We first came to Islas Rosario in 2000 when we met Maria's family in Cartagena and first dreamed about sailing to Colombia. Maria and her parents went back to Cartagena in 2004 and, again, took a tourists' boat to these small islands. Visitors to Cartagena most often visit these small islands in 1 day which are mostly a national park. They are surrounded by coral reefs and clear waters.

Sailing to these islands on our own boat as opposed to a tourists' boat was a totally different experience - it is sort of the difference between walking or driving your car to a place and taking the bus of the train to the same place. The trip was so much more enriching. We anchored off Isla Grande where a man has built a fantastic aviary with birds from Colombia, South America and rare birds from around the world. Never had we seen nor even known about birds with long curls or long eye lashes! A family of 4 took care of the hundreds of birds in the aviary. The man who built the aviary got a concession from the Colombian government to use this Island but with the restriction that it not be for-profit. Therefore, there is no fee to visit this fantastic place. Check out the album of pictures: Islas Rosario - Aviary in Isla Grande & Aquarium