Colombia’s coastal waters offer excellent value and variety for boat enthusiasts. From the crystal-clear Rosario Islands to the rugged Tayrona coastline, these waters provide perfect settings for memorable maritime experiences. The best tours combine transportation, meals, and equipment rental in one convenient package.
I’m particularly fond of the Rosario Islands day trips, which strike an ideal balance between relaxation and activity. The all-day adventures with resort access stand out for their excellent amenities and professional guides. For something truly special, the pontoon boat experiences provide a peaceful way to take in Colombia’s coastal beauty.
Check out our carefully selected top boat tours below.
Key Points
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The Rosario Islands Tour and Tayrona Park Sailing Tour offer scenic routes, snorkeling opportunities, and relaxation in Colombia’s coastal regions.
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The All-Day Boat Cruise and Sailing Atypic VIP excursions provide a mix of activities like boat cruising, scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploring secluded beaches.
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The Barú Island Full-Day Tour and Pontoon Boat Tour feature unique experiences such as plankton viewing, sunset watching, and visiting various cays and islands.
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The Snorkel Escobar Plane Tour and 8-Hour Boat Tour to Cholón offer historical and lively boat adventures, with the former providing a chance to snorkel near Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane.
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Many of the tours have age and health restrictions, and additional costs may apply for items like lunch and alcohol, so it’s important to review the details before booking.
5 Islands Boat Tour With City Sunset
Often, visitors to Cartagena embark on an islands boat tour to witness the stunning city sunset.
The 7-hour Rosario Islands Tour with Lunch and Entries is a popular option, taking travelers to 5 different islands in the Rosario Archipelago. Rated 4.7 out of 5, the tour includes transportation, entry fees, a local lunch, and ample time to relax on the islands.
Snorkeling is also available for those interested. As the boat returns to Cartagena in the evening, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the coastal city’s skyline against the backdrop of a vibrant sunset.
With a reasonable price tag of £76.14, this islands tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty surrounding Cartagena.
Read our full review: 5 Islands Boat Tour With City Sunset Review
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SAILING TO TAYRONA PARK WITH LUIS’S TEAM
For travelers seeking a unique adventure along Colombia’s northern coast, the Sailing Tour to Tayrona Park with Luis’s Team offers an exceptional opportunity.
This 6.5-hour excursion departs from Santa Marta International Marina, where guests can enjoy sailing to the stunning Bahia Concha or Tayrona Bay. Along the way, they’ll have the chance to try their hand at fishing while passing by picturesque bays.
Once at Tayrona Park, visitors can explore the only island in the region, Aguja Island, and engage in activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
The tour includes park fees, lunch, and equipment, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase onboard.
Customer reviews highlight mixed feedback on the overall experience, so travelers should consider their priorities when booking.
Read our full review: SAILING TO TAYRONA PARK WITH LUIS’S TEAM Review
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All Day Boat Cruise W/ Scuba Diving, Snorkeling & Resort
Travelers seeking an immersive all-day adventure along Colombia’s northern coast can embark on the excursion that combines boat cruising, scuba diving, snorkeling, and a resort visit.
Priced at €127.93 per person, the 8.5 to 9-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows guests to pay later.
The itinerary features stops at historical sites, a sunken plane, snorkeling and diving at Isla Tijereto, and a lunch break at Hotel Isla Lizamar.
The tour provides all necessary equipment and amenities, though lunch and drinks are extra.
Certain restrictions apply, and the activity isn’t suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, or those with mobility challenges.
Read our full review: All Day Boat Cruise W/ Scuba Diving, Snorkeling & Resort Review
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Sailing Atypic VIP
Sailing Atypic VIP offers an 8-hour excursion along Colombia’s northern coast, departing from the Santa Marta marina. Priced from $585 for up to 15 participants, the tour includes snorkeling, subwing, and relaxation on a floating island within Tayrona National Park.
