Private tour in luxury boat LaMorronga 41′ to the Rosario Islands

A private boat day around the Rosario Islands is already a smart way to see Cartagena, but this one stands out for how flexible it feels once you’re on board. I love the easy private-dock process that avoids big crowds, and I also love the practical comfort touches like the icebox with ice water bottles and a freshwater shower.

On a day like this, the captain matters, and here you’ll be looked after by Captain Odelber and his assistant José, who keep the vibe calm and the safety focus real. One possible drawback: you’ll need to plan for meals and drinks yourself, since lunch and anything beyond water are not included.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• 8-hour private charter with set return windows, plus extra time in Cartagena Bay after the islands part of the day
• LaMorronga 41-ft luxury boat with 2 Yamaha 350 engines, aimed at a fast, confident ride
• Freshwater shower, icebox, and bottled water so you’re not scrambling at the end
• JL audio sound system if your group wants music while cruising
• Captain Odelber and assistant José bring clear, attentive guidance and a safety-first approach
• Private dock boarding designed to reduce waiting and pack-in crowds

LaMorronga 41: what “luxury boat” means in real life

This is a private charter on a LaMorronga 41-foot boat, and the difference shows up fast once you’re aboard. The big practical win is that you’re not sharing the boat with strangers, so the day feels like it belongs to your group from the first moment. That matters in Cartagena, where you can lose time to crowds and slow-moving logistics.

Comfort is handled in the details the boat provides. The tour includes a refrigerator with about 20 kg of ice, plus ice water bottles and bottled water. That’s the kind of thing that sounds minor until you’re on the water for hours and your group wants cold drinks without turning the day into a scavenger hunt.

There’s also a freshwater shower. Even if you’re not planning anything sporty, you’ll appreciate being able to rinse off once you’ve been in saltwater or heat. It’s one of those “end-of-day reset” features that makes the trip feel more finished.

The boat is also set up for entertainment. There’s a JL audio sound system, so you can keep the atmosphere fun without hauling your own speakers or trying to make phone audio carry across the deck. Add that to the included crew and engines, and you’re set up for a day that feels smoother than typical day trips.

Engines and timing

The charter includes 2 Yamaha 350 engines, and the implication is simple: you get a ride that’s built for efficiency. In practice, that helps you follow your chosen schedule window without feeling like the day is swallowed by slow travel time.

Choosing your departure window: the schedule that fits your group

This tour runs for about 8 hours, and you get several schedule options that change the balance between Rosario Islands time and Cartagena Bay time. The provider is explicit about return timing, so you can choose based on energy level and even sea conditions.

Here are the three main windows:

• 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a return option to be back at 3:00 p.m. (the note here is that it’s better for older people in swell time)
• 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the classic option, matching the way many boats operate
• 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., tied to groups who want timing around DJ closing at 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (the info mentions Bora Bora VIP timing)

One extra detail I’d treat as a big planning lever: the last return of the islands is at 5:00 p.m., and after that, the rest of the time is enjoyed in Cartagena Bay. That means you’re not forced to spend every minute far out. You can structure the day so the later part feels easier, calmer, and more city-adjacent.

Quick advice for picking the best window

• If you’re traveling with older people or anyone who dislikes rougher water, lean toward the 8:00 a.m. window as suggested.
• If your group wants the safest “default” plan, choose the 9:00 a.m. option.
• If you’re planning a party-oriented rhythm and want that DJ closing window, pick 10:00 a.m. and build your day around it.

On board: what’s included that actually matters

When you compare boat tours, you want to look beyond the word “luxury.” The value is in what you don’t have to pay for on the day.

Included on this charter

• Bottled water
• Captain and sailor
• Fuel
• Refrigerator with ice (about 20 kg)
• Crew provides petrol, plus the boat is equipped with features like the shower and sound system

That “fuel included” part is important. Many experiences advertise a boat, then hit you with extra fuel charges. Here, your group can focus on the day instead of budgeting micro-surprises.

What you should bring or plan on your own

• Lunch is not included
• Alcoholic beverages are not included
• Any drinks other than water are not included

So, I’d treat this as a day where the boat covers the ride and comfort, but you handle the food and anything beyond water. If you’re the planner type in your group, you’ll be glad you caught that early, because it affects how long you can stay flexible.

Cartagena from the sea: the real point of a private Rosario Islands day

The core experience is a private boat around the Rosario Islands with a full crew and the ability to shape the day your way. Instead of racing through stops, you can move at group pace.

What I like about this setup is that the day feels like both sightseeing and downtime. Cartagena looks different from the water, and you’re not just staring at scenery. You’re cruising, taking in coastline views, and then shifting to whatever your group wants to do next.

