Speedboat days in Cartagena feel built for groups. This 41-ft ride from Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande lets you get out on the water for hours, with a crew that keeps the vibe moving and a setup designed for up to 15 (and around 18 on board). I love the simple win here: 12 local beers plus 24 bottled waters are included, so you’re not doing a second shopping run mid-trip. I also like that the team named in multiple accounts, including Dennis, Jonathan, and Rafael, is praised for staying on top of drinks, timing, and the overall flow.

One thing to weigh: snorkeling and scuba gear aren’t included, and you’ll also want to plan for essentials like towels. If your group expected a full gear package or a private pickup, budget for that too (pickup is available for an extra cost).

Key things to know before you go

• 41-ft speedboat for big groups: built for getting around fast and keeping everyone together
• Beer + bottled water included: 12 local beers and 24 bottles of water are in the package
• Cholon factor: the day includes a Cholon boat segment for beach-and-water time
• Crew support matters: names like Dennis, Jonathan, and Rafael come up for organization and follow-through
• No pickup included (but available): you’ll start at Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande unless you pay extra for pickup

A 41-Foot Speedboat Day Out of Bocagrande

Let’s start with the obvious appeal: you’re not signing up for a slow sightseeing crawl. This is a speedboat day, and the boat itself is a 41 ft workhorse meant for groups. That matters in Cartagena because the water time can feel like the whole point. When you have the space of a larger boat and a captain who’s running the show, the experience stays social instead of turning into a “wait around for the next person” situation.

The meeting point is straightforward and central. You’ll start at Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande 2nda and the tour ends back there. Start time is 9:00 am, and the total day is about 8 hours on average. For most people, that’s enough time to feel like you got away from the city but not so long that you’re wrecked by late afternoon.

There’s also a practical detail I appreciate: the meeting location is noted as near public transportation. So if you’re staying somewhere not directly in the Bocagrande core, you still have options to get there without needing a complicated ride plan.

Rosario Islands Time: Fast Travel, Real Beach Energy

The headline is Cartagena to the Rosario Islands and then onward to the Cholon boat portion. What that usually means in real terms: you’ll spend several hours out on the water, with time tied to the Rosario Islands area and the chance to enjoy the beaches and coastal scenery.

Here’s why I think this works for groups. Cartagena can be a bit of a “choose your own adventure” city, and that’s great—until you’re trying to keep a large group aligned. A boat day solves a chunk of that. You’re going together, you’re moving on a set schedule, and the day has a clear rhythm: get out, enjoy the water area, then shift into whatever beach or hang-time the day includes around Cholon.

Also, Rosario Islands outings usually attract people who want the Cartagena look without staying in Cartagena the whole time. If your idea of a good day includes salt air, open water views, and quick changes of scenery, this is the kind of half-day-to-day plan that delivers that.

A note on what you might want to bring

The listing doesn’t mention towels, and that shows up as a missing item. So if you plan to swim or just relax on the water, pack towels yourself. If you’re the “I’ll just buy one when I get there” type, note that the day’s structure may not leave much time for extra errand runs.

Cholon Boat Segment: The Party-Pace Break

The experience name includes Cholon, which is the part of the day that usually brings the beachy, sociable atmosphere. While the details of exact stops aren’t spelled out in the basics, the intent is clear: this isn’t just an out-and-back cruise. It’s a Cartagena water day that builds in a more hangout-focused moment with the Cholon boat portion.

The best sign for this section is how often crew members are praised for keeping the energy right. Dennis, for example, is repeatedly credited for delivering on what people want from a boat day: drinks, good food, and great music. Another big pattern is organization—people mention the team being professional and taking care of scheduling and the day’s flow, which makes the Cholon segment feel less like a random stop and more like a planned highlight.

So if your group is the type that wants a social vibe—music, time in the sun, and an easy change from city mode to vacation mode—this portion is likely to land well.

What’s Included (and What’s Not): The Real Value Check

This tour is built around being easy for you. Here’s what’s included based on the package details:

• Alcoholic beverages: 12 local beer
• All fees and taxes
• Fuel and captain
• Bottled water: 24 bottles

That list matters because it covers the usual “gotcha” items that can add up fast on day trips: transport logistics, boat operation, and basic hydration. The bottled water number is also practical for a long day—8 hours is enough that “we’ll just buy later” stops being funny.

What’s not included:

• Snorkeling equipment (and it also notes scuba equipment isn’t included)
• Toweling (not included)
• Pickup is not included, though it’s available for an extra cost
• Soda/pop isn’t included if you were thinking it would be handled automatically (hard liquor isn’t included either)

One more detail: the included alcohol is described as local beer, and there’s no mention that soda or mixers are part of the default setup. If your group tends to mix drinks, or you prefer non-alcoholic options beyond water, bring a plan (either extra purchase money or your own strategy).

