Isla Grande
Cartagena, Caribbean Coast
The largest of the postcard-perfect Rosario Islands, Isla Grande delivers the clear turquoise waters and bone-white sands that the Colombian archipelago is famous for. It's also home to the best variety of accommodation options if you’re looking to stay overnight; hotels range from backpacker hostels to luxurious complexes right on the beach.
The basics
The best way to visit Isla Grande and the rest of the Rosario Islands is one an island-hopping tour from Cartagena. Tours typically combine snorkel stops on Isla Grande with free time at a beach bar on Isla Cholón, which has a reputation as the party island, and on Playa Blanca on Isla Barú, hailed as one of Cartagena’s best beaches. Other relaxation-focused packages secure your spot at luxury beach clubs and generally include round-trip transportation on land and by boat, plus lunch and drinks.
Things to know before you go
- You can rent sun loungers on many of the beaches on Isla Grande, so bring cash, as most of the vendors don’t accept cards.
- Buy water, snacks, and sunscreen on the mainland, since the shops on these remote islands charge a premium.
- If you’re staying overnight, bring plenty of insect repellent; the mangroves on the island mean it sees its fair share of mosquitos.
How to get there
Speedboats depart for Isla Grande from Bodeguita Pier in Cartagena every day at 9am—while they’re referred to as “ferries,” the boats are small and can usually only accommodate 20 passengers, so they book up fast during peak season. Boats returning to the mainland typically leave Isla Grande at lunchtime, with the last boats departing by mid-afternoon. Chartering your own private boat gives you more flexibility.
When to get there
Because the main activities on Isla Grande are swimming and sunbathing, the best time to visit is during the dry season from December through April. December, January, and February are the busiest months, so come in March for lower hotel prices and fewer crowds.
Things to do on Isla Grande
There’s more to Isla Grande than its white sands and clear waters. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, you can explore the mangrove forests by canoe. Guides take you through the peaceful waters and help you spot wildlife such as birds and frogs. And while it’s a perfect place to swim by day, Laguna Encantada (Enchanted Lagoon) comes alive with bioluminescent plankton in the darkness, so it’s well worth staying near here.
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