Boat Rental in Cartagena de Indias

Make the Caribbean your own for a day. This private boat rental gives your group up to 10 people a comfortable way to reach the Rosario Islands, Baru, beach clubs, snorkeling spots, and sandbars without joining a packed group excursion. I especially like the private itinerary and the friendly, flexible crew, but you should also plan for rough seas and extra costs on shore.

The boat has premium leather seats, twin Suzuki 150 engines, a Bluetooth JL Audio sound system, a cooler with 10 kilograms of ice, floats, and a fresh-water shower. The main drawback is that the advertised boat may not be exactly the one you receive, and several costs, including food, beach club charges, dock fees, and snorkeling equipment, may come separately.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• A private boat for up to 10 people: At $703 per group, the price works out to about $70 per person if you fill every seat.
• A flexible Rosario Islands day: You can discuss snorkeling, island stops, beach clubs, Baru, mangroves, and sandbars with the captain and guide.
• Comfortable equipment on board: Expect leather seating, a bow sunbed for two, a cooler with ice, floats, music, and a fresh-water shower.
• Rough water is part of the deal: The return ride can be choppy, especially from December through March, and you may get wet.
• Shore stops cost extra: Meals, beach club entry, minimum spending, snorkeling rentals, dock fees, and park charges are not included in the $703 price.
• Strong overall satisfaction: The experience carries a 4.9 rating from 322 reviews and is recommended by 99 percent of customers, though the negative feedback deserves attention.

What This Cartagena Boat Day Really Offers

This is less a fixed sightseeing cruise and more a private day on the water. You meet at Sibarita del Mar on Avenida Blas de Lezo in Cartagena’s El Centro, board your boat, and set off with a captain and a crew member or guide.

The advertised duration is about nine hours. That gives you enough time for a long run toward the Rosario Islands, several water or beach stops, lunch, and the trip back to Cartagena. Your exact day depends on sea conditions, your group’s interests, and how long you stay at each stop.

I like this format because it avoids the feeling of being pushed through a schedule. Several parties were able to change their plans during the day, spend longer at a beach club, or switch to a different island when a quiet beach did not suit their group.

The boat returns to the same meeting point. Operating hours are listed as 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day during the published travel periods, from January 16 through December 24, 2026, and again from December 25, 2026, through January 15, 2027.

The Boat: Comfortable, Fast, and Built for a Long Day

The boat’s equipment is a major reason to consider booking privately. Premium leather seats are more comfortable than the hard benches found on many basic island boats, especially during a full day under the sun.

Two Suzuki 150 engines provide the power for the trip. That matters because Rosario Island is not just around the corner. The ride takes roughly an hour in some accounts, with the return journey often taking around 45 minutes to an hour depending on wind and waves.

Music is part of the experience. The JL Audio system includes two top speakers, four side speakers, and bass, with Bluetooth connection for your own playlist. If your group wants a quiet ride, you can keep the music off. If you are marking a birthday, bachelorette party, or friends’ weekend, the sound system helps turn the boat into your own floating lounge.

There is a sunbed at the front console for two people, plus a cooler with 10 kilograms of ice. Bring your own drinks and snacks if you want to control the day’s food costs. Floats are provided for relaxing in the water, and the fresh-water shower is useful after swimming in salt water.

The main comfort issue is shade. An awning is available, but it may not provide enough covered space for everyone when the boat is anchored. If some people in your group do not plan to swim, talk about shade before departure and bring sun protection.

The company says it operates four boats of the same model and size. The color and small cosmetic details may differ, so do not assume the exact boat shown in the photos is the one waiting for you. One group found its boat a little dated, while other accounts describe the boat as clean and well maintained.

Leaving Cartagena for the Rosario Islands

The first major stretch is the ride out from Cartagena toward the Rosario Islands. This is not a smooth lake cruise. The Caribbean can become rough, and the ride may feel lively even on a good-weather day.

