If you’re planning to visit Cartagena and don’t want to spend hours choosing your dream destination, here at La Carta we’ve put together a Top 8 list of the best beaches of Islas del Rosario—so you can easily find the one that suits your style: the most private, luxurious, party-ready, romantic, relaxing, adventurous, family-friendly, or the one with the bluest waters. All summarized right here.

Once you arrive in Cartagena, you’re only about one hour away by boat from paradise. Boats depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita or Muelle Turístico de Los Pegasos, taking you to a small archipelago made up of 28 islands. This stunning destination opens its arms with magic and charm to give you the vacation of a lifetime.

I’m not exaggerating when I say you’re just one step away from discovering one of the most beautiful corners of the planet. The Rosario Islands offer you rest, white sand, crystal-clear waters, adventure, and a rich marine life waiting to be explored. This Top 8 list of the best beaches of Islas del Rosario will blow your mind!

How to Get to the Rosario Islands: Options and Prices

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to the Rosario Islands—and what it might cost.

You can book a day trip in advance to one of the beaches in the Rosario Islands, and they’ll take care of everything for you. These packages usually include round-trip transportation on a shared speedboat, lunch, and sometimes snacks, drinks, and activities. They’ll simply tell you which dock (usually Muelle de la Bodeguita or Muelle Turístico de Los Pegasos) to meet them at and at what time.

Another option I absolutely love is renting your own private boat. This gives you the flexibility to create your dream itinerary, with no stress, no rushing, and no pressure. If that sounds like your vibe, I recommend [this place] for rentals.

And if you’re planning to stay at one of the top hotels in the Rosario Islands, your reservation will typically include all the logistics to get there—usually a boat ride arranged from Muelle de la Bodeguita or Muelle de Los Pegasos straight to the hotel.

Tips to Keep in Mind for Your Visit to the Best Beaches of Islas del Rosario

• Book a full tour: It’s always better to go with a complete package that includes transportation, meals, and activities, rather than arriving at a remote beach and having to improvise—especially when everything can be far apart.

• Ask for the quieter beaches if you’re looking for a more private experience. We’ll show you which ones are the most peaceful, relaxing, or romantic—perfect if your goal is to escape the noise and truly unwind.

• Bring water: Tap water is not drinkable, and bottled water can be pricey on the islands. Stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary costs by bringing your own.

• Pack snacks: If you want to save some extra money, bring your own snacks in your bag

Here’s a list of the best beaches in the Rosario Islands, organized by category.

THE MOST PRIVATE BEACHES OF ISLAS DEL ROSARIO

There’s nothing better than spending a vacation under the radiant sun, with your feet in white sand, and the rhythmic silence gifted by the Caribbean palm trees and their waves. For me, privacy is non-negotiable when I want to feel calm and fully rest. That’s why I’m sharing here the best private beaches in the Rosario Islands, perfect for enjoying peaceful, cozy silence.

ISLABELA BEACH

A beautiful paradise beach that offers privacy, relaxation, and stunning coral reefs. Here, you can find luxurious accommodations if you want to stay for several days, but day passes are also available. This destination is just a 60-minute boat ride away.

• Prices: Day passes start at 90 USD per adult and 70 USD per child, including round-trip boat transfer, port taxes, and lunch.
• Amenities and facilities: Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a cocktail and have access to restrooms, sunbeds, and loungers to enjoy a worry-free day. Activities like kayaking and snorkeling are available; snorkeling may have an additional fee.
• Cuisine: Typical Caribbean food—you can choose between fried fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option.

Islabela Beach is a private beach, so you won’t be bothered by persistent street vendors, nor will there be large crowds during your day pass. I recommend visiting with a small group of friends or your partner for a peaceful experience.

If you’re looking for a more private plan for your next vacation, La Carta recommends two other destinations to the best beaches of Rosario Islands:

• Pa’ue Beach: Day passes starting at 110 usd, including a welcome champagne, lunch with 7 menu options, a panoramic tour, a DJ, and a bed for two people.

