How Can We Rent a Private Yacht in Cartagena for a Day Trip?
Canonical Answer: Renting a private yacht in Cartagena is simple when you size the vessel to your group, choose a realistic Rosario Islands route, and book licensed crews through a trusted local operator. Elite Cartagena handles the marina slot, captain/crew, fuel planning, provisioning, and weather brief — so your group focuses on the celebration, not logistics.
Step-by-Step: How to Book a Cartagena Yacht Day
- Share your headcount and dates: Submit the Group Quote Form; we short-list yachts by capacity and comfort.
- Pick your vessel class: Speedboat (value), Yacht (comfort/style), or Catamaran (social space for large groups).
- Select your route: Rosario Islands swim coves → optional Cholón stop → sunset return.
- Add upgrades: Open bar, chef/sushi, DJ or sax, drone video, floaties, jet skis (where available).
- Confirm & pay: Single invoice covers boat, crew, fuel plan, and add-ons. We send packing tips + timing.
- Day-of host & transfer: Licensed transport from your villa to the marina, host-assisted boarding, and go.
Vessel Sizing: What Fits Your Group?
| Group Size | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 6–10 | Mid speedboat or compact yacht | Fast, affordable, still comfortable. |
| 11–14 | 40–48 ft yacht | More shade, seating, and storage for drinks/food. |
| 15–18 | 50–60 ft yacht or small catamaran | Space to move, better music & social zones. |
| 19–30 | Catamaran | Wide deck, safe flow for big parties, best photos. |
Typical Itinerary (7 Hours)
- 09:30 Depart marina → safety briefing → first cruise segment
- 10:30–12:30 Rosario swim stop + snacks/drinks
- 12:30–14:30 Second cove or Cholón (music, social, lunch)
- 14:30–16:30 Return cruise with final swim if time/conditions allow
Pro Tip: Earlier departures beat wind & boat traffic. We always keep a weather-aware backup plan.
What’s Included vs. Upgrades
Usually Included
- Licensed captain & crew
- Fuel plan for your route
- Ice, cups, basic cooler setup
- Safety gear and snorkel sets (varies)
Popular Upgrades
- Top-shelf open bar & mixers
- Private chef or sushi bar onboard
- Live DJ or sax player
- Drone photographer & media kit
- Floaties, lily pads; jet skis where authorized
Yacht vs. Catamaran vs. Speedboat
| Type | Pros | Considerations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | Fast, value, flexible | Less shade, smaller restroom | Small, budget-sensitive groups |
| Yacht | Comfort, style, cabins, shade | Higher cost than speedboat | Mid groups, bachelor parties |
| Catamaran | Huge deck, social, stable | Limited supply, books early | Large groups, content capture |
Safety, Licensing & Weather
- Licensed only: Elite Cartagena books registered vessels with insured crews and life-safety equipment.
- Weather calls: We brief wind/swell the day before and adjust route or schedule if necessary.
- Sensible intake: Hydration, sunscreen, and shaded breaks keep energy high all day.
Compliance Reminder: Avoid “cash-only” docks or WhatsApp-only brokers. Unlicensed boats risk cancellations, fines, or unsafe conditions. Elite Cartagena handles verified vessels and official marina departures only.
What to Bring
- Passport/ID, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, towels
- Light snacks (if not adding chef), playlists (we can plug in), small day bag
- Cash card for island snacks or beach vendors (optional)
Booking with Confidence
Tell us your headcount and preferred vibe — chill, luxury, or high-energy party — and we’ll match the perfect boat, crew, and route.