Who hasn’t dreamed of ending a trip to Colombia with a relaxing getaway against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea? Coconut groves as far as the eye can see, warm sand, crystal-clear waters and a gentle pace of life to the rhythm of Colombian Cumbia… dream no more, Terra Colombia takes you there! Off the coast of Cartagena de Indias, two paradisiacal archipelagos take shape: the closest, the Rosario archipelago, and a little further west, the beautiful San Bernardo archipelago. Here are some tips on where to put your beach towel
The essentials on the Rosario and San Bernardo islands
The Rosario Archipelago
Located south-west of Cartagena, about an hour by boat, the Rosario archipelago is made up of 27 small islands. Some, like Isla Coralina, are totally privately owned by individuals or hotels, making for a truly unique experience. These are coral islands, some of which are tiny, making them unmissable snorkeling spots. Declared a National Nature Park, Parque Nacional Natural (PNN) Corales del Rosario y San Bernando, the archipelago is known for being one of the most important coral reefs in the country, hence its name. This makes it a prime destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, even if warm ocean currents have eroded the reefs around the islands, making the site less interesting than it once was. To visit these islands, we suggest day trips, notably to Isla Grande, where you can enjoy a pretty beach and a moment of relaxation from Cartagena, but the « must do » is to stay at least one night to take full advantage of the environment. In fact, in the late afternoon, the beaches are deserted by day-trippers, leaving you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the place to the full.
The San Bernardo archipelago
The ten islands that make up Las Islas de San Bernardo form a far more interesting and breathtaking part of the Parque Natural Nacional Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo . This archipelago is more spectacular than its Rosario island neighbors, although more complicated to access from Cartagena. The San Bernardo archipelago promises a heavenly seaside getaway, far more unspoiled by mass tourism. The boat journey takes around two hours, sometimes a little hectic, but that’s all it takes to enjoy this earthly paradise. On these islands, time seems to stand still, allowing you to let go immediately, where the present moment is king. Our Terra Colombia favorites will take you to Isla Múcura and Isla Tintipan. Isla Múcura is undoubtedly the best-known, and boasts a host of excellent tourist facilities, making it the island of choice for travellers without losing any of its charm! Sunsets and coconut cocktails are the order of the day… Tintipan Island is not lacking in assets either: surrounded by mangrove swamps, wild nature forms an integral part of the landscape. Its beaches are also sublime, with a taste of the other side of the world.
The climate of these archipelagos
This part of the Caribbean is by definition marked by a dry and a rainy season, and the best months to visit these two archipelagos are from December to April. The rest of the year, the climate remains hot and humid, with rain showers omnipresent between August and early December. Beware also of « la Loca », a sea breeze that can produce strong gusts and prevent boats from sailing properly, especially between mid-December and mid-March. The average temperature is 27°Call year round.
History of the Rosario archipelago and San Bernando
The Caribbean Amerindians populated these islands a few hundred years ago, so we have very little trace of history on this part of the territory. Today’s tourists are often Colombians, and a few well-advised foreigners do set foot here.
What to do in the Rosario and San Bernando archipelagos?
These islands are brimming with activities to occupy your days. Whether you’re a sporty type or just want to laze around, we’ve put together a list of activities to help you project yourself into the Caribbean right now!
Discover bioluminescent plankton
This is certainly one of the best experiences to be had in this corner of paradise! Watching the luminous plankton is an incredible spectacle that takes place at nightfall, when in the dark waters you’ll discover thousands of stars that are actually the famous bioluminescent plankton. Certain periods are more propitious for observation, depending on the moon (avoid full moon periods).
Kayaking
Most of our partner hotels offer this activity, with the option of renting a paddle or kayak to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea in total freedom.
Diving
The islands of Rosario and San Bernardo are home to numerous diving and snorkeling spots, so divers of all levels are sure to find what they’re looking for! Several PADI-accredited centers are available on the islands, and we particularly recommend Isla Múcura for scuba diving. Otherwise, snorkeling is quite breathtaking throughout the national park, and very accessible. Multicolored fish await you!
Eat, bask and repeat..
Farniente is the name of the game on all these islands, where you can enjoy the limitless warm sand and turquoise waters while tasting the local specialties of lobster and grilled fish… a real delight! Don’t hesitate to visit the neighboring islands and repeat the relaxation and tasting.
Our practical advice
To make the most of these islands, we advise you to :
- Bring light clothing and a little wool for the evening. The climate is warm all year round, but the sea breeze can cool the air in the evenings.
- Travel light! Boats accept hand luggage only (8kg maximum), so leave bulky luggage in Cartagena.
- Take sun cream, hats and don’t forget… your flip-flops!
- For divers, you can bring your own equipment.
