DIMAR-certified captain, your group only — no shared tours, fixed 9:00 AM–5:00 PM departure. Speedboat or catamaran, from Cartagena to the clearest water in Colombia.
Rosario Islands private charter quick facts: Speedboat from $680/charter (up to 10 guests, 45–55 min transit). Catamaran from $2,600/charter (up to 15 guests, 1h45–2h transit). DIMAR-certified captain included. No separate park entry fee on a private charter. Fixed schedule, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. At 8+ guests, private beats shared tour cost per person.
A private boat to Rosario Islands from Cartagena means the boat is yours for the full 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM charter. You choose how long to snorkel and which beach to stop at, with 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. For a full rundown of every island in the archipelago, see our complete guide to the Rosario Islands.
Flat rate for your group. No per-person fees, no fuel surcharges, and no separate park entry fee — it is not charged on a private Nauty 360 charter.
| 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 | 38 ft Sailing Cat | Up to 15 guests | 1h45–2h | From $2,600 |
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 exclusive use of the boat |
| 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. For the full walkthrough, see our captain’s guide to the Rosario Islands.
The Islas del Rosario National Natural Park does charge an entry fee for shared/group tours, but it is not charged separately on a private Nauty 360 charter — nothing extra to bring or pay at the entrance.
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. A private charter runs the full 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM day, just your group.
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.”
This Rosario Islands charter is one piece of a larger fleet. For the complete lineup of vessels in Cartagena, from $680 per charter, visit the main Cartagena boat rental page. Traveling with 15 or more guests? Our catamarans fit up to 30 people and start at $2,600.
Twin-hull sailing cats for groups up to 30. More deck space, more shade. Same private-only experience.
Sailboats are part of the Cartagena fleet too. See current availability, including sailing options, on the main Cartagena boat rental page.
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