Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo

Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo is a protected area in Colombia.

Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo at a Glance

Location
Caribbean Coast & Insular Region, Colombia, Central & South America
Coordinates
9.949951, -75.774670
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
December to March and July to August (dry seasons) for national parks.

Getting to Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo

Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Golfo de Morrosquillo (TLU), 53 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional José María Córdova (MDE), 423 km away.

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo

Home to 78 recorded species including 35 waterbirds, 21 birds of prey, 11 iconic birds, 8 tropical birds, 1 reptiles, 1 marine & freshwater.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo

48 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

Similar Parks in Caribbean Coast & Insular Region

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Colombia

Travel advisory for Colombia

Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo FAQs

When is the ideal time to visit Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo for the best marine experience?

The best time to visit is generally during Colombia's dry season, from December to April. During these months, you can expect calmer waters, less rainfall, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving among the vibrant coral reefs.

What specific marine life can I expect to encounter while exploring Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo?

This marine park is renowned for its diverse coral ecosystems, including elkhorn, brain, and star corals, which form habitats for over 200 species of fish. You might spot colorful parrotfish, angelfish, barracudas, and even sea turtles or dolphins in deeper waters.

Beyond snorkeling, what other unique activities are offered within Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo?

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities including scuba diving to explore deeper reefs, kayaking through mangrove channels, and relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches like those on Isla Barú. Many tours also offer island hopping experiences to discover the unique charm of different islands within the archipelago.

What are the typical transportation options and associated costs for visiting Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo from Cartagena?

Most visitors access the park via boat tours departing daily from Cartagena's Muelle de la Bodeguita, with options ranging from shared speedboats to private yachts. Tour prices typically include transport, lunch, and island stops, while a separate national park entry fee, usually around 20,000-25,000 COP, is often paid directly upon arrival.

What essential safety tips and practical advice should I consider for a safe and enjoyable visit to this marine park?

Given the tropical marine environment, it's crucial to use reef-safe sunscreen, stay hydrated, and be aware of boat traffic when swimming or snorkeling. Always respect marine life by not touching corals or wildlife, and consider wearing a rash guard for sun protection.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.