Open Bar Sunset Cruise in Catamaran or Speedboat (Best Deal)

Cartagena’s skyline looks best from the water, and this two-hour sunset cruise gives you that view with a drink in hand for just $20. You can choose a lively speedboat with rum, aguardiente, mixers, and Latin music, or a steadier catamaran with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus a light snack.

I like the low price and the choice between two very different boat styles. I also like that the cruise returns to its starting point, which makes it easy to continue your evening in the Centro Histórico. The main catch is that the dock can be confusing, the speedboat is not a large party vessel, and some departures may be mostly Spanish-speaking.

Key points at a glance

• Two boat styles: Choose the faster, younger-party feel of the speedboat or the more relaxed catamaran.
• Sunset timing: Departure is at 4:30 p.m., with skyline views during a roughly two-hour outing.
• Open bar details: The speedboat serves rum, aguardiente, and mixers. The catamaran includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Extra catamaran fee: A mandatory 16,000 COP port tax is not included with the catamaran ticket.
• Busy meeting area: Arrive about 10 minutes early and read your voucher carefully before heading to the dock.
• After-party option: An optional nightclub or after-party tour can be purchased in person, but men need pants and closed-toe shoes.

Choose Your Cartagena Boat Carefully

The most important decision comes before you reach the dock. The speedboat and catamaran tickets are separate, and they cannot be exchanged once you arrive.

The speedboat is aimed at younger visitors, solo partygoers, and groups who want music, drinks, dancing, and a social setting. It is a smaller motorboat, not a two-level floating bar. That distinction matters. If you picture a large deck with room to wander, this is not that experience.

The catamaran is the calmer choice. It suits couples, families, and mixed-age groups who want room to sit, take pictures, and watch the sun go down without making the whole outing a party. You still receive an open bar, but the atmosphere may vary depending on the people aboard.

I would choose the speedboat when the boat itself is part of the nightlife plan. I would choose the catamaran when the sunset and views matter more than dancing.

Meeting at Sibarita del Mar in the Centro Histórico

The official meeting point is Sibarita del Mar on Avenida Blas de Lezo in Cartagena’s Centro Histórico. Departure is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

That sounds simple. The dock can be less simple. Several boats, vendors, and groups may gather in the area, so I would arrive at least 10 minutes early. Keep your mobile voucher open and confirm which boat matches your ticket before boarding.

Some people have received last-minute WhatsApp instructions, while others have found the meeting area hard to sort out. The practical lesson is clear: do not wait for someone to find you. Read the meeting instructions on your voucher, arrive early, and ask where the correct speedboat or catamaran is located.

The Centro Histórico location is useful after the cruise. You can walk into the old city for dinner or drinks once the boat returns. Just remember that the cruise itself does not include transportation from your hotel.

What the Two-Hour Route Actually Offers

The itinerary lists Centro Histórico as the activity location rather than a series of shore stops. You board near the historic center, cruise out for views of Cartagena, watch the changing light, and return to the original meeting point.

That makes this a scenic boat outing, not a sightseeing tour with stops at several islands. You will not be visiting monuments, swimming spots, or separate coastal towns during the two hours. The attraction is the view from the water, the sunset, and the social setting on board.

At 4:30 p.m., the timing is well chosen for an evening activity. You get daylight at the start, softer light as the cruise continues, and a natural transition into dinner or nightlife afterward. Sunset times change during the year, so the exact color and timing will depend on the date and weather.

The route is especially useful if you have already spent time walking Cartagena’s streets. From the water, the city feels different. You can take skyline pictures without stopping in traffic or planning a long excursion.

The Speedboat: Music, Rum, and a Smaller Party

The speedboat option is the more energetic choice. The package includes an open bar with classic Colombian spirits such as rum and aguardiente, along with mixers. You can also bring your own drinks.

Music and dancing are part of the appeal. Latin beats help set a party mood, and the small boat encourages people to talk and mingle rather than sit apart. Several accounts describe the staff and music as fun, with some departures becoming a good way to meet people at the start of the night.

The tradeoff is space. The speedboat is designed for a smaller group, not a large rooftop-style party boat. The exact feel depends heavily on who boards that day. A boat filled with outgoing young adults may feel lively. A boat with families or quieter groups may feel more like a short harbor cruise with drinks.

I would not book this option if you need a bathroom, a large dance floor, or an English-led program. The available information does not promise a bathroom, and some departures operate mainly in Spanish. That does not prevent you from enjoying the ride, but it can affect how easily you follow announcements or join organized activities.

The phrase open bar also needs a practical reading. It means drinks are included, but the setup may be informal. You might receive beer or spirits from a staff member rather than order from a polished bar counter. Bring a little cash for tips, and keep your expectations in line with a budget boat outing.

The Catamaran: More Room and Broader Appeal

The catamaran is the safer pick for most mixed groups. It includes a full open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a light snack. Families can join, and you do not need the speedboat’s party atmosphere to make the outing worthwhile.

The catamaran should give you a better platform for looking out at the city and taking photographs. It is also the option I would consider for couples who want conversation, or for anyone who likes a drink and a sunset but does not want the boat to revolve around dancing.

There is one extra cost: a mandatory port tax of 16,000 COP is not included in the catamaran ticket. The speedboat option does not require this port fee. At a $20 starting price, that tax will not ruin the value, but you should include it when comparing the two choices.

The catamaran is not guaranteed to be quiet. It is still a shared social cruise, and the group may include people celebrating, meeting friends, or moving on to nightlife afterward. Think of it as the flexible option, not a private sunset sail.

The Open Bar and What You Receive

The bar is a major reason to book this cruise, but the two packages are not identical.

On the speedboat, expect rum, aguardiente, and mixers. These are distinctly Colombian choices, and aguardiente gives the drinks a local touch. You may also bring your own drinks, which helps if you have a particular preference.

