Open Bar Sunset Cruise in Catamaran or Speedboat (Best Deal)

Catch Cartagena at golden hour. This two-hour boat outing pairs skyline views with music, drinks, and an easy chance to meet people before the evening begins. At $20 per person, it is one of the cheaper ways to get out on the water, but the experience depends heavily on choosing the right boat.

I like the beautiful sunset views and the lively social setting. I also like having two distinct options: a fast, compact speedboat for a younger party crowd, or a roomier catamaran with nonalcoholic drinks and a light snack. The main drawback is that expectations can get out of hand. The speedboat is not a floating nightclub, and the crowded dock can make check-in confusing if you arrive late.

A 4.4 rating from 68 ratings suggests a generally good time, with some sharp disagreements about the boat, bar service, and meeting arrangements. Read the details carefully, arrive early, and pick the boat that matches your idea of fun.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Two boats mean two different experiences: The speedboat suits younger partygoers, while the catamaran works better for families and mixed-age groups.
• Sunset is the main attraction: You get Cartagena skyline views during a roughly two-hour cruise beginning at 4:30 pm.
• The speedboat is compact: Expect a smaller motorboat with music and social energy, not a large, two-level party vessel.
• The catamaran costs extra at the port: A mandatory 16,000 COP port tax is not included with that option.
• Arrive about 10 minutes early: The dock has many boats and sellers, so finding the correct departure point can take time.
• The optional after party is separate: You can buy it in person, but men should wear pants and closed-toe shoes if they plan to attend.

Choosing Between the Speedboat and Catamaran

The most important decision comes before you reach the dock. Speedboat and catamaran tickets are not interchangeable, so do not assume you can switch boats after arriving.

The speedboat option is aimed at younger people and anyone who wants music, dancing, Colombian spirits, and a more social ride. The open bar includes rum and aguardiente, with mixers provided. You may also bring your own drinks. That combination makes the speedboat a low-cost way to start a night out, especially if you are traveling alone or with a small group and want to meet people.

The trade-off is space. This is a smaller motorboat, not a broad deck with lots of room to move. Music and dancing are part of the appeal, but the party depends on the people assigned to your boat. Some departures may feel energetic, while others may feel more like a short cruise with background music.

The catamaran option is the safer choice for families, couples, and mixed groups. It includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, plus a light snack. The wider design should make it easier to enjoy the views without being right in the middle of the party.

You will pay a mandatory port tax of 16,000 COP for the catamaran. That fee is not included in the advertised $20 price, so factor it into your budget. The speedboat option does not require this port fee.

I would choose the speedboat if music, drinks, and meeting other people matter most. I would choose the catamaran if comfort, variety in beverages, and a calmer setting matter more.

Meeting at Sibarita del Mar in Centro Historico

The departure point is Sibarita del Mar on Avenida Blas de Lezo in Cartagena’s Centro Historico. The scheduled start time is 4:30 pm, and the cruise returns to the same meeting point.

This sounds simple on paper. In practice, the dock can be busy, with several boats, people selling items, and groups trying to find their assigned departure. That is why arriving around 10 minutes early is smart. Keep your mobile ticket ready and give yourself time to locate the right staff member and boat.

Some communication may be in Spanish, particularly around the dock and on the speedboat. The experience is social rather than formal, so do not expect a long orientation or a polished cruise-terminal process. You need to pay attention to the instructions on your voucher and confirm that you are joining the correct boat.

The meeting point is in the historic center, making it convenient if you are already exploring central Cartagena. The activity ends where it begins, so you do not need to arrange a separate return ride after the cruise.

Two Hours of Cartagena Skyline and Sunset

The cruise lasts about two hours. With a 4:30 pm departure, the timing is designed to carry you into the evening light and sunset period. That is the heart of the experience.

From the water, Cartagena’s skyline takes on a different character. Instead of looking up at the walls and buildings from a narrow street, you get open views across the city. The changing light is especially useful for photographs, and the boat gives you a quick break from the heat and noise of the center.

I would not book this as a sightseeing cruise with detailed commentary. The supplied information focuses on music, drinks, socializing, and views, not guided explanations of landmarks. You are paying for the setting and atmosphere rather than a history lesson.

On the speedboat, Latin music helps set the tone. You can dance, take pictures, and mingle with other people on board. The ride is best treated as a casual start to the night. If you want quiet time for photographs, try to claim a spot where you can see out without standing in the middle of the dancing.

The catamaran offers a broader appeal. You can have a drink, take in the view, and share the outing with families or local people. The light snack is a small but useful addition during a two-hour activity, particularly if you are going out to dinner later.

What the Open Bar Really Means

The term open bar needs a little context here. On the speedboat, you receive classic Colombian spirits such as rum and aguardiente, along with mixers. You are also allowed to bring your own drinks.

That is a basic drinks setup, not a cocktail program. If you expect a full bar with a long menu, premium labels, or bartenders preparing elaborate drinks, this is probably not the right product. The attraction is access to simple alcoholic drinks while music plays and the sun goes down.

The catamaran includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, which makes it easier for a mixed group. Someone who does not drink can still take part without needing to bring a separate drink. The light snack also gives this option a little more substance.

Bring tip money if you want to thank the staff. One useful practical suggestion is to keep small cash available, since tipping may be easier than trying to sort it out later at the dock.

You should also drink sensibly. A small boat, warm weather, music, and alcohol can quickly become uncomfortable. Eat beforehand or use the catamaran’s snack as a small supplement, not as a full meal.

