Ahoy thar matey! Get yourself out on the high seas and explore the Caribbean paradise found just beyond Cartagena's sheltered bay.
Avoid the throngs of tourists and chart your own course by hiring your own boat for the day (or days).
You can charter yachts and catamarans manned by experienced sailors, powerboats and cruisers or simple motorboats. Prices aren't super cheap.. but get together a parche or group to share costs and they are definitely affordable.
Get in touch with your dates and requirements and we'll hook you up with all the info or peruse some of the options below.
Travelling solo or in a couple? We can potentially tee you up with others so you can share costs.. let us know if you are open to this and hopefully the dates would work out for another enquiry.
After getting stung too many times, any boat reservation will need to be accompanied by a deposit. This can be via venmo or credit card or if you have an account: XOOM. Payment info will be provided once we've received your request.
Cancellation policy - For a full refund we will need at least 5 days notice. If you cancel after that time, but we are able to find someone else to take the same boat, we will also refund the full amount. If the boat charges us, we charge you. If we can get out of it, so do you.
If your trip needs to be cancelled due to weather conditions, you can get a full refund or we can move your booking to another day.
PRIVATE POWER BOAT HIRE
For when Fleetwood Mac is blaring "You can go your own wayyyy" .. here are some options. You can choose which Marina you start from (Manga, Castillogrande, Muelle de TodoMar), what time you depart (between 8.30-11am), and where you go (we have suggested itineraries to help).
All boats include:
- A full tank of fuel for the day
- Captain and assistant
- Sound system
- fridge (most include ice)
Boats don't include:
- Transportation from your hotel to the marina or dock and back
- Other drinks
- Meals/snacks (unless you go a package option) but these can easily be brought along or purchased yourselves in the islands
- Snorkeling equipment
Things you might want to add:
- English-speaking guide to translate, negotiate prices, show you the best places to visit etc = 150,000 pesos per day
- Snorkeling equipment = 30,000 pesos per person
- Lunch and fresh fruit (see options below for prices)
- VIP extras upon request
Sunset/Evening hire
For a different experience, consider hiring a private boat in the early evening for a couple of hours of touring around the bay. It's calmer and it's also a lot more affordable. Bring along some wine and cheese or have us arrange it for a really special way to say goodbye to the day. Ask us for a quote.
Itineraries:
Usual itineraries for a day rental of most of the boats would be:
Depart around 9am
Head to the Rosario Islands, tour around the different islands, swim in "La Piscina" and if you want, snorkel
Visit beach/es on Isla Grande and/or Isla Arena
Visit Cholón
Visit Playa Blanca, Baru
Visit Playa Agua, Baru
Home
Other places you might choose to visit:
Blue Apple or Fenix on Tierra Bomba island
Lunch?
Your itinerary will also depend where you decide to have lunch. Most lunch offerings are the rustic but delicious fried fish with coconut rice and patacón. Restaurants like Fenix and Blue Apple on Tierra Bomba have a much wider variety of Meditteranean cuisine, great cocktails and you can pay by card.
Some of the private beaches will enable access if you buy lunch, for example Gente del Mar or Bendita Beach.
Nena beach is a nice option on Playa Blanca.
No matter the option you choose, factor in at least 1 hour for your food to be ready. Island time, sorry.
You might also opt to pack your own picnic, in which case we can discuss catering options. We have a cute health food place that does wraps and paninis, fruit and yogurt and desserts at affordable prices for example, and they will deliver to the dock. Or you can download an application called RAPPI and order your delivery straight to the dock the morning of takeoff.
Please keep in mind: whilst hiring a private boat gets you the flexibility of choosing your own itinerary and visiting multiple places, you will still have to stick to more or less the above loop. So say you started with a stop in the Rosario Islands, then you say you want to go to Barú for lunch, you can’t then request to go back to a different place in the Rosario Islands. That ship has sailed (pun very much intended #sorrynotsorry) . We understand it can be confusing trying to plan an itinerary in advance when you’ve never been there and you have the advice of about 20 different friends ringing in your ears, but we recommend sticking with our tried and tested itinerary above or creating one with us before you set out so there’s no misunderstanding or lost in translation on the day.
