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Cartagena tours should not be compared by price alone. Two offers that look similar may differ in boat type, stops, meals, insurance, dock fees and optional activities. This guide organizes the rates published by Dunas & Olas so you can request a complete quote and choose with confidence.
Please note: all prices are in Colombian pesos (COP), per person, and are references. Your travel date, availability, ages, operational weather and the exact inclusions may change the final amount. We intentionally avoid a fixed USD conversion because exchange rates move.
Cartagena tour price comparison
| Tour | Published price from | Experience | Confirm before booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Totumo Mud Volcano | 110,000 COP | Cultural trip outside Cartagena | Transport, meal and optional local services. |
| Scuba diving and snorkeling | 250,000 COP | Water activity | Equipment, instructor, certification and required level. |
| 5 Islands Standard | 270,000 COP | Multi-stop island hopping | Stops, lunch, dock fee and Oceanarium access. |
| Puerto Medallo day trip | 290,000 COP | Beach day | Departure point, facilities and actual beach time. |
| 4 Islands + sunset | 300,000 COP | Islands and sunset | Return time and included activities. |
| 5 Islands VIP | 320,000 COP | Full archipelago circuit | Itinerary, meals and service differences from Standard. |
| Isla Lizamar day pass | 385,000 COP | Beach day with facilities | Pools, lunch and options for children. |
What may be included
- Round-trip boat transport from a specified Cartagena dock.
- Assistance insurance during the experience.
- A set lunch or meal options defined by the operator.
- A guide, host or trip coordinator, depending on the tour.
- Access to beach-club facilities, chairs or pools on selected day passes.
- Basic gear for snorkeling or scuba diving when explicitly listed.
The individual experience page is the main reference. If an inclusion is not written there or in your quote, ask before assuming it is covered.
Extra costs to ask about
- Dock or port fee: it may be included or collected separately before boarding.
- Hotel transfer: many boat tours start at a meeting point and do not include pickup.
- Oceanarium and optional activities: entrance tickets or add-ons may cost extra.
- Drinks and personal purchases: only the items listed in your plan are included.
- Informal services: agree on the price before accepting photos, massages or assistance at an attraction.
A useful booking formula: request “final price + included + not included + meeting point + change policy” in one written message.
Choosing the right tour
I want to see several islands
Compare the 5 Islands Standard and 5 Islands VIP tours. Focus on the exact itinerary and pace rather than the commercial label.
I prefer a relaxing beach day
A day pass such as Isla Lizamar or Puerto Medallo is often a better fit for families and travelers who prefer facilities and more time in one place.
I want an active day
Scuba diving or snorkeling focuses the experience on the water. Ask about fitness, medical restrictions, certification and depth requirements.
I am comparing by budget
The Totumo Mud Volcano is the lowest reference price in this list, but it is an inland cultural experience and not a substitute for a Rosario Islands beach day.
How to book safely
- Confirm the company and its Colombian National Tourism Registry. Dunas & Olas: RNT 292710.
- Ask for the tour page or written itinerary, not just an image with a price.
- Share the exact date, ages, hotel and any accessibility or dietary needs.
- Read the change, cancellation and weather policies.
- Keep your payment receipt and boarding instructions.
Use our Rosario Islands tour comparison or browse all Cartagena experiences to narrow your options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest tour in Cartagena?
The Totumo Mud Volcano starts at 110,000 COP in this selection. Published sea and island activities start at approximately 250,000 COP.
Is the Cartagena dock fee included?
It depends on the experience. Confirm whether the final amount includes the dock fee, insurance and optional activities.
How much is a Rosario Islands day trip?
The published options in this guide range from 270,000 COP for a Standard five-island tour to 385,000 COP for a day pass with facilities at Isla Lizamar.
How far in advance should I book?
Book several days or weeks ahead for weekends, Colombian holidays and peak seasons. Last-minute spaces are not guaranteed.