Guests can expect snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and a grilled fish lunch. While reviews note issues with misleading descriptions and limited equipment, the tour provides an opportunity to explore secluded beaches and potentially spot sea turtles.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can reserve now and pay later. Overall, Sailing Atypic VIP offers a full-day sailing experience in Colombia’s scenic coastal region.
Read our full review: Sailing Atypic VIP Review
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Cartagena: Rosario Islands VIP Tour by Luxury Sports Boat
The Rosario Islands VIP Tour by Luxury Sports Boat whisks visitors away on a 7-hour excursion to explore the picturesque Colombian Caribbean.
This private tour accommodates up to 12 participants and provides a guide in both Spanish and English. Guests will visit key locations like Oceanario, Cholon, Big Island, and Barú, with opportunities to snorkel at Piscinita and near Pablo Escobar’s submerged plane.
After a panoramic tour, they’ll enjoy relaxation on the white sand beaches of Barú. This tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and reserve now, pay later option.
Travelers are advised to come prepared with hats, swimwear, cameras, and sun protection, as the schedule may adjust based on wave conditions.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Rosario Islands VIP Tour by Luxury Sports Boat Review
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Full Day at Barú Island by Boat: Snorkel + Sunset + Plankton
For those seeking a full day of adventure and relaxation on the idyllic Barú Island, the Full Day at Barú Island by Boat: Snorkel + Sunset + Plankton tour offers an enticing itinerary.
The 11-hour excursion, priced from $82.23 per person, includes a 30-minute speedboat ride to Freedom Beach, where travelers can enjoy a welcome cocktail, snorkeling, lunch, and free time.
The tour also features a sunset viewing, a guided mangrove tour, and a bioluminescent plankton experience.
Travelers should arrive at the departure point by 8:50 am and note that a $26,500 port fee must be paid in cash.
While reviews are mixed, the tour provides a diverse array of activities for a full day on the idyllic Barú Island.
Read our full review: Full Day at Barú Island by Boat: Snorkel + Sunset + Plankton Review
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TOUR IN A FAST BOAT TO TAYRONA CRYSTAL BEACH
On this captivating speedboat tour to Tayrona Cristal Beach, travelers will embark on an 8-hour adventure.
Priced at $56.39 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a 40-minute scenic boat crossing, and the opportunity to snorkel and relax on the crystal-clear waters of Playa Cristal.
Lunch, insurance, and snorkeling equipment are also provided.
This tour isn’t suitable for young children, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility issues.
Guests should come prepared with sunscreen, swimwear, and cash.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a flexible and worry-free experience in the stunning coastal region of Santa Marta.
Read our full review: TOUR IN A FAST BOAT TO TAYRONA CRYSTAL BEACH Review
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Cartagena: Bird Watching in the Mangroves on a Typical Boat
Frequently, travelers to Cartagena embark on a captivating bird watching expedition in the serene mangrove forests.
The 2-hour experience takes place in the Cienaga del Cabrero and Chambacu, where over 1,000 birds across 80 species can be observed, including endemic and migratory species.
Guests explore the mangrove ecosystem by traditional canoe, accompanied by an animator who provides insights.
The tour includes breakfast or snacks and hotel pickup and drop-off. Priced from Kč 704 per person, the activity can be booked with no upfront payment and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Participants meet at the statue of Catalina India near the castle of San Felipe de Barajas, with the provider coordinating through WhatsApp.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Bird Watching in the Mangroves on a Typical Boat Review
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Sunsets Boat Party: Around Bocagrande Bay
The Sunset Boat Party in Bocagrande Bay, Cartagena, offers an enchanting 2-hour experience that immerses guests in the vibrant Caribbean atmosphere and culture.
Priced at €44.50 per person, the tour provides an unlimited supply of Cuba Libre cocktails and allows guests to engage in traditional Caribbean dances.
The meeting point is at Sibarita del Mar, Muelle de la Bodeguita, where a live tour guide in English is available. Guests can also bring their own drinks and coolers.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 18, and smoking isn’t allowed on the boat.
