The Best Boat Rentals in Cartagena

Expect shared bay cruises at sunset to start around $25–$50 per person. Private 2–3 hour bay charters usually run $200–$500 depending on the boat size. Full‑day private trips from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands commonly range from about $450–$900 for smaller center‑console boats, $800–$1,500 for mid‑size boats, and $1,800–$3,500+ for larger yachts and sailing catamarans; many larger boats also offer hourly rates around $180–$330. Most charters include a licensed captain, basic crew support, life jackets, a cooler with ice, Bluetooth sound, and fuel for the planned route. Plan extra for a small port fee per person at public piers, beach club or island day‑pass fees, lunch and drinks, snorkeling gear if not listed, and gratuities for the crew.

You’ll find fast center‑console powerboats for island‑hopping, comfortable cruising yachts for groups that want shade and seating, and sailing options like monohulls and catamarans that are great for smooth bay sunsets or full‑day trips. Most listings specify capacity, amenities like a head (toilet) and freshwater shower, and whether the deck layout suits lounging, celebrating, or snorkeling stops.

Nearly all Cartagena charters are captained, which makes the day much easier for visitors. Operating a vessel yourself in Colombia generally requires a local recreational boating license, and foreign licenses aren’t a practical option for short trips. Captained charters handle the route, sea conditions, and docking at busy beach clubs so you can focus on your group.

Common meeting points include Muelle de la Bodeguita by the Old City walls (the primary public pier for tourist departures), the nearby Muelle de los Pegasos beside the Clock Tower area, private marinas in Bocagrande such as Marina Todomar, and marinas in Manga like Marina Santa Cruz and the Club de Pesca marina. Your captain will confirm the exact gate or marina name, plus any pier fee and the best arrival time for your date.

In the bay you’ll cruise past the Walled City, the Clock Tower skyline, and modern Bocagrande and Castillogrande. Out toward the harbor mouth you can spot the colonial forts guarding Bocachica and the beaches of Tierra Bomba. On a Rosario Islands day, expect clear Caribbean water, reefy swim stops, and optional visits to beach clubs around Barú and the famous party cove at Cholón. Sunset trips show off city lights and calm bay views.

Yes—families are welcome. Boats provide Coast Guard–style life jackets, and you can request child sizes in advance. Local safety guidance recommends that children wear a life jacket while underway and sit toward the center of the boat. If you’re heading into open water to the Rosario Islands, choose a larger boat, go early when seas are calmer, and consider a bay‑only sunset cruise for infants or very young kids.

Most private charters allow BYOB along with snacks or catered platters; coolers and ice are commonly provided. Many beach clubs on Barú, Tierra Bomba, and in the Rosarios have restaurants, so you can plan to dine ashore. Glass can be restricted on some boats—ask your captain. Budget for a small per‑person pier fee at public docks and bring cash for island vendors and tips.

Small, well‑behaved dogs are often allowed on private charters with prior notice; shared tours typically don’t permit pets. Let your captain know your pet’s size so they can suggest a suitable boat and shade. Some beach clubs and protected areas limit animals on beaches, so plan your route accordingly and pack water, a towel, and a leash.

Cartagena is warm year‑round. The drier, windier months run roughly December through April; mornings are calmest and afternoons can be choppier, especially on the return from the islands. Rainier months are generally May through November, with brief tropical showers that often pass quickly. If the maritime authority closes the port or conditions are unsafe, departures are delayed, rerouted to the bay, rescheduled, or refunded per the operator’s policy. Build flexibility into your plans and favor early departures.

Absolutely. Catamarans and mid‑to‑large motor yachts handle groups comfortably, and crews can help with coolers, playlists, and simple decor if arranged in advance. For celebratory island days, many groups combine snorkeling stops with time at a beach club or a Cholón raft‑up. To keep things smooth, lock your headcount early, choose a clear meetup point, and designate one organizer to handle payment and any add‑ons.

For the calmest rides and fewer crowds at the islands, book weekday mornings. Peak boating season aligns with the dry months (roughly December–April), plus local holidays like Christmas–New Year, Holy Week (March/April), and the Independence festivities in November, when there’s even a nautical parade in the bay. Late January to early February also gets busy during the Hay Festival. U.S. holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day don’t change local operations, but demand from international visitors can nudge prices up—reserve early if your trip overlaps. Shoulder months can offer value, and sunset bay cruises are great year‑round.

Top picks include a full‑day to the Rosario Islands with reef swims and a relaxed beach‑club lunch; Barú for Playa Blanca and Cholón; and short hops to Tierra Bomba for beach clubs and views back to the city. Most Rosario trips run 8:30 a.m. to mid‑afternoon to catch the calmer seas, while quick bay or Tierra Bomba outings are easy in 2–3 hours. Your captain will tailor the route to your group’s vibe—swimming, snorkeling, sandbar time, or a sunset city loop.

A captained charter is the stress‑free standard in Cartagena and is strongly recommended because skippers know local winds, channel markers, and the procedures at public piers and island docks. Self‑drive options are rare and generally require a Colombian recreational license, so most trip planners find captained boats both safer and more convenient.

Arrive at the pier 20–30 minutes early with a government ID for the passenger list, wear reef‑safe sunscreen, and pack light towels and a dry bag. Let the captain know about any mobility needs, kid life‑jacket sizes, or celebration plans in advance. If you want specific stops—like a particular beach club or extra snorkeling time—include that in your booking notes so your crew can set the perfect pace for the day.