Full Day Luxury Private Boat Rental To Rosario Islands

What makes this day feel special is that you’re not joining some big cattle-call boat. You’re in a 29 ft private speedboat with up to 10 friends, cruising Cartagena’s Caribbean islands for about 8 hours. I like that the plan includes classic photo time at Boca Chica and then proper water time with a swim stop in the Rosario area. One consideration: the tour is weather dependent, and snorkeling costs extra, plus you’ll want to bring your own towel.

I also love the simple group math. For $880 per group, you can spread the cost across your crew and still have a boat that feels like it belongs to you. And because the operator includes ice, bottled water, and a set number of beers, you can start the day without running to a store. Still, food and beach services are not included, so plan for extra spending if you want lunch or anything beyond the included drinks.

Your day starts at 9:00 am from Sibarita del Mar in El Centro, Cartagena, and it ends back at the same meeting point. Along the way you’ll get a stop for photos of Boca Chica, then one or two swim moments in places like Isla Grande, plus a final stop such as Cholon or Playa Tranquila. If you want snorkeling, you’ll need to pay the snorkeling fee, and snorkeling gear is not listed as included, so bring a towel and keep your expectations clear.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Private speedboat for up to 10 means easier decision-making and a more relaxed day
• Boca Chica photo stop gives you a quick hit of scenery on the way to the islands
• Isla Grande swim time is built in, so you are not just sightseeing from a distance
• Cholon or Playa Tranquila stop gives you a second taste of the coastline vibe
• Snorkeling is optional and extra at $35 per person, with gear not included
• Drinks and ice included includes 12 beers and 12 bottled waters, with 18+ only for alcohol

A 9:00am Private Boat Day from Sibarita del Mar

This is the kind of trip where timing matters. The start is 9:00 am from Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. That early start is useful because it gives you a full day on the water, plus time to enjoy your stops instead of rushing through them.

Because the boat is private for your group (up to 10 people), you do not have to negotiate around strangers’ schedules. You can set the pace for the day, whether your vibe is chill and scenic or more of a party boat day. The Rosario Islands itinerary also helps you get variety in one stretch: photo stop on the way, swim time, then another beach area before heading back.

The meeting point being near public transportation is handy. Even if you do not arrange private transport, you should be able to get there with normal city options and still show up on time.

The Rosario Islands Route, and Why the Stops Matter

The core idea is simple: you’ll cruise around Cartagena’s Caribbean islands, stop for photos, and then spend time in the water. The overall duration is listed as about 8 hours, so it feels like a real day trip, not a quick half-day loop.

Here is how I’d think about the pacing. First, you get that Boca Chica stop on the way to the Rosario Islands. That’s valuable because you’re creating a moment early in the day, before your group is worn out from travel and settling in.

Second comes water time. The plan includes one or two swimming stops in the Rosario area, specifically Isla Grande, and then another stop such as Cholon or Playa Tranquila. This matters because swimming spots are what most people remember, and they also justify the whole boat rental idea.

Finally, you get a “second location” feeling. Cholon or Playa Tranquila gives you a different setting to end on, instead of doing everything in one place.

Boca Chica Photo Stop: Quick Scenic Value on the Way

The tour includes a stop to take photos of Boca Chica while you’re traveling toward the Rosario Islands. It’s not described as a long hangout, so treat it as a short, worthwhile moment.

This kind of stop is useful in two ways. One, it breaks up the boat ride so it does not feel like pure transit time. Two, it gives you a chance to grab pictures when everyone is still fresh and the lighting is often better earlier in the day.

Practical tip: if you’re going for photos, get everyone ready before you arrive. Boats are fun, but they can be chaotic when people scramble for sunglasses, phones, and hats at the last second.

Isla Grande Swimming: The Part You Should Plan Around

Swim time is where a boat day earns its keep. Your itinerary includes stops to swim in the Caribbean sea in Isla Grande, with one or two swim stops mentioned overall while you’re in the islands.

I like that this is built in instead of being left totally open-ended. You are not just told to look at the water and hope you get a chance. With a private group, you can also manage your own flow. Some people will want quick dips, others will want longer floating time and photos.

Drawback to keep in mind: swim stops can mean you’re going to want basic comfort gear. Towels are not included, so bring one that dries fast, or at least plan to use your own towel from start to finish.

If you’re thinking about snorkeling, note that snorkeling is listed as an extra cost, and snorkeling equipment is not included. That means you should decide ahead of time if snorkeling is worth paying for your group.

Cholon or Playa Tranquila: Choose Your Final Coastal Mood

After Isla Grande, your boat day includes another island stop option, described as Cholon or Playa Tranquila. Because these are listed as alternatives, you can think of this as the tour giving you a second setting rather than promising one single beach every time.

Why this matters for you: if one spot is crowded or weather conditions shift, the operator can steer the day toward another option. You still get the “arrive, look around, swim or relax” rhythm that makes a private boat feel like a private escape.

What I recommend: keep expectations flexible. You’re booking an experience on the water, and the island stop can vary. If your goal is photos and water time more than a specific beach checklist, you’ll likely enjoy the day more.

Price and Value for Groups Up to 10 People

The price is $880 per group, up to 10 people, for about 8 hours. That pricing structure is the whole deal: you are not paying per person for the boat itself. You’re paying for the boat day, then dividing it across your crew.

