourGuide — 5,502 Reviews, 4.5★ Top-Rated Rosario Island Excursion from Cartagena
The most-booked Cartagena Colombia excursion: visit five distinct Rosario Islands in a single day, with stops at Bocachica Fort and Pablo Escobar's former estate, an optional snorkeling session, beach club access on three separate islands, and a Caribbean lunch under the palms. Choose Ecological, VIP, or Party ticket options.
Real-time dates and prices for the most-booked Cartagena Colombia excursion to the Rosario Islands — book directly, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Eight top-rated ways to experience Cartagena de Indias — from full-day speedboat excursions to the Rosario Islands and 6-stop island-hopping adventures, to a $13 walking tour of the city of Cartagena's walled historic center, a panoramic city tour by Chiva bus, and a guided visit inside San Felipe de Barajas Castle. Every tour includes free cancellation and most offer cruise port or hotel pickup.
from $72 Hop aboard a speedboat for a full day at the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca de Barú — snorkel a vibrant coral reef teeming with 40+ species, or…
from $70 The most-booked Cartagena Colombia excursion: visit five distinct Rosario Islands in a single day, with stops at Bocachica Fort and Pablo Escobar's former estate, an optional snorkeling session…
from $58 Designed exclusively for Royal Caribbean Grandeur and Serenade of the Seas passengers, this private Spanish-language shore excursion visits San Felipe Castle, the Walled City and the artistic streets…
from $13 Walk Cartagena's UNESCO-listed Historic Center and the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood with an expert local guide who brings 500 years of history to life — from the Golden Key…
from $70 Six distinct island stops in one full-day speedboat excursion from Cartagena: Fort Bocachica, Pablo Escobar's estate, a marine-lagoon snorkel session, Isla Marina, Isla Grande for lunch, and an…
from $16 Ride through Cartagena's most iconic landmarks aboard a vibrant Chiva bus or air-conditioned vehicle: Bocagrande's beachfront boulevard, India Catalina monument, San Felipe Castle, the Cartagena letters and the…
from $71 The longest island-hopping day in Cartagena: visit four or five islands including Isla Grande, Cholón (the party island), Playa Blanca and Rosario de Mar — snorkel Pablo Escobar's…
from $49 Explore every tunnel, rampart and secret passageway of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — the most formidable Spanish military fortress ever built in the Americas — then stroll…
| Excursion | Price | Rating | Book | Reviews | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosario Islands + Playa Blanca | $72 | 4.8★ | Check | 1,022 | 7 hrs | Top-rated beach & snorkel day |
| 5 Must-See Rosario Islands | $70 | 4.5★ | Check | 5,502 | 6.5–7 hrs | Most popular island hop |
| Royal Caribbean Shore Excursion | $58 | 5.0★ | Check | Certified | 5 hrs | Cruise passengers |
| Historic Center Walking Tour | $13 | 4.9★ | Check | 3,120 | 2.5 hrs | Budget history lovers |
| 6-Stop Rosario Islands | $70 | 4.7★ | Check | 1,396 | 7 hrs | Adventure + beaches |
| Panoramic City Tour | $16 | 3.9★ | Check | 804 | 3.5–4 hrs | City overview on a budget |
| 4 or 5 Islands + Snorkeling | $71 | 4.2★ | Check | 131 | 8–9 hrs | All-day island hopping |
| San Felipe Castle Tour | $49 | 5.0★ | Check | 30 | 2.5 hrs | Colonial history & architecture |
Cartagena de Indias is Colombia's crown jewel on the Caribbean coast — a UNESCO-listed walled city ringed by centuries-old fortifications, fringed by turquoise Caribbean waters, and within speedboat distance of the Rosario Islands archipelago. Cartagena Colombia excursions fall into two broad categories: city excursions that explore the walled city, Getsemaní, San Felipe de Barajas Castle and La Popa hill; and island excursions that take you by speedboat to the Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca de Barú, Cholón and beyond.
Most excursions run 2.5 to 9 hours, depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita pier or the cruise terminal, and include bilingual guides with free cancellation. Whether you're in Cartagena for a single cruise day or a week-long stay, there is an excursion tailored to your time and budget — from a $13 walking tour to a $72 full-day island adventure.
The Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) are Colombia's most visited marine sanctuary — a chain of 27 coral islands set in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, about 27 km southwest of Cartagena. A trip to the Rosario Islands is the defining Cartagena Colombia excursion, and for good reason: the water is warm and clear year-round, the beaches are white-sand and largely uncrowded compared to mainland Colombia, and the marine life is outstanding.
