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The gorgeous coral islands and crystal clear waters of the Rosario Islands are one of Cartagena’s most popular attractions for good reason, and I consider them a must do during your time in Cartagena.
The absolute best way to experience the islands is with a private Cartagena boat rental!
It’s so much better than being on a rigid tour boat schedule or stuck on just one beach all day, and it’s also more affordable than you might think.
If you want to do the islands in style, read on for a practical guide to getting the best deal on a private Rosario Islands boat rental from Cartagena as well as my suggestions from personal experience on how to best plan your day.
Why Rent a Boat to the Rosario Islands?
First, let’s talk about why you really need to consider doing a boat rental to explore the Cartagena islands, in particular the Rosario Islands, the main island chain near Cartagena, where you’ll find the most beautiful waters.
It’s pretty simple really:
You’re on your own boat all day!
That means you get the most flexibility on what amounts to a private tour through the Rosario Islands.
That means you aren’t stuck sitting on one beach all day, sticking to some rigid departure schedule, sitting around bored while everyone else goes snorkeling, having to leave party island Cholón in the middle of an epic boat dance party, nor having to stay there if you decide it just isn’t your vibe.
You also aren’t stuck with anyone you’d rather escape from, whether that be some obnoxious tourists, somebody wearing a swimsuit that just doesn’t quite fit right, or someone who is just a little too friendly.
All those are issues you might face if you choose a shared tour or day pass at a beach club, your other options for Rosario Islands day trips.
Oh, and you get to rock your own playlist!
Or, well, usually in my case, battle for playlist control with my wife Susana and her friends.
There’s really just no better way to experience the islands than doing a private boat rental to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena!
We’ve done this so many times over the years, and we’ve always had such a fun time, even when Susana and her friends squash my dream of listening to Bob Marley, Slightly Stoopid, Sublime, and The Movement all day in favor of Maluma, Shakira, and Karol G.
Plus, even if you want to spend the night at one of the best Rosario Islands hotels, which I highly recommend if you have 5+ nights in Cartagena, you can set it up so they leave you there so you get the best of both worlds.
How Much Does a Cartagena Boat Rental Cost?
Ah, the million peso question…
What should you expect to pay for a private Cartagena boat rental to the Rosario Islands? How to judge if the private Cartagena boat rental price you’ve been quoted is fair?
Most importantly, how to pay what locals pay for your Cartagena boat rental?”
If you want a simple answer, you should expect to pay in the neighborhood of $600 USD for a nice but standard-sized speedboat for groups of up to 12.
That’s what locals pay for a boat rental to the Rosario Islands.
With many shared tours or day passes costing in the neighborhood of $100 USD a person, you start to get a pretty good bang for your peso by doing a private boat to the Cartagena islands if you’re a group of 5 or more.
Even smaller groups or couples doing a private Cartagena islands boat rental get all the added benefits of having your own boat, planning a customized day, and full control of your jams, for a small amount extra per person.
However, the more complicated truth is your Cartagena boat rental price will vary based on a number of factors, including demand, season, the size of your group, the type of boat you choose and its amenities, and currency exchange fluctuations.
So that begs the question, “How to make sure you get a fair Cartagena boat rental price?”
Book With Our Local Partner Alyssa
The simple, if maybe slightly biased, answer?
Book with my local partner Alyssa, who is a broker.
That means she’ll work to get you the best possible price and make sure you pay what locals pay for a Cartagena boat rental.
Even better, she’ll help you design a customized itinerary for your Rosario Islands boat rental, so you get the most out of your day based on you and your group’s preferences.
She also is a native English speaker and can send you photos of your boat options and provide helpful support all along the way.
But Shop Around if You Want
In full transparency, I can earn commissions on boat rentals made with Alyssa.
So, the more complicated answer, and less biased one, is well, shop around, preferably with local partners.
If you take a look on big booking sites like Viator and GetYourGuide, you’ll likely see higher prices than I mentioned above.
If you ask vendors on the street, you may get a better price. However, street vendors in Cartagena have a reputation for unreliable prices, and maybe even a worse reputation for unreliable quality.
Can you find a cheaper boat rental?
Probably.
Is there a pretty decent chance you will wind up on a tiny boat with bench style seating that bounces more or on a predefined itinerary to places that overcharge and give kickbacks to the boat operators?
Probably yes on at least one and likely both fronts.
All that being said, please feel free to shop around.
Just ask for things like photos of the boat, and be clear how many stops you get, do you have the option to customize the day, and exactly what is and isn’t included.
I work with Alyssa and recommend her precisely because I think she offers very fair prices on Cartagena boat rentals and provides great service, one many readers have been really happy with.
To be perfectly honest, she does better prices than other local vendors we’ve rented from in the past, not to mention I earn higher commissions with the big booking sites since their prices are higher.
So, if I didn’t feel like Alyssa offered a great service, I wouldn’t recommend her at all.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Private Boat Rental in Cartagena
Whether you decide to go with Alyssa or someone else, the tips below are meant to help you plan your perfect Rosario Islands boat rental from Cartagena experience.
What Amenities Do You Want on Your Cartagena, Colombia Boat Rental?
