Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Speedboat | Mid-Size Yacht | Catamaran |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal group size | 6–12 people | 13–17 people | 18–30 people |
| Price / day | $680–$950 | $1,750–$2,750 | $1,750–$4,500 |
| Speed | ⚡⚡⚡ 35–45 knots | ⚡⚡ Medium | ⚡ 8–12 knots |
| Stability / motion sickness | ⭐⭐ (more movement) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very stable) |
| Onboard space | Functional | Comfortable | Spacious with sun deck |
| Bathroom on board | ❌ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ 1–2 bathrooms |
| Sound system | Portable speaker | Integrated | Full system |
| Best for celebrations | Up to 12 people | Up to 17 people | Best option 18+ |
| Travel time to Rosario Islands | 45–60 min | 60–90 min | 90–120 min |
The Math That Changes Everything: Cost Per Person
Most people make the wrong vessel choice because they look at total cost, not cost per person. Here's the full breakdown:
| Group Size | Speedboat ($815 avg) | Mid-Size Yacht ($2,250 avg) | Catamaran ($3,125 avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 people | $136/person | $375/person | $521/person |
| 8 people | $102/person | $281/person | $391/person |
| 10 people | $82/person | $225/person | $313/person |
| 12 people | $68/person | $188/person | $260/person |
| 15 people | — (over capacity) | $150/person | $208/person |
| 18 people | — | $125/person | $174/person |
| 22 people | — | — (over capacity) | $142/person |
| 28 people | — | — | $112/person |
The crossover point: The catamaran becomes cheaper per person than the mid-size yacht at approximately 18 people. At 22+ people, it's the most economical option by a wide margin.
The 13–17 People Problem Nobody Solves
This is the most underserved group size in Cartagena's charter market. You have 15 people. The speedboat caps at 12. The catamaran is designed for 18+. What do you do?
- Two speedboats: $1,360–$1,900 total + your group is split across two boats
- Catamaran: $1,750–$4,500 for capacity you don't need
- Mid-size yacht (Yate Mediano): $1,750–$2,750 — exactly built for this range ✅
The mid-size yacht is the correct answer. Most operators don't mention it because they'd rather upsell you to the catamaran. At Nauty360, it's the first recommendation we give to groups of 13–17.
The Bocas del Rosario Afternoon Swell Warning
If your itinerary includes Bocas del Rosario and you're on a catamaran, plan to pass through before 1pm. An experienced captain will always know when conditions are favorable. If a charter operator doesn't mention this, it's a red flag.
When to Choose the Speedboat
✅ Your group is 12 or fewer people
✅ Snorkeling is the priority — you need speed to reach the best reef spots early
✅ You want to arrive before the crowd (speedboats can leave at 7am and beat everyone)
✅ The destination is Tierra Bomba or another close island where travel time doesn't matter
When to Choose the Catamaran
✅ Your group is 18 or more people
✅ The experience on board matters as much as the destination (space, music, sun deck)
✅ Someone in the group gets seasick — the dual-hull design reduces movement by 60–70%
✅ It's a celebration (birthday, bachelorette, corporate event) that needs space for activities
You are a solo traveler or couple on a tight budget → shared group tour (~$85/person) is the smart move.