• Isla Palma Beach: Day passes from 107 usd. This beach is open to the public but, due to its distance, it’s not very crowded. It’s a large beach with plenty of peace and quiet.

THE BEST BEACHES OF ISLAS DEL ROSARIO WITH BLUE WATERS

ROSARIO BEACH

Islas del Rosario boasts vibrant, crystal-clear, and stunning blue waters, making it hard to pick just one beach with the bluest waters. However, most would agree on the striking turquoise of Rosario Beach, which also features soft white sand. It’s the perfect sunny day getaway to enjoy with your partner or friends.

• Prices: Starting from 85 USD for adults and 68 USD for children. Includes round-trip transportation, access to the facilities, beach loungers, and a choice of 7 Caribbean-style lunch options.
• Amenities and facilities: Beach loungers, towels, beach beds, paddleboards, and kayaks.
• Gastronomy: A wide range of options so you can choose your favorite dish—from Mediterranean pasta, chicken, fish, and rice to nuggets.

This beach has become one of the most sought-after spots in recent months, so expect to see more people, especially during high season. Still, it remains a private beach.

Here are my two honorable mentions so you can discover the best blue-water beaches in Islas del Rosario:

Luxury Beach Club – 95 USD for a day pass, a plan that includes unlimited drinks like Mojito, Piña Colada, or Coco Loco.

Rosario del Mar Beach– 95 USD per person for the Arrecife plan and 122 USD for the Abanico plan. Dive into its calm waters and stretch out on its wide beach of fine white sand. With limited capacity, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and admire the turquoise sea while enjoying a Caribbean-flavored lunch.

THE MOST LUXURIOUS BEACHES IN ISLAS DEL ROSARIO

Here, luxury, privacy, and exclusivity go hand in hand—especially when you want to enjoy every possible comfort during your beach day or full stay. Being on vacation, particularly at the beach, should always be relaxing and carefree if you find the right place. So here are three special options just for you in Islas del Rosario:

Luxury Beach Club

Enjoy a day trip to this beautiful private beach on Isla Grande. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the charm of a traditional Caribbean experience blended with the modern style of a beach club. You have two options for day passes—and of course, the possibility to stay overnight:

• Prices:

1. Club Open Bar – VIP Areas: 118 usd
   Includes transportation by speedboat, unlimited national drinks, lunch with 10 menu options, table service, a live DJ, and access only for guests over 10 years old.

2. Club Open Bar – Beach Area: 95 usd
   Includes transportation by Tritón boat, unlimited drinks, lunch with 7 menu options, bar service, and beach loungers (no beach beds).

• Amenities & Facilities:
  Everything you need for a relaxed and upscale experience.
• Gastronomy:
  A delicious Caribbean menu featuring fish, rice dishes, pasta, various preparations, and vegan options.

This exclusive beach offers the kind of privacy that luxury deserves—you won’t find street vendors or large crowds here.

A sunny beach day at Isla Coralina, with its beautiful white BAYSIDE beach, starts at 95 usd per person.

There’s also Playa PA’UE, with day passes at 110 USD for adults and 70 USDfor children (ages 4 to 7). This includes round-trip boat transportation, a welcome drink, lunch with 7 menu options, and several exclusive services to ensure a comfortable and scenic day by the Caribbean Sea.

THE MOST ROMANTIC BEACHES IN ISLAS DEL ROSARIO

Isla Del Sol Beach

Just 50 minutes from Cartagena, discover one of the most romantic beaches in the Rosario Islands: Playa Isla del Sol. Enjoy its beautiful facilities, including a natural seawater pool, beach loungers, and a delicious traditional Caribbean lunch. You’ll be welcomed with fresh fruit upon arrival. Get ready to meet at the dock by 8:20 a.m. with your partner.

• Prices: 95 USD per adult, including round-trip speedboat transport, a welcome cocktail, and a traditional Caribbean lunch.
• Amenities and facilities:
  Beach loungers with breathtaking views of the turquoise sea and a completely private beach area.
• Gastronomy:
  Typical Cartagenian cuisine featuring fish or chicken, plantains, rice, salad, and a beverage.

