How do I get to each one?
Boats to the Rosario Islands leave from the La Bodeguita pier, next to the Old Town. The ride takes about an hour. Playa Blanca, on Barú, is reached by boat or by road, about an hour from Cartagena.
Which has the better beach?
The Rosario Islands are an archipelago inside a national park, with clear, calm water. Playa Blanca has white sand and a livelier scene, with many vendors in high season.
What does a day pass include?
Usually the boat ride, lunch and use of the facilities. Ask whether the pier fee and park entry are included: they are often paid separately. Compare day trips and boats by price per person.
When do boats leave and return?
They leave between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and return around 3:00 p.m., because the sea gets rougher in the afternoon.
What should I agree on beforehand?
The price per person, what is included, the return time and the exact island or beach club. Ask on WhatsApp so it is in writing. Also read how to avoid getting overcharged.
Leave early: the sea gets choppy in the afternoon.