REVIEW · CARTAGENA
Open Bar Sunset Cruise in Catamaran or Speedboat (Best Deal)
Book on Viator →Operated by COCOCARTAGENA · Bookable on Viator
A sunset boat turns Cartagena into party mode. This 2-hour cruise pairs open bar fun with killer views of Cartagena’s skyline, right from the water. You also get to choose your vibe: a speedboat geared for party energy or a catamaran that works better for families and mixed groups.
What I really like is how easy it is to make the timing work—start at 4:30 pm and enjoy the golden hour without planning your whole night. The second big win is the drinks setup: the speedboat option includes classic Colombian spirits (rum and aguardiente), and the catamaran option adds alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices plus a light snack.
One thing to consider: the experience can feel chaotic at the docks, so you’ll want to arrive a bit early and follow the instructions on your ticket carefully. Also, the catamaran option requires a mandatory port tax (16,000 COP) that isn’t included, while the speedboat option says no port fee required.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- Choosing speedboat vs catamaran: the big decision
- Price and value: how $20 really plays out
- Getting to Sibarita del Mar at 4:30 pm without stress
- What Centro Historico looks like from the water
- The open bar setup: what you can expect (and how not to get confused)
- Music, mingling, and the atmosphere on board
- Optional after party: dress code and timing reality check
- Who should book this and who might not love it
- Quick practical FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the sunset cruise?
- What time does it start and where do I meet?
- Is there an open bar included?
- What’s the difference between the speedboat and catamaran tickets?
- Do I need to pay a port tax?
- Is an after party included?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Should you book this Cartagena sunset cruise?
Key points to know before you go
- Speedboat vs catamaran is not a minor swap: you must pick the right ticket, and they are not interchangeable.
- Open bar style changes by boat: speedboat focuses on classic Colombian spirits, catamaran adds full alcoholic and non-alcoholic options plus a light snack.
- Dock area can be confusing: plan for a little hunting and arrive early so you board the correct boat.
- Centro Historico views from the water: you’ll get skyline and waterfront scenery as the sun drops.
- Weather matters: the cruise needs good weather, and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund if it’s canceled for that reason.
- After party is optional: it’s available for purchase in person, and the dress code is pants and closed-toe shoes for men.
Choosing speedboat vs catamaran: the big decision
This cruise comes with two very different “feel” options, and the boat choice matters more than you might expect.
If you want a more party-leaning crowd, pick the open bar cruise on speedboat. The drinks are part of the vibe: you’ll have classic Colombian spirits such as rum and aguardiente, with mixers included. On this option, guests are also welcome to bring their own drinks, which can make the evening feel more flexible if you know you’re a “sip a lot” kind of person.
If you want something that’s easier to enjoy with a wider mix of ages and comfort levels, choose the open bar cruise on catamaran. This one includes a full open bar that covers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages plus a light snack. You’ll still enjoy the same broad goal—sunset views and relaxing time on the water—but the vibe tends to be more all-purpose.
A practical note: these are separate tickets. Speedboat and catamaran tickets are not interchangeable, so double-check what you bought before you head to the dock.
Price and value: how $20 really plays out
At $20 per person for about a 2-hour cruise, this feels like solid value for Cartagena—especially because you’re not paying extra for the actual “experience” of getting out on the water at sunset.
Where the math gets interesting is in what’s included versus what’s not:
- The speedboat option clearly says no port fee required.
- The catamaran option comes with a mandatory port tax of 16,000 COP that is not included.
So if you’re comparing options, you’re not just comparing boat types—you’re comparing total out-of-pocket cost. For the catamaran, you’ll want to factor in that port tax so the final price lines up with what you expect to spend.
Also, you’re looking at a group size capped at 50 travelers. That usually helps with getting a decent mix of atmosphere without turning the boat into a total cattle-car situation.
Getting to Sibarita del Mar at 4:30 pm without stress
You meet at Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias. The start time is 4:30 pm, and the cruise ends back at the same meeting point.
Here’s the reality: the dock area can be busy, and it’s easy to lose track of which boat is yours. I recommend you do two things:
- Arrive early (even 10 minutes helps), so you’re not rushing at boarding.
- Use your voucher instructions and read them closely. If pickup details feel unclear, don’t assume—go by what your ticket says.
One more small but useful tip from what people experienced: the boat staff and crew may mostly speak Spanish, so if you’re not fluent, keep your questions simple and have patience.
What Centro Historico looks like from the water
The cruise includes a stop at Centro Historico, and that’s the core of why this works. From the water, Cartagena’s skyline and waterfront look different than they do on land—more layered, more dramatic, and easier to enjoy without dodging pedestrians.