This is one of the most important things you should consider before booking your boat rental to the Rosario Islands, especially before you just book the cheapest option.
Pretty much all the decent quality private boats that go to the Rosario Islands should come equipped with plenty of seating for your party’s size, a Bluetooth sound system, and a cooler.
Susana and her friends like to have the tanning bed style chairs on the front of the boat, great for relaxing in the sun and getting some fun photos.
I think having a sitting area with a table can be nice but wouldn’t consider it a dealbreaker.
I do view having a covered area on your rental boat so you can take some breaks from that hot Caribbean sun as all but a dealbreaker, though!
All of those features are pretty common on medium to larger sized boats.
One other important consideration is if you would like to have a bathroom on your Rosario Islands private boat rental.
While the bathrooms on Cartagena boat rentals are usually not the most comfortable or glamorous, at least with the exception of high dollar luxury Cartagena yacht rentals, it is nice to have a restroom on the boat if you’d prefer not to have to hop in the water every time nature calls.
If you want your dance parties to be extra fun, pretend you’re in a music video, make sure you drown out your neighbors’ music at Cholón, or all of the above, you might want to opt for a boat with a particularly booming sound system.
Finally, if you want to snorkel, it’s worth confirming if the boat has snorkeling gear or offers it as an add-on.
If not, you can always bring your own snorkel.
Think About What Kind of Day You’d Like to Have
This is another key step towards planning your perfect boat rental in Cartagena experience.
A lot of Cartagena boat rental operators, including Alyssa, have preset plans or common itineraries they offer. For example, they might offer a more relaxed plan, a more party oriented plan, and something in between.
These can be a good place to start, but most will also allow you to customize your day on a rental boat to the Rosario Islands however you like.
They will probably have a limit to the number of stops (3 or 4 is common) or charge a bit more than their standard rates if you want more stops due to the cost of gasoline.
However, they should be willing to work with you to make sure you get to do most or all of what you’d like to see during your Cartagena boat charter.
Here are some ideas based on stops we often do when we rent a boat in Cartagena:
- Stop at the area known as La Piscina where there are calm waters to swim and snorkel for a bit.
- Go through the narrow strait between Isla Grande and Isleta, taking in the scenery of the islands. As you pass through here, you can get a great view of a house that according to an urban legend was a Pablo Escobar mansion (spoiler: it wasn’t but your guide or captain may say it was!).
- Stop to swim and snorkel some more by an alleged submerged Pablo Escobar plane nearby — also an urban legend, but fun to visit regardless.
- You could do a stop at the Oceanarium where you can see lots of sea animals and even swim with dolphins.
- Head over towards Barú Island perhaps with a stop at party island Cholón. We usually do this, and depending on the crowd there and our mood, stay for a while or go to another beach like Agua Azul, Playa Tranquilla, or Playa Puntilla.
- Or, you could opt to spend a while at a beach club or hotel in the islands.
- Sometimes, we just hang out on the boat anchored in the waters somewhere, preferably with a nice view, and switch off between dips in the water and hanging out or having dance parties on our Cartagena rental boat.
Can You Visit Beach Clubs on a Cartagena Boat Charter?
Yes, you can visit the most popular beach clubs in Cartagena on a boat charter with a few caveats.
Most of the beach clubs and hotels let private boats dock as long as they aren’t at capacity.
Some might charge a fee to use their chairs and umbrellas, although you can possibly negotiate them waiving this fee if you agree to buy lunch or spend a certain amount of money on food and drinks.
Boat operators and captains can often help with this as they might have certain beach clubs or restaurants they have good relationships with.
They’ll also have the most up to date information on if you’re likely to be able to stop at the more popular beach clubs and hotels and how much they might charge.
This is another great reason to consider booking with Alyssa, by the way!
Note that at public beach spots like Playa Blanca on Barú, buying lunch typically means chairs and a table are provided.
So, you might save a little bit by going here for lunch or to close out your day. Just be aware, you’ll need to negotiate.
Of course, you don’t have to get off your boat at all, although you probably will want to at least have lunch somewhere.
Do You Want a Luxury Cartagena Yacht Rental or Catamaran Rental?
Most charter boats in Cartagena are speed boats.
If you’re a larger group or just looking for a more high end experience, doing a Cartagena yacht rental is the ultimate way to do the islands in style though.
I couldn’t imagine a more fun day than renting a private yacht in Cartagena and exploring the islands while you pretend you’re a Bond villain.
While not as common or affordable as speed boats, there are luxury yacht rentals in Cartagena.
For example, you could book this 56 footer or this enormous 82 footer. This 43 foot catamaran would also be great for groups.
Alyssa can also help you broker a yacht or catamaran rental directly with local operators, probably at better prices.
Be Sure to Negotiate Food and Drinks During Your Boat Charter in Cartagena
Be aware that you can usually negotiate food and drink prices out in the islands, at least at informal spots.
Beach clubs and hotels, maybe not as much, but it’s always worth a try, especially if you’re a larger group.
Besides negotiating, you should always, always, always (!) confirm prices and ask if there are any additional service charges.
