Private Speed Boat Rental in Cartagena

A private speed boat day in Cartagena can feel like a cheat code. You get four island stops, beach club time, and a captain plus guide who keep things smooth. I especially like the relaxed pace and how the day is set up for swimming and hanging out, not rushing through checkboxes.

Two things I’d call out right away: I love that this is genuinely private, meaning it’s just your group on the boat. And I like that the package covers real, practical stuff up front, including fuel, towels, bottled water, and even music and entertainment. The vibe stays easy, even though you’re hopping between islands.

One consideration: lunch is not included, and one of the stops (Playa Blanca) has admission not included. So you’ll want a plan for midday food and any beach bed or parasol spending.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat, just your group for a quieter day away from cruise-ship crowds
• Brian as the guide, with service that’s focused on making the day feel personalized
• Four island stops, each with about 1 hour at a beach club location
• Towels, a cooler, and ice bags included, which makes “beach time” actually easy
• Beverages included: bottled water plus alcoholic drinks
• Playa Blanca admission not included, and beach bed or parasol costs depend on what you use

Private speed boat days in Cartagena, in plain terms

This is a full-day private boat rental built for sea time. Think: leaving Cartagena with your group, cruising out to island areas, stopping at beach club spots where you can swim and relax, then coming back after a day that’s long enough to feel like a real break.

At a glance, the schedule looks structured, but the day doesn’t feel rigid. You’re not stuck in a long bus tour rhythm. Instead, you get short island windows and then time to move between stops. In the reviews, the most repeated theme is the relaxed, well-organized feel, with service that keeps the day running without you having to manage details.

Price-wise, it’s $525 per person for about 9 hours. That’s not cheap if you’re traveling as just two people. But it can make sense when you split the cost across a group, especially because the package covers a lot that other “boat tours” often charge for separately, like fuel, bottled water, and guide service.

Route and timing: what the 9 hours really mean

The day is built around four beach club style stops, each listed as about 1 hour. That means the “beach club” portion is roughly four hours total. The rest of the time goes to transit, docking, and getting set up for each stop.

Here’s how that plays for you in real life:

• You’ll get multiple chances to swim instead of one long beach session.
• You’ll spend less time in transit than it would take to do multiple islands by land and ferry.
• You’ll still want to treat this like a full-day outing, not a short hop. Bring sun protection, plan hydration, and expect a lot of outdoor time.

Because the tour runs through a broad season window (operational daily hours are listed as 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), you’ll have options to match your Cartagena itinerary. Booking ahead also helps. On average, this is purchased about 20 days in advance, which tells me you’re safest if you lock in early, especially for the dates you want.

Rosario Island Beach Club: your first swim and reset

The first stop is Rosario Island at a beach club private setup, with about 1 hour on the ground. Admission ticket is listed as free for this stop, so it’s a good entry point for the day.

Why this stop works as a starter:

• It’s a chance to get your sea legs quickly and switch from city pace to water pace.
• You can ease into the day before you start thinking about logistics like where to store items, what to order, and whether you’ll pay for extra beach comfort.

A potential drawback: because the stop is only about an hour, you should be decisive. If your idea of a perfect beach stop is 2 to 3 hours of total lounging, you’ll want to use this first island hour for a quick swim, photos, and getting comfortable. Then you can go deeper later in the day.

Playa Blanca: amazing beach time, with extra costs

Next is Playa Blanca, also about 1 hour at a beach club private setup, but with one big difference: admission is not included.

This is the part of the day where you need to think ahead. If you budget only for what’s in the package, you might get surprised. Since the tour also notes that island consumption for parasols and beach beds is subject to use, you may also see additional charges depending on what you want to rent or consume.

Still, Playa Blanca is popular for a reason. If you like wide-open beach time, swimming, and that classic postcard island feeling, this stop is where you’ll likely feel the payoff. Just arrive ready to handle any entry fee and any beach comfort costs you choose.

Isla Tierra Bomba: a change of scenery

After Playa Blanca, the itinerary includes Isla Tierra Bomba with about 1 hour at another beach club private setup. Admission is listed as free here.

This stop is valuable because it breaks up the day. You’re not doing the same exact island look four times in a row. Even without getting too technical, different islands often mean different water feel, beach setup, and crowd vibe. You get to compare, swim, and reset without the day turning into one long repetition.

The main thing to watch is time. With an hour, you’ll want your “must do” list ready:

• Swim first, then decide if you want to order or lounge.
• Keep your phone and valuables protected and close.
• Be ready to return to the boat when the captain signals it’s time.

Isla Baru: the final beach club hour

The last stop is Isla Baru for about 1 hour, again with admission listed as free.

By this time, you’ll usually know what you want. If you already did your swimming during earlier stops, you can focus more on relaxing, enjoying the drinks, and soaking up the island mood. If you still want more water time, Isla Baru is your last realistic window to make it happen.

One practical tip: since lunch is not included, many people end up eating later or snacking between stops. If you’re the type who gets hungry fast, consider planning a snack strategy during the day so you’re not stuck making food decisions at the last minute when you’re trying to enjoy the water.

What’s included: the stuff that actually saves you hassle

This package includes several items that reduce decision fatigue once you’re out on the water.

Included highlights:

• Fuel surcharge and tourist port tax cash fee (tax handled as a cash fee)
• Private transportation plus one-way transportation to the dock
• Bottled water (listed as 24 water bottles)
• Cooler and 3 ice bags
• Towels
• Music and entertainment
• Alcoholic beverages (listed as 48 beers)
• Guide service

And there’s a small but useful detail: there’s mention of a concierge. That usually translates to smoother handoffs, fewer “where do we go next?” moments, and better on-the-day coordination.

