Colonial Cartagena, CO Day 5
Colonial Cartagena, CO
Day 05 - Sunday, December 26, 2010 - Optional Rosario Islands Tour
David met us at 8:30 with towels for our speed boat trip to the Rosario Islands. We walked to the marina and public dock where David purchased our tickets. We boarded our boat Turquesa at 9:15 with 50 other people enjoying their Sunday.
The trip to the islands took an hour; about 23 miles out into the Caribbean. We sped past Boca Chica Fort, built by the Spanish to guard the entrance of Cartagena Bay. The seas were relatively calm and the day sunny and bright.
We landed on Isla Del Pirata, one of the islands on the archipelago; coral reef formation, now a Colombian National Park. We were greeted with fresh watermelon and pineapple.
David staked out a “camp” with chairs and tables under a palapa right on the edge of the water. It was warm; 87º and the humidity was 87%.
Gennie and I rented snorkel equipment. The coral reefs did not look too healthy, but we did see many colorful fish. The water was refreshing but the current was very strong and swimming among the rocks and the coral was tricky.
We relaxed and talked, recapping our trip and enjoying the leisurely day. Lunch was served about 2:00. We had fish, coconut rice, plantains, and fruit for dessert.
As we were eating we could hear thunder in the distance and knew the weather was changing. By the time we left the island at 3:30 it was pouring. Brazil Rain!
Life jackets were mandatory on the trip back and at the speed we were going, most of us were glad to have them. The waves were high with white caps. The dark skies turned the turquoise waters black.
The rain was coming down hard and our speedboat was going about 30 mph into the wind. By the time our hour’s ride was over and we had reached the marina again, we were all soaked to the skin.
We walked back to the hotel, took a hot shower and hung out our clothes to dry as much as they could before we had to pack to go home.
At 7:00 we ventured out into the city and found another pizza café, San Bernabe very close to where we ate last night. The city was not as crowded tonight but there were still vendors, musicians, and dancers to entertain us while we ate.
Walking back to the hotel we talked about how welcoming this city was to us. There were many things to do and see; much history and many places to explore.
Our wake-up call will come early in the morning for our flight back to Miami and then on to Denver. With any luck at all we will avoid the flight delays that have plagued the East Coast.
The last day of our trip to Colombia will be posted when we return to Colorado.
Accommodations: Hotel Monterrey - - - Meal: B
Please see our Trip Evaluation -- Click Here -- A Complete Review of Overseas Adventure Travel Post-Trip: Colonial Cartagena, Colombia: The Emerald of the Caribbean.
If you wish to travel with OAT Click Here.
To receive $50 per person off your first reservation with OAT, mention the following information when reserving your Overseas Adventure Travel Trip: Mr. Victor Garcia Customer #673062
Comments
Pirates of the Caribbean - eh Jack Sparrows? only slightly more relaxed. Great journal.
Post a Comment!I think you will avoid the snow on your way. A good and interesting trip; loved the pictures and the text. Almost as good as going there. Thank you.
Turquesa to the Island
Boca Chica Fort
Our Palapa on Isla del Pirata
Another View of Isla del Pirata
Underwater Shot
Featured Journal
Day 13: Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos
Day 13 - Saturday, April 22, 2022 - Depart for U.S.
The hotel prepared a box breakfast for us as we had to be in the lobby way before the breakfast room was open.
Last night we found out that our departure flight back to...
