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Isla Grande is the largest of the Rosario Islands. It's a scatter of coral cays in the Caribbean off the coast of Cartagena. The island is known for clear water and quiet beaches. Getting there means a speedboat from Cartagena to Isla Grande, taking 45m - 1h 30m for 63,000 COP ($18). There are also full-day trips from 250,000 COP ($72), if you'd rather have the whole day arranged for you.
Below you'll find each option with schedules, prices, and booking details.
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43 ways to travel from Cartagena to Isla Grande
There are three ways to travel the 406 kilometres (252 miles) distance from Cartagena to Isla Grande. You can choose between the ferry, speedboat ferry (the way back), and day trip.
Distance from Cartagena to Isla Grande
Cartagena and Isla Grande are about 406 km (252 miles) apart, crossed directly by sea. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 45m and 8h 30m.
Where to stay in Isla Grande?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Isla Grande.
Or, before you go
More routes from Cartagena
We haven't researched any routes out of Isla Grande yet. Here's where else you can go from Cartagena.
Cartagena to Isla Grande by Speedboat Ferry
Getting from Cartagena to Isla Grande is easy, but the experience can vary depending on which operator you choose. Some of them are Mary Cartagena Travel, Opitours, Cartagena y algo +, Juan Ballena and CTG Tours.
Ferry rates start from 63,000 COP ($18). But note that you also need to pay a mandatory port tax of 29,000 COP ($8.40) per person when departing from Cartagena.
Travel time is around 45m - 1h 30m, excluding any extra stops. The same boats are also often used to transport passengers to other islands such as Baru or Cholon, so there can be an extra stop without any prior notice.
Most boats operating from Cartagena to Isla Grande only depart when they have enough passengers. This means that ferry departures can sometimes be delayed by up to 1 hour.
Departure and arrival ports
All boats from Cartagena to Isla Grande depart from Muelle La Bodeguita, right outside the old city’s walls.
Drop off for CTG Tours is Sol y Papaya Restobar on the north coast. As for the other ferries, you can be dropped off at any hotel on Isla Grande.
Speedboat Ferry schedule from Cartagena to Isla Grande
Booking Tip
There is also an option to arrange the service by yourself with vendors at the port. But we recommend booking online beforehand for fixed prices — because you might still need to negotiate for cheaper rates at the pier.
IMPORTANT: All ferries from Cartagena to Isla Grande operate only in the morning. There are no ferry departures allowed beyond 09:30. Cartagena’s port authority is pretty strict on this rule so make sure to arrive at the pier no later than 09:00.
Cartagena to Isla Grande by Speedboat Ferry (the way back)
Speedboat ferry rates from Isla Grande to Cartagena start from 63,000 COP ($18) when you book online through BookAway. You can also buy through your hotel, but usually for a higher price.
Keep in mind that, unlike the journey from Cartagena, there is no additional port fee when coming from Isla Grande.
Departure and arrival ports
There’s no main port on Isla Grande, so most ferry operators will pick you up directly from your hotel or a nearby beach.
All boats depart from Isla Grande in the early afternoon to arrive in Cartagena before its port closes at 19:00. You’ll arrive at the same port where the trip started (Muelle La Bodeguita).
Some speedboats make a 2-hour stop at Playa Blanca, where you can have a few hours more by the beach. It’s best to check with your operator in advance to see if they go direct or include the stopover.
The direct ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If there are stopovers along the way, expect the journey to stretch to around 3.5 hours.
Ferry schedules from Isla Grande to Cartagena (the way back)
Ready to book your speedboat ferry (the way back)?
From 63,000 COP ($18) · 45m - 3h 30m
Cartagena to Isla Grande by Day Trip
If you only have one day to spare, you can also book a day trip from Cartagena to Isla Grande. Many tour operators and hotels offer group day trip options known as ‘pasadía,’ which includes the use of hotel facilities, lunch and some pre-arranged activities at an extra cost.
Day trip prices start from 150,000 COP ($44) per person. You can book this directly at the port.
PRO TIP: When choosing which day trip package to book, bear in mind that generally, the lower the price, the lower the quality of the trip. This also usually includes a larger group. Rates for a decent quality pasadía from Cartagena to Isla Grande start from 250,000 COP ($72) per person.
Most day passes include lunch and the use of hotel facilities. On a budget? You can choose not to include meals in your tour package and save some money by eating at local restaurants on the island.
Day Trip from Cartagena to Rosario Islands
Looking to explore not just Isla Grande but also other destinations in the Rosario Islands?
GetYourGuide offers day trip packages that include return speedboat transfers, snorkelling gear, lunch and drinks. Rates start from 251,000 COP ($72) for the 7-hour tour.
Cartagena to Isla Grande by Private Boat
Another option is to rent a private speedboat or yacht for up to 10 people, with prices starting from 3,115,000 COP ($900) when you book one online beforehand through Viator.
This is something to consider when you’re travelling in a larger group, if you want to sail around the islands at your own pace, or if you just want some privacy.
You should also be able to book a private boat with one of the tour companies in Cartagena. Rates start from about 2,400,000 COP ($695) a day.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Isla Grande?
Isla Grande is the most beautiful of the Rosario Islands, an archipelago 34 km off of Cartagena’s coast. It’s a popular destination for day trips, but we highly recommend spending at least two nights to get a proper chance of exploring the island.
Offering white sand beaches and turquoise waters, visiting Isla Grande will take you to the ultimate beach paradise in Colombia. It's a laidback island where you can really get away from the world, just lay on a hammock and let the soft waves calm your mind.
The number of accommodations in Isla Grande is very limited. There are a few amazing places to stay in Isla Grande, but be sure to book early as they get fully booked quickly.Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Cartagena to Isla Grande, roughly 406 kilometres (252 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is 63,000 COP ($18). The quickest trip takes 45m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Cartagena to Isla Grande?
The distance from Cartagena to Isla Grande is 406 kilometres (252 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande?
Journey times from Cartagena to Isla Grande overlap: speedboat ferry 45m - 1h 30m, speedboat ferry (the way back) 45m - 3h 30m, day trip 8.5 hours. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande?
The cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 63,000 COP.
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Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