It might also be a good investment to pay to have an English speaking host to accompany your boat for the day for 150,000 pesos.
All boats include:
- A full tank of fuel for the day
- Captain and assistant
- Sound system
- fridge (most include ice)
Boats don't include:
- Transportation from your hotel to the marina or dock and back
- Other drinks
- Meals/snacks (unless you go a package option) but these can easily be brought along or purchased yourselves in the islands
- Snorkeling equipment
Things you might want to add:
- English-speaking guide to translate, negotiate prices, show you the best places to visit etc = 150,000 pesos per day
- Snorkeling equipment = 30,000 pesos per person
- Lunch and fresh fruit (see options below for prices)
- VIP extras upon request
Sunset/Evening hire
For a different experience, consider hiring a private boat in the early evening for a couple of hours of touring around the bay. It's calmer and it's also a lot more affordable. Bring along some wine and cheese or have us arrange it for a really special way to say goodbye to the day. Ask us for a quote.
Itineraries:
Usual itineraries for a day rental of most of the boats would be:
Depart around 9am
Head to the Rosario Islands, tour around the different islands, swim in "La Piscina" and if you want, snorkel
Visit beach/es on Isla Grande and/or Isla Arena
Visit Cholón
Visit Playa Blanca, Baru
Visit Playa Agua, Baru
Home
Other places you might choose to visit:
Blue Apple or Fenix on Tierra Bomba island
Lunch?
Your itinerary will also depend where you decide to have lunch. Most lunch offerings are the rustic but delicious fried fish with coconut rice and patacón. Restaurants like Fenix and Blue Apple on Tierra Bomba have a much wider variety of Meditteranean cuisine, great cocktails and you can pay by card.
Some of the private beaches will enable access if you buy lunch, for example Gente del Mar or Bendita Beach.
Nena beach is a nice option on Playa Blanca.
No matter the option you choose, factor in at least 1 hour for your food to be ready. Island time, sorry.
You might also opt to pack your own picnic, in which case we can discuss catering options. We have a cute health food place that does wraps and paninis, fruit and yogurt and desserts at affordable prices for example, and they will deliver to the dock. Or you can download an application called RAPPI and order your delivery straight to the dock the morning of takeoff.
Please keep in mind: whilst hiring a private boat gets you the flexibility of choosing your own itinerary and visiting multiple places, you will still have to stick to more or less the above loop. So say you started with a stop in the Rosario Islands, then you say you want to go to Barú for lunch, you can’t then request to go back to a different place in the Rosario Islands. That ship has sailed (pun very much intended #sorrynotsorry) . We understand it can be confusing trying to plan an itinerary in advance when you’ve never been there and you have the advice of about 20 different friends ringing in your ears, but we recommend sticking with our tried and tested itinerary above or creating one with us before you set out so there’s no misunderstanding or lost in translation on the day.
It might also be a good investment to pay to have an English speaking host to accompany your boat for the day for 150,000 pesos.
ARCOIRIS
41ft, 2 motors x 250 horsepower
Up to 19 people
Features:
Front sun lounges, bathroom, freshwater shower, great sound
Up to 19 people
Features:
Front sun lounges, bathroom, freshwater shower, great sound
CRIMSON
CRIMSON
38 ft, 2 motors x 300hp suzuki
Up to 16 people
Features: Sunbeds in front, freshwater shower
Large Cooler, extended roof, Bathroom
Full sound system Bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
Ice Included
Price 2,050,000 COP
38 ft, 2 motors x 300hp suzuki
Up to 16 people
Features: Sunbeds in front, freshwater shower
Large Cooler, extended roof, Bathroom
Full sound system Bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
Ice Included
Price 2,050,000 COP
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MIMOSA
28 ft, 2 motors x 150 horsepower Up to 10 people 1,300,000 COP 1,600,000 COP (HIGH SEASON 15 DEC - 15 JAN) |
DANIELITA
DANIELITA
32 ft, 2 motors (new) Mercury (2015 model)
Sunbeds front and back
Freshwater shower
fridge
USB sound system
Up to 10 people
Ice included
1,650,000 COP
(Price increases in high season)
