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).
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| Transport | Duration | Price | Best For | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat FerryFastestBudget | 1h 30m | ($18) | -- | |
| Speedboat Ferry (the way back) | 3h 30m | ($18) | -- | |
| Day Trip | 8h 30m | ($250) | -- |
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.Every route on GeckoRoutes is independently researched and regularly verified.
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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.
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.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
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.
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.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
PRO TIP: When choosing which day trip package to book, bear in mind that generally, the lower the price, the lower the quality of the trip. This also usually includes a larger group. Rates for a decent quality pasadía from Cartagena to Isla Grande start from per person.Most day passes include lunch and the use of hotel facilities. On a budget? You can choose not to include meals in your tour package and save some money by eating at local restaurants on the island.
Book a Day Trip with GetYourGuide
From ~$250 · 8.5 hours
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Treat Yourself
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