This beach is perfect for a romantic getaway—private, comfortable, and tailored for couples. You won’t find street vendors or crowded spaces here.

Playa Islabela, another gem in the Rosario Islands, invites you to a relaxing and intimate day trip. For 87 usd you’ll enjoy round-trip boat transport, delicious Caribbean food, access to its facilities, and kayaking (subject to availability).

Pao Pao Beach offers a day pass for 95 usd per adult, which includes boat transportation, a welcome cocktail, and a Caribbean-style lunch.

THE MOST PARTY-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN ISLAS DEL ROSARIO

BORA BORA BEACH CLUB

If you’re coming in a party mood, ready to go wild with Caribbean music and a full sensory experience—blue waters and white sand beaches—you’ll find all of that and more right here.

Bora Bora is the ideal beach for those wanting an unforgettable bachelorette party, a dream birthday, or simply to celebrate any occasion with a good party.

You can choose the plan that suits you best:

• A Beach Club Day Pass, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed or family-friendly vibe.

• A VIP Day Pass, adults only, for a more private and party-centered experience.

We also recommend considering the Three-Island Tour offered by this beach club, where you’ll visit three stunning places: Pao Pao, Islabela, and Bora Bora.

• Prices: From 93 USD per adult for a day pass, up to 118 USD for the VIP experience.
• Amenities and facilities: Beautiful setups with Balinese beds, a freshwater pool, Instagram-worthy photo spots, and unique spaces to relax.
• Gastronomy: Traditional Caribbean cuisine. The Beach Club pass includes one lunch option, while VIP offers 10 different dishes to choose from—including vegetarian options.
• Crowds: Not too crowded. Since it’s a private beach club, attendance is limited.

Don’t imagine your typical party beach—this is a premium, unique experience that includes a freshwater pool. Everything you could want from a vacation, all in one place.

This beach is famous for its parties—here, they host lots of bachelor and bachelorette celebrations, out-of-the-ordinary birthdays and anniversaries, and just about any excuse to dance on the shore beside crystal-clear waters. You can also stay overnight here.

On Isla Grande, in the heart of Islas del Rosario, there’s another beach paradise made for you and your friends: Mantas Beach Hideaway & Lounge. This is where you make the party happen, with services like 2-for-1 cocktails (Daiquiris, Caipirinhas, Margaritas, Caipiroskas), beer buckets, and much more.

Enjoy a day pass for 83 USD, which includes transportation, lunch, access to facilities, beach loungers, and a towel. A beach bar is ready to set the perfect vibe for your celebration. It’s a private beach where comfort and exclusivity take center stage.

Mangata Club Beach also brings the party, with day passes starting from 93 USD per adult, featuring a resident DJ who creates a lively beach atmosphere.

THE MOST RELAXING BEACHES IN THE ROSARIO ISLANDS

Playa San Pedro de Majagua

A secluded beach offering privacy and exclusivity, located on Isla Grande—one of the main islands in the Rosario Islands archipelago. Here you’ll find the luxurious Hotel San Pedro de Majagua, offering both overnight stays and day passes. This peaceful destination is just 60 minutes away by boat.

• Prices:
  Day passes start at approximately 115 USD per adult and 70 USD per child, including round-trip boat transportation, port taxes, and lunch.
• Amenities and facilities:
  No need to bring a towel—it’s included, along with a beach lounger, so you can enjoy a carefree day.
• Gastronomy:
  Traditional Caribbean cuisine, including fried fish, grilled lobster, and more à la carte options depending on your chosen plan.

The beach’s privacy makes it a true hidden gem. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and free of street vendors.

Best Beaches of Islas Del Rosario

Encantada Beach– A serene beach perfect for relaxing and disconnecting. For about 55 USD per person, you get round-trip boat transport, lunch, a welcome drink, and access to all facilities.

