Tips for the Best Cartagena Boat Rental Experience

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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.

In my opinion, the best way to explore the islands is without a doubt to rent a boat in Cartagena.

We’ve done lots of Cartagena boat rentals over the years, and we always have such a good time enjoying the islands at our own pace, not on a rigid tour boat schedule or stuck on just one beach all day.

It’s also more affordable than you might think.

So, if you want to do the islands in style, read on for some practical tips for finding the best boat rentals in Cartagena, Colombia.

Why A Cartagena Boat Rental is Worth It

First, let’s talk about why you really need to consider doing a boat rental to explore the Cartagena islands.

Don’t need any convincing?

Go ahead and get a quote on a boat rental from our local partner, who offers very competitive prices.

If you need some convincing, you can read my post on the best ways to visit the Rosario Islands, where I compare all your options for exploring the crystal clear waters of these islands, a must on a visit to Cartagena, in my opinion.

However, I’m going to let you in on a spoiler: I really, really encourage everyone to do a private boat rental in Cartagena out to the islands.

You just get so much flexibility, exploring the islands at your own pace, not to mention, in style!

Want to snorkel?

Great, take your time and not worry having to pile back on a tour boat before you’re ready.

Get bored snorkeling earlier than expected?

No problem, you can head to another stop without having to wait around.

You thought Cholón Party Island was going to be your vibe but it turns out you aren’t feeling it?

No worries, you can head over to a more relaxed beach whenever you want or spend the whole day at more secluded, relaxed spots.

Want to just hang out on the boat with your own tunes blaring?

Cool, set that playlist up. You’ve got full control of the music all day!

Of course, it is pricey, considerably more so than buying an individual ticket for a day pass at a beach or one of the Rosario Islands tours.

However, doing a boat charter from Cartagena sometimes works out cheaper than buying individual tickets for each person in a family or group.

With a group of 5 or more, it can really start looking pretty attractive cost-benefit and value wise, especially since you get al the benefits I mentioned above.

Even if you’re only a couple or a small group, I’d still encourage you to at least consider doing a Cartagena boat charter and perhaps skimping somewhere else on your trip.

By the way, if you’d like to get a great price on a Cartagena boat rental, consider booking with our local partner Alyssa. She offers very competitive prices, great service, and will customize your day however you like!

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Private Boat Rental in Cartagena

Here, I’m going to share some of my tips for planning a day out in the islands with a private boat charter from Cartagena along with some tips on how to find the best Cartagena, Colombia boat rentals.

Think About What Kind of Day You’d Like to Have

This is I think the most important and first step towards planning your boat rental in Cartagena.

A lot of Cartagena boat rental operators 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 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, but 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 idea 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 straight between Isla Grande and Isleta, taking in the scenery of the islands. You can see a house that according to an urban legend was a Pablo Escobar mansion.
• Stop to swim and snorkel some more by a alleged submerged Pablo Escobar plane nearby.
• You could also do a stop at the Oceanarium where you can see lots of sea animals and even swim with dolphins.
• Head over towards Barú Island and possibly stop at party island Cholón, depending on the crowd there and our mood or go to another beach like Agua Azul, Playa Tranquilla, or Playa Puntilla.
• Or, we might stop at a beach club or hotel in the islands.
• Sometimes, we just hang out on the boat anchored in the waters somewhere, for example near Cholón, and switch off between dips in the water and hanging out or having dance parties on the boat.

Can You Visit Beach Clubs on a Cartagena Boat Charter

It is important to keep in mind, that most beach clubs and hotels sell their own day passes.

If you think you’d just like to spend your entire day hanging out on one beach or at a certain beach club, you might be better off just booking a Rosario Islands day trip there instead of paying for a boat charter in Cartagena

However, a lot of the beach clubs and hotels do 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.

It is customary to provide chairs and a table if you buy lunch at public beach spots, like on Barú, for example, by the way.

Boat operators and captains probably can 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.

Of course, you don’t have to get off your boat at all, although you probably will want to at least have lunch somewhere.

What Amenities Do You Want on Your Cartagena, Colombia Boat Rental?

I guess you could make a case this should be the first thing you consider for your boat rental in Cartagena.

Pretty much all private boats that go to the Rosario Islands should come equipped with plenty of seating, a Bluetooth sound system, and a cooler.

Susana likes 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 not a dealbreaker.

Having some kind of covered area for some shade I might consider a dealbreaker, though!

All of those features are pretty common on medium to larger sized boats.

So are bathrooms.

While not the most comfortable or glamorous, 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 or make sure you drown out your neighbors’ music at Cholón, 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 and if not, you can always bring your own snorkel.

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 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.

Our partner Alyssa can also 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.

Besides negotiating, you should always, always confirm prices and ask if there are any additional service charges.

There’s plenty of 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.

Heping you navigate this is another good reason to book with our partner, by the way!

So, always, always, always confirm prices!

If you’re very concerned, you could take a photo of the menu if they have one. Also, double check you won’t be charged extra for the use of chairs and a table. Ask if there is any service fee. And confirm the tip is optional (propina voluntaria).

And, of course, 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, especially for oyster mongers and massage ladies. They 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 and some snacks.

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 costs a fraction of what drinks cost out in the islands.

All Rosario Island boat rentals should have a cooler on board.

It’s customary that operators include ice and maybe a few waters, although it’s worth double checking if they will have ice and bringing your own if not. Even if they do, bringing along an extra bag isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re bringing lots of beers or want ice in your drinks.

It’s also a good idea to take some snacks along, and you can even pack a lunch if you want.

I’m a bit partial to making sure I get a tasty fried fish plate out in the islands though and think it’s well worth spending the money on that, but you’ll save some money if you take other food.

And even if you take your own booze, it can still be fun to get a drink or two out in the islands, bonus points if it’s in a 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 for the ladies, 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 islands.

You can check out my picks for the best Rosario Islands hotels here.

You could also opt to end your day and stay at Playa Blanca or Playa Tranquila, both of which have more rustic options and generally don’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 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 when moving, especially on 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 very competitive prices.

Reserve your Cartagena boat rental with Alyssa here or fill out the form below to get a quote.

Regardless of if you choose to 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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