The most booked tours depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita at 8–8:30 AM by speedboat. Typical stops include: - Fort San Fernando de Bocahica — a colonial Spanish fortification on Tierra Bomba Island, photographed from the boat - Pablo Escobar's former estate on Isla Grande — a quick photo stop - Snorkeling in a marine lagoon — tropical fish, coral, and if you're lucky, sea turtles - Oceanarium — dolphin shows, shark tank, and marine wildlife (optional, extra fee ~$10) - Playa Blanca or Cholón — beach club time with sun loungers and a Caribbean lunch
Tours range from $70 (5 Must-See Rosario Islands) to $72 (Rosario Islands + Playa Blanca with snorkeling or aquarium). Both include a Caribbean lunch. The Playa Blanca tour is better for snorkelers; the 5-island tour is better for those who want to see the most variety in one day.
Cartagena's historic center is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas — and exploring it on foot is the most immersive city excursion in Cartagena Colombia. The UNESCO Walled City (Centro Histórico) and the adjacent Getsemaní neighborhood cover several square kilometres of cobblestone streets, colonial balconies draped in bougainvillea, and churches that date to the 16th century.
Walking tours (from $13, 4.9★ with 3,120 reviews) cover the Clock Tower Gate, Plaza de la Aduana, Portal de los Dulces, the old slave market route, and the colourful street art and umbrellas of Getsemaní. Guides bring the history of the walled city of Cartagena to life — from the pirate attacks and Spanish colonial rule to the Afro-Colombian champeta music of Getsemaní today.
Panoramic city tours ($16, 3.5–4 hrs) use a traditional Chiva bus or air-conditioned vehicle and cover more ground: Bocagrande beachfront, India Catalina monument, the Cartagena letters, Old Shoes monument, San Felipe Castle and the walled city.
San Felipe de Barajas Castle ($49, 5.0★) is the centrepiece of any Cartagena history excursion. Built by the Spanish between 1536 and 1657, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is the largest and most sophisticated military fortification the Spanish ever built in the Americas. A guided visit explores hidden tunnels, strategic ramparts and panoramic views over Cartagena, followed by a walk through the charming San Diego neighbourhood.
Cartagena's cruise terminal (Puerto de Cartagena) is one of the busiest in South America, receiving dozens of ships from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Celebrity and Holland America each week. The port is strategically located — the walled city is 4 km away, San Felipe Castle 6 km, and the Rosario Islands 27 km by speedboat. That means even a short 6-hour port call leaves plenty of time for a proper excursion.
For cruise passengers, the most important criteria are: a back-to-ship guarantee, port or pier pickup, and a certified local guide. All eight tours featured on this site offer free cancellation, and several include cruise port pickup: - Rosario Islands excursions (tours 1, 2, 5, 7): depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita, a 5-min taxi from the cruise terminal - Royal Caribbean Shore Excursion (tour 3): exclusive private tour with guaranteed on-time return and medical insurance - Panoramic City Tour (tour 6): hotel and cruise area pickup from Bocagrande, Castillogrande and Crespo - Walking Tour (tour 4) and Castle Tour (tour 8): meet guides at Plaza Cervantes / Blas de Lezo statue — 10 min from port by taxi
Port tip: The COP 31,500–39,500 pier tax at Muelle de la Bodeguita is NOT included in most island excursion prices — bring Colombian pesos for this fee.
Cartagena is a year-round destination, but the dry season (December–April) offers the best conditions for island excursions. During this period, seas are calmer, skies are clearer and the Rosario Islands' waters reach their most spectacular turquoise. The Christmas and New Year period (Dec 23–Jan 5) is peak season — book excursions 2–4 weeks in advance.
The wet season (May–November) brings afternoon rain showers, but mornings are usually fine and island excursions still run daily. The biggest risk is rougher seas on the speedboat ride — not dangerous, but wetter. Tour operators cancel only in extreme conditions. Crowd-wise, October and November offer the best prices and thinner crowds.
Year-round water temperature: 82°F (28°C) — no wetsuit needed at any time of year.