Availability can be checked online, and a “reserve now, pay later” option is offered.
Read our full review: Sunsets Boat Party: Around Bocagrande Bay Review
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Enjoy Barú at Freedom Beach + Boat Transportation
Departing from the Muelle de la Bodeguita in Cartagena, this six-and-a-half-hour experience whisks guests away to the picturesque Barú peninsula and the Freedom Beach Club.
Priced from €57.85 per person, the boat trip includes a 30-minute speedboat ride, a welcome cocktail, and a 40-minute lunch.
Visitors can then enjoy two hours of free time on the semi-private beach, as well as an hour of swimming in the turquoise waters.
The package also provides a 10,000-peso bar voucher, complimentary board and beach games, and a unique themed cabin atmosphere.
However, past customers have noted issues with beach crowding and service delays.
Transportation to the pier and a port fee are additional costs.
Read our full review: Enjoy Barú at Freedom Beach + Boat Transportation Review
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San Andrés: Island Pontoon Boat Tour
Visitors to the idyllic island of San Andrés can embark on an exhilarating pontoon boat tour that promises to showcase the island’s natural beauty. Priced at just $29.60 per person with the option to save up to 10%, this tour offers a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling at key stops like El Palito, Cayo Acuario, and Rocky Cay.
The tour includes round-trip transportation and entrance tax to Cayo Acuario, though food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are extra. While customer reviews are mixed, the tour allows visitors to enjoy the island’s mangroves, crystal clear waters, and beautiful beaches, with opportunities to dance to music during the cruise.
Read our full review: San Andrés: Island Pontoon Boat Tour Review
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Snorkel Escobar Plane, Resort Lunch, Boat Party, Tequila Bar
This immersive tour offers an exhilarating mix of adventure and relaxation.
Over 8.5 hours, guests will explore the area’s natural beauty, snorkel near Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane, enjoy a local lunch at a resort, and party at Cholón island.
The tour starts at Sibarita del Mar and includes stops at Batería del Ángel San Rafael, the Escobar plane, Isla Mulata, and Isla Naval.
Snorkeling equipment, water, and all fees are included. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are extra.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 80.
Guests should bring sun protection, swimwear, and cash.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Snorkel Escobar Plane, Resort Lunch, Boat Party, Tequila Bar Review
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Cartagena: PRIVATE TOUR to the Rosario Islands by Boat
Exploring the captivating Rosario Islands near Cartagena has never been easier than with this private boat tour.
Lasting 7 hours, the tour accommodates up to 10 guests and offers convenient transportation via a 29-foot speedboat.
Soak in the scenic views, make photo stops, and enjoy free time in Cholón. Optional stops at Baru Agua Azul and Playa Blanca are available for an additional fee.
The private boat features a bathroom, shower, refrigerator, and sound system.
With no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the natural beauty of the Rosario Islands.
Read our full review: Cartagena: PRIVATE TOUR to the Rosario Islands by Boat Review
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8-Hour Boat Tour to Cholón With Music and Fun
Embarking on an 8-hour boat tour to the vibrant destination of Cholón promises a day filled with music, fun, and sun-soaked adventure. Priced from $82.23 per person, this tour includes hotel pickup, a sports boat, a live DJ on weekends, and a local guide to orient you through the historic center and Getsemani.
Highlights include swimming, scenic views, and a party atmosphere. While the tour operates in sun or light rain, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or low-fitness individuals.
With a 4.8/5 customer rating, this lively boat excursion offers an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the Rosario Islands.
Read our full review: 8-Hour Boat Tour to Cholón With Music and Fun Review
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Recap
Colombia offers a diverse array of boat tours and cruises that cater to various interests. From island hopping and snorkeling to party cruises and scenic sailing, there’s something for all. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day on the water or an adventure-filled experience, these tours provide the perfect way to explore Colombia’s stunning coastal regions and offshore islands.