Cartagena: Cholón Island Party Boat Tour with DJ & Lunch

Summary

Cholón’s floating parties, Cartagena rhythms, lunch by the water

You’ll feel Cartagena’s energy from the moment you step onto the boat—music pulsing, sun on your face—heading out to Isla Grande before joining Cholón Island’s floating party scene. Enjoy lunch on board (fish, chicken or veggie), cocktails if you want them, and a live DJ spinning crossover tracks as you float between islands.

What’s the experience like?

Bass thumped through the deck before I even saw Cholón — just this low pulse under my feet as we drifted away from Cartagena’s docks. I leaned over the rail, salty spray in my face, and tried to catch what our guide was saying about Isla Grande (I think he called it “the chill zone” but maybe I misheard — my Spanish is still pretty rough). The sky was that washed-out blue you only get near the Caribbean. Some folks were already dancing, or at least swaying awkwardly with their plastic cups. I just watched for a while. It felt like everyone was waiting for something to happen.

We stopped at Isla Grande first. Not long — maybe half an hour? There was this smell of grilled fish coming from somewhere nearby, mixed with sunscreen and that sharp tang of seaweed. A couple of locals waved us over to try some fried snacks (I never caught the name), but I stuck with a cold beer and let my feet dangle off the side of the boat. The music shifted — cumbia, then reggaeton — and our DJ grinned when someone shouted a request in English. He had this way of making everyone laugh without saying much.

Cholón itself is wild in a way I didn’t expect. Boats everywhere, tied together like some floating block party. People dancing on decks or just bobbing in the water with drinks held high so they don’t spill. We got lunch on board — I picked fish (the chicken looked good too), and honestly, eating fresh food while you’re half-sunburned and still dripping wet is its own kind of joy. Someone handed me a cocktail that tasted like coconut and lime; Li laughed when I tried to say “gracias” properly (probably butchered it). There’s music everywhere but also these weird quiet moments if you pay attention — just wind, sun on your shoulders, people shouting across boats in Spanish and English both.

I still think about that view leaving Baru Island — sunlight hitting all those boats at once like some strange parade drifting out to sea. It’s loud and messy and not really for anyone who wants peace and quiet… but if you want Cartagena’s party spirit right up close, yeah, this day trip to Cholón Island from Cartagena is exactly what it says it is.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day boat tour to Cholón Island

• Meet at meeting point
• Begin walk
• Enjoy Cholón Island party

Top questions

Is there a live DJ on every Cholón Island boat tour?

No—live DJs are only available on Saturdays and Sundays for this tour.

What food options are included for lunch?

You can choose between chicken, fish, or vegetarian meals included in your day trip.

Are alcoholic drinks included on the boat tour?

Alcoholic beverages are available for adults; special cocktails are offered as extras.

Is this Cholón Island boat tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No—the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to movement and conditions onboard.

How long do we stop at Isla Grande during the tour?

The group spends around 30–45 minutes at Isla Grande before heading onward.

Does this day trip include pickup from my hotel in Cartagena?

No pickup is mentioned; meeting point details will be provided after booking.

Can service animals join the Cholón Island boat tour?

Yes—service animals are allowed on this tour.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch during the trip?

Yes—a vegetarian meal option is available alongside chicken and fish choices.

What’s included

Your day includes stops at Isla Grande and Baru Island before reaching Cholón Island’s lively waters; enjoy a live DJ on board (weekends only), plus your choice of chicken, fish or vegetarian lunch served right on deck—with extra cocktail options available for those who want them—all set against Cartagena’s party backdrop.