A Cartagena catamaran tour delivers the Caribbean version of the Mediterranean’s classic day-on-the-water — except the destination is the Rosario Islands national park, the boat returns at sunset over the colonial Walled City, and you’re back at your hotel in time for dinner reservations in Getsemaní. This guide is how that day actually unfolds, what’s included on board, and how to choose between the four most-booked tour types: full-day Rosario, sunset catamaran, snorkeling-focused, or Cholón party day. We’ve run Cartagena catamaran tours since 2012 and the format barely changes — but the choice of tour type matters more than most travelers realize.
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What’s included on a Cartagena catamaran tour
On board
A typical Cartagena catamaran tour boat includes a DIMAR-licensed captain, a hostess, a sound system with Bluetooth pairing, shade structure on the upper deck, an onboard bathroom, snorkel gear, and a swim ladder or platform. The crew handles navigation, safety briefing, and everything food and drink related — you handle the day.
Food and drinks
Standard tours include a catered lunch at anchor or at a beach club partner — typically grilled fish, ceviche, plantains, and salad. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and rum-based cocktails on full-day tours. Sunset tours include lighter bites and cocktails. Premium upgrades (private chef, champagne service, top-shelf bar) are available on private charters.
Water toys
Most catamaran tours include masks and snorkels. Larger boats include paddle boards and floating loungers. Flippers and floats can be added on request. Snorkeling gear is included on full-day Rosario tours where reef stops are part of the route.
Choose your tour type
Half-day sunset catamaran tour
4 p.m. departure, 7:30 p.m. return. Slow loop around Cartagena Bay with golden-hour views of the Walled City, Castillo San Felipe, and Bocagrande skyline. Stop at a quiet anchorage for sunset drinks. Return after dark with the city lit up. The 3 hours that change every Cartagena trip’s photo set.
Full-day Rosario Islands catamaran tour
9 a.m. departure, 5 p.m. return. 45-minute crossing to the Rosario Islands national park, two snorkel stops at protected reef, lunch at anchor or at a partner beach club (Bora Bora, Makani, Blue Apple), afternoon swim and paddle board time, return at golden hour. The single best day on a Cartagena trip.
Snorkeling-focused catamaran tour
Same time window as the full-day, but the route prioritizes snorkel reef quality. Less beach club time, more underwater. Best November to April when visibility is highest. Recommended for guests who want the marine experience over the social one.
Cholón party day catamaran tour
10 a.m. departure, 6 p.m. return. Direct to Cholón cove on Isla Barú — the social anchor of the Rosario archipelago. Floating bars, beach clubs in walking distance, music on the boat the whole day. Best for bachelorette weekends, milestone birthdays, and groups who want the Caribbean version of a Vegas pool day.
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A typical day on a Cartagena catamaran tour
9 a.m.: pickup at your Walled City hotel. 9:30 a.m.: arrive at the Cartagena marina, board the catamaran. 10 a.m.: depart, head out of the bay past Bocagrande and the Tierra Bomba peninsula. 11 a.m.: first snorkel stop at a reef cove. 12:30 p.m.: lunch at anchor or at a beach club partner. 2 p.m.: second swim or paddle board session. 3:30 p.m.: head back toward Cartagena. 4:30 p.m.: golden-hour return through the bay. 5 p.m.: marina arrival, transfer back to your hotel. The sensory anchors stay with guests longer than the photos: warm wind, salt water, music, the moment when the city skyline reappears on the return.
Best months for a Cartagena catamaran tour
December through April is peak season — trade winds steady the Caribbean, water visibility is at its best for snorkeling, and temperature holds at 86°F. May has occasional rain but plenty of sun-filled days; tour rates begin to drop. June through October has more rain and softer winds — beach clubs are quieter and rates hit their year low. November is the sleeper month: rainy season closes mid-month and catamaran rates are still at low season.
How long is a Cartagena catamaran tour and what does it cost?
Half-day sunset tours run 3 to 4 hours and start around USD 60–90 per person on shared boats. Full-day Rosario tours run 7 to 8 hours and start around USD 110–180 per person on shared boats. Private full-day catamaran charters (your group only, your route) start around USD 1,200 for smaller boats and scale up by vessel size — typically the better economics for groups of 8 or more. For broader options including private charters, see our private catamaran in Cartagena guide.
How to book a Cartagena catamaran tour
Send your dates, group size, and preferred tour type on WhatsApp. We match you to a vetted operator (shared) or confirm a private charter (your group only) within the hour during business hours. Deposit confirms the booking; final balance is due the day before the tour. Most travelers book 14–30 days ahead in peak season.
For destination context, our Cartagena things-to-do guide covers the wider trip, and our catamaran rental hub covers the full fleet.
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Cartagena catamaran tour: FAQ
What does a catamaran tour in Cartagena actually include?
A Cartagena catamaran tour usually includes captain, hostess, fuel, snorkel gear, drinks, and lunch. Tours run 3 to 4 hours (sunset) or 7 to 8 hours (full-day Rosario Islands).
Where do catamaran tours go from Cartagena?
Most tours head to the Rosario Islands archipelago, Cholón cove on Isla Barú, or Tierra Bomba. Sunset tours stay closer to Cartagena Bay and the Walled City skyline.
Is snorkeling good on a Cartagena catamaran tour?
Yes — the Rosario Islands have protected reef. Visibility is best November through April. Gear is usually included on full-day tours.
Should I book a shared catamaran tour or a private one?
Solo travelers and couples often pick shared tours. Groups of 8 or more save money per head and gain flexibility on a private charter.
