Rosario Islands Day Trip, Rosario Islands

Cartagena de Indias is not only a beautiful Caribbean coastal destination, but it's also one of the most well-preserved Spanish Colonial cities in South America. Back when the Spaniards were in charge, they utilized a network of offshore islands to help protect their shipments of gold. Beyond these defensive fortifications, though, about 62 miles (100 km) southwest of Cartagena, lie the Rosario Islands, an archipelago of unspoiled Caribbean islets that make for great day trips from the city. 

This seven-hour tour starts at the pier in Cartagena. A quick speedboat trip leads to the Barú Peninsula, passing Tierra Bomba Island and Boca Chica, ancient forts that once protected Cartagena from hostile invaders. The final destination is the Rosario Islands and Playa Azul, a crescent beach with soft white sands hugging the turquoise Caribbean Sea. A buffet lunch will be served, and there will be ample time for sunbathing. An optional add-on is to rent a kayak and embark on a two or three-hour paddling excursion before returning to Cartagena in the late afternoon.