Isla Grande is the biggest of the 28 islands that form the Rosario Islands archipelago. The only way to reach Isla Grande from Cartagena is by sea. Below are the three available options:
1. Take a Ferry from Cartagena to Isla Grande
The ferries and speedboats depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita (Bodeguita Pier) on Av. Blas de Lezo, Cartagena, just a 10-minute walk from the Walled City.
The first ferry from Cartagena to Isla Grande departs at 8:00 AM, and the last one at 9:00 AM. The trip takes about one hour, and as of January 2023, the price for a round-trip ticket, including port tax, is around $30.
Timetable: Departure and arrival times:
- 08:00 Delfines Tours – 9:00 to Isla Grande Hotel transfer
- 08:30 Delfines Tours – 9:30 to Isla Grande Hotel transfer
- 08:30 Mary Cartagena Travel – 9:30 to Isla Marina Hotel transfer
- 08:30 Mary Cartagena Travel – 9:30 to Isla del Pirata
- 09:00 Mary Cartagena Travel – 10:00 to Isla Grande Hotel transfer
- 09:00 CTG Tours – 10:00 to Sol y Papaya Restaurant
- 09:00 Juan Ballena – 9:45 to Isla Grande Hotel transfer
The last ferry from Isla Grande to Cartagena departs at 3:00 PM. You should purchase a round-trip ticket before departing to Isla Grande. There is no port on the island, and you must arrange your pick-up point for the return to Cartagena in advance. You are allowed to carry only one backpack per person.
By booking a return ticket with Delfines Tours, your boat will make a 2-hour stopover at Playa Blanca, located on the island of Baru, giving you the opportunity to visit another island. The complete journey from Isla Grande to Cartagena via Delfines Tours takes approximately 4 hours.
2. Take a Day Tour by Speed Boat to Isla Grande
A day trip to Isla Grande can be arranged, offering a range of activities such as a boat trip, lunch at a hotel, and access to various facilities, including snorkeling and kayaking. The specific amenities included will vary depending on the type of day trip selected, and the cost will vary accordingly.
While this option may be more expensive than others, it offers the convenience of not having to bring your own food and the opportunity to take advantage of the various services provided.
Renting a boat during peak seasons (December, January, Easter, June, and July) is a highly sought-after service, resulting in extremely limited availability. Therefore, reservations must be made well in advance with authorized companies to secure a booking. It is advisable to plan ahead and book with authorized companies to ensure availability.
One highly recommended activity is an excursion to the Rosario Islands, which includes a visit to both Isla Grande and Isla Baru. This 7.5-hour tour includes snorkeling and lunch and receives excellent reviews from satisfied customers.
Book an excursion to the Rosario Islands here
3. Rent a Private Yacht
Another option is to rent a private yacht. This is mostly recommended when you are traveling in a group or when you want a more intimate and quiet experience with your dear ones or friends. The destinations will depend on the chosen itinerary, be it for partying, dining, swimming, relaxation, and more. The tour will last for five hours and include a visit to Baru Island, the largest island in Colombia.
What to Do in Isla Grande
Covering over 200 hectares, Isla Grande is a harmonious blend of dry forests and mangroves. The island’s vast expanse of natural beauty can take up to two hours to traverse from end to end. It is possible to rent a bike to explore the island.
However, the main activity is to enjoy the beach and the crystal-clear waters and experience swimming amidst the goldish. To go snorkeling or kayaking, there are several places where you can rent the equipment.
You can also relax with a massage session offered by any of the hotels in Isla Grande.
On moonless nights, you can arrange a boat to go witness the enchanting bioluminescent plankton. Furthermore, for a stargazing night, go to the best spot on the island, the Laguna Encantada.
Where to Stay in Isla Grande
Now that you know how to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande, let’s see the different options for hotels. My recommendation is to stay in Isla Grande at least for two days to get the most out of all what it has to offer. Also, be sure to reserve with enough time in advance since the offer of hotels is not that big.
Hotel Islabela Islas del Rosario boasts several amenities, including a garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar. Additionally, the property features a private beach area and is situated less than 1 km away from Pasadía Bora Bora Cartagena Beach. Guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi and room service during their stay.
Book Hotel Islabela Islas del Rosario here
Hotel Cocoliso Island Resort offers a restaurant, outdoor pool, and private beach area with panoramic sea views and free Wi-Fi. The suites have private bathrooms, cable TVs, air conditioning, mini-bars, and balconies with garden views. Guests can enjoy dining and massages, as well as water sports activities. Room service and laundry services are available.
Book Hotel Cocoliso Island Resort here
Gente de Mar Resort offers a garden, terrace, bar, à la carte restaurant, and free WiFi. Room options include air conditioning and private bathrooms or eco-rooms with fans and shared bathrooms. Additional services for a fee include beach access, hammock areas, massages, and a bilingual guide desk. Restaurants are within 200 meters of the resort.
Hotel Isla del Sol offers an outdoor pool, restaurant, water sports, and private beach. Rooms have a safety-deposit box, TV, and Caribbean Sea view. Guests can enjoy traditional cuisine, drinks, and activities like diving, snorkeling, hiking, and massages for a fee.
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