32 ft, 2 motors (new) Mercury (2015 model)
Sunbeds front and back
Freshwater shower
fridge
USB sound system
Up to 10 people
Ice included
1,650,000 COP
(Price increases in high season)
ARRECIFE
ARREFICE
38 ft, 2 motos x 200 Mercury
Up to 15 people
Sunbeds in front and back
Newly re-apolstered
Freshwater shower
2 fridges
Full sound enabled for bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
Ice Included
1,850,000 COP
(Price increases for high season)
38 ft, 2 motos x 200 Mercury
Up to 15 people
Sunbeds in front and back
Newly re-apolstered
Freshwater shower
2 fridges
Full sound enabled for bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
Ice Included
1,850,000 COP
(Price increases for high season)
LA FLACA
LA FLACA
38 ft, 2 x 250hp yamama
Newly upholstered seats and sunbeds
Great sound with bluetooth
Includes ice
(suntanning girls not included ;)
Up to 15 people
2,100,000 COP
38 ft, 2 x 250hp yamama
Newly upholstered seats and sunbeds
Great sound with bluetooth
Includes ice
(suntanning girls not included ;)
Up to 15 people
2,100,000 COP
LA VALE
38 ft, 2 motors x 250 horsepower
Up to 18 people
Features: sun lounges, toilet, bluetooth soundsystem,
2 freshwater showers, removable table,
good shade cover, stair access from water
PRICE 1,900,000 COP (MORE IN HIGH SEASON + SPECIAL EVENTS)
SUNSET/NIGHT HIRE 350,000 pesos pp (minimum 2 hours)
Up to 18 people
Features: sun lounges, toilet, bluetooth soundsystem,
2 freshwater showers, removable table,
good shade cover, stair access from water
PRICE 1,900,000 COP (MORE IN HIGH SEASON + SPECIAL EVENTS)
SUNSET/NIGHT HIRE 350,000 pesos pp (minimum 2 hours)
YACHT? YOU WANT MORE?!
How about a LOT more? For when you really want to distinguish yourselves, or cater for a larger crowd.. we've got lots more options.. all the way up to the biggest in the bay, the Pershing 90. Contact us for prices and availability.
sea ray 41
THE SEA SAY 41
Freatures:
- Kitchen
- Salon
- 1 Cabin
- AC
- Full sound enabled for bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
- Cooler.
- TV
- Bathroom
up to 13 people
5,500,000 COP this price includes transportation to the "Muelle"
(Price increases in high season)
Freatures:
- Kitchen
- Salon
- 1 Cabin
- AC
- Full sound enabled for bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
- Cooler.
- TV
- Bathroom
up to 13 people
5,500,000 COP this price includes transportation to the "Muelle"
(Price increases in high season)
prestige 500
PRESTIGE 500
Freatures:
- Kitchen
- Salon
- 2 Cabins
- AC
- Full sound enabled for bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
- Cooler.
- TV
- Two bathrooms
up to 15 people
9,000,000 COP this price includes transportation to the "Muelle"
(Price increases in high season)
Freatures:
- Kitchen
- Salon
- 2 Cabins
- AC
- Full sound enabled for bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
- Cooler.
- TV
- Two bathrooms
up to 15 people
9,000,000 COP this price includes transportation to the "Muelle"
(Price increases in high season)
sea ray 38
SEA RAY 38
Freatures:
- Kitchen
- Salon
- 1 Cabin
- AC
- Full sound enabled for bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
- Cooler.
- TV
- Two bathrooms
up to 10 people
5,300,000 COP this price includes transportation to the "Muelle"
(Price increases in high season)
Freatures:
- Kitchen
- Salon
- 1 Cabin
- AC
- Full sound enabled for bluetooth, USB, or IPod cable
- Cooler.
- TV
- Two bathrooms
up to 10 people
5,300,000 COP this price includes transportation to the "Muelle"
(Price increases in high season)
TYPICAL ITINERARY
Departing the marina about 9am, tour around the Rosario Islands and snorkel there if you're interested. There's a sunken aeroplane which many like to dive at, and the ruins of a former mansion that many claim belonged to a former associate of Pablo Escobar. Later head to tiny beaches around Barú. A visit to Cholón "beach" is for those that want to experience more of a party scene.. the locals will offer you food, oysters, drinks etc but be warned, if you don't set prices in advance the costs can soar. Lunch you can play it by ear or we can make a reservation depending on your priorities (price, speed, basic menu or more extensive, sit down restaurant or eat on the beach). Jetskis and massages available at Playa Blanca and Blue Apple and Cholon. Depending where and what time you lunch, you might want to get cocktails on your way home at Blue Apple or Fenix. Heading back about 4pm, depending upon weather conditions.
