Isla del Encanto
Cartagena has its own beach, but venture farther afield to the Rosario Islands (Corales Islas del Rosario) for some snorkeling, scuba diving—or complete relaxation. Isla del Encanto provides a tranquil escape from modern life. The private island is home to a resort hotel where visitors can spend the day by the pool or on a beach lapped by the Caribbean.
The Basics
Although Isla del Encanto is located in the Rosario Islands national park, the island is privately owned. The only way to access it is via the only accommodation on the island, Hotel Isla del Encanto. Stay at the hotel, or opt for a day tour that includes round-trip transportation from your Cartagena hotel, lunch, and access to the pool and a shaded hut.
Things to Know Before You Go
A day on Isla del Encanto is a family-friendly way to escape the stress of daily life.
Book in advance. Only a limited number of passes are available each day, to avoid crowding.
Hotel Isla del Encanto offers beachfront spa treatments, scuba diving, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities at additional cost.
Most tours don’t include the national park fee. Take cash.
Sand may make wheelchair and stroller access challenging. Notify the hotel or tour company of your needs in advance.
How to Get There
Isla del Encanto is a 45-minute speedboat journey from Cartagena Harbor. A day pass for Hotel Isla del Encanto includes round-trip transport by bus and boat from your Cartagena hotel to the island.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Hotel Isla del Encanto is open to day guests from morning until before sunset, when boats return to the mainland. Book a night at the hotel to spend more time on the island.
Rosario Islands National Park
The Rosario Islands offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in Colombia. Protected coral reefs host a myriad of flora and fauna, including sea turtles and seahorses. Spend a day diving or snorkeling on a tour with round-trip transport from Cartagena, or just head straight to a luxury resort.
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- Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario)
- National Aviary of Colombia (Aviario Nacional de Colombia)
- Naval Museum of the Caribbean
- Cartagena Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena)
- Cathedral of San Pedro Claver (Iglesia de San Pedro Claver)
- Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar)
- Palace of Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisicion)
- Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Zenu)
- Cartagena Cruise Port
- Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)
- Teatro Adolfo Mejia (Teatro Heredia)
- Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos)
- San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas)
- La India Catalina Monument
- Plaza de San Diego