3 Ways to Travel from Cartagena to Isla Grande - by Speedboat Ferry, Speedboat Ferry (The Way Back) and Day Trip

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 34 kilometre distance from Cartagena to Isla Grande. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 3 ways to get from Cartagena to Isla Grande. You can choose between the speedboat ferry, speedboat ferry (the way back), day trip. The most affordable option is by speedboat ferry, starting from $18. The fastest route is by speedboat ferry (1h 30m).

COMPARE

Compare Your Options

Click a column header to sort. Click a row to jump to the full guide.

Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
Speedboat FerryFastestBudget	1h 30m	($18)	--
Speedboat Ferry (the way back)	3h 30m	($18)	--
Day Trip	8h 30m	($250)	--

Route Overview

CartagenaIsla Grande34 km

Explore interactive map

Speedboat Ferry

45m - 1h 30mFrom ~$18

Getting from Cartagena to Isla Grande is easy, but the experience can vary depending on which operator you choose. Some of them are . Ferry rates start from . But note that you also need to pay a mandatory port tax of [price 29,000 COP] per person when departing from Cartagena. Travel time is around , excluding any extra stops. The same boats are also often used to transport passengers to other islands such as Baru or Cholon, so there can be an extra stop without any prior notice. Most boats operating from Cartagena to Isla Grande only depart when they have enough passengers. This means that ferry departures can sometimes be delayed by up to 1 hour.

Departure and arrival ports

All boats from Cartagena to Isla Grande depart from Muelle La Bodeguita, right outside the old city’s walls. Drop off for CTG Tours is Sol y Papaya Restobar on the north coast. As for the other ferries, you can be dropped off at any hotel on Isla Grande.

Ready to book your speedboat ferry?

From ~$18 · 45m - 1h 30m

Bookaway

Speedboat Ferry (the way back)

45m - 3h 30mFrom ~$18

Speedboat ferry rates from Isla Grande to Cartagena start from when you book online through BookAway. You can also buy through your hotel, but usually for a higher price. Keep in mind that, unlike the journey from Cartagena, there is no additional port fee when coming from Isla Grande.

Departure and arrival ports

There’s no main port on Isla Grande, so most ferry operators will pick you up directly from your hotel or a nearby beach. All boats depart from Isla Grande in the early afternoon to arrive in Cartagena before its port closes at 19:00. You’ll arrive at the same port where the trip started (Muelle La Bodeguita). Some speedboats make a 2-hour stop at Playa Blanca, where you can have a few hours more by the beach. It’s best to check with your operator in advance to see if they go direct or include the stopover. The direct ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If there are stopovers along the way, expect the journey to stretch to around 3.5 hours.

Ready to book your speedboat ferry (the way back)?

From ~$18 · 45m - 3h 30m

Bookaway

KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

Cartagena

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Isla Grande?

Isla Grande is the most beautiful of the Rosario Islands, an archipelago 34 km off of Cartagena’s coast. It’s a popular destination for day trips, but we highly recommend spending at least two nights to get a proper chance of exploring the island.

Offering white sand beaches and turquoise waters, visiting Isla Grande will take you to the ultimate beach paradise in Colombia. It's a laidback island where you can really get away from the world, just lay on a hammock and let the soft waves calm your mind.

PRO TIP: The number of accommodations in Isla Grande is very limited. There are a few amazing places to stay in Isla Grande, but be sure to book early as they get fully booked quickly.

TRUST

How We Research

Every route on GeckoRoutes is independently researched and regularly verified.

500+

ROUTES RESEARCHED

Every route is personally traveled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.

Monthly

UPDATES

Routes are reviewed on a regular cycle to catch schedule changes, new operators, and price updates. Every guide shows when it was last verified.

Verified

BY TRAVELERS

Tips and corrections from our community of travelers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep GeckoRoutes free and up to date.

Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

Carbon Footprint

This 34 km journey produces approximately 3 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Traveller Reviews

Preview: This section shows sample data. Real content will be added by the editorial team.

4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

Your Name

Your comment or question

STAY

Where to Stay in Isla Grande

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Treat Yourself

Hotel Coralina Island

If you’re looking to go all out and treat yourself, then Hotel Coralina is the place to do that. Whilst not actually on Isla Grande, you'll find Hotel Coralina on the nearby Isla Marina. Only a 10-minute boat ride away, this can easily be arranged through the hotel. Some of the bungalows are actually set on the water. Guests get to enjoy three delicious and free meals a day from the onsite gourmet restaurant. Eat, swim, repeat! The rooms are large and luxurious, but you’ll probably want to be spending your time on one of the docks overlooking the sea. This place is somewhere that you’ll never forget!

3 free meals a day from their gourmet restaurant
Private beach area
Large and luxurious beachfront rooms
Lots of activities available

Double rooms start from $80 per night

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

Hotel Islabela Isla Del Rosario

You’ll need to book this place at least a month in advance. It’s one of the best places to stay on the entire island. Situated right on its own private beach, you can’t ask for a better location. The bungalows are luxurious and open up onto the beach. The local staff are just incredible. They will help to organise fun activities through the hotel that will make your stay even more memorable.

Private beach
Onsite bar and restaurant
Beach front bungalows
Incredible breakfast included

Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

Eco-Hotel Mar Adentro

While not directly on the beach, Mar Adentro fully encapsulates the beach vibes. Here you’ll be staying in beach-style huts, each with its own patio. Only a 5-minute walk from the beach, you can experience true tranquillity without anyone else around. Apart from the staff of course, who are incredibly helpful and friendly.

Beach-style huts
5 minutes from the beach
Onsite restaurant and terrace
Great breakfast included

Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night

View on Booking.com

How to Get from Cartagena to Isla Grande

Compare Your Options

Speedboat Ferry

Departure and arrival ports

Ready to book your speedboat ferry?

Speedboat Ferry (the way back)

Departure and arrival ports

Ready to book your speedboat ferry (the way back)?

Departure & Arrival Stations

Why Visit Isla Grande?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Day Trip

Day Trip from Cartagena to Rosario Islands

Cartagena to Isla Grande by Private Boat

Ready to book your day trip?

Where to Stay in Isla Grande

Hotel Coralina Island

Hotel Islabela Isla Del Rosario

Eco-Hotel Mar Adentro