Dulce Beach, also located on Isla Grande, is a beautiful spot to rest and reset from the chaos of city life or work stress. Surrounded by amazing wildlife and, of course, crystal-clear waters just steps away from the shore.

THE BEST BEACHES OF ISLAS DEL ROSARIO FOR FAMILIES

Cocotera Beach

Here you can enjoy a peaceful day with your entire family. There are 130 meters of private beach where you can relax and spend quality time with your loved ones. You and your family deserve that comfortable and tranquil escape you’ve been waiting for. There’s also the option to visit or make a stop at the Oceanarium.

• Prices:
  Standard day pass: approximately 70 USD
  Beach bar day pass: approximately 98 USD
  Both include transportation, medical insurance, lunch, and access to facilities.
• Amenities and facilities:
  Comfortable beach loungers, chairs, restroom access, and a whole private beach just for you and your family. The beach bar day pass additionally includes three cocktails and five domestic beers—a definitely better option for enjoying your day.
• Gastronomy:
  Lunch with three options, including vegetarian dishes, served with natural juice and coffee.
• Crowds:
  No, this is a private beach where you can rest away from street vendors and the noise of the historic center.

In the heart of the Rosario Islands, visit Lizamar Beach at the Lizamar Hotel. You’ll find everything your family needs to be happy: day passes with water activities, pools, and a playground, plus a buffet-style dining option starting from around 87 USD.

Also, consider Playa Isla Cocoliso to visit the Rosario Islands near Cartagena: with an average day pass cost of 75 USD per person, including most of the services mentioned here, plus a relaxing pool for your family.

THE MOST ADVENTUROUS BEACHES IN ISLAS DEL ROSARIO

Cocoliso Beach

The adventure begins at the Muelle de la Bodeguita—just 45 minutes away discover this paradise with its accommodations and three unique day pass options to try something different this summer. I love this place because it combines comfort with adventure.

• Prices: Here are the three day pass options so you can choose the one that best fits what you want:

1. Traditional Day Pass: 90 USD per person. Includes round-trip transportation, welcome drink, and lunch.

2. Premium Day Pass: 102 USDper person. Includes round-trip transportation, welcome drink, lunch, and unlimited cocktails. Adults only.

3. Cocolux Day Pass: 112 USD per person. Enjoy a complete experience with multiple stops at some of the best beaches in Islas del Rosario: port taxes, bilingual guide, panoramic visit to Bocachica Fort, panoramic tour of the 27 Rosario Islands, 4 lunch options, and visits to Luxury Beach Club with open bar and Cocoliso with open bar.

• Amenities and facilities: All plans include hammocks, chairs, beach mats, restaurant, freshwater pool, tables, loungers, floating bar, and a volleyball court.
• Gastronomy: Traditional typical food with kids’ options and vegetarian dishes.
• Crowds: No, it’s a private beach with spaces designed for enjoyment and tranquility.

For 80 USD per person, let yourself be carried away by the adventure Isla Gente de Mar has to offer. This includes transportation, lunch, two beautiful beaches to enjoy, snorkeling, and kayaking.

In Islas del Rosario, great efforts are made for the sustainability and conservation of wildlife and flora. This is a priority if we want to continue enjoying these dreamlike places. The islands have programs to protect coral reefs and other ecosystems, and as a protected area managed by National Parks, there are strict conservation protocols in place.

Here is my Top 3 of the best beaches in Islas del Rosario to visit on my next vacation:

• Islabela Beach: Has everything I love in a day pass—comfort, luxury, and white sand.

• San Pedro de Majagua Beach: Always a relaxing and luxurious option in Cartagena.

• Bora Bora beach club: The best beach party in Cartagena, in my opinion.

Thank you for exploring the best beaches of Islas del Rosario with me. I appreciate the chance to show you the wonders and charms of this beautiful corner of Colombia.

At La Carta, we invite you not to miss all the magic it has to offer, if you want to learn more about the Best Beaches of Islas Del Rosario