Why Cartagena Is Colombia's Top Nautical Destination
Cartagena de Indias sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast and offers one of the most diverse and accessible private boating scenes in all of Latin America. Within just 45 minutes of the city's marina, you can be anchored at pristine coral reefs, hidden coves, and white-sand beaches that most tourists never see. The combination of warm, calm waters, a thriving fleet of well-maintained vessels, and experienced local captains makes it a world-class destination for private charters.
In 2026, demand for private nautical experiences in Cartagena has surged as travelers increasingly prefer exclusive, crowd-free alternatives to packed public ferry tours. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family day on the water, or a corporate retreat, there's a charter option built exactly for your group.
What to Look for in a Cartagena Boat Rental
Before diving into the top 10 options, it's worth knowing what separates a great charter from a stressful one. Here are the key factors to evaluate:
- Captain included: Always book with a certified, local captain. Never accept a self-drive option in Cartagena's waters — tides, currents, and reef locations require expert knowledge.
- Vessel condition: Ask for photos of the actual vessel, not just catalog images. A well-maintained boat signals a professional operation.
- Transparency on pricing: Reputable operators provide itemized pricing. Watch out for operators who add fuel surcharges, port fees, or "tips for crew" after booking.
- Communication speed: If a company takes more than 24 hours to respond to an inquiry, that's a red flag for how they'll handle issues on the day of your trip.
- Insurance & safety equipment: Life jackets, flares, and first aid kits should be standard. Ask specifically.
The 2 Real Charter Types in Cartagena (Plus Sport Fishing)
Every Nauty 360 charter in Cartagena runs on one of two schedules. The Full Day charter runs 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (8 hours) to the Rosario Islands — this is the schedule and price listed for all 10 boats below. The Sunset Cruise departs after 6:00 PM, with a minimum of 3 hours in Cartagena Bay, starting from $480. Both schedules always include a certified captain, fuel, taxes, and a cooler with ice.
Sport fishing is a separate product, run aboard a Todomar 38 ft with 2 professional fishing crew, for up to 6 clients. It has its own half-day option — 4 hours from $1,350 — or a full day of 8 hours from $1,850.
Multi-day charters are also available, custom-quoted for the specific vessel and itinerary rather than sold at a fixed daily rate. See our guide to overnight and multi-day charters in Cartagena for details.
The Top 10 Boats to Rent in Cartagena, Ranked by Price
All 10 are Full Day charters (9 AM–5 PM) to the Rosario Islands, with a certified captain, fuel, taxes, and a cooler with ice always included. Prices are starting rates — get an exact quote for your dates via WhatsApp.
1. Lancha 29 ft — From $680
The most accessible boat in the fleet, for up to 10 guests.
2. Lancha 34 ft — Suad — From $950
For groups of up to 14 guests.
3. Lancha 40 ft — From $1,250
For groups of up to 15 guests.
4. Lancha 42 ft — From $1,250
For groups of up to 20 guests.
5. Yate 50 ft — From $2,500
The entry point into the yacht range, for up to 15 guests. Compare every option on our private yacht charter in Cartagena page.
6. Catamarán 38 ft — From $2,600
For groups of up to 15 guests.
7. Yate 62 ft — Azimut 62S — From $2,850
For groups of up to 18 guests.
8. Catamarán 42 ft — From $3,300
For groups of up to 20 guests.
9. Catamaran Sea Warrior, 52 ft — From $3,779
The largest vessel in the fleet, for up to 25 guests; 26 to 30 with a surcharge, ask us on WhatsApp.
10. Yate 70 ft — Sunseeker Predator 72 — From $4,950
For groups of up to 18 guests.
Snorkeling & Marine Exploration
The coral reefs of the Rosario Islands are among the best-preserved in the Caribbean. A dedicated snorkeling charter gives you unhurried time at 2–3 reef locations, with quality mask-and-fin sets provided and a guide who knows exactly where the sea turtles, eagle rays, and reef fish gather. Best for small groups (6–10) who want a focused marine experience.
Corporate & Event Charter
Cartagena hosts a growing number of international corporate retreats and product launches. A private yacht or catamaran charter provides a completely private, branded setting for meetings, team-building activities, or client entertainment. Catering, AV equipment, and branded merchandise can be arranged. A 50% deposit locks in your date — book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Booking Directly with Nauty 360
What distinguishes a truly great charter operator from a simple boat rental is the level of service surrounding the time on the water. Nauty 360 operates in Cartagena with a model built around fully customized, captain-included private charters — zero strangers on board, a bilingual crew, and itineraries built around your group's preferences rather than a fixed schedule.
From a couple seeking a quiet afternoon on the water to a large group headed to Playa Blanca, every charter is handled with the same attention to detail: instant confirmation, a full safety briefing, and a post-trip check-in to ensure everything met expectations.
Best Time to Book a Boat in Cartagena
Cartagena has two main seasons: the dry season (December–April) and the wet season (May–November). The dry season offers the clearest water — peak conditions for the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca. A 50% deposit locks in your date — book as soon as you've decided, especially during December, January, and the Holy Week period (Semana Santa), when availability fills fastest.
The wet season doesn't mean rain all day — mornings are typically beautiful, and afternoon showers are brief. This period offers lower prices and thinner crowds, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind being flexible. Whichever season you pick, the full Cartagena boat rental lineup is confirmed instantly when you book online.