So the value depends on who you travel with. With a group of 8 to 10, the per-person cost starts looking more reasonable fast, especially because the operator includes ice, bottled water, and 12 beers. With a smaller group, the boat day can feel pricey, but it still may beat the hassle of stacking separate excursions.

Here’s my practical way to judge it: this works best when you want control. You want your own boat, you want swim stops you can enjoy on your schedule, and you’re okay paying for convenience. If you mainly want public-beach time and snacks on the side, you might get better value elsewhere.

Also remember snorkeling is extra at $35 per person and snorkeling gear is not included. If snorkeling is a must for your group, build that cost into your budget before you commit.

What’s Included, and What You’ll Need to Bring

Included:

• Ice
• Alcoholic beverages: 12 beers (Aguila or Andina), allowed only for 18 years old and above
• Bottled water: 12 bottles

Not included:

• Towels
• Private transportation
• Snorkeling equipment
• Snorkeling, priced at $35 per person
• Private transportation from $15 per trip depending where you are located

This is a good list because it tells you what you can relax about. You can show up without worrying about water and the included drinks quantity. But you should not show up assuming snorkeling gear and towels are handled for you.

Packing advice that actually matters:

• Bring your own towel
• If you plan to snorkel, plan gear in advance, or budget for the snorkeling fee and bring what you can
• Bring sun protection, because boat days add up fast under strong Caribbean sun

And one more practical note: the tour says it is near public transportation, which is great, but it does not mean you should rely on last-minute taxi hunts. Aim to be at Sibarita del Mar with time to spare.

Drinks, Age Rules, and Keeping the Day Comfortable

The included alcohol is listed as 12 beers, limited to adults 18 and older. That matters for planning because the included drinks are not unlimited.

I like seeing a clear number. It reduces awkward surprises mid-day. It also encourages you to think about pacing. If you want a full party boat day with a lot of extra drinks, you’ll need to plan additional purchases beyond what’s included.

Comfort tip: even with drinks, keep water in the plan. You’ll be on a boat and in the sun for hours, and the bottled water inclusion helps, but it still pays to pace yourself, especially if you are swimming more than once.

Weather Is Part of the Deal, So Book With Flexibility

This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s exactly how it should work for a boat day.

What I recommend for you: do not schedule this on the one day of your trip when everything else is locked in stone. Give yourself some flexibility. Cartagena weather can change, and a private boat day is not something you want to force on a shaky forecast.

A Smart Way to Avoid Food and Beach Price Surprises

Boat days are often the smooth part. The tricky part is what happens when you want extra food or beach services that are separate from the boat package.

I’ll say it plainly. Before you agree to buy anything on a stop, check the written menu or the posted prices. If the price gets talked up after you commit, you will feel burned, no matter whose fault it is.

Also, if Spanish is not your strong suit, ask your guide to help you understand pricing clearly before you say yes to a purchase. The goal is simple: you should know the total you are agreeing to, including any table or service charges.

Who This Boat Rental Is Best For

This trip fits best if you want:

• A private boat experience for a group of up to 10
• A full day, around 8 hours, with built-in swim time
• A mix of cruising, photo time, and Caribbean water stops
• A day where you can keep things relaxed or turn it into a party day because you control your group space

It’s also a solid choice if you’re celebrating something and want your own schedule. And because the starting point is in El Centro and near public transportation, it can work for people who do not want complicated logistics.

If your group’s priority is snorkeling with gear you bring, you can still do it, but you should plan for the snorkeling fee at $35 per person and remember snorkeling gear is not included. If you want a no-thought day with everything handled, this is slightly less “hands-off” than some tours, mainly because of towels and snorkeling equipment.

Should You Book This Luxury Private Boat Rental to the Rosario Islands?

If you have a group and you want a real private boat day with swim stops, I think this is a strong booking. The overall rating is 4.7 with 93% recommending, which suggests the experience is generally well run and worth the cost when you’re traveling with enough people to split the boat price.

Book it if you:

• Want a private speedboat for up to 10
• Care about the mix of photo time and actual Caribbean swim time
• Are okay bringing your own towel
• Will decide in advance whether snorkeling is worth the extra $35 per person

Skip or reconsider if:

• You want snorkeling included with gear and zero add-ons
• Your schedule is rigid and you cannot handle weather-related changes
• Your group expects unlimited drinks, because the included beers are capped

If you do book, go in with a simple plan: arrive on time at Sibarita del Mar, bring your towel, and confirm any extra purchases clearly before you commit. That one habit turns a potentially stressful day into a smooth, fun one on the water.

FAQ

How much does the private boat rental cost?

It costs $880 per group, for up to 10 people.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Where is the meeting point, and when does it start?

The meeting point is Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll have a photo stop of Boca Chica on the way to the Rosario Islands, swim stops in the Caribbean sea in Isla Grande, and then a stop such as Cholon or Playa Tranquila.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is not included. Snorkeling equipment is also not included, and snorkeling costs $35 per person.

Are drinks and water included?

Yes. The tour includes ice, 12 beers (Aguila or Andina) for guests 18 and older, and 12 bottles of bottled water.

What should I bring?

Bring your own towel. Private transportation and snorkeling equipment are also not included.