The lunch question

One review explicitly calls out lunch as excellent. Lunch isn’t listed in the basic inclusions, so I can’t promise it’s part of every booking based only on the package summary. But the fact that lunch quality came up positively means it’s worth asking during confirmation: does your specific date include lunch, and what’s typically served?

Crew and Safety: Why the Names Keep Coming Up

Boat days live or die on the crew. This one is repeatedly praised for professionalism, organization, and keeping groups moving without fuss. Names that show up in accounts include:

• Dennis: credited with being present throughout and handling drinks/music needs
• Jonathan: praised as an organizer who helps coordinate the day and other parts of a Cartagena stay
• Rafael: mentioned alongside help that kept the group safe and on track
• Plus a captain who’s included with the fuel and boat package

What does that mean for you? It usually translates into:

• smoother timing (less “where is everyone?”)
• easier drink flow
• clearer instructions so the group knows what to do next

And if safety is your top priority, the recurring theme is that people felt taken care of and kept safe. That’s the kind of praise I take seriously, because on a speedboat, it’s not the time to wing it.

Price and Logistics: Is $1,300 a Fair Deal?

The price is $1,300 per group, up to 15 people, for about 8 hours. Let’s do quick math so you can decide if the value fits your group.

• If you have a full group of 15, that’s about $87 per person.
• For smaller groups, the per-person cost climbs fast.

So the value here depends on two things:

1. Your group size (fill the boat, and the cost per person becomes reasonable)
2. How much you care about inclusions (beer, bottled water, captain, and fuel are already handled)

Compared with booking separate activities—like paying for a boat, captain, and then dealing with separate food/drinks costs—this package is designed to reduce friction. It’s also priced in a way that feels more targeted to groups than to solo travelers. If you’re traveling as a couple or small family, this might not be the best math unless you’re comfortable paying more per seat.

Also, confirm what you’re bringing versus what’s provided. Towels aren’t included. Snorkel and scuba gear aren’t included. Pickup is optional and costs extra. Those details don’t ruin the value, but they do affect what “easy” means for you.

How the Day Runs: A Practical Timeline to Expect

While the exact minute-by-minute schedule isn’t provided in the summary, you can still plan your day like a pro using what’s known:

• 9:00 am departure from Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande
• About 8 hours total with water time and the Cholon boat portion
• Return to the meeting point at the end (so you’re not stranded across town)

Here’s how I’d structure your “before and after” day planning:

• Before: eat a solid breakfast earlier than your comfort level. You’re on the water most of the day, and it’s better to arrive fueled.
• During: assume you’ll be in sun and salt. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and water-friendly clothing.
• After: plan a relaxed evening near your starting area, since you’ll likely be tired from sun and activity.

If your group wants to add other Cartagena highlights the same day, choose nearby plans. The return-to-meeting-point design makes it easier to go straight from the marina to something casual.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you’re traveling with:

• A group of friends who want a boat day with drinks and music
• People who want to avoid complicated transfers
• Anyone who likes the idea of Rosario Islands + Cholon as a single day plan

It’s less ideal if:

• You need snorkeling or scuba gear included (it isn’t)
• You forgot towels and don’t want to improvise
• You’re expecting pickup included without paying extra
• You’re a solo traveler or a couple trying to get group pricing on a small load

If your travel style is “I want the city, but I also want to escape into water views,” this one hits the sweet spot.

Booking Tips That Make Your Day Smoother

A few moves I’d make before you commit:

• Ask about non-beer drinks: the inclusions specify beer and water, and soda/pop isn’t included.
• Confirm toweling needs: bring towels to avoid scramble time.
• Check whether food is part of your specific booking: lunch is mentioned positively in accounts, but the basic package summary doesn’t list lunch as an inclusion.
• Fill the group if you can. With per-group pricing, your per-person cost improves fast as you near the maximum group size.

Also, keep an eye on weather. The experience says it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor conditions, you’ll get a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Cartagena to Rosario Islands and Cholon Boat?

I’d book it if your group’s priority is a well-run boat day with clear inclusions (beer and bottled water), a crew that keeps things organized, and a plan that gets you out of Cartagena into the Rosario Islands area with the Cholon boat segment adding beach-and-vibe time.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re looking for a gear-heavy water adventure with snorkeling or scuba equipment provided, or if your group is too small and the per-person cost makes you wince. In that case, you might prefer a different format that prices better for fewer people.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the Cartagena to Rosario Islands and Cholon Boat tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Todomar CHL Marina Bocagrande 2nda, Cartagena de Indias.

Does the price include drinks and water?

Yes. It includes alcoholic beverages (12 local beer) and bottled water (24 bottles).

Is pickup included?

Pickup is not included, but it is available at an extra cost after booking.

Is snorkeling or scuba equipment included?

No. Scuba and snorkeling equipment are not included.

Are towels included?

No, towels are not included.