REVIEW · SAILING

Luxury yacht rental in Cartagena de Indias Sea Ray 56′

★ 5.0 · 2 reviews 8 hours (approx.) From $3,800 Operated by Barú Luxury Travel Plans · Bookable on Viator
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Cartagena looks different from the water. This private Sea Ray 56 charter gives you a full day aboard Cork Trick, with room for up to 15 people at the listed price and a choice of Cholon or the Rosario Islands. I like the flybridge, where you can watch the route from above, and the roomy bow sun pads, a simple luxury that makes the eight-hour outing feel unhurried.

I also like the flexible departure times, especially the early option for a calmer ride or the late schedule for an afternoon around Bora Bora. The main caution is cost: $3,800 per group is good value for a large group, but lunch, drinks, a DJ, a chef, and other activities cost extra. The boat can carry up to 20 people, though the published group price covers up to 15, so confirm the exact rate before paying.

Five things to know before booking

Luxury yacht rental in Cartagena de Indias Sea Ray 56' - Five things to know before booking

  • A real 56-foot motor yacht: Cork Trick has an upper flybridge, bow sun pads, outdoor seating, an indoor salon, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and an aft swim platform.
  • Two main route choices: You can plan a day toward Cholon or the Rosario Islands, depending on the mood and schedule your group wants.
  • Three departure windows: Choose 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • The basics are included: The captain, sailor, fuel, bottled water, and a cooler with 20 kilograms of ice are covered.
  • Bring a group to make the price work: At $3,800, the charter makes much more financial sense when shared among family or friends.

Boarding at Cartagena Nautical Club

Your day begins at Cartagena Nautical Club on Calle 24, between Carrera 18B and 20, in Cartagena de Indias. The trip returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the start and finish simple.

You need to send the main user’s passenger list, including each person’s name and identification number, at least one day ahead. At the entrance, give the name of the boat, Yate Cork Trick. This is not the sort of detail to leave until the last minute, especially if your group includes several people.

Pickup is offered, but the exact arrangement should be confirmed in advance. Since this is a private charter, your group does not share the yacht with strangers. That matters here. A boat day works best when everyone agrees on music, swimming stops, meals, and how much time to spend under the sun.

Minors must travel with their parents. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can take part, but anyone worried about motion should consider the early departure. The operator specifically notes that the sea is usually more comfortable for older people during the 8 a.m. schedule.

More Boat Trips in Cartagena

Choosing between the 8 a.m., 9 a.m., and 10 a.m. departures

The three schedules are more than a minor timetable choice. They shape the whole day.

The 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. option is the practical pick for older family members or anyone who prefers gentler conditions. It also gives you an early start and more time before the hottest part of the afternoon. The stated return from the islands may be around 3 p.m., with the remaining time spent in Cartagena Bay.

The 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. option is described as the classic choice, since it lines up with the general rhythm of other boats heading out. If you want a conventional day on the water without an especially early wake-up, this is likely the easiest fit.

The 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. option suits a later, more social day. It is also suggested for people heading toward Bora Bora VIP, where the DJ’s closing period begins at 3:30 p.m. and ends at 4:45 p.m. If that timing is important to your group, the late departure may offer the most useful afternoon hours.

There is one timing detail worth clarifying. The information says the last return from the islands is at 5 p.m., with the rest of the charter spent in Cartagena Bay. Ask how that applies to your selected departure time, especially if you choose the 10 a.m. schedule. The yacht remains available for the full plan, but the exact island time may vary.

Life aboard the Sea Ray 56

Luxury yacht rental in Cartagena de Indias Sea Ray 56' - Life aboard the Sea Ray 56

The boat’s layout is the main reason to choose this charter over a basic speedboat. Cork Trick gives your group several places to spread out, so you are not forced to sit in one cramped area all day.

The flybridge is the best place for wide views. From up there, you can watch the route from a higher angle and get a break from the lower deck. It is also a natural gathering spot for music and conversation, though the supplied information does not say that a sound system or DJ is included.

At the bow, sunbathers provide room to lie down and catch the sun. If you prefer shade or a more upright seat, the yacht has two outdoor living areas. The aft bathing platform makes getting into the water more convenient than climbing over the side of a smaller boat.

Inside, you will find a salon with ample seating, a full kitchen, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Those features matter most on a long eight-hour charter. You have somewhere to sit during a break from the heat, bathrooms for a full day away from shore, and sleeping cabins if someone needs a quiet place to rest.

The yacht is designed for up to 20 people, but the listed rate is for a group of up to 15. That difference deserves attention. A group of 10 to 15 can enjoy plenty of room without paying for a separate boat, while a full group of 20 may need a revised quote or different pricing.

Cholon or the Rosario Islands

Luxury yacht rental in Cartagena de Indias Sea Ray 56' - Cholon or the Rosario Islands

The route is flexible, but the two choices offer different kinds of days.

Cholon is the better fit if your group wants a social stop and a lively outing. It is a popular destination for boats from Cartagena, so the setting can feel busy. That may suit a group looking for music and a festive atmosphere, but it is less appealing if your goal is quiet swimming and a slow day.

The Rosario Islands offer the stronger choice for scenery and clear water. The yacht’s crew specifically welcomes groups returning to enjoy the crystalline waters there, and the available time can be arranged around an island visit. You should still ask exactly which area you will visit and how long you will remain there, since the provided details do not name a specific island stop.

The route can also include time in Cartagena Bay. That is not simply leftover time. A bay cruise gives you another view of the city and allows the captain to shape the day around weather, timing, and your group’s preferences. If your island return is scheduled for 3 or 5 p.m., the remaining hours may be used in the bay.

