Boat Tours in Medellín: The 5 We Recommend

1.Guatapé Day Trip & Boat to Pablo Escobar’s Estate

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 365 reviews · 10h 30m · from $64Our pick

From El Poblado, ride a colorful bilingual tour bus to Guatapé, climb or photograph El Peñol, cruise the reservoir, and visit Hacienda La Manuela by boat. Guides such as Mario, César, Naomi, and Sebastián are praised for lively explanations. Optional ATVs, jet skis, paintball, and an overnight return make this a flexible but very long day.

“A day filled with great places, much information and lots of laughter. Thanks to our amazing guide Juanito!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Private Guatapé with Peñol Tickets and Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 256 reviews · 8 hours · from $126

Spend eight hours with a bilingual guide such as Manuel, Manny, or Jhonn on a private trip from Medellín to El Peñol and Guatapé. Climb the 740 steps of Piedra del Peñol, cruise the reservoir, visit Guatapé’s tile-fronted streets, and eat a Colombian lunch. Hotel pickup, transport, tickets, boat ride, and lunch are included.

“Manny was a great tour guide! He is very kind, knowledge and accommodating to us. He knows the history and culture of Medellin very well and gave us great insight during our tour and time in Medellin. The drive to Guatape and the tour was fantastic! I would recommend Manny and Epic Tours!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Private Guatapé Tour w/ Breakfast, Lunch & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 87 reviews · 9 hours · from $134

Travel from Medellín with a private guide such as Mateo, Nelson, Hector, or Jorge to climb El Peñol, cruise Guatapé Reservoir, and walk Guatapé’s zócalo-lined streets. Breakfast, lunch, transport, insurance, and hotel pickup are included. The 740-step climb is optional in practice, but the El Peñol entrance fee is extra.

“We did a private tour to Guatapé with Hector, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. He was extremely knowledgeable and shared a lot of fascinating history and local insights throughout the day. Hector was super nice, very patient, and genuinely caring. He tailored the tour perfectly to our pace, never rushed us, and always made sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. His professionalism and positive energy made the entire day smooth, relaxed, and memorable. If you’re considering a private tour to Guatapé, I highly recommend Hector—he truly goes above and beyond. One of the best tour guides we’ve ever had.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.(Private Guatapé) Mansion Pablo Escobar+Paintball+Cuatrimoto+Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 10 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $235Top rated

Spend 10 to 11 hours exploring Guatapé from Medellín with private transport and a guide such as Alejandro or Santiago. Depending on your booking option, you can ride ATVs and play paintball at Finca La Manuela, cruise the lake, climb Piedra del Peñol, visit an animal farm, and walk Guatapé’s colorful streets.

“This was by far one of the best excursions I have ever booked. First I have to say our guide Alex is the man. He picked us up from our Airbnb in a comfortable car, aloud us to tap into his wifi, he also was extremely knowledgeable of the Columbian culture in different areas, gave us a run down of the history of Pablo Escobar, and that was before we even got to the actual excursion. Let me say that the property is absolutely stunning. I'll let you see it for yourself because words won't do it justice. We rode ATVs around the property with brief stops here and there…”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Guatape and El Penol Rock Day Trip with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 42 reviews · 11 hours · from $43Best value

Travel from Medellín to Guatapé by tourist bus for a full day of colorful streets, reservoir views, local meals, and the 740-step climb up El Peñol Rock. Spanish-speaking guides lead the outing, with bilingual help available on request. The day may include Alto del Chocho and the Casa al Revés, though entry fees are extra.

Check availability →Read our full review