The crew gives context

The experience isn’t only about getting from point A to point B. Captain Odelber and assistant José are described as professional and attentive, and they explain history of the places you pass. That kind of guided commentary is useful because it turns “passing by” into “I understand what I’m seeing,” even if you’re not doing a formal museum-style tour.

They also monitor safety inside and outside the boat. That matters on the water, especially during weather changes. You’re not left to guess, and that can make the day feel less stressful.

Private dock means less waiting

One of the best practical notes is how the boat leaves from a private dock with fewer people, which supports a quick boarding process. In Cartagena, where lines and crowded meeting points can chew up your energy, this is a real quality-of-life upgrade.

How long you’ll actually be on the clock

The plan lasts about 8 hours, but the rhythm changes by schedule window.

Here’s the way to think about it:

• You start in Cartagena
• You spend your morning and part of the afternoon around the Rosario Islands area
• When you reach the island return point, you then shift to Cartagena Bay for the rest of your selected schedule (depending on which window you pick)

Because the provider provides explicit return options, you can plan the rest of your day with less uncertainty. If you’re also booking dinner or a beach plan back in the city, this timing control helps.

Drinks, meals, and dock fees: the part people forget to budget

This is where you’ll want to be organized, because the boat day is only partly “all-inclusive.”

Lunch and alcohol are on you

The boat provides water and ice cooling, but:

• Lunch is not included
• Alcoholic beverages are not included

So if your group expects a full-service meal situation, you’ll need to either pack food (if allowed) or arrange lunch plans separately. If you’re trying to keep costs down, plan your drinks early and avoid last-minute convenience store stops.

Dock use tax (and how it can be negotiated)

The dock use tax is not included, and it’s listed as COP 16,000 per person. The info says you can negotiate the time of shipment for the dock use tax.

I’d interpret that as, ask what exact timing they prefer for payment or confirmation and whether there’s flexibility based on your island visit day plan. Don’t assume it will be waived, but do ask how the process works so your group isn’t stuck sorting money during the day.

Who this private boat tour is best for

This charter is private, with room for up to 15 people per group, and it offers flexibility for how you plan the day.

Best fit

• Groups who want a family-friendly pace (especially since there’s an older-people-friendly schedule note)
• Friends who want a controlled party vibe, with options that reference timing around Bora Bora VIP and DJ closing
• Anyone who values comfort features like ice cooling and a freshwater shower
• People who want guided context while cruising, not just a silent taxi across the water

Good to know if your group has special needs

• Service animals are allowed
• Most travelers can participate
• It’s a private tour, so it’s only your group on the boat

Booking value: what you get for $1,300 per group

At $1,300 per group up to 15, the value depends on how many people you bring. If you fill the group, you’re spreading the boat cost across a proper private day, with captain, sailor, fuel, ice cooling, and key comfort features included.

If you only bring a small group of 2 to 4, it still can be worth it if you want privacy and flexibility more than cost-per-person optimization. But if you’re budget focused, treat it as a “shared splurge” that gets better the more friends you add.

Also, the pricing structure is easier to evaluate than some tours, because the inclusions list is clear: captain and sailor, fuel, bottled water, and ice cooling. The items you still need to plan, like lunch and alcohol, are clearly marked too.

Finally, the private dock setup and time control are not “extras.” They save energy. And energy is what makes a day feel good in Cartagena.

Should you book this Rosario Islands private boat day?

Book it if you want a private Rosario Islands experience that feels calm and well-run, with real comfort on board (ice, water, shower) and a crew that takes safety and communication seriously. Choose it for the flexibility of timing, especially if your group includes older guests who might prefer the earlier departure window.

Skip it or rethink it if your group expects an all-inclusive food-and-drinks day. Lunch is not included, and anything beyond water is not included either, so you’ll want a plan in place before you go.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes straightforward logistics and fewer crowds, this charter is built for that. Ask your captain and coordinator what the timing will look like for your chosen schedule window, then structure the day around sea conditions and your group’s preferred pace. That’s how you’ll get the best day out of the 8 hours.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour is approximately 8 hours.

What is the price and group size?

It costs $1,300.00 per group, for up to 15 people.

Are pickup and mobile tickets included?

Pickup is offered. You also receive a mobile ticket.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in English.

What schedule options can I choose from?

You can choose one of these options: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (with an option to return at 3:00 p.m.), 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (classic), or 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The last return of the islands is at 5:00 p.m., and the rest of the time is in Cartagena Bay.

What does the tour include?

Included items are bottled water, captain and sailor, fuel, and a refrigerator with about 20 kg of ice to cool drinks.

What is not included?

Lunch is not included. Alcoholic beverages and any drinks other than water are also not included. There may also be a dock use tax (listed as COP 16,000 per person).

What do I need to provide before the tour?

With at least one day in advance, the main user must send the passenger list with names and ID. Minors must travel with their parents, and arriving after 9:00 a.m. means lost hours that are non-refundable.