Do not expect a fixed sightseeing program with a long list of guided stops. This is a private yacht day, not a traditional city tour. You get flexibility, space, and a boat at your disposal, but you and your group need to decide what sort of day you want.

What the $3,800 price really buys

The price is $3,800 per group, for up to 15 people. Split among 15 people, that works out to about $253 per person. With 10 people, it is about $380 each. For a private 56-foot yacht with fuel, captain, sailor, water, and ice included, that can be reasonable for a special occasion.

The value improves when you use the boat for what it is designed to provide: privacy, room to move, a choice of outdoor areas, and a full eight-hour charter. A smaller group will pay more per person, but may enjoy a quieter and more spacious day.

The price does not include lunch, alcoholic drinks, other beverages, a chef, a DJ, or activities beyond those described. These extras can change the final bill quickly. If you want a catered meal or professional music, request a quote before the day of departure rather than assuming the yacht package covers it.

Water bottles and a cooler with 20 kilograms of ice are included. That is useful, but it is not the same as a stocked bar or a catered lunch. Plan your food and drinks in advance, and ask what you may bring aboard. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

The operator manages the motor yacht directly, which may make communication easier when you need to discuss the route, food, music, or passenger list. Still, get all paid extras and timing details confirmed in writing.

Making the most of eight hours

Luxury yacht rental in Cartagena de Indias Sea Ray 56' - Making the most of eight hours

I would start by agreeing on the day’s style before boarding. Do you want the Rosario Islands, Cholon, a music-focused outing, or long swimming breaks? A private charter gives you choices, but a vague plan can waste time once everyone is aboard.

Use the yacht’s different areas instead of staying in one place. Begin on the flybridge for views, move to the bow when you want sun, and use the outdoor salons for meals or conversation. The aft platform is the practical spot for water access.

Keep the included water and ice in mind. Cartagena is hot, and a day on open water can feel more tiring than expected. If your group includes older relatives, the early schedule is the safer choice based on the operator’s own advice about swell.

The boat has bedrooms and bathrooms, but the information does not promise overnight use. Think of these as valuable spaces for comfort during the day, not as part of an overnight stay.

Music is clearly part of the intended mood, but a DJ is not included. Bring your own arrangements only after checking what equipment is available. If Bora Bora VIP is part of your plan, confirm the DJ schedule and the timing of your return from the islands.

Crew service and the family experience

Luxury yacht rental in Cartagena de Indias Sea Ray 56' - Crew service and the family experience

The captain and sailor are included, so your group is not responsible for operating the yacht. That lets you concentrate on the day instead of navigation and boat handling.

The crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful, especially during family outings to the Rosario Islands. The yacht has also been described as beautiful and in good condition. Those details matter because a private charter is a major purchase, and the condition of the boat can shape the whole experience.

This is a good match for families, couples traveling together, birthday groups, and friends who want a private day at sea. The bedrooms and two bathrooms make it more practical for mixed-age groups than a simple open boat.

It may be less suitable if you want a low-cost excursion, a tightly guided sightseeing program, or a package with food and drinks already arranged. You will need to make decisions and budget for extras.

What to confirm before you pay

Luxury yacht rental in Cartagena de Indias Sea Ray 56' - What to confirm before you pay

The cancellation policy is strict. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so check the date, passenger list, route, and group size carefully before booking.

I would ask these questions in advance:

  • Is the $3,800 rate still the same if the group has 16 to 20 people?
  • Which route is planned, Cholon or the Rosario Islands?
  • How much island time is available with each departure window?
  • What food and beverages may you bring?
  • What equipment is available for music?
  • Is pickup included from your exact hotel or only offered from selected areas?

These questions are especially important because the charter is flexible. Flexibility is valuable, but only when the details are clear.

Who should book Cork Trick?

Book this yacht if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want privacy, comfort, and control over the day. I would especially recommend it for families who value bathrooms, indoor seating, and a calmer early departure, or for friends who want music, sun, and a private boat rather than a standard shared trip.

The Rosario Islands are the better choice for a scenic water day, while Cholon suits a more social atmosphere. If you want a late afternoon connection with Bora Bora VIP, consider the 10 a.m. departure, but confirm how much time remains at the islands.

Skip it if the price feels uncomfortable before extras, if you need a refundable booking, or if you prefer a simple all-inclusive outing. The yacht provides the setting and crew, but lunch, drinks, music, and special activities are your responsibility unless separately arranged.

For the right group, Cork Trick offers a polished day on Cartagena’s water, with enough room to sunbathe, swim, talk, and change the pace as you go. The strongest reasons to book are the private format, the generous boat layout, and the chance to shape the day around your own group.

FAQ

How much does the yacht charter cost?

The listed price is $3,800 per group for up to 15 people. The yacht itself can accommodate up to 20 people, so confirm pricing for groups larger than 15.

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts approximately eight hours. Available schedules are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where does the yacht depart and return?

The meeting point is Cartagena Nautical Club on Calle 24, between Carrera 18B and 20, in Cartagena de Indias. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

Fuel, a captain, a sailor, bottled water, and a cooler with 20 kilograms of ice are included.

Are food, drinks, a DJ, or a chef included?

No. Lunch, alcoholic drinks, other beverages, a DJ, a chef, and activities beyond those described are not included. These services can be quoted separately in advance.

What passenger information is required?

At least one day before the charter, the main user must send the passenger list with each person’s name and identification number. Minors must travel with their parents.

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