I especially like the cooler plus ice bags. If you’re bringing a few personal extras, or if your group wants drinks kept cool without constant trips, that matters. The towels also remove one common stress point. You don’t need to guess whether you can easily buy or rent them nearby.

The guide and crew: why Brian changes the day

The reviews consistently call out the service level, and they name the guide: Brian.

What that means for you:

• You’re not just buying a boat. You’re buying someone who helps the day feel tailored.
• Brian is described as extremely professional and familiar with Cartagena and Colombia, with the ability to curate the route based on your timing preferences.
• The captain is also described as knowledgeable and recommending good places to swim and relax.

The practical value here is simple. When you have a plan, even a loose one, the day runs better. You spend less time debating, and more time in the water.

Also, because this is a private tour, Brian can adjust the flow to your group’s energy. One group might want more swimming time and fewer beach-bed choices. Another might want more photo stops and a slower hang. That flexibility is a big part of why this feels different from crowded group excursions.

Drinks, music, and the relaxed party without chaos

This trip includes music and entertainment, plus alcohol and bottled water. That combination tends to create the right kind of mood, especially on a private boat where you’re not sharing sound and space with strangers.

A balanced note: alcohol is included, but it’s still smart to pace yourself. You’ll be outdoors in sun, moving between islands, and likely swimming. Hydrate early and often, even if the water is provided.

If your group prefers a calm vibe, this style still works. A private boat means you can set the tone, and the service is geared toward a chill day, not a chaotic party sprint.

Food and beach costs: how to avoid surprises

Two items are not included:

• Lunch
• Tips

Also, the tour notes that island consumption for parasols and beach beds is subject to what you use.

Then there’s the extra catch at Playa Blanca, where admission is not included. Put together, here’s what that means:

• You should expect some extra spending during the day.
• If you want beach beds or parasols, budget for it ahead.
• Plan snacks or have a lunch idea so you don’t end up hungry while everyone else is settling into beach mode.

If you want this day to feel smooth, I’d treat lunch like a separate mini-plan. Decide whether you’ll eat before pickup, bring a light snack, or rely on island options at your own pace. The tour is set up more for swimming and beach time than for providing a full meal.

Getting to the dock: easy logistics, one-way transport

This isn’t just “meet us at the harbor.” The package includes one-way transportation to the dock and covers pickup offered (with pickup details referred to as include pack). It’s also listed as near public transportation, which can help if you’re flexible on how you reach the pickup point.

In plain terms, it means less stress. You’re less likely to lose time figuring out where to go and more likely to start enjoying the day on schedule.

Also, the itinerary is listed as operating through daily hours, so timing typically won’t feel stuck in the middle of the night. You’re doing a normal daytime outing.

Is it worth $525 per person? The value math

Let’s talk value without marketing fluff.

What you get that adds up fast:

• Fuel and taxes handled
• Private boat and private transport to the dock
• Towels and cooler setup
• A guide and music
• Bottled water and alcohol included
• Multiple island stops with beach club time

If you were to price these separately, you’d likely end up paying more than $525 per person, especially once you factor in private boat costs and guide service.

When it’s best value:

• You’re traveling with friends or a group, so the per-person price gets spread out.
• You want privacy and less crowd pressure.
• You care about having included essentials so the day stays easy.

When it might not feel worth it:

• You’re only traveling as two people and want a cheaper outing.
• You’re very strict about food costs and want everything handled in one package, because lunch is not included and Playa Blanca admission is extra.

Who this tour suits best

This private speed boat rental is a great match if:

• You want privacy and a relaxed day.
• Your group enjoys swimming and short beach breaks.
• You appreciate planning support from a guide, especially Brian, who can tailor the experience around your timing.
• You’re fine spending money where it reduces hassle, like towels, drinks, and fuel.

It’s also noted as suitable for people with moderate physical fitness. That usually means you can handle boat movement and getting in and out around the islands without it being a major challenge.

Should you book this Cartagena private speed boat?

Book it if you want a smooth, well-organized day where the main goal is to be out on the water, swim, and enjoy islands without fighting crowds. The strongest reasons to choose it are the private setup, the Brian-led professionalism, and the relaxed vibe that keeps the day feeling fun instead of stressful.

I’d skip it or rethink if you want a budget-friendly day, need lunch fully included, or don’t want to handle extra island entry fees at Playa Blanca. Also, if you prefer long beach lounging over short island hours, you may find the 1-hour stops feel brisk.

If your idea of an ideal Cartagena day is a personal boat, a calm pace, and multiple swim chances, this is one of the more sensible ways to do it.

FAQ

How long is the private speed boat rental?

The duration is approximately 9 hours.

Where does this tour take place?

It’s in Cartagena, Colombia, with stops at islands including Rosario Island, Playa Blanca, Isla Tierra Bomba, and Isla Baru.

What does the price include?

The package includes fuel surcharge, private transportation, bottled water (24 bottles), music and entertainment, a tourist port tax cash fee, alcoholic beverages (48 beers), and a guide.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour includes one-way transportation to the dock.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are tips included?

No. Tips are not included.

Is admission included at Playa Blanca?

No. Admission ticket for Playa Blanca is listed as not included.

What about beach beds or parasols?

Island consumption for parasols and beach beds is subject to consumption, so you should expect possible extra charges depending on what you use.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Free cancellation is offered, and refunds depend on meeting that timing.

Does weather affect the tour?

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