Anyone planning a trip to this Caribbean paradise in Colombia needs to choose carefully where to stay on the Islas del Rosario, in Cartagena. After all, as it is an archipelago, getting between the islands is neither simple nor cheap.
Therefore, you need to choose your base carefully, taking into account your travel style, so as not to end up stranded, pardon the pun.
Read too: What to do in Isla Grande, a paradise in the Rosario Islands
The island with the most infrastructure in the archipelago is Isla Grande. Neighboring it, Isla Mariana also has good options, but the smaller islands are for those who want to escape civilization: they function as resorts, isolated from the world.
Where to stay on the Islas del Rosario: Hotels on Isla Grande and other islands
The best islands to stay in Islas del Rosario are:
- Big Island
- Mariana Island
- Baru
Isla Grande is the main option for travelers when deciding where to stay on the Islas del Rosario, the paradisiacal archipelago located an hour by boat off the coast of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
It is there that most of the accommodation options and the (already restricted) tourist infrastructure of this group of islands are located: a few restaurants and beach clubs and the ease of taking boats that take you to snorkeling, diving and other points islands in the region.
Other smaller islands also have a reduced number of hotelsmany of them function as resort islands.
Although not part of the archipelago, Barú is halfway between the mainland and the Islas del Rosario and also has beautiful beaches, good structure and hotels, making it another good base option for explorations into the sea.
See now some hotel options where to stay on the Rosario Islands, in Cartagena.
Find hotels in the Rosario Islands
1. Big Island
The largest island in the archipelago, Isla Grande has a few accommodation options, ranging from ecohotels to resorts for those who want to splurge a little.
This is the only one of the islands that has a native population, made up of descendants of enslaved people who fled there. This contact gives visitors the opportunity to see up close the typical life of the archipelago, which has its own culture and history.
As it is not very big, it is possible to walk around the island in three hours.
Therefore, staying in one of the hotels located in the center of Isla Grande, a few minutes’ walk from the public beaches, is a good option for those who want to save money, something impossible on the other islands.
Hotels on the beaches are more expensive, but more luxurious and have a resort feel.
Below we give a hotel option in Isla Grande for budget travelers, one at an intermediate level and another for travelers who don’t give up on luxury.
Find hotels in Isla Grande
• El Hamaquero Hostel Econativo: Economical accommodation in Isla del Rosario
One of the cheapest options for those who want to stay on the beach, is a hostel that looks like a mini-resort: it has a beach with three wooden piers, a restaurant and cocktail bar, beautiful views of the sunset, and, of course, , activities such as snorkeling and bicycle rental organized by the administration.
Located on Isla Grande, it is one of the most popular accommodation options in the archipelago, especially among those who want a different and cool place to meet people from all over.
See more about El Hamaquero
• Cocoliso Resort Hotel: cost-effective option in Isla Grande
Another popular hotel on Isla Grande, Cocoliso is a perfect resort for couples and families. It has a restaurant, swimming pool, spa, laundry and private beach, where it is possible to practice water sports.
This is the best accommodation option on the island for those who want a little more comfort and amenities, but without spending a lot of money.
See more about Cocoliso Resort
• Bora Bora Beach Club: Trendy resort on Isla Grande
The best beach club on the Islas del Rosario was recently converted into a small hotel for those who want to enjoy their stay in Isla Grande in style.
Located in a paradisiacal part of the island, it offers deluxe accommodation with an unmissable view of the sea. Guests have access to the beach club, which has a daily DJ schedule, a drinks bar, sunset parties and much more.
See more about Bora Bora Beach Club
2. Mariana Island
Located on Isla Grande, Isla Mariana is a small island ideal for those who want a more peaceful stay.
There are fewer hotel and resort options for those looking for a place to stay on the Islas del Rosario, but they tend to be very good and comfortable.
• Isla Tijetero: economical and family accommodation in Isla Mariana
Isla Tijereto is a family guesthouse located on Isla Mariana, with low prices and comfortable accommodation.
The place attracts those who want tranquility and comfort when staying on the Rosário Islands. The hotel offers a restaurant, terrace and American breakfast included in the rate.
The local restaurant serves homemade food and the location has easy access to several beaches.
See more about Isla Tijereto
• Hotel IslaBela: comfort with value for money
It offers bungalows by the sea for those looking for a more intimate accommodation and on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, which is for the private use of guests.
The rooms are excellent and well equipped and you will be able to enjoy breakfast with a view every day. Perfect for those who want an unforgettable stay.
See more about IslaBela
• Coralina Isla Boutique: Luxury option in Isla Mariana
This beautiful and comfortable resort is the only establishment on a small island located 10 minutes by boat from the Oceanarium.
It’s perfect for those looking to hide away in the exuberant nature of the Caribbean for a few days. It has a gourmet restaurant and daily rates include three meals a day.
The hotel also organizes snorkeling and diving trips, as well as boat excursions to other islands in the region. Very recommended for couples.
See more about Coralina Isla Boutique
3. Baru Island
Foto: Shutterstock, por Fotos593
Barú Island is a 20-minute boat ride from the Rosário Islands National Park and is a good base option for staying in the region, especially due to the wide range of accommodation options that range from hostels to resorts.
There, you are halfway to Cartagena and the famous islands, and yet to enjoy one of the most popular Caribbean destinations in Colombia.
Because it is closer to the mainland, this region is also more crowded and less isolated than the Islas del Rosario. Take this into consideration when choosing.
The beautiful Playa Blanca, considered one of the most beautiful in the region, is in Barú.
Find hotels in Baru
• Samalubeach Barú: budget accommodation by the sea
It’s not every day that you find accommodation facing the sea for a very affordable price. The rooms have a balcony facing Playa Blanca and the hotel serves breakfast included in the daily rate.
There are room options for families.
Guests can use the beach loungers and the hotel’s bar and restaurant during the day.
See more about Samalueach
• Playa Surf Barú: value for money
Accommodation right on the sand, with comfortable accommodation and an exceptional breakfast served daily. The venue has a terrace
The hotel is beautiful and has comfortable facilities, as well as an excellent beach restaurant serving local delicacies.
See more about Playa Surf
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