Cholón Cartagena: Complete Guide and Private Tours

There are two ways to go from Cartagena to Cholón with us: a day pass at a hotel on the Cholón inlet, from COP 299,000 per person (about USD 95), or a private boat just for your group. A private speedboat for up to 12 guests starts at USD 669 for the day, about USD 56 per person if you fill it. Private yachts start at USD 2,299.

Prices from our store and fleet as of October 25, 2026. Day pass prices are in Colombian pesos. See private boats and yachts ›

By private speedboat, the trip from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes, while a yacht or catamaran takes around an hour. Boats return between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m., the time set by the maritime authority, so it pays to leave early.

You pay the planchones and the canoe vendors (oysters, lobster, coco loco) directly, on top of your plan. At Aura Hotel Cholón, the dock tax of COP 40,300 per person is also extra. Bring cash, biodegradable sunscreen and your passport, because the port authority requires it to clear the boat.

Cholón is a sheltered bay on Barú Island, about 45 to 60 minutes by speedboat or yacht from the Cartagena docks. Its turquoise water is shallow and always calm. As a result, it has become the best-known boating spot in the Colombian Caribbean: boats anchor side by side, music plays and fresh ceviche comes straight to your boat.

You can only reach Cholón by sea. The route leaves the Cartagena docks, follows the bay and then enters the inlet through Barú’s natural channel. On a private speedboat the trip takes about 45 minutes, while a yacht or catamaran takes around an hour.

The famous planchones are floating platforms with a DJ, a bar and swimming areas, and they are the party heart of the bay. Around them, vendors in canoes sell oysters, lobster and coco loco. If you prefer a quiet day, simply anchor a little deeper into the bay. The water is just as clear, and the mood is much calmer.

Swim in warm, shallow water, snorkel nearby and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board. When the day allows, you can also combine your visit with Playa Blanca or the Rosario Islands.

That is why many of our guests plan a full day from Cartagena: the Rosario Islands in the morning, Cholón at midday and a sunset cruise back to the city.

On Saturdays and public holidays, the bay has a party atmosphere. During the week, however, it is much quieter and more family-friendly. On a private charter, you decide where to anchor and how long to stay: near the planchones for the energy, or at the calm end of the inlet for a relaxing day.

Generally, the dry season, from December to April, brings the calmest sea and the clearest skies. All year round, however, leaving early gives you better sailing conditions and the best anchoring spots in the bay.

Since 2012, we have planned private trips to Cholón on our fleet of yachts, catamarans and speedboats. Every trip includes the captain and crew, the route is yours, and you can also add Playa Blanca and the Rosario Islands on the same day. To check dates and availability, message us on WhatsApp and confirm your boat in minutes.

More ideas for your trip? Read our Playa Blanca guide and our Rosario Islands guide, or compare our day trips from Cartagena.