There are oh so many stories of people being overcharged or charged exorbitant service fees plus a “required” tip. Hundreds of people go to the islands everyday and don’t have this happen, but it does happen.
Not to beat a dead seahorse, but this is once again a great reason to book with Alyssa! She’ll help make sure you avoid the places most notorious for this unscrupulous behavior.
Now, in fairness I should say that you should definitely expect to pay more than prices in town.
You’re on islands where most stuff has to be brought by boat from Cartagena, most electricity is provided by generator, and well, it’s a tourist spot, and prices reflect those realities.
Also, if you’re buying anything from vendors on foot or in little canoes that come up to your boat, remember there aren’t really free samples.
This is a common tactic. A vendor with oysters, lobsters, or fruit plates and the massage ladies on the beach often offer you a “free sample” but will expect you to pay at the end claiming you accepted more than the free sample.
So, only accept these things if you are ok with paying for them.
And, again (!), agree on price first!
BYOB
Since everything is pricier out in the islands, it’s a good idea to bring along your own drinks.
If you’re looking to have a booze cruise type day, you’ll save a lot of money this way. Beers and liquor in town cost a fraction of what drinks cost out in the islands.
All Rosario Island boat rentals should have a cooler on board, and some providers throw in ice, although to be honest, I’d consider getting a bag or two extra. I’d definitely also double check on what they do provide.
It’s also not a bad idea to bring some snacks along, especially if you’ll be boozing!
Again, you’ll pay a fraction in town of what you’ll pay in the islands for snacks.
You can even pack a lunch if you want. I know we’ve packed cheap sandwiches for lunch before to save some pesos.
I am a bit partial to making sure I get a tasty, fresh, fried fish plate out in the islands though, and I think it’s well worth spending the extra money on that, but you’ll save some money if you take sandwich stuff or even to go food or leftovers from town.
And even if you take your own booze, you can always opt to get a fresh mixed drink or two out in the islands.
For example, I think it’s hard to beat a tasty Coco Loco or Piña Colada served up in a freshly opened coconut!
Take (and Reapply) that Sunscreen and Don’t Forget the Water!
I’ve definitely come back red as a lobster from our own private boat rentals to the Rosario Islands more than once!
So, be sure to have some sunscreen along and don’t just put it on first thing in the morning, but be sure to reapply a few times.
And do make sure you take some water alongside your booze!
You can take sodas and other drinks too, of course.
Other good things to have along in addition to a snorkel include a good dry bag, a waterproof cell phone pouch, a nice Panama hat, a floppy sun hat, or just a cheap generic ball cap (I’ve lost a hat or two to the wind out in the islands too!).
Oh, and I love my bamboo sunglasses for rocking on the boat, the beach, and around Cartagena. A nice beach coverup, a kimono, or sarong can be helpful to coverup from the sun too.
Can I Spend the Night after a Private Boat Tour of the Rosario Islands?
Yes, you can!
The operator and boat captains for your Cartagena private boat rental should be happy to drop you off at a place to stay in the islands.
Just make sure you let them know in advance so they can organize your day to end nearby, and make sure you have a plan to return to Cartagena at the end of your stay, whether by private transfer or transportation options offered by your hotel.
And, of course, you’ll want to make sure you have reservations in advance for places to stay in the Rosario Islands.
You could also opt to end your day and stay at Playa Blanca, which has more rustic options and generally doesn’t require advance reservations if you’re not too picky, and from which you can return to Cartagena by boat or overland.
Listen to Your Cartagena Boat Rental’s Captain!
Be sure to stay safe!
All Cartagena islands private boat rentals should have a captain and first mate aboard. Follow their instructions and take their tips to stay safe in the islands and on the boat.
They can (and should) also help ensure you don’t get scammed.
So, be nice to them!
Some important safety tips to remember include:
- Jump off the front or side of the boat.
- Or climb down the ladder, usually on the side or back.
- Only get in the water once the boat is stopped, anchored, and the engines are off.
- Hold on tight when moving, especially during the often bouncy return trip in the afternoon.
There’s been a handful of accidents over the years, so be aware of your surroundings when swimming and practice extra caution if you do anything like rent jet skis out in the islands, especially at crowded places like Cholón or Playa Blanca.
Also, while not required, it’s a pretty common and nice gesture to buy your captain and first mate lunch and give them a tip at the end of the day.
Ready to Book Your Boat Rental in Cartagena?
If you want to rent a boat in Cartagena, I can’t recommend our local partner Alyssa enough!
She provides a great service at fair, local prices.
Reserve your Cartagena boat rental with our local partner Alyssa by filling out the form below to get a quote.
Regardless of whether you book your Cartagena private boat rental with her or not, I hope you have a wonderful day exploring Cartagena’s beautiful islands and that this post was useful in helping you find the best private boat rental in Cartagena for you!
Cheers and Happy Boating!
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Planning a trip to Cartagena?
Be sure to check out the rest of the site to help you plan!
In particular, you might want to check out my complete guide to planning a trip to Cartagena, my guide to the best areas to stay, my list of over 75 things to do, my picks for the best Cartagena tours, the best day trips from Cartagena, my suggested packing list, my guide to the Rosario Islands, and my guide to all the beaches of Cartagena.
