Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park

The Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park (Spanish: Parque
Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo) is a natural park located in
the Sucre and Bolvar Departments on the coast of the Caribbean Region of Colombia,
45 km from the Bay of Cartagena. It was the most visited national park in Colombia in
2009, with 318,473 visitors.[2]
Most of the park is underwater[3] and it mainly protects marine ecosystems,
including coral reefs[4] living on depths ranging from one to 30 meters

It is Colombia's only underwater park,[5] and one of three national parks in the
Colombian Caribbean with coral reefs on its territories, the other two
being Tayrona and Old Providence McBean Lagoon.[6]
It was established in 1977 to protect the coral reef on one of the islands in the Islas del
Rosario archipelago, originally extending 178 km2 (69 sq mi). In 1988, an area of
195 km2 (75 sq mi) was incorporated, and finally in 1996 the park was expanded to the
present area, 1,200 km2 (460 sq mi), including Archipilago de San Bernardo.[7]
The park is molded by the Caribbean and Panama currents, as well as freshwater
from Canal del Dique.[8] Sediments brought from Magdalena River by the channel is
having a negative effect of the park, as it deteriorates the reef.[8] There are no bodies of
freshwater in the park, but there is brackish water in some of the lagoons on the
islands.[3] Average yearly temperature is 2730C

Most of the wildlife is marine.[3] The park is home to 170 species of fish,[5] 52 corals, 25
sponges, hundreds of molluscs andcrustaceans.[9] The flora is characterized
by mangroves and seagrass beds

The Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park is perfect for
observing colorful coral reefs in shallow waters. Located at 45 kilometers from the
Bay of Cartagena, the park protects underwater ecosystems, mainly the coral
reefs, which are fragile ecosystems, inhabited by a multitude of invertebrate
species and a variety of fish whose movements and colors resemble ballet
choreography. Extensive algae prairies and sea grass beds are also found in the
park.
Multi-color underwater garden in the crystal clear waters of the Colombian
Caribbean.
The coral reefs, with their enormous profusion of invertebrates and an endless
number of multi-colored fish, are true underwater gardens that constitute the
greatest charm of this protected area. White beaches for enjoying sunbaths are
another distinguishing attraction of the park. Thanks to its crystalline and placid

waters, Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo are privileged spaces for recreational
water activities, among them canoeing, snorkeling, and diving.
Characteristics

This is the only underwater park in the country.

It measure 19,500 hectares and includes the islands of Rosario and San
Bernardo.
The Rosario Archipelago includes thirty islands, all of which have been
developed.
Sea prairies in shallow water surround the islands.
Aside from the mangroves, 125 species of algae are present, as well as 52
species of coral, 125 species of protozoan, and 45 species of sponges.
There are 197 species of mollusks, 170 of crustaceans, 132 of coelenterates,
35 equinoderm, 215 fish, and 31 birds.
The climate is intermediate between sub-humid and dry and is influenced by
the northwest trade winds.
Mean temperature ranges from 27 C to 30 C.
There is one rainy season, from August to November.
Human presence goes back to Paleo-Indian times.
All the Colombian Caribbean islands were inhabited by tribes of the Karib
Indian family, who were displaced by the conquistadors.
The islands were occupied in the nineteenth century by fugitive slaves.
Access

Land route: from Cartagena, by the Mamonal road to Pasacaballos; then by

ferry to cross the Canal del Dique; from there by an unpaved road to Playa Blanca
or the village of Bar.
Sea route: by speed boat from Cartagena to San Bernardo or El Rosario. Los
Pegasos wharf is the point of departure to Corales del Rosario. Travel to San
Bernardo is done from private marinas.
Travel time between Bar and Islas del Rosario is 20 minutes.
From Tol (in the department of Sucre), travel time to San Bernardo is one
hour.
Attractions
Mangroves, coral reefs, and sea prairies make up one of the most diverse and
productive flora and fauna complexes in the entire planet. This environment is
suitable for the growth of algae, bird nesting, and the breeding of countless marine
species

Playa Blanca
Cinaga de Choln
Isla de los Pjaros
El Islote
Lagunas de Tintipn y Mohn
Isla Maravilla
Aquarium at the San Martn de Pajarales Island

The Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park is located in the Sucre and Bolvar Departments on the coast of the Caribbean
Region of Colombia, 45 km (kilometers) from the Bay of Cartagena. It was established in 1977 to protect the coral reef on one of the islands in the
Islas del Rosario archipelago, originally extending 178 sq km (square kilometers). In 1988, an area of 195 sq km was incorporated, and finally in
1996 the park was expanded to the present area, 1,200 sq km, including Archipilago de San Bernardo.
Most of the park is underwater and it mainly protects marine ecosystems, including coral reefs living on depths ranging from one to 30 m
(meters). Most of the wildlife is marine of which a major part are invertebrates. The park is home to about 52 corals, 25 sponges, 125 protozoans
as well hundreds of molluscs and crustaceans. The flora is characterized by mangroves and seagrass beds. There are 170 species of fish
and about 31 species of birds too. The beautiful coral reefs, multi-colored fish and innumerous invertebrates species in curious shapes and sizes,
create a vibrant underwater garden in the clear waters of the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Rosario and San Bernardo Corals park, with its crystal clear and placid waters, is ideal for water sports like canoeing, snorkeling, and diving.
The park is Colombia's only underwater park, and one of three national parks in the Colombian Caribbean with coral reefs on its territories, the
other two being Tayrona and Old Providence McBean Lagoon. It was rated as the most visited national park in Colombia in 2009, with 318,473
visitors. The places of interest around the park include the beach of Playa Blanca, Cinaga de Choln lagoon, Isla de los Pjaros, known for its
amazing birdlife. Other places of visit include El Islote, Lagunas de Tintipn y Mohn, Isla Maravilla and Aquarium at the San Martn de Pajarales
Island.