Colombia · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 cruises & boat tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
One full day from Medellín to Guatapé, with Peñol Rock steps, a lake boat ride, and included breakfast and lunch. Comfortable group tour.
“This tour was absolutely amazing and for the price it’s unmatched. Everything from the food, to the views to our tour guide … in addition to getting to see a new area of Colombia I can not say enough great things about this tour!”
Medellín to Guatapé in 10 to 11 hours with breakfast, lunch, a Lake Guatapé boat ride, and the famous 742 steps at Piedra del Peñol.
“Be on time for the pick up. This was a great experience, Yulie, our tour guide was super, and yes they speak English too. Because it’s a group tour, you do get to meet people from all over the world. The food was great and they have option for everyone. As a Jamaica, this Peñol rock was a bucket list and it was great. Very crowdy as it was holiday time.”
Medellín day trip to Guatapé and Piedra del Peñol: tastings, 750 steps, boat lunch, and Umbrella Street time.
“This was a great experience and was extremely balanced with something for everyone: trying different local food, unstructured time to explore Guatape, and some active time climbing El Penol. Highly recommend! The lunch cruise offered great views of the area as well.”
Catamaran cruise from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands with snorkeling, white sand swim stops, and a full onboard lunch plus nonalcoholic drinks.
“Fantastic way to get out on the water and see some of the sights! We had a fantastic couple of stops to snorkel and explore a white sandy beach and the food was fantastic. The music and overall vibe was great too. The only feedback I’d give is that we needed a bit more beach time!”
Sail Cartagena at sunset on a comfortable catamaran, with skyline views, one drink, and a small appetizer, plus smooth music on board.
“Amazing sunset cruise. The boat was spacious, appetizers came at just the right time, and drinks were reasonably priced.”
Rosario Islands day trip from Cartagena with fort stops, beach time, included lunch, and Eco or VIP snorkeling plus optional party energy.
“We booked the VIP tour because we were told it was a bigger boat with shade and would have a smoother ride. That did not happen. They stuck us on a small boat that had no shade and had no business being on such choppy water. We had our eyes closed for the hour ride back because we were constantly being whipped with sea water. A disaster. On top of that, it was apparently a yellow flag day—which they did not tell us until after we were out at the first island—so we had to cut our day short and rush through all the stops. The food was also cold…”
Sunset party boat in Cartagena from Muelle de los Pegasos, $22 with open bar, music, Virgen del Carmen views, then nightclub entry.
“I would change nothing about this activity and how it was handled. I had the most fun and met some incredible people. The vibes were immaculate, even on a monday night.”
VIP boat day from Cartagena to Rosario Islands with snorkeling gear, private island stops, snacks and lunch. Small groups, value at $80.
“This snorkel experience was great! Went to a few beach clubs, but the waves were super choppy so just remember to take some meds if you get sea sick. Overall very nice guides, good food, and good vibes. Would definitely recommend if you are going to Cartagena!”
A 2-hour sunset catamaran cruise in Cartagena with city views, soft drinks, and snacks, sailing from Muelle de la Bodeguita.
“Overall, I didn't enjoy the cruise nor do I feel this was worth the $30. First, the boat/catamaran was crowded. Not sure how many people were on board but I believe the listing mentioned the boat holds up to 150 people. Second, the appetizers offered were cold and...unappetizing. You get a token for a free drink onboard with very limited options. Finally, the staff wasn't very friendly which is unusual in Cartagena. Instead, they were quite indifferent and unwelcoming. It seemed they were just going through the motions. There was no communication when the boat departed (i.e., no safety protocols, no warnings, etc.). It simply left the port. But when…”
Medellín day trip to Peñol Stone and Guatapé, with a lake cruise to La Manuela hacienda tied to Pablo Escobar.
“Even though this tour was all day, it was a very smooth day for the most part. The host Cesar & the driver Alex were very on time which was much appreciated for the long day we had. Cesar did a great job explaining everything & Alex was an excellent and safe driver. They also encouraged engagement amongst participants which was nice and we got to learn a bit about each other. The first stop was strawberries and cream which was SO GOOD. I was able to buy guinep fruit there also. Going to El Alto de Chocho was brief but exactly what I needed from the animals! They were…”
90 minutes on Cartagena Bay at sunset with an open bar, music, and night views of Bocagrande, Manga, Getsemaní, and the old city.
“Great staff! The rum punch was good and the cruise was so fun. Highly recommend!!”
Sail from Santa Marta to Tayrona’s Bahía Concha with a small bilingual crew, grilled fish lunch, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards.
“The crew was nice but no one spoke English. I received message on Whatsapp at 9pm the night before saying we were changing from a sail boat to a catamaran and we were leaving at 9h instead of 10h30. The food was good. We were only 8 people so that was nice. Snorkeling was not good way too much waves. The beach Palmata was horrible. Brown water with lots of débris floating.”
Guatapé day trip from Medellín with Piedra del Peñol, meals, and a rumbero boat ride on the Guatapé Dam, plus town photo stops.
“It was a great experience where we could learn a little bit about the air, but do our own thing. If you’re looking for a really authentic tour, this is not it. It is more commercialized, but this is what we were going for, something a little bit more slow paced so we could enjoy our honeymoon. Word of caution it’s a long hike up to the steps, before you can actually climb the steps and so if you have bad knees, this is probably not an activity for you, but the other activities are great for those who need a little less walking. The tour guides were really great…”
Medellín to Guatapé in one packed day, with a reservoir boat ride to Pablo Escobar’s La Manuela, Peñol Rock views, and colorful town time.
“It was a fantastic tour. Very well organised with lots of information. Our guide Mario was awesome and very knowledgeable and helpful. Our driver Rojo was a great driver and very friendly. The tour of hacienda Manuela was very good I loved seeing that. The climb up the rock was not effortless but not too hard. I highly recommend this tour”
Sail to Tayrona Park from Santa Marta by boat, relax at Bahia Concha with snorkel and SUP, and enjoy included lunch and sunset.
“Sonata is a beautiful boat and the beach in Tayrona NP was stunning. Lunch was delicious and the crew worked hard to make it special for us.”
Pick a hillside, a coastline or a coffee farm.
