A private speedboat day beats the usual cruise loop. This 29 ft rental gives your group control of the day around Cartagena’s Caribbean islands, with a photo stop at Boca Chica along the way and the option to relax or turn it into a party.

I really like that the plan is built around time in the water, not just driving around. You get one or two swimming stops in Isla Grande, then beach-time in Cholon or Playa Tranquila for a classic Rosario Islands day.

The main drawback is that extras can add up. Snorkeling equipment costs extra, towels are not included (so you’ll want to bring your own), and alcohol is for ages 18+.

Key Highlights That Make This Boat Day Work

• A 29-ft private speedboat for up to 10 people: your group stays together for the whole ~8-hour outing.
• Boca Chica photo stop en route: quick and easy, without needing a full shore detour.
• Swim time in Isla Grande: the itinerary is anchored by Caribbean water breaks.
• Cholon or Playa Tranquila: you get a beach choice after the main swim stop.
• Included drinks and water: ice, bottled water, and 12 beers (for 18+).
• Snorkeling gear is optional: you can add it for $35 per person when you want it.

Private 29-Foot Speedboat Around the Rosario Islands

This is a private speedboat day, priced for the whole group rather than per seat. That matters in Cartagena because a lot of day trips start to feel cramped once you’re sharing a boat with strangers. Here, you’re aiming for a small-group feel, with the boat described as 29 ft of floating fun.

The “luxury” angle is reflected in how the day is set up: drinks, water, ice, and a full 8 hours on the water to use your time the way you want. If your idea of a great day is cruising past the islands, stopping to swim, and then settling in for beach time, this fits.

One practical point: the boat listing says capacity up to 10, while the description talks about up to 8 friends. Either way, if you’re booking as a group, try to plan for the upper end of your group size by confirming what comfortable means for you.

The 9:00 AM Start and a Simple, Low-Stress Flow

The day runs with a clear rhythm. You meet at Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, and the start time is 9:00 am. You finish back at the same meeting point, which cuts down on end-of-day hassles and helps you plan dinner afterward.

This is also the kind of trip where timing matters because you’re spending the bulk of the day on the water. It’s scheduled for about 8 hours, so it’s long enough to feel like a real outing, but not so long you’ll be wiped out by late-night logistics.

You’ll also want to keep expectations aligned with the weather factor. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for that reason, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Boca Chica Photo Stop: Quick, Scenic, and Easy

On the way to the Rosario Islands, the boat includes a stop at Boca Chica for photos. That’s a smart move because it gives you a memorable Cartagena-area postcard moment without turning the day into a complicated shore itinerary.

The benefit for you is speed and flexibility. You’re not losing hours organizing a land stop or dealing with transportation once you’re off the boat. You get the look, you take the photos, and you’re back underway.

The trade-off is also simple: it’s a photo stop, not a long hang. If you’re hoping for an extended beach walk here, this itinerary isn’t built for that.

Isla Grande Swimming Breaks That Anchor the Day

Swimming is the centerpiece of the day. You’ll have one or two stops to swim in the Caribbean sea, and the first swim stop is Isla Grande.

Why that matters: the Rosario Islands are all about getting your feet wet and spending time where the water is the main event. Having dedicated swim stops keeps the day from feeling like a sightseeing drive.

The only caution is practical. Swim time depends on what’s happening on the water that day, and it’s also tied to weather. If conditions aren’t ideal, you’ll want to be flexible about how long you can swim and how quickly the boat moves to the next stop.

Cholon or Playa Tranquila: Beach Time With a Built-In Choice

After Isla Grande, the itinerary includes another stop in Cholon or Playa Tranquila. This is useful because it gives variety: you’re not locked into a single beach experience for the entire second half of the trip.

What this choice means for you is control over the vibe. If you want a more classic beach feel, Playa Tranquila may match that mood. If you prefer the name recognition of another well-known stop, Cholon can be the pick.

The drawback: you don’t get to pre-select in the information provided. So if you have a strong preference between the two, ask your operator when you book and confirm how the final beach decision is made on the day.

Included Drinks and Water: Real Value for the Price

One of the strongest parts of this deal is what’s included. You get:

• Ice
• 12 bottled waters
• 12 beers (Aguila or Andina), allowed only for ages 18+

That’s not just a nice extra—it changes how the day feels. You’re not constantly thinking about buying water or worrying about where drinks come from. For a full day on a boat, that’s a meaningful comfort.

For value, the pricing works best when you fill the group. The tour is $880 per group up to 10, so if you book with a full crew, the per-person cost drops a lot. And because water and beer are part of the package, your day isn’t secretly turning into a spend-heavy outing.

