Cartagena is the Caribbean's most romantic and vibrant destination—and it's the perfect place for an unforgettable bachelorette party on a boat. Imagine crystal-clear waters, tropical islands, sunset views, and your closest friends celebrating on a private vessel. Whether you're thinking catamaran, speedboat, or yacht, we'll show you exactly how to plan the ultimate party boat bachelorette experience in Cartagena.

Why Cartagena is the Perfect Bachelorette Party Destination

Cartagena Colombia isn't just a beautiful beach town—it's purpose-built for celebration. The old walled city offers romantic dinners and nightlife, but the real magic happens on the water. Here's why brides choose Cartagena:

Whether your crew wants a relaxed day of swimming and sunbathing or an all-night party, Cartagena's waters deliver the perfect backdrop.

Boat Options: Catamaran vs. Yacht vs. Speedboat

Choosing the right vessel is the foundation of your hen party boat charter in Cartagena. Each has distinct advantages:

Catamarans

Catamarans are the most popular choice for large bachelorette groups. They feature dual hulls, offering stability even in choppy water and a wide, spacious deck. Most catamarans in Cartagena range from 35 to 50 feet and comfortably accommodate 20-40 guests. They typically include a full bar, sound system, and shaded areas. Pricing runs $3,500-$6,500 for a full-day charter (8-10 hours). The downside: they're less intimate and attract other day-trippers if you book a shared tour.

Private Yachts

Yachts offer luxury and exclusivity. A 45-50 foot motor yacht accommodates 12-20 guests with elegant cabins, full kitchens, and premium finishes. You'll enjoy a more upscale atmosphere and personalized service from the captain and crew. Full-day private yacht charters cost $5,000-$10,000, making them ideal for smaller, VIP-focused groups. The open-air sundeck is perfect for champagne toasts and sunset photography.

Speedboats/Day Cruisers

Fast, agile speedboats (25-35 feet) are great for smaller groups (8-15 people) who want thrills and flexibility. They reach islands faster, allowing more time on the beach. Pricing is $2,000-$4,000 for the day. The trade-off: less shade and more water spray—not ideal if everyone wants to stay dry and camera-ready all day.

What We Recommend

For most bachelorette groups of 12-20, a private catamaran offers the best balance of space, stability, and value. If your group is under 12, a private speedboat is nimble and fun. For 6-8 people wanting luxury, a private yacht is worth the splurge.

Planning Timeline: When and How to Book

A Cartagena bachelorette party boat charter requires smart timing. Here's the ideal schedule:

4-5 Months Before

Start scouting and lock in your travel dates. Decide on your guest list size, budget, and must-have amenities (bar, catering, DJ). Request quotes from 2-3 charter companies. Book your accommodations in Cartagena's Getsemaní or Bocagrande neighborhoods.

3 Months Before

Reserve your boat. Peak season (December-April) fills up fast. Confirm what's included: crew, drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and music. Discuss add-ons like catering, photographer, or day-of decorations. Put down a 25-50% deposit.

6-8 Weeks Before

Finalize your itinerary and customize amenities. If you're adding a DJ or professional photographer, book them now. Coordinate with your group on a group chat—collect dietary restrictions, swimming ability, and any seasickness concerns. Arrange ground transportation (pickups from hotels to the dock).

4 Weeks Before

Confirm guest RSVPs and finalize headcount with your charter company. Lock in any catering menus. Purchase decorations, party favors, or a custom banner if desired. Arrange a packing list for your group (sunscreen, swimsuits, cash for tips).

1-2 Weeks Before

Double-check the weather forecast and sea conditions with your captain. Reconfirm all bookings (accommodations, boat, catering, transportation). Brief your group on boarding times, what to bring, and any house rules. Download Nautical maps or party playlists ahead of time.

Customization Options: Open Bar, Catering, Music & Decorations

The beauty of a private bachelorette boat party in Cartagena is full customization. Here's what you can arrange:

Open Bar & Beverages

Most charter companies offer tiered bar packages. Budget $15-$25 per person for a 6-hour open bar (rum-based cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks). Premium options include top-shelf spirits and craft cocktails at $25-$35 per person. You can also BYOB (bring your own booze) at a lower cost—confirm the corkage policy. A bartender is typically included with open bar packages.

