Boat Rental Cartagena | Private Boats for Hire

Q: How much does boat rental in Cartagena cost?

Boat rental in Cartagena ranges from $350–$500/4 hours (speedboat, up to 8 guests) to $2,200–$3,500/4 hours (luxury yacht, up to 20 guests). The best-seller is the lancha 32-38ft at $500–$700/4 hrs for groups of up to 12. All prices include a DIMAR-certified captain, fuel, and safety equipment.

Q: What is the best boat for a group of 10 in Cartagena?

For a group of 10, the best value is the Lancha 32-38ft at $500–$700/4 hours ($50–$70/person). It holds up to 12, is the best-seller in Cartagena, and covers all main routes — Cholón, Playa Blanca, and the Rosario Islands.

Q: Is private boat rental cheaper than shared tours in Cartagena?

For groups of 6 or more, yes. A shared catamaran tour to Playa Blanca runs ~$45/person. For 8 people that is $360 total. A private lancha for 8 costs $500–$680 ($63–$85/person). Break-even is 5–6 people. Above that, private costs less per head and gives you full itinerary control.

Q: How long does it take to reach the Rosario Islands from Cartagena?

From Muelle de Los Pegasos, the Rosario Islands take 45–60 minutes by speedboat or lancha. Cholón is approximately 30–45 minutes. Playa Blanca on Barú is 40–50 minutes. Isla Grande is 55–70 minutes.

Q: What is included in a Cartagena boat rental?

All Nauty 360 rentals include: DIMAR-certified captain, fuel, life jackets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and Bluetooth audio. Not included: food and beverages, snorkel equipment (add-on available), Rosario Islands park entry fee (~$5–$8/person cash COP).

Q: When is the best time to rent a boat in Cartagena?

December through April is the dry season with calm seas and consistent weather. October is the wettest month with the roughest conditions. Semana Santa and December holidays book out 2–3 weeks ahead.

Nauty 360 — Cartagena Boat Rental at a glance: Private captained charters from $350/4hrs. Lancha 32-38ft (best seller, up to 12 guests) from $500/4hrs. Main routes: Cholón (30 min), Playa Blanca (45 min), Rosario Islands (45–60 min). DIMAR captain, fuel, and safety equipment included. No platform fees — book direct.

Fleet Overview

Which Boat for Your Group in Cartagena?

Five vessel categories cover every group size and budget. The right choice depends on group size, destination, and whether you want speed or deck space.

Vessel	Capacity	4 Hours	8 Hours	Best For
Speedboat 24–30ft	Up to 8	$350–$500	$500–$750	Small groups wanting maximum speed to Cholón or bay islands
Lancha 32–38ft ⭐ Best Seller	Up to 12	$500–$700	$680–$950	Groups of 8–12 going to Playa Blanca, Cholón or Rosario Islands
Mid-Size Yacht 40–50ft	Up to 17	$950–$1,400	$1,750–$2,750	Groups of 12–17 wanting comfort + shade for Rosario Islands
Catamaran 45–55ft	Up to 30	$1,200–$2,200	$1,750–$4,500	Large groups (15–30) needing stability + deck space
Luxury Yacht 55–70ft	Up to 20	$2,200–$3,500	$4,180–$6,500	Corporate events, celebrations, or VIP Rosario Islands full day

Private vs. Shared — The Real Math: A shared catamaran tour to Playa Blanca costs ~$45/person. For a group of 8, that’s $360 total. A private lancha for 8 costs $500–$680 ($63–$85/person). Break-even is 5–6 people. Above that, going private costs less per head, gives full itinerary control, and avoids hours on a crowded shared boat.

Top Routes

Where Does Your Charter Go?

Five main routes depart daily from Cartagena. Each has different sailing time, crowd levels, and what makes it worth visiting.

🏖

Cholón Lagoon

~30 min from port

Protected lagoon, floating bars, shallow turquoise water. Best weekend social scene. Arrive early or mid-week for a calmer experience.

🌊

Playa Blanca, Barú

~45 min from port

Most photographed beach in Cartagena. White sand, clear water. Arrive before 11am — shared tours flood it by midday. Weekdays are far better.

🐠

Rosario Islands

~45–60 min from port

Protected marine park, coral reefs, snorkeling. 27 islands — your captain anchors at the best spots. National park entry fee ~$5–$8/person cash (COP).

