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

Cartagena’s best-value sunset boat ride is really two different experiences. The speedboat is a small, social party boat with rum, aguardiente, mixers, Latin music, and room for mingling. The catamaran is the calmer pick, with a full bar, a light snack, and a better fit for families. I like the dramatic sunset views and the low $20 price. I also like that you can choose your mood instead of being locked into one boat style.

The catch is simple: read the boat description closely. Some people arrive expecting a large, two-level party vessel and find a compact speedboat instead. The dock can also be confusing, so arrive at least 10 minutes early and have your voucher ready.

Key points at a glance

• Two boat styles: Pick the lively speedboat or the more relaxed catamaran. Tickets cannot be swapped.
• Sunset timing: The tour starts at 4:30 pm and lasts about two hours.
• Open bar included: The speedboat offers Colombian rum, aguardiente, and mixers. The catamaran includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Different extra costs: The catamaran requires a 16,000 COP port tax. The speedboat does not.
• Party atmosphere varies: Music and social energy are central, but the mood depends partly on the people sharing your boat.
• After-party option: You can buy an after-party tour in person. Men need pants and closed-toe shoes for it.

Two hours on Cartagena’s water at sunset

The cruise leaves from Sibarita del Mar on Avenida Blas de Lezo in Cartagena’s Centro Histórico. The ride itself lasts about two hours, and you return to the meeting point afterward. That makes this easy to fit into an evening of dinner, drinks, or nightlife.

The main attraction is the view. As the boat moves away from the dock, you get a different angle on Cartagena’s skyline than you do from the old city streets. Sunset adds the best light of the day, so bring a phone or camera if you care about photos. Keep it secure, especially on the speedboat.

This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with formal commentary. The emphasis is music, drinks, scenery, and meeting people. The crew may use mostly Spanish, and one description of the speedboat experience specifically notes that the staff and music were in Spanish. You do not need a lecture to enjoy the sunset, but you should not book this expecting a bilingual historical tour.

The activity has a maximum of 50 people. That is a useful limit, but the actual feel can still change depending on which boat you board and how full it is. Some departures may feel like a compact social party, while others may be quieter.

Speedboat or catamaran: choose carefully

The most important decision comes before you pay. The speedboat and catamaran tickets are not interchangeable, and they suit different plans.

The speedboat for music and social energy

The speedboat is aimed at younger people, solo visitors, couples, and anyone who wants the cruise to lead into a night out. You get classic Colombian spirits such as rum and aguardiente, along with mixers. You may also bring your own drinks.

The boat is described as a normal-sized speedboat for a smaller group, not a two-deck party boat. That distinction matters. A speedboat gives you movement, noise, and a close social setting, but it does not give you a rooftop, a spacious upper deck, or the room of a large cruise vessel.

I like this option for a group of friends who want to start the night with music and drinks. It can also suit a solo woman looking for a social setting, since the group format gives you people to meet without committing to a nightclub right away.

The tradeoff is comfort. You should expect a compact boat and a party-oriented setup. Wear something comfortable, keep valuables to a minimum, and do not assume there will be a bathroom. The speedboat has no port fee, which helps make it the better bargain of the two options.

The catamaran for a steadier ride

The catamaran is the better choice for families and for people who want the views to matter as much as the party. It includes a full open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus a light snack.

A catamaran generally gives you more room to move around than a small speedboat, though the exact layout is not specified. The atmosphere can still be social, with a mix of people from different places and local participants, but it is not presented as the hard-party option.

The extra cost is the mandatory 16,000 COP port tax. That fee is not included in the advertised price, so add it to your budget before comparing the two boats. If you are traveling with children or want a gentler evening, the added fee may be worth it.

Do not select the catamaran simply because you assume it will be a larger party boat. It is the all-purpose option, not a promise of a nightclub at sea. For music and youthful energy, the speedboat is the clearer match.

What happens at the Centro Histórico meeting point

The listed meeting point is Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. The start time is 4:30 pm. You should arrive early because the dock can have several boats, sellers, and people trying to direct visitors.

A useful tip is to arrive about 10 minutes before departure and keep your phone handy. One confusing part of the operation is that you may need to identify your assigned boat at the dock or ramps rather than simply walk straight to a clearly marked vessel. Your voucher contains the meeting information, so read it before leaving your hotel.

The activity provider may also send WhatsApp information close to departure. That can be helpful, but do not rely only on a last-minute message. Confirm the location in advance and allow extra time to find the correct boat.

This is one of the few weak points in an otherwise simple outing. The port area can feel chaotic, and several boats may be loading at once. If you arrive at 4:30 pm exactly, you risk beginning the evening rushed.