Catering & Appetizers

Light snacks: Fruit platters, cheese, crudités ($5-$8 per person). Lunch: Fresh seafood, grilled options, rice dishes ($15-$20 per person). Full dinner: Multi-course meals with appetizers, entrée, and dessert ($30-$50 per person). Caribbean specialties like ceviche, fresh fish, and tropical fruit are highlights. Many groups order catering from local vendors for a Cartagena culinary experience.

Music & DJ Service

Most boats include a built-in sound system with Bluetooth connectivity for streaming playlists. For a live DJ, expect $300-$600 for a full day. DJs know how to read the crowd and can pump up energy at key moments. Some groups hire a musician (guitarist) for sunset hour at $200-$300. Create a shared Spotify playlist with your group before the charter.

Decorations & Party Supplies

Your captain usually allows tasteful decorations: balloons, streamers, bunting, and banners. Pro tip: bring biodegradable décor only—nothing that can blow into the sea. Personalized banners, a "Bride Tribe" or hen party flag, and table centerpieces are popular. Companies like Etsy ship to Cartagena; budget $50-$150 for décor. Some charter companies offer party packages that include setup and cleanup.

Photography & Videography

Many groups hire a professional photographer for 4-6 hours ($300-$600). A drone videographer can capture stunning aerial shots for an extra $200-$400. Alternatively, assign a group member to be the "photographer"—make sure someone has a good waterproof phone case or action camera.

Top Itineraries for Your Cartagena Bachelorette Boat Day

Three proven itineraries work best for bachelorette parties:

The Rosario Islands Adventure (Most Popular)

Depart 9:00 AM from Cartagena's waterfront. Head to the Rosario Islands (30-40 minutes by boat). Stop at Playa Blanca, a stunning white-sand beach on Isla Baru. Swim, sunbathe, and snorkel in crystal-clear water. Visit Isla Grande for a second beach stop with local restaurants and a relaxed vibe. Return by sunset (5:00-6:00 PM). This itinerary includes 2-3 beach stops, multiple snorkeling opportunities, and perfect Instagram backdrops. Cost: $3,500-$6,500 for a 36-40 person catamaran.

The Romantic Sunset Cruise

Depart 3:00 PM, cruise around the walled city with champagne and appetizers. Stop at a scenic anchorage by Isla Rosario or the Outer Reefs for sunset swimming. Toast the bride at golden hour. Return to the marina by 8:00 PM. This option skips the full-day beach stops but maximizes romance and photography. Perfect for smaller, more intimate groups. Cost: $2,500-$4,500 for 12-20 people.

The All-Day Island Party

Depart 8:00 AM. Cruise to the Rosario Islands and anchor at Playa Blanca or Punta Faro. Spend 5-6 hours swimming, snorkeling, beach games, and waterfront bar service. Return to Cartagena for a group dinner ashore at a rooftop restaurant in the old city. This hybrid option combines boat time with onshore celebration. Cost: $4,000-$7,000 (boat) + $200-$400 (dinner reservation).

Cost Breakdown: What to Budget

Here's a realistic breakdown for a 16-person bachelorette party boat charter in Cartagena:

Per person (divided among 16): approximately $450-$635 for the entire boat charter. Add hotel, flights, and meals ashore, and expect $1,500-$2,500 per guest for a 3-4 day Cartagena bachelorette weekend.

Pro Tips from Event Coordinators

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you want a specific date range or vessel preference. During peak season (December-April), booking 3-4 months ahead is ideal to secure your preferred catamaran or yacht. Last-minute bookings (within 2-4 weeks) are possible but may limit your options and pricing flexibility.
Most private charter companies allow you to bring your own alcohol or offer an open bar package. However, policies vary, so confirm this when booking. Bringing your own is often more cost-effective for larger groups, but the vessel provides coolers and glassware. Some companies charge a modest corkage fee if you prefer to BYOB instead of their bar service.
A standard private charter includes the vessel, captain, and crew. Most packages add snorkeling stops, swimming time, and beach visits. Optional add-ons include catering (appetizers, lunch, or full dinner service), bar service (cocktails, beer, wine, spirits), music/DJ, photography, and decorations. Confirm what's included versus optional before finalizing your booking.
December to March is peak season with sunny skies, calm waters, and temperatures around 28-30°C (82-86°F). This is the most popular time for bachelorette parties but also the most expensive. April-May and September-November offer excellent weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. Avoid September-October due to higher hurricane risk. Choose December-March if budget allows; otherwise, April or early May offers a great balance.