At sunset, the light does a lot of the work. You get that warm glow over the skyline as the boat moves, which makes it a great photo window. People tend to remember this portion most because it’s straightforward: you don’t need special skills or a complicated route. You’re just in the right place at the right hour, on the water, watching the city change colors.
A drawback to keep in mind: this is mostly a scenic cruise, not a structured sightseeing tour with lots of stops to explore. If you’re looking for “get off the boat and walk around,” this isn’t built for that.
The open bar setup: what you can expect (and how not to get confused)
This is where the cruise can either feel effortless or feel messy, depending on how you plan.
On the speedboat option, expect an open bar that includes classic Colombian spirits like rum and aguardiente, with mixers provided. People also mention that the music and entertainment on board can drive the party energy. This is the option for you if you’re happy mixing casually, dancing a bit, and making friends quickly.
On the catamaran option, the open bar is broader in terms of choice: alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a light snack. If you want the “something for everyone” approach—someone can sip cocktails while someone else grabs a non-alcoholic drink—this is the safer pick.
One important thing: since the options are different, make sure you’re clear on which boat you booked. When things go wrong in real life, it’s usually not the sunset. It’s misunderstanding the setup, like expecting a different style of bar or a different boat. You can avoid most problems by checking your ticket before you arrive at the dock.
Music, mingling, and the atmosphere on board
This cruise is built for social energy. You’ll be surrounded by other people who also came for the sunset and the drinks, which makes it easy to talk to strangers and keep the mood light.
If you’re a solo traveler, this can be a good choice because it gives you an automatic social setting—music on board, shared time, and a clear start and end. If you’re traveling with friends or you want to meet people quickly, the speedboat option is especially aligned with that goal.
Language can be a factor. Some experiences note that communication can be Spanish-first, so don’t expect every explanation to be in perfect English. It helps to go in with a simple mindset: you’re there for the vibe and the views.
Also, remember it’s only 2 hours. If you’re hoping to turn it into a whole evening by itself, it may feel short. Think of it as a great kickoff—then you decide what comes next.
Optional after party: dress code and timing reality check
After the cruise, there’s an optional after party tour you can buy in person. It’s not automatically included.
There’s also a dress code detail worth taking seriously if you plan to attend: men should wear pants and closed-toe shoes.
One timing consideration: some people felt like jumping straight from the boat into a nightclub felt too early, with the energy not quite there yet. So if you’re the type who wants peak party timing, keep a flexible plan after the cruise.
Who should book this and who might not love it
This cruise fits best if you want:
- a sunset activity that actually gets you out on the water
- open bar included in the plan
- a social atmosphere with music and mingling
- a simple, easy evening anchored around a clear start time
The speedboat option is ideal for younger travelers and people who want a louder vibe—good music, dancing, and a more party-leaning crowd.
The catamaran option makes more sense for families or mixed groups because it includes a broader open bar setup and a light snack.
Where you might feel less thrilled:
- if you wanted a quiet, scenic, no-drama experience with minimal social energy
- if you hate uncertainty at busy docks and don’t read ticket instructions carefully
- if you’re expecting a different boat type than the one you booked (the speedboat and catamaran tickets are not interchangeable)
Quick practical FAQ
FAQ
How long is the sunset cruise?
It runs for about 2 hours.
What time does it start and where do I meet?
The meeting point is Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena, and the start time is 4:30 pm. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is there an open bar included?
Yes. Your ticket includes an open bar, but what’s included can vary by boat option.
What’s the difference between the speedboat and catamaran tickets?
You must choose the correct ticket. Speedboat and catamaran tickets are not interchangeable. The speedboat option is described as party-leaning and includes classic Colombian spirits like rum and aguardiente with mixers, while the catamaran option includes a full open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and a light snack.
Do I need to pay a port tax?
For the catamaran option, there is a mandatory port tax of 16,000 COP that is not included. The speedboat option says no port fee required.
Is an after party included?
No. There’s an optional after party tour you can purchase in person after the cruise.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Good weather is required. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Should you book this Cartagena sunset cruise?
Yes, if you want a high-value, low-effort evening that combines sunset views with an included bar and a social atmosphere. The best use of your time is showing up a little early, boarding smoothly, and treating the 2 hours as a fun start to your night in Cartagena.
Choose the speedboat if you’re craving party energy and you’re happy with a Spanish-first environment and a lively group. Choose the catamaran if you want broader drink options, a light snack, and a setup that feels more comfortable for a wider range of ages.
Just don’t let dock-day confusion or ticket mix-ups steal your evening. Check your ticket type, read the meeting instructions, and get there with a calm plan. Then the sunset part is basically the easy win.
