CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands

REVIEW · ROSARIO ISLANDS & BARú BEACH DAYS

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands

★ 5.0 · 3 reviews 1 day From $695 Operated by BUBARU SAS / BUZOS DE BARU · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

Your island day, planned your way.

This exclusive launch around Cartagena lets you choose stops across the Rosario Islands, Tierrabomba, or north of Baru Island, then spend the day on a fully permitted private boat with snorkeling included. What makes it interesting is the flexibility, you tell them where you want to go, or you ask for smart recommendations.

I really like the mix of control and guidance. You get a captain and assistant who share ideas, but you still drive the day, and you can tailor beach and lunch requests. I also like that snorkeling equipment is included (with prior reservation), plus life jackets and child vests, so everyone can feel set up for the water.

One consideration: if your group is too large, moving around on the boat can get tight. Even though the price is per group up to 15, a practical sweet spot is closer to 7 to 8 if you want space to walk, tan comfortably, and not feel packed in.

Key points that matter on your boat day

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands - Key points that matter on your boat day

  • Flexible routing across Rosario Islands, Tierrabomba Island, and north of Baru, based on what you want
  • Snorkeling gear included with previous reservation, with optional tank snorkeling available by request
  • Onboard comfort includes a cooler with ice, bluetooth sound system, fresh-water shower, and reclining sun loungers
  • Beach options are real and varied from public beaches on Baru (White Beach, Agua Azul, Cholon) to hotel and private beaches (some need reservations)
  • Good communication and organization through the day, with the crew working to match your beach and lunch needs

Why this exclusive launch works for Rosario and Baru

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands - Why this exclusive launch works for Rosario and Baru
This is not one of those rigid half-day tours where you accept a fixed checklist. The value here is the way the day is built around your choices. You can pick where to spend your beach time, where you want lunch, and how much you want to focus on snorkeling versus just relaxing.

I also like that the boat setup is clearly meant for comfort, not just transport. Reclining sun loungers help you actually enjoy the ride. A fresh-water shower means you can rinse off salt before you head back into your next plans. And the bluetooth sound system with a simple setup means you can keep the vibe low-key without needing to bring extra gear.

Another smart part: this boat operates with the permits and insurance required by the maritime authority. That matters in Colombia’s coastal waters, because it keeps your day from feeling like a sketchy side trip. Add in two engines, and the ride feels more like a proper charter than a last-minute scramble.

In short, this works when you want a day that feels private, but still easy to manage.

Picking your route: Rosario Islands, Tierrabomba, or North Baru

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands - Picking your route: Rosario Islands, Tierrabomba, or North Baru
You can go to almost anywhere within their operating area, including Rosario Islands, Tierrabomba Island, or north of Baru. The practical move is to think in terms of your priorities first, then decide where that fits.

If you want classic island-water time, Rosario Islands often make sense for beach time and snorkeling opportunities. If you want a different pace and scenery nearby, Tierrabomba gives you another option that keeps the day from feeling repetitive. If your main focus is the beach scene, north of Baru is where you’ll find public beaches like White Beach, Agua Azul, and Cholon.

Here’s the useful part: you can tell the crew where you want to go, or you can ask for recommendations. The captain is set up to handle practical requests, like matching specific beach and lunch needs. I like this approach because it saves you from reading about beach clubs and then realizing you picked the wrong one for your timing.

Drawback to keep in mind: some hotel beaches and private beaches may require reservations. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it means flexibility helps. If you have a must-visit private beach, plan ahead with your request.

The boat setup on MAMAJUMA, what you get and why it matters

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands - The boat setup on MAMAJUMA, what you get and why it matters
Your meeting point is at the main entrance of the marina, and the boat name you’re looking for is MAMAJUMA. Once you’re aboard, it’s a straightforward private charter setup built for a full day.

Included on the boat:

  • fuel (so you are not paying additional fuel charges during the day)
  • a cooler with ice for your drinks
  • snorkeling equipment (with previous reservation)
  • captain and assistant

And the comfort extras are not just fluff. You’ll find a bluetooth sound system, fresh-water shower, and reclining sun loungers. The boat also has life jackets for all occupants, plus vests for children. If you’re traveling with kids, this matters more than you might expect. It’s one less thing to stress about when you’re trying to enjoy the day.

Two small practical notes from a comfort standpoint:

1) The space on deck depends on group size. If you go closer to 15 people, expect a tighter experience.

2) You should plan to move with purpose, because the day is built around beach stops and snorkeling time rather than wandering room-to-room.

Also, you’re not on a “maybe” boat. It’s described as operating with all permits and insurances required by the maritime authority, so the whole experience feels more regulated and professional.

Snorkeling on your terms: gear included, tanks optional

Snorkeling is a highlight here, but the way it’s handled is what makes it practical. Snorkeling equipment is included, as long as you reserve it in advance. That means you can show up without hunting for rentals at the last minute.

They also offer snorkeling services with tanks, but those are available with previous reservation. So if tank snorkeling is part of your plan, don’t treat it like an afterthought. Build it into your request so the crew can line it up.

What you get is more than just gear on paper. Life jackets for everyone and child vests add a big layer of safety and peace of mind. When the boat has the right equipment ready, you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying clear water.