Party Atmosphere, Language, and Group Size

The maximum group size is 50 people, though the actual feel will depend on how people are divided among the boats. The speedboat is described as a smaller vessel for smaller groups, so do not picture all 50 people packed onto one boat.

The atmosphere can be very social. Music, dancing, and mingling are central to the speedboat experience. This is a good match for solo people who want a social setting without committing to a full night at a club. It can also work well for friends who want a first drink and a view before dinner.

The atmosphere is less predictable if you are seeking a specific kind of party. A boat filled with younger people who want to dance will feel very different from one with families or quiet couples. The basic format stays the same, but the energy comes from the group around you.

Spanish may be the main language used by staff. That does not prevent you from enjoying the cruise, but it is worth knowing if you need detailed explanations in English. Keep your phone, voucher, and meeting instructions accessible so you can handle the practical parts without relying entirely on verbal directions.

The experience has also been described as a comfortable option for a solo woman who wants a social place to have a drink. That does not remove the need for normal care around alcohol and personal belongings, but the organized group format can feel easier than heading to a bar alone.

The Dock Is the Weak Link

The boat ride itself receives plenty of praise for music, scenery, and atmosphere. The dock is where many practical problems begin.

Several boats may be gathered in the same area, and finding the correct one can require asking questions and checking your ticket. Add vendors and general port activity, and the first few minutes may feel disorderly. Arriving early is not just a suggestion here. It is the best way to avoid starting the evening frustrated.

Read the meeting instructions before leaving your hotel. Do not wait for a last-minute message to tell you where to go. A mobile ticket is provided, but you still need to know the named meeting point and the correct boat type.

A few low ratings appear to come from people expecting a different product, including a rooftop bar, tequila shot, bathroom, or a large party vessel. None of those features are promised here. The boat is a speedboat or catamaran, and the optional after party is a separate purchase.

That distinction matters. If you arrive expecting a two-level nightclub on the water, you may feel misled even if the actual service follows the stated format. Read the boat description as literally as possible.

The Optional After Party

After the cruise, you can purchase an after party tour in person. It is not included in the $20 ticket, and the available information does not promise a particular club or venue.

Men should wear pants and closed-toe shoes if they want to attend. This is a simple but important dress rule. If you plan to continue the night, dress for both the boat and a possible venue rather than wearing beach clothes from head to toe.

The timing may not suit everyone. The cruise ends after sunset, but some people find that an immediate club stop can feel too early or quiet. I would treat the after party as an optional extra, not a central reason to book the cruise.

If your main goal is a busy nightclub, you may prefer to finish the boat trip, have dinner, and decide later how you want to spend the night. If you want an easy group plan and do not mind going out early, buying the add-on in person could be convenient.

Is $20 a Good Deal?

At $20 per person, this is inexpensive for a two-hour sunset outing that includes an open bar. You are getting a boat ride, skyline views, music, and drinks without paying for a full dinner cruise or a luxury yacht.

The value is strongest for people who would already spend money on a couple of drinks while going out. The cruise adds a memorable setting and a chance to meet people. It also gives you a simple plan for the first part of the evening.

The price is less attractive if you want a quiet, spacious boat or a detailed sightseeing program. You are not paying for high-end service. The speedboat can be compact, the bar is basic, and the dock may be hectic.

Remember the extra 16,000 COP catamaran port tax. The speedboat has no port fee, making it the clearer bargain if you are focused on keeping the total cost low.

The 4.4 rating from 68 ratings points to solid value overall, but the mixed experiences show why matching expectations matters more than chasing the lowest price. At this cost, I would book for atmosphere and sunset views, not luxury.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would recommend the speedboat to:

• Solo people who want an easy social activity
• Younger groups looking for music and drinks
• Couples who want a lively sunset outing
• Anyone who wants to start a night out before dinner or a club

I would recommend the catamaran to:

• Families
• Groups with drinkers and nondrinkers
• Couples who prefer more room
• People who want a scenic boat ride without making the entire experience a party

I would skip both options if you want a quiet private cruise, a formal guide, a full meal, or a large luxury boat. You should also think twice if you dislike crowds, basic drink service, or uncertainty about the group’s mood.

The cruise is weather dependent. If poor weather cancels the activity, you can receive a different date or a full refund. For other cancellations, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the 4:30 pm start for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the payment is not refunded.

Final Verdict: Book It for the Sunset, Not the Hype

This is a good-value Cartagena outing when you choose the correct boat and keep your expectations practical. I like the low price, the two-hour timing, the skyline views, and the chance to meet people over simple drinks and Latin music.

Pick the speedboat for a compact social party with rum, aguardiente, mixers, and dancing. Pick the catamaran for a more flexible experience with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, a light snack, and a family-friendly setting.

Arrive early at Sibarita del Mar, follow the meeting instructions, keep your mobile ticket handy, and do not expect a two-level nightclub or a rooftop bar. If that sounds like your kind of evening, this cruise is an easy yes. If you want polished service and plenty of space, spend more on a different boat.

FAQ

How long does the sunset cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours.

What time does the experience begin?

The scheduled start time is 4:30 pm.

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is Sibarita del Mar, Avenida Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias.

Can I choose between a speedboat and a catamaran?

Yes. You can choose either an open bar speedboat cruise or an open bar catamaran cruise. The tickets are not interchangeable.

Is the port tax included?

The mandatory 16,000 COP port tax is not included with the catamaran ticket. No port fee is required for the speedboat option.

Is the after party included?

No. The after party is optional and can be purchased in person after the cruise.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the activity, you will be offered another date or a full refund.