Cartagena: Rosario Islands Boat Rental with Captain & Ice

Summary

Private boat day from Cartagena to Rosario Islands or Cholon

You’ll spend your day cruising from Cartagena along turquoise waters with your own captain and guide. Swim near Rosario Islands or join the lively scene at Cholon—your route is up to you. Enjoy music on premium speakers, relax on leather seats or sunbeds, and cool off with fresh water showers and plenty of ice for drinks. There’s a warmth here you’ll remember long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d start my day in Cartagena watching pelicans dive-bomb for breakfast while we waited on the dock, but that’s how it went. Our captain, Andrés, greeted us with this big grin and a cooler already packed with ice — he said it was “for whatever we wanted to keep cold,” which made us laugh because we’d only brought water and some mangoes. The boat itself felt almost too nice for us — soft leather seats (I kept running my hand over them), JL speakers playing salsa at just the right volume, and this sunbed up front where two of us immediately claimed a spot. I could smell sunscreen and salt; someone nearby was eating arepas.

As soon as we left Cartagena’s harbor, everything changed — city noise faded out fast and suddenly it was just blue water in every direction. We headed toward the Rosario Islands (our choice, though Andrés said we could do Cholon if we wanted more of a party). On the way, our guide pointed out little fishing boats bobbing near Isla Grande. I tried to ask about one of the islands in Spanish but totally butchered it; everyone laughed, including Andrés. The wind got stronger out there — hair whipping everywhere — and I remember thinking how much lighter everything felt away from land. There’s something about that Caribbean light that makes colors look unreal.

We dropped anchor near a quiet stretch by Isla Barú for swimming. The water was warm but not sticky, and jumping in felt like hitting pause on all the noise back home. Someone started up reggaeton on those speakers again (the bass actually thumped through the floor), and we floated around until our fingers wrinkled. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed doing basically nothing except drifting under the sun. On the way back, Andrés rinsed off our feet with fresh water from a little shower by the console — small thing, but it made me feel weirdly cared for.

I still think about that view coming back into Cartagena as sunset started — buildings glowing gold, music echoing off the water. It wasn’t perfect (I forgot to reapply sunscreen and paid for it later), but honestly that made it feel real. If you want something fancy or formal this isn’t really that; it’s just good people, salty air, and time that moves differently out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat rental and coastal exploration

• Rent boat in Cartagena
• Explore Rosario Islands
• Relax in Caribbean Sea
• Enjoy party in Cholon

Top questions

How many people can join the Cartagena boat rental?

The boat fits up to 10 guests comfortably.

Is there a guide included on this private boat trip?

Yes, both a local guide and captain are included.

Can infants or small children join the tour?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap.

Does the Cartagena boat rental include fuel costs?

Gasoline is included in your rental price.

Are drinks or food provided during the trip?

Bottled water is included; bring your own snacks or drinks to keep in the cooler with ice.

What amenities does the boat have?

The boat features premium leather seats, JL audio system with Bluetooth, sunbed for two people, fresh water shower, floats, and a large cooler with 10 kg of ice.

Can service animals come aboard?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the departure point in Cartagena.

What’s included

Your day includes private boat rental from Cartagena with gasoline covered, bottled water for everyone onboard, 10 kg of ice in a big cooler for your drinks or snacks, all guided by an experienced local captain plus helper—and floats if you want to drift awhile before heading back ashore.