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Colombia

COLOMBIA ------------------------------------------280[FEATURE ARTICLE]

A Paradise revealed from the Rosario Islands in Cartagena

Scenarios that tell their own legend

By Estefanía Muriel for Ruta Pantera on 8/14/2025 3:27:54 PM

Imagine waking up to the rhythmic murmur of the waves and the gentle sway of a warm breeze caressing your skin. When you open your eyes, a turquoise sea stretches as far as the eye can see, dotted with islands that seem to float on clear waters. The aroma of freshly ground coffee mingles with the salt air, while pelicans and frigate birds soar across the sky in search of breakfast. From your hammock or oceanfront terrace, each sunrise becomes an intimate spectacle where the Caribbean is bathed in golden light to welcome you.
Just an hour by boat from Cartagena, the Rosario Islands National Natural Park offers a mosaic of experiences. Perhaps you***ll be drawn to Playa Blanca and its pearly sands, where the day slips by between dips and cold cocktails. Or perhaps you***d prefer to explore the San Martín de Pajarales aquarium, home to nurse sharks, sea turtles, and schools of fish that paint the water with flashes of color. For the more adventurous, coral reef diving reveals underwater gardens inhabited by barracudas, rays, and corals that have grown over centuries.

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References Rosario and San Bernardo Coral Reef National Natural Park. (n.d.). General Information . Colombia's National Natural Parks. https://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/portal/es/ecoturismo/region-caribe/corales-del-rosario-y-de-san-bernardo/ Cartagena de Indias Travel. (n.d.). Rosario Islands . Cartagena de Indias Travel Guide. https://cartagenatravelguide.com/islas-del-rosario/ Lonely Planet. (2025). Rosario Islands, Colombia . Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia/caribbean-coast/islas-del-rosario National Geographic. (2023). Colombia's Rosario Islands: The Caribbean's underwater treasure . National Geographic Travel. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/rosario-islands-colombia ProColombia. (n.d.). Rosario Islands: A Paradise of Beaches and Coral Reefs . Colombia Travel. https://colombia.travel/es/cartagena/islas-del-rosario Tripadvisor. (2025). Rosario Islands . Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297476-d455189-Reviews-Rosario_Islands-Cartagena_Cartagena_District_Bolivar_Department.html

Each island holds its own unique history: Isla Grande combines the leisurely pace of fishing with small eco-lodges; Isla Cholón is synonymous with waterside festivities, while Isla Arena invites you to unwind in the solitude of its pristine beaches. Beyond the landscapes, what endures are the conversations with the locals, guardians of ancestral recipes, and tales of the piracy and colonial trade that once plied these waters.

|A turquoise sea stretches as far as the eye can see, dotted with islands that seem to float on transparent waters. Photo: Mauro Bertolini/Pexels. True luxury here lies not only in the beauty of the surroundings, but in the ways in which you enjoy them. From exclusive eco-resorts with stilt cabins and signature cuisine, to family-run accommodations where hospitality is served alongside freshly grilled fish. Those seeking a more intimate experience can charter private yachts or catamarans to explore the islands at their own pace, stopping in hidden coves for swimming or snorkeling. As night falls, the sea turns shades of orange and violet, and the music of drums and bagpipes mingles with the crackling of barbecue grills. Some choose to return to Cartagena and enjoy the walled city illuminated by lanterns; others stay to experience the magic of an island night under a star-filled sky. And for those in no hurry, a tour combining Barú, the Rosario Islands, and San Bernardo promises days of seaside and Caribbean culture. Open to tourism year-round, the islands change their charm with the seasons: summer highlights their crystal-clear waters, while the rainy season brings out the greenery and the beaches feel more tranquil. Planning ahead is part of the trip: booking early guarantees better access to speedboats, activities, and exclusive accommodations. All that's left to do is pack light clothing, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and an exploratory spirit. Then, let yourself be carried away by the waves and discover how the Rosario Islands turn a getaway into a story you'll want to tell again and again.
 
 


    


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