The sunset views and the party mood

Once aboard, the experience has three parts: open-bar service, music, and views. On the speedboat, Latin beats and dancing are central. You can take photos, talk with people around you, and use the cruise as a warm-up for the rest of the night.

The mood is not completely fixed. Your boatmates matter. One departure may feel like a cheerful booze cruise, while another may include families or people who prefer to sit and watch the skyline. That is normal for a shared boat, and it is the main reason I would not book this solely for a guaranteed wild party.

The sunset is the safest reason to book. Even if the social side is quieter than expected, you still have an evening ride with views of Cartagena from the water. The experience is short enough that a less lively group will not consume your entire night.

The open bar also needs realistic expectations. The speedboat includes Colombian spirits and mixers, not an unlimited menu of premium cocktails. On the catamaran, the description promises alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a light snack, but it does not specify brands or a full meal.

Bring tip money if you want to thank the crew. That is not required by the tour details, but it is a practical suggestion from the experience itself. Also bring water-resistant protection for your phone and belongings. Specific storage arrangements are not provided.

The optional after-party

After the cruise, you can purchase an after-party in person. This is separate from the two-hour boat ride, so treat it as an add-on rather than part of the core value.

The after-party may appeal to people using the boat as the first stop of an evening out. It is less useful if you want a sunset cruise followed by dinner or an early night. One important clothing rule applies: men should wear pants and closed-toe shoes if they plan to attend.

There is a timing issue to keep in mind. The boat returns after the cruise, but an early nightclub stop may not have much energy yet. If your main goal is nightlife, you may prefer to enjoy the sunset ride, have dinner, and decide later where to go.

Do not book this activity because you expect the after-party to be a rooftop bar or because you expect a tequila shot. Those details are not part of this experience. The confirmed offer is the boat ride, open bar, music, views, and the optional add-on.

Is $20 a good value?

At $20 per person, the speedboat is a strong value if you want two hours on the water with drinks and music. A comparable private boat outing would cost much more, while a standard sightseeing cruise may not include an open bar.

The catamaran requires a 16,000 COP port tax, so its true cost is higher. Even so, the price can make sense for an evening activity that combines transportation on the water, sunset scenery, drinks, and a light snack.

Value depends on what you expect. If you want a polished cruise with a large vessel, formal service, a bathroom, and detailed city commentary, this is not the right product. If you want an affordable shared outing with a social mood, it is much better suited.

The 4.4 rating from 68 reviews suggests a generally positive experience, but the uneven reactions make sense. People who chose the right boat and understood the meeting point often enjoyed the music, staff, views, and social setting. People who expected a large party boat or a different nightlife activity were unhappy.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose the speedboat if you are:

• Traveling alone and hoping to meet people
• With friends who want music and drinks before dinner
• Comfortable with a compact boat and a mostly Spanish-speaking setting
• Looking for the lowest total cost
• More interested in atmosphere than guided sightseeing

I would choose the catamaran if you are:

• Traveling with family
• Looking for a calmer shared boat
• Interested in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Happy to pay the 16,000 COP port tax
• More focused on the sunset and scenery than dancing

I would skip both options if you dislike shared boat outings, loud music, or uncertain group dynamics. A private boat or a quiet land-based sunset plan would suit you better.

Practical details before you reserve

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity uses a mobile ticket. Have the voucher available on your phone, especially at the crowded dock.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 4:30 pm start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded.

Most people can take part, and the maximum group size is 50. The supplied details do not describe wheelchair access, hotel pickup, onboard bathrooms, or a formal language service, so contact the provider before booking if any of those points are essential.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a low-cost Cartagena sunset with drinks, music, and a chance to meet people. Choose the speedboat for party energy and the catamaran for a more flexible, family-friendly ride.

The smart booking strategy is to read the exact ticket name, budget for the catamaran port tax, arrive early at Sibarita del Mar, and expect a shared boat rather than a floating nightclub. With those expectations, this is an appealing way to begin a Cartagena evening.

FAQ

How long is the sunset cruise?

The activity lasts approximately two hours.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 4:30 pm.

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 meeting point.

Can I choose between a speedboat and a catamaran?

Yes. You can select either option when booking, but the tickets are not interchangeable.

What drinks are included on the speedboat?

The speedboat includes classic Colombian spirits such as rum and aguardiente, along with mixers. You may also bring your own drinks.

What is included on the catamaran?

The catamaran includes a full open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a light snack.

Is a port tax required?

A mandatory 16,000 COP port tax applies to the catamaran ticket. No port fee is required for the speedboat.

Is the after-party included?

No. The after-party is optional and available for purchase in person.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.