Cartagena: Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Bay Views

Summary

Cartagena’s colors shift as you drift past Isla Grande with wine in hand

You’ll float through Cartagena’s bay at sunset, sipping a cold beer or glass of wine while city lights flicker on. See Isla Grande in silhouette, snack on local appetizers, and let your local guide handle all the details—from pickup at La Bodeguita dock to easygoing stories along the way. It’s more about feeling than sightseeing—expect to leave calmer than you arrived.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I booked the Cartagena sunset cruise mostly because I was curious if the city really glows like everyone says. Spoiler: it does, but not in the way I expected. We met at La Bodeguita dock just before dusk—there was this sticky warmth in the air and people everywhere, all talking over each other in that fast Caribbean Spanish. Our guide, Andrés, grinned at us and handed out cold beers (or wine if you wanted), which immediately made me relax. The boat engine hummed as we pulled away, and suddenly the chaos faded into water and light.

You get this slow reveal of Cartagena’s skyline—the old Walled City and that Clock Tower everyone photographs. It’s different from the water; somehow softer, less busy. I tried to take a photo but ended up just watching instead. The breeze off the bay smelled faintly salty (and maybe like sunscreen from someone behind me). Andrés pointed out Isla Grande in the distance—he said locals head there on weekends, but tonight it was just a silhouette against the sky. There was this little appetizer plate passed around—nothing fancy, but it hit the spot with my drink.

People got quiet as the sun started dropping; even the kids stopped fidgeting for a minute. That orange-pink light hit everything—the water, our faces—and I caught myself thinking how rare it is to actually stop and watch something change like that. Someone laughed when their wine almost tipped over with a wave; Andrés just winked and said “welcome to Cartagena.” We drifted back toward shore after two hours or so—I honestly lost track of time—and I still think about that view sometimes when I hear boats at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise around Cartagena bay

• Board boat at La Bodeguita dock
• Sit comfortably and admire Walled City
• Tour internal bay of Cartagena
• Reach sunset viewing point

Top questions

Where does the Cartagena sunset cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from La Bodeguita dock in Cartagena.

Is there food or drink included during the sunset cruise?

Yes, you get a beer or glass of wine (or soft drink) plus an appetizer included.

How long does the sunset cruise last?

The tour lasts about two hours around Cartagena’s internal bay.

Can children join the Cartagena sunset cruise?

Yes, infants and small children can join and ride in a pram or stroller.

Do I need to bring anything special for this cruise?

It’s recommended to bring your own towel and sunscreen for comfort.

Is public transportation available near the departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near La Bodeguita dock.

Will we see Isla Grande during the sunset cruise?

You’ll see Isla Grande from a distance as part of the route around Cartagena bay.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup at La Bodeguita dock, all fees and taxes covered, your choice of one beer, glass of wine or soft drink plus an appetizer to go with your drink before returning after sunset.