🌴

Isla Grande

~60 min from port

The largest of the Rosario Islands. Beach restaurants, mangroves, outer reef snorkeling. Full-day charters can combine Isla Grande with Playa Blanca on the return leg.

🌅

Bahía de Cartagena

~20–30 min from port

Protected bay, no ocean swell. Ideal for sunset cruises or guests prone to seasickness. The historic walled city from the water at dusk is unmissable.

Original Research

5 Mistakes First-Timers Make Renting a Boat in Cartagena

From 18+ months of Cartagena charter operations. These calls determine whether your day goes smoothly or not.

Playa Blanca after 11am — shared tour buses arrive by 10:30am; beach is crowded by midday. Arrive early or go weekday-only

Rosario Islands park fee — ~$5–$8/person, cash in COP. Operators cannot pay for you. No COP cash = no entry to the marine park

Booking in October — peak rainy season. Many routes are affected. December–April is the reliable window for calm seas

Speedboat for 8+ people — on choppy days the ride to Rosario Islands is uncomfortable. Size up to a lancha for groups over 6

When a private boat rental is NOT the right call:

Groups of 1–3 with a tight budget. Shared tours to Playa Blanca (~$45/person) are far better value for solo travelers or couples who don’t need itinerary control.
You need confirmation within 2 hours for tomorrow. Peak-season dates (Dec–Apr, Semana Santa) book 1–2 weeks ahead. We confirm in <2 hours but availability is limited on short notice.
Visiting October–November and want calm, clear water. Peak rainy season produces rougher seas and reduced visibility. The bay route works but the Rosario Islands experience is diminished.

Common Questions

Boat Rental Cartagena — FAQ

How much does boat rental in Cartagena cost?+

Boat rental in Cartagena ranges from $350–$500/4 hours (speedboat, up to 8 guests) to $2,200–$3,500/4 hours (luxury yacht, up to 20 guests). The best-seller is the lancha 32–38ft at $500–$700/4 hrs for groups of up to 12. All prices include a DIMAR-certified captain, fuel, and safety equipment.

What is the best boat for a group of 10 in Cartagena?+

For a group of 10, the best value is the Lancha 32–38ft at $500–$700/4 hours ($50–$70/person). It holds up to 12, is the best-seller in Cartagena, and covers all main routes — Cholón, Playa Blanca, and the Rosario Islands. The Mid-Size Yacht 40–50ft is the next step up if you want more space and shade.

Is private boat rental cheaper than shared tours in Cartagena?+

For groups of 6 or more, yes. A shared catamaran tour to Playa Blanca runs ~$45/person. For 8 people that’s $360 total. A private lancha for 8 costs $500–$680 ($63–$85/person). Break-even is 5–6 people. Above that, private costs less per head and gives full itinerary control.

How long does it take to reach the Rosario Islands from Cartagena?+

From Muelle de Los Pegasos, the Rosario Islands take 45–60 minutes by speedboat or lancha. Cholón is approximately 30–45 minutes. Playa Blanca on Barú is 40–50 minutes. Isla Grande is 55–70 minutes. Transit time varies by vessel speed and sea conditions.

What is included in a Cartagena boat rental?+

All Nauty 360 rentals include: DIMAR-certified captain, fuel, life jackets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and Bluetooth audio. Not included: food and beverages, snorkel equipment (add-on available), Rosario Islands National Park entry fee (~$5–$8/person cash COP), and gratuity for the captain.

When is the best time to rent a boat in Cartagena?+

December through April is the dry season — calm seas, clear water, consistent weather. January to March offers the best conditions. Semana Santa and December holidays book out 2–3 weeks ahead. October is the wettest month with the roughest sea conditions; many guests skip the Rosario Islands route entirely during October.

Boat Rental Cartagena
Private Charters from $350

Which Boat for Your Group in Cartagena?

Where Does Your Charter Go?

5 Mistakes First-Timers Make Renting a Boat in Cartagena

Boat Rental Cartagena — FAQ

Private Boat Charter in Cartagena

More Cartagena & Nauty 360

Boat Rental CartagenaPrivate Charters from $350

Which Boat for Your Group in Cartagena?

Where Does Your Charter Go?

5 Mistakes First-Timers Make Renting a Boat in Cartagena

Boat Rental Cartagena — FAQ

Private Boat Charter in Cartagena

More Cartagena & Nauty 360

Boat Rental Cartagena
Private Charters from $350