Cartagena does party-mode on the water. This boat trip turns into a full day at Cholón Island with lunch, two welcome beers, and cross-over music that keeps the energy up from start to finish. My two favorite parts are the built-in break at La Piscinita for swimming and relaxing, and the fact that Cholón isn’t just a photo stop—you get real time there, plus a DJ and dance show on weekends. One thing to plan for: drinks on the island can cost extra, and you’ll want cash (pesos), because card payments can get pricey.

For the money, $110 per person for about 5 hours 40 minutes feels fair when you account for the lunch and the included beers. The ride is capped at a maximum of 100 travelers, and you’re moving as a group between stops instead of figuring out boats on your own. If you’re the type who prefers quiet beaches and early bedtimes, this one may feel a bit loud.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• La Piscinita swim time at Islas de Rosario before the main event
• Cholón Island party time with cross-over music and time to mingle
• Lunch included with chicken, fish, or vegetarian options
• Two welcome beers included for over 18s
• Weekend upgrade: DJ and a dance show on Cholón
• Big “bring cash” lesson from real-world experience on the island

Price and what you get for about $110

The headline price is $110 per person for a day running roughly 5 hours 40 minutes, starting at 8:00 am and ending back around 3:00 pm. That price is easiest to judge by what’s included: lunch plus two beers. Add in the transportation between Cartagena, Islas de Rosario, and Cholón, and you’re paying for a full, structured day where you don’t have to coordinate anything once you show up.

Also, the tour isn’t trying to be fancy in the “you bring everything” sense. You’re provided admission tickets for the stops listed, and the island schedule is built in: a shorter swim break first, then several hours at Cholón when the party energy peaks.

Still, think of this as a “plan for extra spending” trip. Even with two beers included, you’ll likely want more drinks once you’re on the island. Real-world notes from past guests say island drinks can be expensive, so it’s smart to set a budget before you arrive.

The morning setup: check-in at Restaurante Donjuan

You’ll start at Restaurante Donjuan, on Av Carlos Escallon 34-01 in Cartagena’s historic center, right by the clock tower area. The idea here is simple: check in, then get transferred to a private marina where the boat departs for the day.

This kind of meeting point matters more than it sounds. Cartagena’s historic center can feel like a maze of small streets, and you’ll want that check-in process to be quick and clear. Starting in the Centro Histórico also keeps the morning simple if you’re already staying in that area.

After check-in, the tour heads out by boat. Plan to treat the first leg as your “settle in” phase: it’s early, it’s Caribbean water, and most of your day is still ahead. You’ll be glad you came with a good breakfast and water in your system (even if you’ll get to eat later).

Stop 2: Islas de Rosario and La Piscinita swim break

Before you reach Cholón, you get a stop at Islas de Rosario called La Piscinita. This is your first real taste of island time—swim, relax, and reset your energy before the party gets bigger.

Why I like this stop: it’s a built-in change of pace. You’re not going straight from Cartagena into the loudest part of the day. You get time to stretch your legs, get in the water, and enjoy the “vacation” feeling before you’re stuck in a dance-show vibe.

Timing is also practical. This stop is listed at about 40 minutes, which is long enough to swim and float for a bit, but short enough that you won’t feel like you wasted half your day waiting around. If you’re the kind of traveler who hates rushing, this is still manageable because 40 minutes is focused and you’ll be moving again soon.

One note: snorkeling equipment is not included. If snorkeling is your plan, bring what you need or make sure you have a plan on the day. At minimum, consider whether you’ll want basic beach gear like a towel, since towels aren’t included either.

Stop 3: Cholón Island, where the party actually happens

Cholón Island (Islas del Rosario) is the main event. This is where the music ramps up, the social scene kicks in, and you get several hours to enjoy the island’s party reputation in a more “hang out all day” way than a quick stop.

Here’s what you can count on during your time there:

• Cross-over music that helps keep the mood moving
• Time to interact with people from different nationalities
• A lunch break with several options: chicken, fish, or vegetarian
• Two welcome beers for guests over 18
• On weekends, a DJ and dance show

What makes this valuable for you is that it’s not only about drinking or only about photos. You’re given a meal, there’s structured entertainment (especially on weekends), and you have enough time to settle into the island rhythm. Past guests also highlight the nonstop feeling—from pickup to drop-off—so you’re not staring at your phone wondering what’s next.

