Rosario Islands from Cartagena: La Bodeguita pier and Dimar's safety advice
How to get to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena: the La Bodeguita pier, Dimar's safety recommendations, emergency contacts and what to confirm before the next long weekends.
To get to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena, the departure point for the October long weekend is the Muelle de La Bodeguita, which Corpoturismo describes as the only authorized pier for tourist departures to the island zone, according to El Universal. Dimar, Colombia's maritime authority (Dirección General Marítima), asks anyone traveling to the islands to use authorized piers.
Dimar's safety recommendations for the Rosario Islands
El Universal's October 2 report on Dimar's measures for the school-break week lists, among its recommendations for anyone boarding: use authorized piers, wear a life jacket for the entire trip, respect the boat's maximum capacity, do not drink alcohol on board and do not jump into the water near boats.
How many people travel
According to Corpoturismo, Cartagena's tourism corporation, cited by El Universal, more than 6,250 passengers were projected through La Bodeguita pier over the October long weekend and about 18,000 over the school-break week, October 4 to 12. Dimar projected more than 80,000 travelers to island destinations from Cartagena's public piers and marinas between October 3 and 11; that figure covers all piers, not only La Bodeguita.
These are projections, not final counts; there are no closing figures yet.
If something goes wrong at sea
For emergencies, Dimar gives the Coast Guard (Guardacostas) line, 146, and VHF radio channel 16. In its report on the pier, El Universal says Dimar and Guardacostas would be present at La Bodeguita during the long weekend to check that regulations are followed and to provide assistance.
Next long weekends and what to confirm
Two more long weekends are coming: Saturday, October 31 to Monday, November 2, and Saturday, November 14 to Monday, November 16. The public holidays are November 2 and November 16, per El Universal's 2026 holiday calendar. There are no passenger projections for those dates yet; October's numbers only hint at how busy a long weekend can get.
The sources checked give no prices, departure times or directions to the pier. If you want to book a day trip (pasadía) to the Rosario Islands, ask the operator what it costs, what it includes and when boats leave and return, and make sure the boat departs from an authorized pier.
Frequently asked questions
What does Dimar recommend for trips to the Rosario Islands?
Among others: use authorized piers, wear a life jacket for the whole trip, respect the boat's maximum capacity, avoid alcohol on board and do not jump into the water near boats, per the measures Dimar announced.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea?
The Coast Guard (Guardacostas) line, 146, or VHF channel 16, per the measures Dimar announced.
How much does a Rosario Islands day trip cost?
The sources have no prices; confirm the fare with the operator before booking. Corpoturismo advertises seasonal discounts on its digital coupon portal (cup.cartagenadeindias.travel/portal); check which offers are still active.
When are the next long weekends in Colombia?
October 31 to November 2 and November 14 to 16. The holidays are November 2 and November 16, per El Universal.
Sources
Published on October 12, 2026