Whether you're heading to the Rosario Islands or the walled city, pack these essentials:
For island excursions: - Swimwear and a towel (beach clubs may have towels, but bring your own to be safe) - High-SPF waterproof sunscreen — the Caribbean sun is intense - Water shoes or sandals (some snorkel areas are rocky) - Cash in Colombian pesos for the pier tax (~COP 31,500–39,500) and optional extras like the Oceanarium entry - Light dry bag for phone and valuables — speedboat rides can get splashy - Reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to snorkel (standard sunscreens damage coral)
For city walking excursions: - Comfortable closed shoes — cobblestones are uneven - Umbrella or light hat — Cartagena is hot and humid year-round - A small amount of cash for tips, street food and artisan markets - Camera or phone with good camera — every corner of the walled city is photogenic
Note: Tablets and iPads are not allowed on most island tours. Leave valuables at your hotel.
Cartagena runs on two seasons: a dry, breezy stretch from December to April when the sea is calm enough for every island boat to sail, and a wetter, cheaper May-to-November window when mornings still clear.
Cartagena's excursions cover two main zones: the UNESCO Historic Center and the Rosario Islands archipelago in the Caribbean Sea.
Every Cartagena Colombia excursion fits into one of three main categories — choose based on how much time you have and what you want to experience.
| Excursion type | Duration | From | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosario Islands Excursions | 6.5–9 hours | $70 | Speedboat to the islands · Snorkeling & beach clubs · Caribbean lunch included · Optional Oceanarium | Beach days, snorkeling, first-time visitors to Cartagena |
| City & Culture Excursions | 2.5–4 hours | $13 | UNESCO Walled City · Getsemaní street art · San Felipe Castle · Guided city tour by Chiva | History lovers, cruise passengers with limited port time, budget travellers |
| Shore Excursions (Cruise) | 5–7 hours | $58 | Back-to-ship guarantee · Private or small group · Cruise port pickup · Medical insurance included | Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC cruise passengers |
The whole team was fantastic from start to finish! We had an amazing time snorkeling, swimming, eating lunch at Playa Grande and laughing through the exciting boat ride. Thank you for the best day in Cartagena!
Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca
Don't leave Cartagena without doing this tour. We saw so many colourful fish, turquoise waters, and had some lovely chill-out time on a beautiful beach. The highlight was the guides — so attentive, even helped my husband who can't swim to snorkel.
Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca
This was one of my favourite tour trips I have ever done, and I've travelled all around the world. The boat ride was so much fun, the guides were incredible, and it was such a great combo of snorkeling and relaxing on the beach with private chairs.
Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca
Really excellent all around. Miguel was a terrific guide — very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The whole trip was very well organised. The Oceanarium is highly recommended. We swam with the dolphins, which was very special. Highly recommended!
6-Stop Rosario Islands
Daniela was a wonderful guide — super engaging and very knowledgeable and passionate about her city. The walking tour through the walled city and Getsemaní is a great way to spend a few hours in Cartagena.
Historic Center Walking Tour
We had a blast on this island-hopping excursion. The snorkeling stop was the highlight — the water was warm and full of fish. The lunch was better than expected, and we got enough time at each island to enjoy. Great value for a full day of fun.
4 or 5 Islands with Snorkeling
We compare Cartagena excursions honestly — ratings, inclusions, and value — not which operator pays the highest commission. Every tour on this site has verified reviews from real travellers.
Every Cartagena Colombia excursion listed here includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Reserve your spot today with no risk — pay only when you're sure.
All excursion operators featured here run tours with English and Spanish-speaking certified local guides who know Cartagena's history, reefs and hidden corners inside out.
Whether you're on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian or MSC, our shore excursion picks include back-to-ship guarantees, cruise port pickup and protected return times — so you never miss your ship.
Cartagena Colombia excursions range from a $13 shared walking tour of the walled city to a $72 full-day Rosario Islands adventure with lunch. Every budget gets an unforgettable day in Colombia.
Prices and availability shown come direct from GetYourGuide's live inventory. What you see is what you pay — no hidden fees, no surprises at checkout.
What you carry changes with the excursion: an island boat day needs dry-bag discipline, a walled-city walk needs shoes and shade, and a cruise day needs your ship card above all.
The islands, the walled city and a cruise-day tour, filmed by travellers rather than operators.
The speedboat ride, the beach clubs and whether the day trip lives up to the photos.
Video: Venture AwayGetsemaní, the walls and the plazas at street level, at the pace a guided walk keeps.
Video: Adventures of Lauren & JasonA port-day tour filmed from the pier and back, with the timing a ship schedule allows.
Video: Finding Our ForteVideos load from YouTube only when you press play.
