A marvelous day trip to the Rosario Islands

We have been to Cartagena many times, but the last time, we convinced my parents to come down from Boston and join us. The trip to the Rosario Islands was one of the highlights. We enjoy the beach in Cartagena, but in order to get that full Caribbean feeling of light blue waters that define the tropics, we needed to make a day trip away from shore.

There were four adults, plus our two year old son, on a large speedboat that picked us up at the dock in front of the clock tower. There was plenty of space to sit in the front or the back, depending on the need for sun or shade, and as we sped away we got a remarkable view of Boca Grande and Castillo Grande – the tall towers seemed to reach straight up from the sea.

Our first stop was Playa Azul where we spread our blankets, played in the sand, and swam in the warm, shallow surf. A few locals supplied fresh coconuts. It was totally sublime.

We had been telling our parents about Cholon for years, and couldn’t wait to get there for lunch. We pulled into the calm, protected waters of the bay and took in the beautiful site: straw umbrellas, shading tables that were literally floating in the water. The guys in charge welcomed the boat and got us situated – we sat at the plastic tables in water up to our elbows, and selected our fresh fish off the day’s menu. The drinks were cold, the fish was amazing, and coconut rice doesn’t get any better than when you eat it sitting in the surf. My mother has never had better lobster (did I mention they are from Boston?) Pure Colombia.

As the afternoon pressed on (and a few souvenir necklaces later) we started back to Cartagena, and made a stop at Playa Blanca for a last chance to sit in the sand. The water was so shallow that our little one had a blast wading and discovering various shells. By the time we loaded back in the boat, we were ready for a nap as we bounced over the waves, headed for home. The rhythm of the water put the little guy to sleep first, but the rest of us were soon to follow, wiped out from the gorgeous day. While we were able to sleep, for anyone with sensitive backs, the bigger the boat, the less the choppy water will affect your day. We were in a speedboat, but a yacht would have been smoother going.

Must-have items for the day: towels, sand mats, sunglasses, sunscreen, beverages (adult and otherwise), cover-ups (in case you need a break from the sun), hats (ditto), snacks for the trip home when you are hankering for salt.

Advice if you head to the Rosarios: Leave as early as you can so that you get the most of the day. Depending on how many stops you want to make, there could be a lot of time in transit and you definitely don’t want to skimp on time on the sand. Bring a few extra towels - there may be places where you can take a fresh water shower, and you’ll be happy for a clean one. Don’t forget the sun protection. The sun is serious, and for me, there is nothing worse than being afraid of a burn when you want to be relaxing. You’ll be glad if you have some snacks so that in case the options available on the beaches aren’t to your liking, you’ll have a go to you are happy with.