This picturesque port is one of Colombia’s key coastal cities and an essential stop for any visitor to the country. A boat rental in Cartagena is one of the most popular things to do and gives you access to a whole world of tropical wonderment. Choose day trips on power boats to neighboring islands and beaches, or more leisurely cruises on luxury yacht charters in Colombia to far flung tropical locations.
Some of the best things to do in Cartagena involve jumping aboard your own private boat and heading off to a hidden beach for a few days. Venture either way, east or west, and you’ll find stretches of white sand fringed by palm trees, local cafes and the big smiles of the locals to welcome you.
Explore Cartagena de Indias
The city of Cartagena de Indias itself is lively, colorful and historic and features impressive street art, delicious food and some of the most vibrant nightlife in the country. Make sure to take the time to explore the waterfront including the Las Bovedas market, set in an old jail near the sea. Nowadays it’s packed full of trinket sellers and is one of the best places in town to watch the sunset.
While you’re in the area, the Old Town is made for lazy wandering and is incredibly Instagrammable. One of the best things to do in Cartagena is hanging out on the Plaza San Diego. This old town square is the hub of local activity and by spending a few hours here enjoying a drink or some food, you’re sure to catch a street performance and soak up the slow pace of life in the city.
A Cartagena yacht rental is easy to come by, but by booking in advance a Sailo boat rental you’ll get the best price before you arrive and avoid having to haggle. You’ll also be able to choose from a selection of some of the best boat rental options in Cartagena and view the feedback and reviews of past boat renters.
The Caribbean climate of Cartagena ensures the city is a great year round destination, with average temperatures the 20°'s C (80°’s F). This also means of course that the waters are perfect for swimming all year, and with Cartagena mostly out of the hurricane zone you’re very unlikely to experience weather based disruption, making it perfect location for hiring a boat in Colombia.
If you’re heading to Colombia and you’re wondering what are the best options for boat trips from Cartagena, these are some of the most popular options. Depending on the amount of time you have, you might find other options for boating further afield around the Colombian coast. However, the options we’ve chose below are some of the most popular things to do in Cartagena and very accessible from the city by most forms of seagoing craft.
Eduardoño
Marina Santacruz
Mamonal
Club Nautico de manga
The Islas de Rosario are lush tropical islands, fringed with golden sands and vibrant coral reefs. Over one thousand fish species can be found in the waters surrounding the islands making it perfect for snorkelling and diving. On land, you’ll find dreamy tropical beaches, mangrove forests to explore by kayak and some of the most spellbinding sunsets in the Caribbean. There are a handful of resorts and hostels on the islands too, so if you’re planning to stay a while you’ll be able to find something for all budgets.
The closest island to Cartagena is of course easily accessed by boat from the city, with a ferry crossing taking around ten minutes. Although many day trippers come to the island, the beaches are still beautiful and tranquil, you’ll find delicious traditional seafood at the cabanas and restaurants easy to find, and if you want to stay the night there is a range of accommodation. The joy of hiring a boat to visit Tierra Bomba is that you can find your own private corner and enjoy the view, or join the party if you prefer.
Explorers looking for true tranquility will love the San Bernardo Islands National Park. This protected area of biodiversity is a truly unspoiled gem, just made for exploring by boat to find that perfect hidden tropical beach. With rich and verdant tropical forests, beaches completely devoid of the trappings of tourism and coral reefs perfect for exploring by snorkel, San Bernardo can be reached easily by boat charter from Cartagena. You’ll find hotels and resorts for visitors planning on staying longer than just a day trip, so you can make the most of your trip to this gorgeous region.