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A Weekend in the Rosario Islands: Isla Grande & Hotel Majagua
Escaping Cartagena for the weekend. The Rosario Islands are the exhale: clearer water, slower days, and the easiest reset you can do in Colombia.
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Last updated: February 2026 by Corey Gasman
From the Editor:
If Cartagena is all color, heat, and energy, the Rosario Islands are the exhale. Close enough for a quick trip, far enough to feel like you actually left.
We spent a weekend in Colombia’s Rosario Islands on Isla Grande, staying at Hotel San Pedro de Majagua. It ended up being one of the most relaxing parts of our month in Colombia. The water is clearer, the pace is slower, and you can feel your brain switch from plan mode to island mode within an hour.
If you want Caribbean water without giving up comfort, this is a great way to do it. This is not a party island. It is a reset.
At a glance: island logistics
- Location: Isla Grande, Rosario Islands (about 45 to 60 minutes by boat from Cartagena)
- Vibe: low-key, natural, and quiet
- Best for: a mid-trip reset or a romantic weekend away from city noise
Pro Tip: If you want calm water, ask about wind and sea conditions before you commit. A smooth crossing sets the tone for the entire weekend.
Quick Navigation
TLGA Travel Truth:
The best island trips are not packed with activities. They are designed for fewer decisions, more water time, and one or two simple anchors per day.
Next up: See how to handle the city rhythm once you return to the mainland in our full Cartagena Travel Guide.
Getting to Isla Grande by boat
One of the best decisions we made was arranging a private boat through the hotel. It made the entire trip feel simple from the start. No scrambling at the docks, no guessing, and no negotiating in the moment.
We left Cartagena in the morning and the ride took under an hour. The skyline fades, the water turns brighter, and you can feel the shift immediately. Pulling up to Isla Grande feels like arriving somewhere quieter, even though you are not far from the city.
Once we arrived, check-in was smooth, our bags disappeared to the room, and we were instantly in vacation mode.
Local Guide Tip: Even with a private boat, you will usually pay a small tourist pier tax in cash at Muelle de la Bodeguita. Bring small bills.
The grounds at Hotel San Pedro de Majagua are shaded and quiet, with kayaks ready for whenever you want to get on the water.
Hotel San Pedro de Majagua: low-key island comfort
Hotel San Pedro de Majagua is not flashy in a resort way. It feels tropical, relaxed, and built for slowing down. The property stretches along the shoreline, so it never feels crowded, and everything is close enough that you are basically barefoot all weekend.
Our room was comfortable and practical, with strong air conditioning, which matters more than you think in this humidity. The rhythm here is simple: swim, eat, nap, repeat.
The sweet spot
This is where doing nothing becomes the plan, and that is exactly why it works after Cartagena.
Snorkeling in the Rosario Islands
Snorkeling was one of the highlights, and it does not require a complicated plan. The hotel can arrange short trips to nearby spots, and it is easy to fit into your day without committing your entire afternoon.
Visibility depends on conditions, but when it is good, it is really good. Coral, tropical fish, and calm water that works even if you are not experienced.
Pro Tip: If you only plan one activity, do it in the morning. Wind usually builds later in the day.
Island food is straightforward and fresh. Whole fried fish, coconut rice, and plantains become the daily standard.
Island time: long meals and slow days
Island time is real here. Breakfast is slow. Lunch stretches. Dinner happens when the sun drops and the heat fades.
Fresh fish, rice, tropical fruit, and cold drinks. You stop checking the time, not intentionally, but because nothing is pushing you forward.
Bioluminescent bay on Isla Grande
If you visit during a darker moon phase, Isla Grande offers bioluminescence. At night, movement in the water sparks light. Hands, paddles, ripples. It can feel like swimming through stars.
Local Guide Tip: This is conditions dependent. Ask other guests how it looked the night before before committing.
The honest take: We went to support locals, but saw very little glow and the experience felt a bit rough. Only do this if recent conditions have been strong.
Quick island packing list
- Bug spray: mosquitoes are strong at sunset
- Water shoes: rocky entry points are common
- Small cash: for tips and local purchases
Why a weekend is the sweet spot
Two nights was perfect. Enough time to unwind, snorkel, eat well, and reset without needing a full week.
It balances Cartagena’s intensity with something slower. By the time you leave, you feel noticeably calmer.
The entire point of coming out here is to do less. Find some shade, look at the water, and let the island set the pace.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely. If you want a Rosario Islands experience that is easy, comfortable, and focused on natural beauty, this is a strong choice.
It is not about doing more. It is about slowing down, floating in warm water, and letting the pace reset you.
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Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay overnight in the Rosario Islands or do a day trip?
If you have the time, staying overnight is the better experience. Day trips can feel rushed and crowded, while an overnight stay lets you enjoy calmer water, quieter evenings, and a much more relaxed pace.
How do you get to Isla Grande from Cartagena?
Most people take a boat from Cartagena, either arranged through a hotel or booked independently. Private boats are the easiest option and typically take 45 to 60 minutes. Many departures leave from Muelle de la Bodeguita.
Is the boat ride to the Rosario Islands rough?
It depends on wind and sea conditions. On calm days, the ride is smooth and easy. When the wind picks up, it can be bumpy. Morning departures are usually more stable, and it is worth checking conditions ahead of time.
Is Hotel San Pedro de Majagua worth it?
Yes, especially if you want a comfortable, low-key island stay. It is not a luxury resort, but it offers a relaxed atmosphere, good access to the water, and an easy, well-organized experience for a weekend escape.