For many people, the speed and spray are part of the fun. You get open views, a private boat, and the freedom to sit, listen to music, or move around instead of being packed into a large shared vessel. Families with older children enjoyed the ride, swimming, snorkeling, and island stops.

Still, I would not treat this as a gentle outing for everyone. One account described the water as unsafe for young children, while others said the ride was bumpy but manageable. People prone to seasickness, anyone with mobility concerns, and families with very small children should think carefully before booking.

The crew appears to be an important part of the experience. Names praised in different accounts include Alejandra, Juan Diego, Jorge, Carlos, Monrroy, and Alberto. Alejandra handled trip communication and helped shape plans, while captains and crew members were often praised for safe navigation, polite service, and attention to weather.

If wind rises, the crew may adjust the route or advise against a particular stop. That flexibility is valuable, but it also means your plan is not guaranteed in exact form.

Snorkeling Around the Rosario Islands

Snorkeling is one of the most popular reasons to make the trip. Isla Grande and other Rosario Island stops offer clear water, fish, and coral areas suitable for a relaxed swim.

The snorkeling is not a full-scale dive expedition. Expect fish and some coral, with conditions that can change according to weather, water movement, and the exact place chosen by the captain. If you already own a mask, snorkel, or fins, bring them.

Equipment is not always included. One person specifically reported having requested snorkeling gear but finding none on board, and another noted that a local rental cost 40,000 Colombian pesos in cash. That is an avoidable surprise if you pack your own gear or confirm the arrangement before you leave.

Bring only food that will not cause problems in the water. One useful tip from an island stop was to bring bread for attracting fish, but do so responsibly and follow the crew’s instructions. The more important advice is simple: ask exactly which equipment is included and carry Colombian pesos for any rental.

Beach Clubs, Lunch, and the Real Cost of the Day

A private boat rental does not include your shore-side spending. This is where the $703 price can rise.

A beach club may charge an entry fee, a per-person minimum, or both. Food and drinks are extra. Some groups enjoyed Pa’ue Beach Lounge, describing it as attractive, relaxing, and suitable for lunch, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Mangata was also used for a celebratory beach-club stop.

A beach club often makes the day easier because you have a clear place to sit, eat, and use facilities. It may also be better value than an improvised meal at a local stop, where the menu can be limited and prices may feel high for what you receive.

You can bring your own food and drinks. The cooler and ice make that practical, though space is naturally limited for a group of 10. If you want a restaurant lunch, ask the operator to confirm the name, menu, minimum spend, entry fee, payment method, and estimated total before the boat leaves.

There is a serious reason to be precise here. One recent account alleged that a restaurant stop involved an unexpected $400 charge and a disputed receipt. I cannot establish that claim as fact, but it is enough to justify a firm rule: agree to the restaurant in advance, inspect the bill, request an itemized receipt, and never assume lunch is included.

Some other shore charges are official rather than optional. Dock fees and national park taxes may apply, and one account reported a per-person dock fee. Ask for a full list of required charges before departure and carry cash, since some island services accept only Colombian pesos or add a credit card fee.

Baru, Sandbars, and the Mangrove Stop

The itinerary can include Baru, depending on your interests and the day’s conditions. Baru offers beach time and access to popular coastal stops, but it can feel busier than a quieter island cove.

Cholon is another possible choice. It is described as a sandbar where you leave the boat and spend time in the water, with food and drinks available nearby. This is more of a social party stop than a peaceful beach visit, so tell the crew what kind of atmosphere you want.

One family enjoyed a final stop in the Baru mangroves, where friendly raccoons approached boats and could be fed. That is an unusual add-on for a boat day and likely to delight children, though it is not a guaranteed part of every route.

The best way to handle the itinerary is to name your priorities before setting off. Tell the crew if you want snorkeling first, a beach club, a quiet island, a party stop, a nature visit, or more time swimming. You can often adjust the order, but weather and local conditions still control the final plan.