The most popular Cartagena Colombia excursions are the Rosario Islands day trips, which take you by speedboat to the islands of the Rosario archipelago for snorkeling, beach clubs and a Caribbean lunch ($70–$72, 7 hours). For city excursions, the walled city walking tour through Getsemaní is the top-rated option (4.9★, 3,120 reviews, $13). If you want a fortress experience, the San Felipe de Barajas guided castle visit (5.0★, $49) is unmissable. Cruise passengers on Royal Caribbean should look at the dedicated shore excursion with back-to-ship guarantee ($58).
Yes — the Rosario Islands are consistently rated among the best day trips near Cartagena Colombia. The crystal-clear Caribbean waters, tropical fish, white-sand beaches and Caribbean lunches at beachside clubs make for an unforgettable day. The most popular tour (5 Must-See Rosario Islands, 4.5★ with 5,502 reviews) is $70 and includes three beach club passes and lunch. The top-rated option (Rosario Islands + Playa Blanca, 4.8★) is $72 and focuses on snorkeling — our Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca tour review covers both in detail. Both are excellent value for a full day in the Caribbean Sea.
Cartagena's cruise terminal (Puerto de Cartagena) is approximately 4 km from the walled city and about 5 km from Muelle de la Bodeguita, the main departure point for island excursions. Taxis and Ubers from the port to either destination take 10–15 minutes and cost under $5 USD. Several tours offer cruise port pickup directly — including the Royal Caribbean shore excursion (tour 3) and the panoramic city tour (tour 6). Island excursions that depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita do NOT include port-to-pier transfer — add 10 minutes and a short taxi ride to your planning.
Most Rosario Islands excursions require you to pay a dock tax (tasa portuaria) at Muelle de la Bodeguita. This fee ranges from COP 29,000 to COP 39,500 (approximately $7–$10 USD) depending on the tour and pier. The tax is paid in cash at the gate and is NOT included in the tour price. Bring Colombian pesos — card payment is rarely accepted at the dock.
The Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) are located about 27 km southwest of Cartagena de Indias in the Caribbean Sea. By speedboat from Muelle de la Bodeguita, the journey takes approximately 40–60 minutes depending on the boat and sea conditions. Tours typically depart at 8:00–8:30 AM and return by 4:00–4:30 PM, making it a comfortable full-day excursion from Cartagena.
Playa Blanca (on Barú Island) is a calm, picturesque beachfront with a more relaxed atmosphere — ideal for snorkeling, sun loungers and a sit-down Caribbean lunch. Cholón is a livelier party-island stop, famous for floating bar-boats anchored in the water, reggaeton music and a festive Caribbean crowd. Most Rosario Islands tours stop at one or the other. If you prefer a tranquil beach experience, choose tours that feature Playa Blanca; if you want more stops and a full day of island-hopping, the 4–5 islands day trip with snorkeling visits multiple locations including a snorkel lagoon. If you want a livelier excursion with music and dancing, opt for tours that include Cholón.
December to April is the dry season and the best time for Cartagena Colombia excursions — seas are calmer, skies are clear and the Rosario Islands waters are at their most turquoise. January and February are peak months for island excursions. May to November is the wet season, with afternoon rains and occasionally rougher seas, but mornings are usually fine and island tours still run daily. The wet season offers lower prices and fewer crowds, especially September–October. Water temperature stays at 82°F (28°C) year-round — snorkeling is excellent in all months.
Most Rosario Islands excursions that include snorkeling also provide snorkel mask and tube at no extra cost. However, the quality of gear varies between operators. If you have your own prescription mask or preferred fins, bring them. The Oceanarium entry (dolphins, shark tank, marine wildlife) is optional on most island tours and costs an additional COP 40,000 (~$10) for adults, paid directly at the Oceanarium. For the most dedicated snorkeling itinerary, the 6-stop Rosario Islands snorkel tour includes guided reef stops as the main focus of the day. The snorkeling activity itself is included in the tour price.
Yes — the Totumo Mud Volcano is a unique Cartagena Colombia excursion that many travellers add to their itinerary. Located about 50 km north of Cartagena near the village of Galerazamba, the totumo is a small volcanic crater filled with warm, thick mineral-rich mud that naturally keeps you afloat. The experience is surreal — you float, get a mud massage from local guides, then rinse off in a nearby lagoon. Totumo excursions typically run half a day and can be combined with a city or island tour. Note: the totumo experience is not listed in our current tour selection, but we'll be adding it soon.
Yes, if you pick the format deliberately: a beach-club day pass buys a calm lounger day, island-hopping covers more water for the same money, and the archipelago is a national natural park about 45 minutes out by speedboat. Boats, port tax and the traps to skip are covered on the Rosario Islands page.