A smart tip: decide how confident your group is. If everyone is comfortable with basic snorkeling, the included gear is usually enough. If a few people are especially excited about tanks, request that early so you don’t end up waiting for logistics at the water’s edge.

Worth a side by side look while you are in Cartagena

Beaches: public sands in Baru plus hotel and private options

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands - Beaches: public sands in Baru plus hotel and private options
This is where the day can become very personal, because you can choose beaches based on how you like to spend time.

On Baru Island, you can hit public beaches such as:

  • White Beach
  • Agua Azul
  • Cholon

and more options in that area

Public beaches are a good choice when you want open access and a more flexible vibe. You can also use them as a low-stress base if your group includes people who just want swimming and sun, not an agenda.

You can also visit hotels and private beaches. Some require previous reservation, so if you have a specific spot you care about, send that preference early. The advantage of hotel and private beaches is often convenience, like beach service and a smoother lunch option. The tradeoff is that you might need that reservation set before you arrive.

Food and drinks are flexible too. The cooler with ice is delivered so you can bring your own drinks. For food, you can bring food onboard, or you can eat at beaches or hotels while you’re on the islands.

This matters because lunch is usually where day trips either feel great or feel annoying. Having multiple food options keeps you from feeling stuck.

Aquarium add-on: dolphin and shark shows with paid tickets

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands - Aquarium add-on: dolphin and shark shows with paid tickets
One possible detour is the aquarium. You can go there and see dolphin and shark shows, but you need to pay the entrance fee. Tickets to attractions are not included.

So treat this as an optional add-on, not part of the core deal. If your group loves animal shows and you’re okay budgeting for entrance costs, it can be a nice change of pace from beach time. If not, you can spend the entire day focused on islands, sand, and snorkeling.

Either way, the key is that your day can adjust based on what your group wants. That flexibility is the point of the exclusive launch.

Price and value: $695 per group up to 15

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands - Price and value: $695 per group up to 15
The price is $695 per group for up to 15 people, for 1 day. That sounds like a lot if you’re thinking per person with only two people, but it starts to make sense once you split it.

A quick value check:

  • If you fill 7 to 8 people, you’re paying roughly $87 to $100 per person for a private boat day with fuel, an ice cooler, snorkeling equipment, and the captain plus assistant.
  • If you go with a full group closer to 15, the per-person number drops further, but you should expect less space onboard.

What makes it feel like good value is what’s included. You are not separately paying for the boat, fuel, or the crew. You’re also not scrambling for snorkeling rentals if you reserve equipment in advance. And the boat has comfort upgrades like reclining loungers and a fresh-water shower.

Also, the day is flexible. If you want to change beaches, adjust lunch plans, or tweak snorkeling time, the structure is built for that. That kind of customization saves you money the hard way, by preventing bad decisions.

One more practical note: the experience includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is a reserve now, pay later option. That helps if you’re still fine-tuning your Cartagena plan.

Who should book this boat charter, and who should not

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands - Who should book this boat charter, and who should not
This is a great fit if you want:

  • a private day with a captain and assistant
  • flexibility across Rosario Islands, Tierrabomba, and north of Baru
  • snorkeling that’s already handled with included gear by reservation
  • a group plan where you can bring your own drinks and choose lunch on your own terms

It’s also a good match for families because life jackets and child vests are available for all occupants. If you’re traveling with mixed ages, that setup can make the day feel calmer.

I would be cautious if you want a super chill, roomy boat experience with lots of walking around for a large group. Even with space onboard, the experience can feel tighter as numbers grow.

Best scenario: book it with a small to medium group, like 5 to 8 people, and use the captain to fine-tune where you spend the most time.

Should you book this exclusive launch?

CARTAGENA, EXCLUSIVE launch for Rosario and Baru Islands - Should you book this exclusive launch?
If your goal is a private boat day with real choice, this is an easy yes. The included fuel, ice cooler, snorkeling equipment (with prior reservation), plus life jackets and children’s vests make it feel built for comfort and convenience. And the captain’s approach, offering ideas while still giving you control, is exactly how a good private day should feel.

If you’re going with a big group, go in with realistic expectations about space onboard. Plan your beach and lunch preferences early, and if you want tank snorkeling or a specific private beach, request it in advance.

FAQ

FAQ

What places can we visit on this private boat day?

You can choose stops across the Rosario Islands, Tierrabomba Island, or north of Baru Island. You can tell the team where you want to go, or they can recommend places.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with previous reservation. Snorkeling services with tanks are also available with previous reservation.

Do you provide life jackets?

Yes. Life jackets are provided for all occupants, and vests for children are available.

What is included in the $695 group price?

The price includes fuel, a cooler with ice, snorkeling equipment, and the captain and assistant.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring food and drinks. The cooler with ice is provided so you can keep drinks cold, and you can also eat at beaches or hotels on the islands of Rosario or Baru.

Are attraction tickets included, like the aquarium?

No. Tickets to attractions are not included. For example, the aquarium entrance fee must be paid.

Where do we meet the boat?

Meet at the main entrance of the marina, and look for the boat named MAMAJUMA.