Important: alcohol is limited by age (18+). If your group includes younger travelers, plan for that in advance so you’re not scrambling at the start.

Snorkeling Equipment Costs $35 Per Person

Snorkeling equipment is not included. If you want it, the cost is $35 per person.

That means you should decide early if snorkeling is a must-do for your group. If nobody in your crew cares about gear, skip the add-on and keep the focus on swimming breaks and relaxing on the stops.

If snorkeling matters, factor it into your total budget. The equipment fee can change the overall price picture quickly, especially for groups near the 10-person limit.

Also note the equipment detail in the information you have: towels are not included, and you’ll need to bring your own towel for the trip.

Price and Group Math: When $880 Actually Feels Fair

At $880 per group (up to 10 people), this isn’t a bargain solo trip. But it can be a strong value when you treat it like a private boat outing, not like a shared tour bus.

Here’s the practical way to think about it:

• If you’re booking with fewer people, the cost per person climbs fast.
• If you fill the boat closer to 10, the included water and beer help offset the total.

For many groups, the sweet spot is friends who want the same vibe: hang out together, swim, take photos, and keep the day moving without the usual group-tour friction. If that’s your plan, the price starts looking less like a splurge and more like a group convenience.

One Real-World Concern: Extra Charges at Beach Stops

There’s at least one complaint that stands out: the concern is about being taken to a specific restaurant and being charged high prices for items like fish and beach-related add-ons. The way the complaint describes it, the charges didn’t match what was shown on a menu, and there were extra fees for things like a beach table.

I can’t verify any single account from the information given, but I can tell you the practical takeaway: manage pricing before you commit. If you don’t speak Spanish well, ask the guide to explain costs clearly in plain numbers before ordering, reserving, or agreeing to any beach fees.

This trip includes multiple stops, and not every stop is guaranteed to be a simple, free-for-all. So bring a calm, direct approach: check the menu, ask what’s included, and confirm final totals before you say yes.

Weather Rules and the Packing Items You Can’t Skip

The experience requires good weather. That’s not a small detail here, because your day is built around being on the water for about 8 hours. If weather forces a cancellation, the plan is a different date or a full refund.

Also, be ready for the age rule around beer. You’ll get Aguila or Andina, but only for 18+ travelers. Bring ID if there’s any chance someone could be asked.

And don’t forget the towel issue. Towels are not included, so bring your own for the trip. This is one of those avoidable annoyances that can quietly ruin the comfort of a boat day.

Who Should Book This Private Boat Rental?

This is ideal for:

• Small friend groups who want private time on a speedboat
• People who want the Rosario Islands day built around swimming
• Groups that value included basics like ice, bottled water, and beer
• Travelers who like flexibility—cruising, photos, then beach time—without complicated planning

It’s not the best fit if you’re looking for a structured, museum-style tour with lots of land time. This is a water-first day. And because snorkeling gear costs extra, it’s better for people who are either fine skipping gear or ready to budget $35 per person.

The “most travelers can participate” note suggests it’s broadly workable for typical visitors. Still, if your group has mobility limits or you’re unsure about how much time you’ll spend boarding or moving around, ask the operator what to expect on the boat.

Should You Book This Boat Day?

Yes—if your group wants a private, water-focused Rosario Islands day and you’ll actually use the included drinks and swim stops. The price makes more sense when you book as a full group, especially since water and beer are included.

Book with a little extra caution if your plan includes buying food or reserving anything on beach stops. Ask about pricing clearly and confirm totals before you commit. That one kind of issue can happen on any day-trip with optional meals, and being direct saves headaches.

If your main goal is cruising, photo stops, and getting in the Caribbean water without stress, this is the kind of outing that can feel like a real upgrade over shared tours.

FAQ

How long is the boat rental in total?

The tour runs for approximately 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where do we meet, and where does it end?

You meet at Sibarita del Mar (Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias), and the experience ends back at the same meeting point.

How big is the group for the private boat?

It’s priced per group up to 10 people (the description also mentions up to 8 friends).

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes ice, bottled water (12 bottles), and 12 beers (Aguila or Andina) for 18+ travelers.

What is not included?

Not included are towels, private transportation, and snorkeling equipment. Snorkeling equipment is available for an additional $35 per person.

Do we need to bring our own towel?

Yes. Please bring your own towel for this trip.

Is snorkeling available?

Yes, snorkeling equipment can be added for $35 per person, but it is not included by default.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.