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Cartagena Tours

Experience the best cruises in Cartagena

Panoramic Views
Panoramic Views
Frequent Departures
Frequent Departures
Sightseeing & Onboard Meal Options
Sightseeing & Onboard Meal Options
Cartagena Cruises
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How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

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We curate the best ways to experience

Quick overview

Cartagena cruises take you from Cartagena into the Caribbean, with full-day trips to the Rosario Islands and shorter sunset cruises around Cartagena Bay.

  • Duration: 2 to 8 hours, depending on the cruise and the number of stops along the way. 
  • Main destinations: Rosario Islands and Cartagena Bay
  • Boat types: Most tours involve shared speedboats or catamarans, giving you two distinct options based on your appetite for thrills. 
  • Good to know: Speedboat cruises in particular are not suited for pregnant women or guests with limited mobility or issues with their neck and back. Additionally, the port tax of 31,500 COP is not included in the ticket price, and you'll need to pay this at the pier via cash or credit card on the day of the cruise.
  • Departure: Most experiences depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena, and don’t involve round-trip transfers from your accommodation. 

Choose the best Cartagena cruise

Experience DurationBoat typeSwimming/snorkelingLunchAppetizersDrinksRosario Islands visit Price from

Cartagena Bay Sunset & Night Boat Party Cruise

2 hours

Sports boat

❌

❌

❌

❌

❌

$37

Cartagena Adults-only Party Day Cruise

7 hours

Shared shuttle boat

✅

✅

❌

❌

✅

$70.95

Cartagena Sunset Party Cruise

2 hours

Sports boat

❌

❌

❌

✅

❌

$35

Cartagena Catamaran Sunset Cruise

2 hours

Catamaran

❌

❌

✅

✅

❌

$41

Cartagena Speedboat Eco Day Cruise

6 hours 30 minutes

Shared speedboat

✅

✅

❌

❌

✅

$77.50

Cartagena Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Open Bar

2 hours

Catamaran

❌

❌

✅

✅

❌

$63

Cartagena Catamaran Day Cruise to Rosario Islands

7 hours 30 minutes

Catamaran

✅

✅

❌

✅

✅

$121

Cartagena Speedboat VIP Day Cruise

6 hours 30 minutes

Speedboat

✅

✅

❌

❌

✅

$82.95

Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca Day Cruise

7 hours

Speedboat

✅

✅

❌

❌

✅

$81

What to expect on Cartagena cruises

Catamaran on Cartagena waters during sunset cruise with open bar.
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Board your vessel at the designated meeting point at the dock

Start your experience at the designated waterfront pier, where you'll check in with the operator before boarding. Most tours depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita, where you'll pay the port tax before boarding your catamaran or speedboat, depending on the tour you choose.

Cruise past Cartagena's historic waterfront

Full-day speedboat tours begin with sightseeing from the water, passing landmarks such as San Fernando Fort in Bocachica and the Escobar Mansion before continuing toward the Rosario Islands.

Enjoy beverages on board the vessel

Some experiences include a welcome drink along with other beverages on board, including lemondes, soft drinks, juices, or even other regional pour

Arrive at the Rosario Islands

If you've booked a full-day cruise, you’ll continue into the Rosario Islands, where you get time to explore their beaches, beach clubs, and swim or snorkel in the warm, turquoise waters along the shore. Experiences that involve free time for a swim or snorkeling also include snorkeling equipment and life jackets, so your safety is always a top priority.

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch before your return journey

Full-day experiences include time for lunch during your visit to the islands. Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll get to enjoy a Caribbean lunch that also caters to vegetarians if requested, or a meal of seafood or vegetarian rice to keep you fuelled along the way.

Sail back to Cartagena or watch the sunset

After the island stops, full-day cruises return to Cartagena by boat. Sunset experiences follow a shorter route around Cartagena Bay, passing the city's waterfront and skyline as the sun sets, with music, drinks and snacks depending on the cruise.

Things to know before booking Cartagena cruises

  • Full-day cruises take up most of your day: The Rosario Islands experiences generally run from the morning to later in the afternoon. These include the party, VIP, and ecological island tours to the Rosario Islands. 
  • Routes can change: Keep in mind that the itinerary on your tour may change depending on the weather, demand, and operating conditions. These changes are made at the captain’s discretion, but rest assured that the quality of the experience is never affected. 
  • Adrenaline-high speedboat rides: Several tours include transfers via a shared speedboat, which can be challenging for pregnant women, guests with neck or back problems, or wheelchair users. Additionally, these tours aren’t recommended if you suffer from motion or seasickness. 
  • Port fees may be separate: Some tours require you to pay a separate port fee of 31,500 COP per person at the pier. Make sure to carry enough extra cash and a credit card for these, along with other miscellaneous payments. 
  • Round-trip hotel transfers aren’t included: None of the cruises include round-trip transfers from your hotel or resort. As a result, you’ll have to make your own way to the designated meeting point at their pier on the day of the tour. Make sure to arrive at least 15-30 minutes beforehand to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience.

Your Cartagena cruise boarding points explained

What you'll see on a Cartagena cruise

Catamaran sailing at sunset with Cartagena skyline in the background.

Cartagena Bay

Sunset cruises provide views across Cartagena Bay, including the modern waterfront and parts of the historic city. The party cruise also passes Manga, Bocagrande, and Castillogrande before reaching the Virgen del Carmen monument.

Fort of San Fernando de Bocachica with Colombian flag, Cartagena, Colombia.
Old abandoned villa of Pablo Escobar surrounded by trees on Isla Grande, Cartagena, Colombia.
Aerial view of Isla del Pirata, lush greenery surrounded by turquoise waters, Rosario Islands, Colombia.
Group enjoying a sunset party cruise in Cartagena with city skyline in the background.

Plan your Cartagena cruise down to the last detail

Insider tips for an unforgettable cruise in Cartagena

  • Expect island stops to be flexible. Weather, demand, and operating conditions can change the route, so focus on the experience rather than a specific beach or venue.
  • Pick the boat for the experience, not just the destination. Catamarans offer a slower, more comfortable ride, while speedboats pack more stops and activities into the day.
  • Make the most of your water-activity window. If snorkeling or swimming is a priority, take advantage when it is offered rather than assuming you'll have another identical opportunity later.
  • Choose your catamaran seat strategically. Shaded, cushioned seating is better for the longer crossing, while sunny areas and forward nets are ideal when you want to soak up the Caribbean views.
  • Decide on the Oceanarium before you set out. On the ecological itinerary, it is an optional visit, so you can choose between the Oceanarium and additional nature-focused island time.
  • Match the cruise to your preferred atmosphere. Party cruises are deliberately energetic, while catamaran sailings offer a more relaxed way to enjoy the islands and coastline.
  • Stay on deck as the sunset cruise continues. The experience shifts from sunset views to Cartagena's illuminated skyline, making the final stretch particularly scenic.

Frequently asked questions about Cartagena cruises

Cruises in Cartagena last anywhere between 2 hours and 7.5 hours, depending on the overall itinerary and the number of stops. The Cartagena Bay sunset cruise, for instance, lasts 2 hours, while the adults-only circuit of Rosario Islands lasts between 7 and 7.5 hours.