Is $703 Good Value for a Private Boat?

At first glance, $703 is a serious price. For 10 people, it is about $70 each. For six people, it is about $117 each. For four people, it is about $176 each, before lunch, beach club charges, rentals, and local fees.

The value improves sharply when you fill the boat. A private boat also gives you control that a shared excursion cannot match. You avoid sitting with a large crowd, choose your music, discuss the route with the captain, and spend more time at the places your group actually enjoys.

It is especially good value for a family group, a birthday party, a bachelorette group, or friends who want a full day rather than a short transfer. A cruise ship passenger may also find the private format useful because the company has adjusted timing for a later start and an earlier return.

If your group has only two or three people, the price is harder to justify. You may still value privacy and flexibility, but you should compare the total cost with other boat options in Cartagena.

Remember that the boat rental is only one part of the budget. Add food, drinks, beach club entry, minimum spending, park taxes, dock fees, and snorkeling equipment. A cash reserve in Colombian pesos is a sensible part of your plan.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would choose this experience if you want a private day, enjoy being on open water, and are happy to make decisions as you go. It suits groups that care about flexibility more than a fixed schedule.

Families with older children can have a terrific day, especially if they enjoy swimming, fish, beach clubs, and boat rides. The crew has received praise for being kind with children and for helping groups arrange activities for different ages.

It also fits groups celebrating something. The music system, private setting, floats, and beach clubs create an easy party atmosphere without forcing you into a large organized crowd.

I would hesitate if you dislike rough water, need reliable shade, or want every cost included upfront. The journey can be wet and bumpy, and a nine-hour day in the sun requires some stamina.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity states that most people can participate. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Smart Questions to Ask Before Departure

Send the operator a short message before your day begins. Ask which boat model and color you will receive, whether snorkeling gear is on board, which stops are planned, and what fees are mandatory.

Ask for the expected cost of the beach club, lunch, dock fees, park taxes, rentals, and credit card charges. If you bring your own food, confirm that it can be stored in the cooler.

Also ask how the crew will handle a rough-weather route. The strongest accounts praised the captains for navigating waves carefully, but no boat company can make a windy Caribbean crossing feel calm.

Finally, tell the crew what your group does not want. A quiet family day, a lively sandbar, a snorkeling trip, and a beach-club afternoon are different experiences. The more clearly you explain your priorities, the more useful the private format becomes.

Should You Book This Cartagena Boat Rental?

I would book it for a group of six to 10 people that wants a flexible Rosario Islands day and is prepared for extra costs. The combination of privacy, a capable boat, helpful crew, music, swimming, snorkeling, and beach stops offers much more freedom than a standard shared tour.

I would not book it blindly. Confirm the boat, snorkeling equipment, shore fees, lunch plan, shade arrangements, and weather policy. Carry cash, bring snacks, protect yourself from the sun, and expect a bumpy return ride.

For the right group, this can be one of Cartagena’s most enjoyable water days. The real value is not simply the boat itself. It is having the freedom to shape the day, provided you understand what the base price does and does not cover.

FAQ

How much does the private boat rental cost?

The price is $703 per group, for up to 10 people. Food, drinks, beach club costs, snorkeling rentals, dock fees, and national park taxes may cost extra.

How long does the experience last?

The boat day lasts approximately nine hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Sibarita del Mar, Avenida Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What boat features are included?

The boat includes a JL Audio Bluetooth sound system, premium leather seats, twin Suzuki 150 engines, a fresh-water shower, a bow sunbed for two people, a cooler with 10 kilograms of ice, and floats.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. The cooler and ice are provided, and you can bring your own food and drinks if you prefer not to buy lunch or drinks at a beach club or island stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The provided information does not confirm that snorkeling equipment is included. Some people have paid 40,000 Colombian pesos in cash to rent masks, so confirm this before departure or bring your own equipment.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted.

Can most people participate?

The activity states that most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.