Lunch suggestions:
On the beach at Playa Blanca - perhaps call your order ahead to save time, takes about 1 hour preparation time otherwise. The specialty is fried fish with coconut rice and fried plantain. This is a rustic option but also super enjoyable. Eating fresh fish with your toes in the sand next to the water always spells vacation to us. Payment will be cash only (unless you opt for Nena Beach)
Islabela on Isleta (Isla Grande, Rosario Islands) features the typical menu delivered more professionally and where you can pay via card if you need.
Erizo - Eco Hotel on a quiet side of Isla Grande, Rosario Islands .. rustic like Playa Blanca but further out in the islands. If you choose this option you'll eat earlier in the day as the route heads out to the Rosario Islands first.
Aura - just across from Cholon but completely private, features the classic seafood focused options of the islands with some Italian options added in for good measure. Can pay by card
Cholon- Our chef friends assure us that you can find the best and freshest seafood prepared at Cholon - grilled lobsters, octopus, shrimp and oysters (don't eat the oysters unless you have guts of steel) but we have heard horror stories of astronomically high bills being racked up because prices weren't confirmed upfront. Lunch at Cholon can be a fun option, but we would suggest you pay to have an English speaking guide to go along with you and negotiate and set prices for you. If that all feels too stressful, maybe go for one of the other options.
Blue Apple- A la carte dining on Tierra Bomba island. Delicious food with beautiful presentation in beach house surrounds. Full wine list and great cocktail menu. DJ and fun atmosphere. Can pay by card. If you choose this option you will eat right before returning home because this island is closest to Cartagena.
Fenix- Like Blue Apple, if you choose to lunch at Fenix, it will be the last stop before heading back to Cartagena. Like Blue Apple, Fenix offers a full and delicious a la carte menu, and is a beach club with DJ and fun vibes.
Extras -- if you're a dive enthusiast we can arrange for a Divemaster to accompany you for the day and lead a registered dive, you can book an english speaking host, we can book transport to and from the marina, we can book a picnic or other catering, we can book a bartender to come and create drinks for you all day, we can go shopping for you for boat supplies, or anything else you can think of we'll do our best!
Departing the marina about 9am, tour around the Rosario Islands and snorkel there if you're interested. There's a sunken aeroplane which many like to dive at, and the ruins of a former mansion that many claim belonged to a former associate of Pablo Escobar. Later head to tiny beaches around Barú. A visit to Cholón "beach" is for those that want to experience more of a party scene.. the locals will offer you food, oysters, drinks etc but be warned, if you don't set prices in advance the costs can soar. Lunch you can play it by ear or we can make a reservation depending on your priorities (price, speed, basic menu or more extensive, sit down restaurant or eat on the beach). Jetskis and massages available at Playa Blanca and Blue Apple and Cholon. Depending where and what time you lunch, you might want to get cocktails on your way home at Blue Apple or Fenix. Heading back about 4pm, depending upon weather conditions.
Lunch suggestions:
On the beach at Playa Blanca - perhaps call your order ahead to save time, takes about 1 hour preparation time otherwise. The specialty is fried fish with coconut rice and fried plantain. This is a rustic option but also super enjoyable. Eating fresh fish with your toes in the sand next to the water always spells vacation to us. Payment will be cash only (unless you opt for Nena Beach)
Islabela on Isleta (Isla Grande, Rosario Islands) features the typical menu delivered more professionally and where you can pay via card if you need.
Erizo - Eco Hotel on a quiet side of Isla Grande, Rosario Islands .. rustic like Playa Blanca but further out in the islands. If you choose this option you'll eat earlier in the day as the route heads out to the Rosario Islands first.
