Private catamaran charters in Cartagena are how groups of 8 to 25 actually do the Rosario Islands without sharing the boat with strangers, surrendering the route to a tour operator’s schedule, or rushing lunch. You set the guest list. You choose Rosario, Cholón, Barú, or a sunset harbor loop. You decide when the boat leaves and when it comes back. We’ve curated private catamaran days for CLG guests since 2012, and almost every booking comes back the same way: it was the day they planned the rest of the trip around.
→ WhatsApp us for a private catamaran quote
Why book a private catamaran in Cartagena instead of a shared tour
You control the guest list
The single biggest difference between a private catamaran and a shared shuttle is who’s on board. On a shared tour, you’re with 30 strangers, half of whom got on at a hostel. On a private catamaran, it’s your group only — your friends, your family, your wedding party. No one’s forcing a conga line. No one’s hijacking the speaker. The day belongs to your people.
You control the route
Shared tours run a fixed loop: marina to one beach, lunch, return. A private catamaran runs the route you want — Rosario Islands national park, Cholón cove for the floating bars, Barú for the quiet beach clubs, Tierra Bomba for sunset. You can mix two destinations into one day or anchor at a single cove and stay there.
You control the schedule
Most full-day private charters run 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but you decide. Want to leave at 7 a.m. for a sunrise sail? We do that. Want a half-day from 1 p.m. to sunset? We do that. Want to add an extra hour on the water at dusk because the light is good and the speakers are working? We do that.
What “private” actually means on a Cartagena catamaran
Crew, captain, and hostess included
Every CLG private catamaran charter includes a DIMAR-licensed captain, a hostess, and crew sized to the boat — typically 3 to 5 staff total. They handle navigation, snorkel gear, drinks, music, lunch service, and safety. You handle the day.
Inclusions
Standard inclusions on a CLG private catamaran day: open bar (rum, vodka, beer, mixers, water), lunch at anchor or at a private beach club, snorkel gear, paddle boards, sound system with Bluetooth pairing, and complimentary champagne for the toast. Larger catamarans include a swim platform and floating loungers.
What’s optional or add-on
Add-ons that make sense for specific groups: live DJ on the boat, themed decoration (bachelorette, birthday, anniversary), professional photographer, premium chef instead of standard catered lunch, jet ski tow for the day, premium open bar (champagne, top-shelf spirits). All quoted upfront on WhatsApp before you commit.
→ Get the private-charter inclusions list on WhatsApp
Three custom catamaran itineraries we run most often
Rosario Islands full-day
The classic. 9 a.m. departure from the Cartagena marina, 45-minute crossing to Isla Grande or Cholón, two snorkel stops along the way, lunch at anchor or at a beach club like Bora Bora or Makani, afternoon swim and paddle board time, return at golden hour through Bocagrande’s skyline. 8 hours total.
Barú and Cholón anchorage
For groups who want less travel time and more anchor time. 10 a.m. departure, 30 minutes to Cholón cove, anchored the entire day with floating bars, snorkel reef in walking depth, and beach club access. Return at 5 p.m. Best for groups celebrating — bachelorette, birthday, anniversary — where the social anchor matters more than the geographic spread.
Sunset and harbor loop
For couples and groups doing one perfect afternoon. 4 p.m. departure, slow loop around Cartagena Bay with 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. 4 hours total.
Group sizing — how many people fit on a private catamaran?
38–46 ft catamarans (8 to 12 guests)
Smaller catamarans suit couples doubles, small bachelorette groups, and family trips. Two cabins, one to two bathrooms, ample deck space, snorkel gear for everyone. The most economical option per head for groups under 10.
50–65 ft catamarans (15 to 25 guests)
Larger catamarans suit bachelor and bachelorette weekends, milestone birthdays, and corporate retreats. Three to four cabins, two to three bathrooms, bigger sound system, swim platform, and crew of 4 to 5. Per-head cost drops as group size approaches 20.
Pricing structure — what drives the quote
Five variables drive the price of a private catamaran day in Cartagena: vessel size (38 ft to 65 ft+), season (peak Dec–March vs shoulder April–November), duration (half-day vs full-day), food tier (catered vs private chef), and port fees and government tax. A typical full-day private catamaran for 12 guests in shoulder season runs USD 1,800–2,800 inclusive. Peak season and larger vessels scale from there. We send a fully itemized quote on WhatsApp — no surprise charges.
How to book a private catamaran in Cartagena
Send your dates, group size, and preferred itinerary type (Rosario, Cholón, sunset) on WhatsApp. We confirm vessel availability within an hour during business hours, send a quote and contract the same day, and lock the booking with a 30% deposit. Final balance is due the day before charter. Most groups book 30–60 days ahead in peak season; we run tighter availability searches when needed.
For broader context on Cartagena charters, see our catamaran rental Cartagena hub or the full yacht charter fleet. For destination context, our Cartagena things-to-do guide covers the city beyond the water.
→ Lock your private catamaran dates on WhatsApp
Private catamaran in Cartagena: FAQ
Can I rent a whole catamaran just for my group in Cartagena?
Yes. A private catamaran in Cartagena is booked for your group only, with no shared passengers. You set the guest list, the route, the music, and the schedule.
How much does a private catamaran charter cost in Cartagena?
Full-day private charters typically run from USD 1,200 for a 38 ft catamaran up to USD 4,500+ for a 65 ft catamaran with full crew, lunch, and open bar. Quotes vary by season, group size, and inclusions.
How many people fit on a private catamaran?
Smaller catamarans (38–46 ft) host 8–12 guests; larger 50–65 ft catamarans host 15–25 guests comfortably with seating, shade, and bathroom access.
Can we choose where the catamaran goes?
Yes. Most groups go to the Rosario Islands or Cholón, but you can request Barú beach clubs, a harbor sunset loop, or a custom itinerary at booking.
