A private day on the water is Cartagena's other signature luxury format, right behind the walled-city villa. Speed boats from $680/day, light yachts from $2,800, catamarans from $3,100 and large yachts from $4,100 — captain, crew and fuel always included. The Rosario Islands for clear water, Barú for beach clubs, and 12 vetted vessels below you can request tonight.
Why Charter a Yacht in Cartagena
Cartagena's Caribbean is calm, warm and dotted with islands close enough that a "day trip" never feels like a commute. That's the whole case for a private charter: 45 minutes from the marina and you're anchored over clear water with nobody else's itinerary to work around — no shared tour boat, no fixed schedule, no strangers in your photos.
It's become the default add-on for the same trips that book our walled-city villas: celebrations, proposals, bachelor and bachelorette groups, and family reunions that want one unforgettable day on the water between the historic-center dinners. The route, the music and the timing are built around your group — the only fixed point is the marina departure time.
Yachts vs. Speed Boats vs. Catamarans, Honestly Compared
The efficient choice for groups under 15: quick transit to the islands, more swim stops per hour, and the lowest day rate in the fleet. What you trade for the speed is shade and onboard comfort — expect an open deck rather than a lounge. Best for younger groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties and anyone who wants maximum time in the water.
Shaded lounges, sound systems, a proper bar and — on the larger models — multiple decks. Slower than a speed boat but built for the full-day experience: lunch onboard, a sunset cruise past the walled city, room to actually relax between swim stops. The default choice for celebrations, proposals and client entertaining.
Two hulls mean almost no rocking, even with 30+ guests moving around, and the widest deck footprint per guest in the fleet. The default recommendation for large groups, families with kids, older guests, or anyone prone to seasickness. Less sleek than a yacht silhouette, but the most livable platform for a genuinely full day out.
Island Routes: Rosario vs. Barú vs. Private Beach Clubs
Most full-day charters combine two stops rather than picking one — a morning in the water and an afternoon on land.
- Islas del Rosario — 45–60 min from the marina: the clearest water and the best snorkeling in the archipelago; coral reef stops, calm coves, and the classic "postcard" swim photos
- Barú (Playa Blanca & the beach club belt): wider beaches and the option to reserve a private beach club for lunch — the better pick if part of your group wants to spend time on land, not just in the water
- The combination day: Rosario Islands in the morning for swimming and snorkeling, Barú beach club or a private island stop for lunch — the itinerary we build most often
- Sunset add-on: any route can end with a slow cruise past the Walled City at golden hour on the way back to the marina — no extra charge, just request it
What a Cartagena Yacht Day Actually Costs
Standard inclusions across the fleet: professional captain and crew, fuel, ice and a Bluetooth sound system. Add-ons quoted separately: onboard catering or a private chef (pairs well with our private chef guide for the philosophy, even though that one's Medellin-based), a premium open bar, a photographer, DJ, snorkeling gear, and beach club or private island reservations. Weekends and December–Semana Santa dates run at the top of these ranges; weekday charters in the value months (June–September) often negotiate below them.
"The boat is the easy part. The route, the timing and knowing which cove is empty at 11am — that's the actual service."
The CLS Fleet: 12 Vetted Vessels
Every vessel below is inspected, crewed and bookable through one WhatsApp message. Tap Request for availability, photos and a fixed day-rate quote.
Browse the full fleet with photos on our Yacht & Boat Charters page.
How Booking Actually Works
- 1. Tell us dates + group size — one WhatsApp message; mention the vibe (celebration, family, snorkeling focus) for a sharper match
- 2. Receive 1–3 matched vessels within hours — photos, capacity and a fixed day-rate quote, add-ons priced separately
- 3. Confirm with a deposit — the rest settled before boarding; contracts in English, payment by transfer or card
- 4. Marina pickup and go — transfer from your villa or hotel coordinated, captain and crew ready, route briefed on the dock
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a yacht charter cost in Cartagena?
What's the difference between a yacht, a speed boat and a catamaran?
Rosario Islands or Barú — which is better?
Are captain, crew and fuel included?
How far ahead should I book?
Your Dates. Our Fleet.
Matched in Hours.
Send dates and group size — we reply with matched vessels, photos and a fixed day-rate quote. No fees, no pressure.
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