One caution: Cholón is where the “island hustle” energy shows up. A real tip from a past guest: bring pesos. They specifically mention side hustle upcharges and that contactless phone/card payments like Apple Pay or tapping can cost you more. That doesn’t mean you should avoid buying anything. It just means you should go in ready, not surprised.

If you want to keep costs down, decide your drink budget before you get swept into the moment. The tour does include two beers, so you can anchor your spending there and then choose whether extra purchases are worth it to you.

Food and drinks: lunch options and the two-beer reality

Lunch is included, and you get choices: chicken, fish, or vegetarian. That matters because it reduces decision stress once you’re at the island, and it makes the time feel more like a real outing than a “drop you off then good luck” situation.

You also get two welcome beers. The tour specifies beers are for over 18s only, so if you’re traveling with a group and some people are under that threshold, plan accordingly.

A practical point from real feedback: drinks on the islands can be expensive, and guests appreciate that the organizers were straightforward about it. One person also notes they allow you to bring your own alcohol for the boat. Whether you do that or not, the key is to go in with eyes open: you’ll likely spend more than the base price if you want cocktails, extra beers, or mixers.

Return to Cartagena at 3:00 pm: Muelle de los Pegasos

At 3:00 pm, you head back to Cartagena. The ending point is the Pegasos dock (listed as Muelle de los Pegasos), with the tour ending at the Pegasus Pier area near Sibarita del Mar on Av. Blas de Lezo in El Centro.

This timing is helpful for planning your day. You get an early morning start, a big chunk of island time in the middle, and you’re back by mid-afternoon—so you still have time for dinner in Cartagena without needing to travel the next day.

Also, the day has a clear shape:

• Morning transfer and first island swim stop
• Main party island time
• Mid-afternoon return

That’s exactly what you want from a group boat tour. It reduces uncertainty, and it helps you keep your energy up instead of guessing what happens next.

What I’d bring (so the day stays fun)

I’d pack like this for a Cartagena-to-Cholón party day:

• Sun protection (you’ll be outdoors for hours)
• A towel (not included)
• Your own snorkeling gear if that’s your thing (snorkeling equipment isn’t included)
• Cash in pesos for island purchases, especially if card payments cost more
• A light layer for the boat ride if you get cool easily

If you’re sensitive to crowds and loud music, you’ll still have an enjoyable day—but you might want to spend more time in the calmer gaps between events. The schedule leans party-first, especially when the DJ shows up on weekends.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip)

This is a great match if you:

• Want a one-day boat party experience with minimal planning
• Like social energy and meeting people from different places
• Enjoy music and entertainment, especially on weekends
• Care about having lunch included so the day doesn’t turn into constant searching

It may not be ideal if you:

• Prefer quiet, low-music beach time
• Don’t want to manage extra spending for drinks on the island
• Need snorkeling equipment or towels provided (they aren’t)

If you’re traveling with friends who want a “do it once” Cartagena side trip that feels like a true Caribbean day, this one makes sense.

Should you book Boat Party on Cholón Island?

Yes—if you want a structured party day with a swim stop, included lunch, and a clear return time. For $110, the value comes from the included food and the fact you don’t have to figure out boat logistics between stops. The weekend DJ and dance show can make it even more worth it if your dates line up.

Book with a couple expectations set:

• Bring cash (pesos) and expect drinks to cost more once you’re on Cholón.
• Pack basics like a towel and plan for snorkeling gear since it’s not included.
• If you’re looking for peaceful scenery and silence, choose a different kind of island day in the Rosario area.

If you’re okay with music, socializing, and a day that moves fast, this is exactly the kind of Cartagena outing that turns a few hours into a full story.

FAQ

What’s the start time and length of the tour?

The tour starts at 8:00 am and runs for about 5 hours 40 minutes (approximately).

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Restaurante Donjuan, Av Carlos Escallon 34-01, Centro histórico, Cartagena de Indias.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll stop at Islas de Rosario at La Piscinita for swimming and relax time, then head to Cholón Island for the party and lunch, before returning to Cartagena.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch is included (with chicken, fish, or vegetarian options). You also get two welcome beers for guests over 18.

Is snorkeling gear or a towel included?

No. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Free cancellation is available per the policy listed.