On the catamaran, the included drinks cover both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. A light snack is included as well. The description does not specify a full meal, so eat beforehand if you need dinner rather than a small bite.

I would treat the bar as part of the entertainment, not the sole reason to book. The real value comes from combining the drinks with a sunset ride and a social setting. If you do drink, pace yourself. A small boat, hot weather, and the rocking of the water can catch up with you quickly.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a phone case or other protection for your phone. These are practical precautions for any open-air boat ride, especially when you plan to take pictures near the water.

The Sunset and Cartagena’s Changing View

The best part of this experience is the shift from city streets to open water. Cartagena’s skyline becomes a backdrop instead of something you look up at from a sidewalk. The fading daylight also gives you a different setting for photographs than a daytime walking tour.

You will likely get the most from the cruise during the final part of the afternoon, when the light softens. The exact sunset view depends on cloud cover and the boat’s route, so do not expect the same scene every day.

I like this timing for a final evening in Cartagena. It gives you a clear activity with a fixed start and finish, then leaves the rest of the night open. One account described it as a good way to begin the night, while another found the optional nightclub too early and quiet afterward. That is useful advice: the boat can be the main event, while the after-party may depend on the night and the crowd.

After-Party Rules and Expectations

An optional after-party tour may be available for purchase in person. It is not included in the $20 cruise price.

Men should wear pants and closed-toe shoes if they plan to join the after-party. This is easy to overlook if you dress for a hot afternoon on a boat, so decide in advance whether the nightclub option matters to you.

The cruise and after-party are separate choices. You can enjoy the boat and then make your own plans in Cartagena. I would not pay for the extra nightclub simply because it is offered. First see how the evening feels, then decide if the additional outing suits your group.

Group Size, Language, and Comfort

The maximum group size is 50 people. That is a substantial group for a boat activity, although the speedboat may use smaller boats rather than one large vessel.

The social side can work well for a solo visitor. The format gives you a natural place to meet people, and the shared music and drinks make conversation easier. It may also appeal to a solo woman who wants a public group setting rather than an isolated night out.

Language is worth noting. Some departures use mainly Spanish, and English service is not promised. If you need detailed explanations in English, this may frustrate you. If you are comfortable with simple instructions, gestures, and a relaxed format, the language difference may matter less.

There is no claim of a bathroom on board. Plan accordingly before leaving the dock. Most people can take part, but the experience is still a boat ride with limited space and movement.

Is $20 a Good Deal in Cartagena?

At $20 per person, this is inexpensive for a two-hour boat activity that includes an open bar. The speedboat is particularly appealing if you want music, drinks, and a quick introduction to Cartagena’s waterfront without paying for a private charter.

The catamaran offers better value for people who want a broader drinks selection and a snack, though you must add the 16,000 COP port tax. Even with that extra charge, it remains a low-cost way to spend an afternoon.

The price works because this is a shared group outing. You are not paying for a private boat, a full meal, a long coastal route, or a detailed guided tour. If you understand that, the value is strong.

The weak point is expectation management. Some people arrive expecting a large party vessel, a rooftop bar, or a polished club experience. This cruise is more basic. You are paying for a short boat ride, a drink package, music, and views.

How to Avoid the Common Problems

A few simple choices can make the outing much smoother:

• Select the correct boat: Speedboat and catamaran tickets cannot be swapped.
• Arrive early: The dock may be crowded and confusing, so arrive about 10 minutes before departure.
• Read the voucher: Confirm the meeting point and instructions before leaving your hotel.
• Bring tip money: A small amount of cash is useful for the crew.
• Dress for the boat: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can handle a wet, moving environment.
• Plan for the after-party: Men need pants and closed-toe shoes for the optional nightclub outing.
• Do not expect a large vessel: The speedboat is a smaller boat, not a double-deck party platform.
• Eat before boarding: The catamaran includes only a light snack, and the speedboat does not list a meal.

Weather can also change the plan. The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. Normal cancellation allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the 4:30 p.m. start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would recommend the speedboat to younger visitors, solo social travelers, and groups who want to start their evening with music and drinks. It is a good match for people who care more about atmosphere than comfort or formal guiding.

I would recommend the catamaran to families, couples, and mixed-age groups. It offers a gentler setting, non-alcoholic drinks, and a light snack, though the port tax adds a small extra expense.

I would skip this experience if you want a quiet private sail, a full meal, a detailed English-language tour, or a large floating nightclub. You should also think twice if confusing docks make you anxious and you are not willing to arrive early and follow the voucher instructions carefully.

Should You Book It?

Book it if you want a short, inexpensive sunset outing with drinks, music, and Cartagena views. The choice between a party-focused speedboat and a more flexible catamaran gives you useful control over the mood.

My pick for the safest overall value is the catamaran, especially for couples and families. My pick for a lively start to the night is the speedboat, as long as you understand that it is a small boat and that the quality of the party depends on the group aboard.

At $20, this can be a fun addition to a Cartagena evening. Just arrive early, choose the right boat, bring realistic expectations, and treat the cruise as a casual shared outing rather than a luxury party experience.

FAQ

How long is the sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 4:30 p.m.

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is Sibarita del Mar on Avenida Blas de Lezo in Cartagena’s Centro Histórico.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at the original meeting point.

Can I choose between a speedboat and a catamaran?

Yes. You can choose either the open bar speedboat or the open bar catamaran when booking. The tickets are not interchangeable.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. The speedboat includes rum, aguardiente, and mixers. The catamaran includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Is there an extra fee for the catamaran?

Yes. The catamaran requires a mandatory 16,000 COP port tax that is not included in the ticket price.

Is food included?

The catamaran includes a light snack. The speedboat option does not list food as included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If bad weather cancels the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund.