Full Day Luxury Private Boat Rental To Rosario Islands

A private boat day in Cartagena, minus the stress. You get a 29 ft speedboat for a full 8 hours, cruising the Rosario Islands with time to photograph Boca Chica and swim in the Caribbean. It is built for small groups that want a little relaxation, or a lot of party energy, all with your crew.

I really like how the day is structured around short, easy breaks, not a rushed checklist. The Boca Chica photo stop is a great warm-up, and the swim breaks at Isla Grande plus Cholon or Playa Tranquila give you real water time. For a group day, that rhythm keeps things fun and flexible.

One thing to consider: snorkeling extras are not baked in. You will pay $35 per person for snorkeling, snorkeling equipment use is not listed as included, and you also need to bring your own towel.

Key highlights before you go

• 29 ft private speedboat for a group up to 10, with a full-day cruise feel
• Boca Chica photo stop on the way to the Rosario Islands
• Swim stops in Isla Grande plus Cholon or Playa Tranquila for options
• Beers and water included (beer only for age 18+), with ice on board
• Snorkeling costs extra and towels are your responsibility

Why Rosario Islands feel like your own floating day plan

This is one of those Cartagena experiences where the value is simple: you control the pace. A speedboat rental like this turns the Rosario Islands into a private playground, instead of a crowded-day-boat situation. You are out on open water for hours, not stuck in a quick out-and-back.

The boat is a 29 ft speedboat and the format is made for small groups. The description frames it as up to 8 friends, but the price is per group up to 10, which means it works well if you are keeping it tight with your own people. If you want a day where you can chat, sunbathe, cool off, and still have a little fun, this is a very direct way to do it.

The other quiet win is that you get built-in sightseeing and built-in downtime. Boca Chica is your photo moment, then you shift to swim time in Isla Grande, and you finish with another option in the islands (Cholon or Playa Tranquila). That sequence makes the day feel full without needing you to plan every minute.

From Sibarita del Mar to Boca Chica, the cruise starts fast

You meet at Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, and the start time is 9:00 am. This matters because you beat the worst heat and give yourself more daylight for cruising and swimming. When a boat day starts early, it also means fewer rushed choices later.

Once you are out on the water, you get your first big visual payoff: a stop to take photos of Boca Chica on the way to the Rosario Islands. Boca Chica is a common Cartagena reference point, and it is nice that this rental includes an explicit photo moment rather than just passing by. Even if you are not a serious photographer, you will probably want a few shots once the sea opens up.

A speedboat also changes how you experience coastline. You are not inching along like a ferry. You are moving with purpose, which keeps the day from feeling slow even when the group is just hanging out.

Isla Grande swim stop: the Caribbean time-out you came for

The centerpiece of the day is time to swim in the Caribbean, and Isla Grande is one of the planned stops. You get one or two swim breaks during the day, and Isla Grande is the clear swim target in the itinerary.

Here is how to think about it. Swimming stops on a private boat are about more than just water. They are where you can reset. You stop, you jump in, you cool off, you get back on board, and your crew stays together. That is a big advantage over tours that break the group apart or make you line up for every little activity.

If you want the cleanest, least chaotic swim window, time it like this: when you first arrive, do your first swim session. Save the second for later when everyone has taken enough pictures and you have a calmer rhythm. You will get more fun out of it if you do not wait until you are overheated, then rush into the water.

Also, remember that snorkeling is separate. If you are hoping to snorkel, do not assume it is included just because you are in clear water. Equipment use is not listed as included, and snorkeling is an added $35 per person.

Cholon or Playa Tranquila: choosing your second vibe

After Isla Grande, the plan includes another stop on the islands: Cholon or Playa Tranquila. That choice is a useful clue. It suggests the day can flex depending on conditions and what fits best for the route that day.

So what should you expect? Expect another island moment where the goal is swimming and enjoying the sea. Even without detailed descriptions of each beach, the practical takeaway is that you get a second chance to hop in the water and stay out longer. That can be the difference between a day that feels short versus a day that actually feels like a full-on island outing.

If your group loves calm water and hanging out, you may prefer the option that sounds more like a laid-back beach name, like Playa Tranquila. If your group likes a more lively island feel, Cholon can be the better pick. Since you are on a private boat, you are not stuck choosing once you arrive like you would be on a big group tour.

Onboard perks that matter: ice, water, and beer for 18+

The included onboard setup is straightforward, and that is good. You get ice, bottled water (12 bottles), and alcoholic beverages: 12 beers, either Aguila or Andina, with the age rule that alcohol is allowed only for travelers 18 and above.

For a boat day, these small inclusions add up. Ice and water mean you are not scrambling to buy essentials once you are at sea. Beer for 18+ means your group can set a vibe without you having to manage every stop. It is not an unlimited bar, but it is enough to keep the mood going.

A practical note: because the alcohol is limited to 12 beers, I would treat it as a planned portion, not a party guarantee for everyone. If you have a big group, it is smart to assign a couple of people to pace drinks and help keep things fair.

