Quick answer: Private boat rental in Cartagena starts at $680 USD/day for a speedboat (6–12 people). A catamaran for 15–30 people runs $1,750–$4,500 USD. Book directly with the operator and save up to 22% versus Viator or Airbnb Experiences.

2026 Cartagena Boat Rental Prices by Vessel Type

All prices below were verified by our team in March 2026 through direct quotes. They include a certified captain, fuel for the contracted route, and basic snorkel equipment.

Vessel TypeCapacityPrice / Day (USD)Best For
Speedboat (Lancha)6–12 people$680 – $950Snorkeling, fast routes, agile groups
Mid-Size Yacht10–18 people$1,750 – $2,750Groups of 13–17 (the gap nobody talks about)
Catamaran15–30 people$1,750 – $4,500Large groups, parties, celebrations
Luxury YachtUp to 20 people$2,000 – $6,500Premium experience, corporate events

* High season surcharge of 20–35% applies during Holy Week (March/April) and Dec 15 – Jan 15. Park entry fee (~$5 USD/person) not included for Rosario Islands routes.

Cost Per Person by Group Size

The single most useful number before you book. Most people don't run this math until after they've paid more than necessary.

Group SizeRecommended VesselTotal Cost (USD)Cost / Person
4–6 peopleSpeedboat$680–$950$113–$238
7–9 peopleSpeedboat$680–$950$76–$136
10–12 peopleSpeedboat$680–$950$57–$95
13–17 peopleMid-Size Yacht$1,750–$2,750$103–$212
18–24 peopleCatamaran$1,750–$4,500$73–$250
25–30 peopleCatamaran (premium)$2,500–$4,500$83–$180

Key insight: At 9 people, a private boat already matches the per-person cost of a shared group tour ($85/person average). At 18+ people, the catamaran becomes cheaper per head than almost any alternative. See our catamaran vs. speedboat guide for the full cost crossover analysis.