Aura - just across from Cholon but completely private, features the classic seafood focused options of the islands with some Italian options added in for good measure. Can pay by card
Cholon- Our chef friends assure us that you can find the best and freshest seafood prepared at Cholon - grilled lobsters, octopus, shrimp and oysters (don't eat the oysters unless you have guts of steel) but we have heard horror stories of astronomically high bills being racked up because prices weren't confirmed upfront. Lunch at Cholon can be a fun option, but we would suggest you pay to have an English speaking guide to go along with you and negotiate and set prices for you. If that all feels too stressful, maybe go for one of the other options.
Blue Apple- A la carte dining on Tierra Bomba island. Delicious food with beautiful presentation in beach house surrounds. Full wine list and great cocktail menu. DJ and fun atmosphere. Can pay by card. If you choose this option you will eat right before returning home because this island is closest to Cartagena.
Fenix- Like Blue Apple, if you choose to lunch at Fenix, it will be the last stop before heading back to Cartagena. Like Blue Apple, Fenix offers a full and delicious a la carte menu, and is a beach club with DJ and fun vibes.
Extras -- if you're a dive enthusiast we can arrange for a Divemaster to accompany you for the day and lead a registered dive, you can book an english speaking host, we can book transport to and from the marina, we can book a picnic or other catering, we can book a bartender to come and create drinks for you all day, we can go shopping for you for boat supplies, or anything else you can think of we'll do our best!
THINGS TO NOTE
We work with tried and trusted privately owned boat operators to provide a quality standard and service. In some instances we may put you in direct contact with these operators for ease of organising. You won't pay any more by going through Cartagena Connections and we do our best to find you the best prices available without the usual markups.
For all boats you will need to pay a deposit of 50% to secure your reservation at the time of booking. The balance needs to be received 1-2 days prior to your boat day.
Your safety is the most important consideration. If the boat captains decide that the conditions are not favourable, their decision is final.. any monies paid will be refunded or transferred to a different day (your choice).
These prices usually increase during peak seasons. During the famous Balleneras fiesta and during Regatta Cholón, the prices usually double.
During high season (December 15 - January 15), they increase by at least 15%, and increases are set by the boat owners.
Please send an enquiry with your dates for a quote.
We work with tried and trusted privately owned boat operators to provide a quality standard and service. In some instances we may put you in direct contact with these operators for ease of organising. You won't pay any more by going through Cartagena Connections and we do our best to find you the best prices available without the usual markups.
For all boats you will need to pay a deposit of 50% to secure your reservation at the time of booking. The balance needs to be received 1-2 days prior to your boat day.
Your safety is the most important consideration. If the boat captains decide that the conditions are not favourable, their decision is final.. any monies paid will be refunded or transferred to a different day (your choice).
These prices usually increase during peak seasons. During the famous Balleneras fiesta and during Regatta Cholón, the prices usually double.
During high season (December 15 - January 15), they increase by at least 15%, and increases are set by the boat owners.
Please send an enquiry with your dates for a quote.
SPECIAL VESSELS
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BONA VIDA CATAMARAN
Bona Vida is a beautifully presented catamaran with capacity for up to 194 guests, professional kitchen, bar, bathrooms, fresh water shower and so heaps of space for lounging and sunning yourselves. You can hire the boat for the day or just private sunset tour of the bay and add on catering and open bar etc. Makes a fantastic pre-wedding activity. Contact us for a quote for your group and requirements. |
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MAXICAT CATAMARAN
Unforgettable events set on the twinkling Cartagena Bay, private charters, weekend parties. There's nothing like the Maxicat. Prices Per hour 1,800.000 COP Per 6 Hours 7,000.000 COP Per 10 hours 10,000.000 COP Per day (24 hours) 18,000.000 COP |
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GALLEON PHANTOM
A Mother-flippin' Pirate Ship! Tell me this wouldn't be a cool place to party?! The Phantom has space for up to 220 guests, making it perfect for large-scale events. Prices 2 hour tour of the Cartagena Bay 3,000.000 COP Per additional hour 750,000 COP |
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GALLEON BUCANERO
A little less fancy, but just as fun.. Cartagena is lucky enough to boast ANOTHER galleon for all your pirate-themed needs. The Bucanero is also more negotiable on price.. so tell us your dates and we'll try and get you the best deal possible. |