What you should pack so the day stays smooth

This is where you can avoid most common boat-day annoyances. Towels are not included, so bring your own. Also, snorkeling equipment use is not included, so if you want to snorkel, plan for the extra arrangement and cost.

Beyond that, think like you are spending a full day in sun and wind. Wear swim-ready clothes you do not mind getting salty. Bring basic sun protection and something easy to change into after you swim. A boat day is fun, but it is still outdoors, and Cartagena sun is not shy.

If your group likes to take photos, you will probably want a waterproof phone option or something that keeps your electronics safe during water stops. At a speedboat pace, you do not want to be worrying about where your phone is every time someone jumps in.

Snorkeling costs extra, so make it a real decision

Snorkeling is listed as a $35 per person add-on, and snorkeling equipment use is not included. That means you should decide early if snorkeling is a priority for your group.

Here is the simple way to judge it. If only one or two people in your crew are serious about snorkeling, you can spend the extra money for those people and keep the rest just enjoying the swims. If everyone wants to snorkel, then you are committing more, so make sure the group agrees before you get out there.

Also, bring a towel even if you pay for snorkeling. You will still need to dry off after you get back on board, and the listing is clear: towels are not provided.

If you are not paying for snorkeling, you still get swim time, and that is the core experience. For many people, the best part is simply floating and swimming in open water, not managing gear.

Food stops and pricing clarity, protect yourself

One booking concern that showed up is about extra dining and how pricing was handled at a beach restaurant stop. The operator response to that complaint stressed that menus were shown and choices were approved, and they said they are working on clearer pricing understanding, especially for Spanish speakers.

I cannot verify anyone’s personal story, but the practical lesson is universal: if your day includes optional food stops, ask for totals before you order, and make sure you understand the numbers before you commit. If you are traveling with friends who speak Spanish, bring them in for quick clarifications. If your Spanish is shaky, it is worth using simple translation help.

You will enjoy the day more when nobody is surprised by the bill. Private boat days should feel like freedom, not like paperwork.

Is $880 for up to 10 people actually good value?

At $880 per group (up to 10), this is premium pricing, but it can be good value if you spread it out. The real question is not the headline price, it is how many people you can realistically put on the boat without feeling cramped and without losing the private-day feeling.

If you split among 10 people, the per-person cost becomes far more reasonable. If you only have a smaller group, like 4 or 5, it is still a great experience, but you will feel the luxury tax. Decide based on your group size first, then decide if the boat and full-day structure are worth paying for.

What you get for that money is time, not just sightseeing. You get an 8 hour rental window, two island swim opportunities (Isla Grande plus Cholon or Playa Tranquila), and a photo moment at Boca Chica. Add in ice, water, and 12 included beers, and it becomes a day where you do not need to manage the basics.

Also, remember that snorkeling is extra ($35 per person) and towels are not included. Private transportation is not included either, and it can add $15 per trip depending where you are located. Still, if your group is already meeting near the city center and you can get everyone to the boat start point easily, those add-ons do not have to be expensive.

Timing, weather, and how to plan your day in Cartagena

This experience depends on good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is the correct mindset for any sea day in the tropics.

Try not to book this as your only sailing day. If your schedule is tight, you can still do it, but keep in mind weather can change plans. The best move is to keep your day flexible, and be ready to pivot to another date if needed.

Since the start time is 9:00 am and the duration is about 8 hours, plan to stay in the area around the start and end meeting point. It ends back at Sibarita del Mar, so you are not dropped somewhere inconvenient. That is one of those overlooked comfort details that makes the day smoother.

Who should book this private boat rental

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private day for a mixed group, friends, couples, or small family units
• A full day at sea with planned swims, not a quick in-and-out tour
• Time to relax, take photos, and choose your own vibe without constant group organizing

It is also ideal if your group has people who get bored easily on long tours. Boat days have natural pacing. You swim, you sunbathe, you cool down, you snack and drink, you move again.

If your main goal is snorkeling, you should treat snorkeling as an add-on decision. Pay attention to the $35 per person and the fact that equipment use is not included, and confirm how it will work for your group.

Should you book this private speedboat day?

Book it if you have a group size close to 8 to 10, and you want an 8 hour island day that feels private and flexible. The mix of Boca Chica photos, Isla Grande swim time, and a second island stop makes the day feel full without being exhausting.

Skip or at least rethink it if:

• You are traveling with a small group and the per-person cost will feel too high
• Snorkeling is a must for everyone, and you do not want any add-on costs
• Your group is sensitive to pricing surprises at optional stops, since it is worth double-checking totals before ordering

FAQ

FAQ

What is the price for this boat rental?

The price is $880.00 per group, up to 10 people.

How many people can go on the boat?

The rental is listed as up to 10 people per group. The overview also frames it as up to 8 friends.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia.

What is included in the price?

Included items are ice, bottled water (12 bottles), and alcoholic beverages (12 Aguila or Andina beers).

Is alcohol included, and is there an age requirement?

Yes, beers are included, but alcohol is allowed only for travelers 18 years old and above.

Is snorkeling included?

No, snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. Snorkeling is offered as an extra add-on for $35 per person.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes, towels are not included. Bring your own towel for this trip.

What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.