How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Boat in Cartagena? 2026/2027 Price Guide

Why Cartagena boat prices vary so much

Cartagena has everything from simple shared excursions to private sport boats, premium speedboats and large yachts. Those products can all be described online as a “boat tour,” but they are not comparable experiences. Price changes with the boat, passenger capacity, length of charter, fuel requirement, season, departure point, crew and services included.

For a private island day, the first question should be: what kind of vessel does your group actually need? A couple that wants maximum privacy can use a smaller boat; a group of ten may need a wider 33–41 ft speedboat for comfort; a group that wants an indoor air-conditioned salon, cabins and more shade is moving into yacht territory.

Current starting prices: a useful benchmark

As of October 2026, Boating Cartagena’s main website lists the Bravo 290, up to 8 passengers, from COP 2,490,000 for Island Hopping; the Marlin 33, up to 10 passengers, from COP 2,890,000; and the Bravo 380, up to 15 passengers, from COP 3,290,000. These are useful starting points, not universal market prices.

Larger vessels climb from there. A private yacht can cost several times more than a speedboat because you are paying for more space, amenities, systems, crew requirements and fuel. High-season dates can also price differently, so treat any article or screenshot as a reference and confirm the live rate for your date.

Speedboat or yacht: where the money goes

A speedboat is usually the best-value way to reach the Rosario Islands quickly. It gives you an open-air Caribbean day, easy swimming access and enough room for most groups without paying for indoor spaces you may barely use during an island-hopping itinerary.

A yacht makes sense when comfort itself is a priority: more shade, larger seating zones, bathrooms, cabins, air conditioning on some models, extra entertaining space and a more polished onboard experience. The destination can be the same; the way you experience the day is different.

Compare price per group, not only price per person

Private charter math changes as the group grows. A boat priced for the vessel, not per seat, can become very competitive when six, eight or ten friends split the rate. This is why “private is expensive” is not always true once you compare a group’s total spend against multiple premium shared-tour tickets.

For two people, a shared day pass may offer better pure economics. For a larger group, a private charter can deliver more privacy and flexibility at a surprisingly reasonable per-person cost.

What should be included in the quote?

Before paying, ask for a written list of inclusions. Boating Cartagena’s current FAQ states that its standard charter price includes the private boat, captain and assistant, fuel, a cooler with ice and bottled water, and applicable fees/taxes listed by the company. Optional services can include lunch, drinks, snorkel equipment, guides, transportation and other extras.

Official park requirements can change. Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo currently requires visitor accident insurance, and park authorities recommend confirming current entry requirements before visiting. A professional operator should explain what is included in your specific quote and what, if anything, will be paid separately.

The cheapest boat is not automatically the best value

Price matters. Reliability matters too. A boat that does not arrive, a last-minute vessel substitution, unclear fees, poor maintenance or an inexperienced crew can make a cheap booking very expensive in lost vacation time.

The better question is: what is the lowest price that still gives your group the vessel, service, reliability and experience you expect? That is how we recommend comparing Cartagena boat rentals.

Tell us your date, group size, budget and the kind of day you want. Our team will recommend the boat and route that fit you best. WhatsApp +57 304 675 8945.