DIMAR-certified captain, your group only — no shared tours, no fixed schedule. Speedboat or catamaran, from Cartagena to the clearest water in Colombia.
Rosario Islands private charter quick facts: Speedboat from $680/day (up to 10 guests, 45–55 min transit). Catamaran from $1,850/day (up to 30 guests, 2–2.5 hr). DIMAR-certified captain included. Park entry fee ~COP 43,000/person (~$10 USD) payable cash only at park entrance. At 8+ guests, private beats shared tour cost per person.
A private boat to Rosario Islands from Cartagena means your group controls the schedule — when to leave, how long to snorkel, which beach to stop at. No 8am fixed departure, no 20–40 strangers crowding the deck.
The park covers 120,000 acres of Colombia’s most biodiverse marine protected area. Most shared tours give you 2–3 hours on the islands after a 45-minute transit each way. A private charter gives you the full day. The break-even vs a shared tour happens at 8 guests — at that point your private speedboat costs $85/person against $60–$90/person on a shared tour.
Most shared Rosario Islands tours board 20–40 people onto a single vessel with a pre-set route and a rushed turnaround. On a private charter, you anchor where you want, stay as long as the tide allows, and leave when your group is ready.
Flat rate for your group. No per-person fees, no fuel surcharges. Park entry fee (~$10 USD/person, cash only) is separate and paid at the park entrance.
| Vessel | Size | Capacity | Transit Time | Full-Day Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat Most Popular | 26–32 ft Center Console | Up to 10 guests | 45–55 min | $680 |
| Catamaran | 48–52 ft Sailing Cat | Up to 30 guests | 2–2.5 hrs | $1,850 |
DIMAR-certified captain · Snorkeling gear (masks, fins, vests) · Fuel · Cooler with ice · Life jackets · Safety equipment · Pre-trip consultation via WhatsApp.
At 10+ guests, a private speedboat to Rosario Islands is cheaper per person than a shared tour — and gives you 4+ more hours on the islands vs. the rushed shared itinerary.
| Group Size | Shared Tour (~$60/person) | Private Speedboat ($680) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 guests | $120 | $680 | Shared tour wins |
| 4 guests | $240 | $680 | Shared tour wins |
| 8 guests | $480 | $680 | Private nearly equal — plus private schedule |
| 10 guests | $600 | $680 | ✓ Private wins — $8/person difference |
| 12 guests | $720 | $680 | ✓ Private wins clearly — cheaper AND exclusive |
Operational facts from 218+ Nauty 360 charters to Islas del Rosario.
Islas del Rosario National Natural Park charges ~COP 43,000/person (~$10 USD). Paid at the park entrance in cash — no card readers. Bring exact change. Not included in any charter rate.
A speedboat reaches Rosario in 45–55 minutes. A catamaran takes 2–2.5 hours each way. For a full day with meaningful island time, the speedboat is almost always the better choice for groups under 15.
Most shared Rosario Islands tours board 20–40 people, depart 8–9am fixed, rush 2–3 hours at the islands, and return by 3pm. On a private charter, you set the schedule.
Best visibility: December–April (dry season, calm seas). May–November visibility drops with rainy season turbidity. Best spots: Isla del Rosario and Isla Grande reef walls.
“Best day of the whole Colombia trip. Private speedboat, captain knew exactly where to snorkel, stayed as long as we wanted at each spot. No strangers, no rush. 100% worth it.”
“Group of 12 — worked out cheaper than the shared tour AND we had the whole boat. DIMAR captain was professional, snorkel gear included. The park fee tip saved us scrambling for cash.”
“Bachelorette party for 10 girls. We anchored at Isla del Rosario for 3 hours — crystal clear water, coral everywhere. Captain arranged everything. Booked on WhatsApp, confirmed in 2 hours.”
“Corporate group of 20. Full-day catamaran to Rosario and Playa Blanca. Crew handled everything, catering was on point. No platform fees — saved over $300 booking direct.”
Twin-hull sailing cats for groups up to 30. More deck space, more shade. Same private-only experience.
Classic sailing experience through Cartagena Bay and the Rosario Islands. Full-day and sunset options.
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