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

Cartagena’s skyline looks best from the water at sunset, and this two-hour cruise pairs that view with music, drinks, and a social crowd. You can choose a small speedboat for a louder, younger party or a catamaran with more room and a broader appeal.

I like the low $20 starting price and the easy two-hour format. I also like that you have two distinct boat styles, plus rum, aguardiente, mixers, and non-alcoholic drinks included. The main catch is that the speedboat and catamaran tickets are not interchangeable, and the port tax applies to the catamaran.

The setting at the dock can be confusing, so arrive about 10 minutes early and read your voucher closely. This is a social cruise, not a quiet sightseeing sail, and the exact mood depends heavily on which boat and crowd you join.

Key points to know before booking

• Two boat styles: Pick the speedboat for Latin music and a compact party setting, or the catamaran for more space and a wider mix of ages.
• Sunset timing: The cruise starts at 4:30 pm and lasts about two hours, giving you an evening view of Cartagena from the water.
• Drinks included: The speedboat offers rum, aguardiente, mixers, and permission to bring your own drinks. The catamaran includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Catamaran fee: A mandatory 16,000 COP port tax is extra for the catamaran. No port fee is listed for the speedboat.
• Meet at Sibarita del Mar: The departure point is on Avenida Blas de Lezo in Centro Histórico. Give yourself time to locate the correct boat.
• After-party option: An optional after-party tour can be purchased in person. Men need pants and closed-toe shoes for that event.

A sunset cruise with two very different personalities

The name of this experience can sound like one standard boat trip, but the choice of vessel changes the evening. The speedboat is aimed at younger people and party fans. The catamaran is intended for families and mixed-age groups.

That distinction matters. If you picture a large, two-level party boat with a dance floor, the speedboat may feel modest. It is described as a smaller boat, and the available feedback makes clear that some people expected a much larger vessel. I would book it only if you are happy with a compact boat, music, drinks, and close social contact.

The catamaran is the calmer choice on paper, though it still includes mingling and a full bar. It may suit you better if you want a sunset outing without committing to a hard-party atmosphere. Still, this is not presented as a silent photography cruise. Music and socializing are part of both options.

Choosing the speedboat for music and social energy

The speedboat is the better fit if you want to meet people, dance, and keep the evening moving. Latin music plays on board, and the drinks include classic Colombian spirits such as rum and aguardiente, along with mixers. You may also bring your own drinks.

That setup gives the speedboat a casual, party-first feel. The boat is small enough for easy conversation, but that also means less personal space. I would wear comfortable clothing and avoid bringing anything you would worry about getting wet or crowded.

The open bar deserves a clear explanation. It does not mean a staffed cocktail bar with endless made-to-order drinks. The information describes spirits and mixers, while some low-rated accounts expected a more elaborate setup. Go in expecting basic included drinks rather than craft cocktails or a formal bar service.

Music and the people on board appear to shape the experience as much as the route. On one departure, the boat may feel like a lively start to a night out. On another, the mix may include families or a quieter group. If you want a guaranteed nightclub atmosphere, this may be too unpredictable. If you want an affordable way to begin the evening, it makes more sense.

The speedboat does not require the 16,000 COP port tax listed for the catamaran. That helps keep the advertised $20 price closer to the real cost. You still need to allow for tips and any personal drinks or purchases beyond what is included.

The catamaran for families and mixed groups

The catamaran is the more flexible choice for most groups. It includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus a light snack. That makes it easier for you to include people who do not drink, and the larger boat format should feel less intense than the compact speedboat.

The extra port tax is 16,000 COP, and it is mandatory. Add that fee when comparing the catamaran with other sunset outings. Even with the tax, the total cost remains modest for a two-hour boat trip with drinks and a snack, but the $20 price is not the complete catamaran cost.

I would lean toward the catamaran for parents, older couples, or a group with different tastes. It is also the safer pick if you want room to sit, talk, and watch the sunset without making partying the main point. The word open bar can still set high expectations, so remember that the included offering is described broadly as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, not a premium drinks menu.

The catamaran ticket cannot be used for the speedboat, and the reverse is also true. Check your selection before you arrive. This is one of the most important practical details because the two choices are sold as separate experiences.

What happens at Centro Histórico at 4:30 pm

You meet at Sibarita del Mar, on Avenida Blas de Lezo in Cartagena’s Centro Histórico. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

The dock can be busy and full of boats, sellers, and people trying to direct passengers. I would arrive at least 10 minutes early, keep your voucher open on your phone, and ask for help locating the correct departure point if needed. The meeting area is not described as a private, clearly marked terminal, so last-minute searching can cut into your comfort before departure.

Some people receive WhatsApp contact close to departure, but you should not depend on a personal reminder. The meeting point appears on the voucher, and you are responsible for reading the instructions. Save a screenshot before leaving your hotel in case your connection is weak.

Once you find the right boat, expect a straightforward boarding process. The group limit is listed as a maximum of 50 people, though the speedboat format is described as smaller. The exact number and boat layout may vary, so do not assume every departure has the same capacity or seating arrangement.

Two hours of skyline views, music, and drinks

After boarding, the cruise heads out for sunset views of Cartagena. The main sightseeing feature is the city skyline from the water, with the changing light providing the best photo opportunity of the trip.

You should keep your phone ready but secure. The speedboat has a more active feel, and the combination of wind, movement, drinks, and close seating is not ideal for delicate bags or loose possessions. The information does not promise a bathroom on board, so plan accordingly before leaving the dock.

The cruise itself lasts about two hours. That is long enough for a sunset outing without taking over your whole evening. I like this timing because you can use it as a first-night introduction to Cartagena or as a final evening activity before dinner and nightlife.

The social side is just as important as the view. You will mingle with other people and, according to the description, locals as well. That can be a good way to meet companions if you are traveling alone. One positive account specifically considered the outing a comfortable option for a solo woman who wanted a place to have a drink and socialize.

English may not be the main language on board. One account described Spanish as the only language used, while the music and staff helped keep the mood going. If you need detailed English commentary about Cartagena’s buildings and history, this is not the right tour. It is a party cruise with views, not a guided lecture.

The sunset is the strongest sightseeing moment

The cruise’s real sightseeing value arrives as the sun drops and the city takes on warmer colors. From the water, you get a different angle on Cartagena than you do from the old streets, plazas, and walls.

I would not book this mainly for a detailed route. The supplied information does not list several named stops or a specific path around the bay. Instead, think of the outing as a moving sunset viewpoint with drinks and music.

That limited route detail is worth noting. If you want a boat trip focused on landmarks, wildlife, or a carefully explained harbor circuit, you may find this too loose. If you want two hours of scenery and a social evening at a low price, the lack of a formal sightseeing script matters much less.

Sunset timing can also vary with weather. The activity requires good weather, and a cancellation for poor conditions offers either another date or a full refund. I would keep your schedule slightly flexible if the forecast looks uncertain.

What the open bar really means

For the speedboat, the included drinks are Colombian rum, aguardiente, and mixers. These are familiar local spirits and a useful introduction if you have not tried aguardiente. The drink service is basic, so pace yourself and do not expect restaurant-style service.

You may bring your own drinks on the speedboat. That gives you more control, particularly if you prefer beer, soft drinks, or a specific mixer. The catamaran includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, along with a light snack, but the information does not list exact brands or a full drink menu.

Bring some small cash for tips. One account specifically advised having tip money, and a small amount is sensible for the crew if you enjoy the service. I would also eat something before boarding, especially if you plan to drink. The catamaran includes a light snack, but that is not the same as dinner.

The optional after-party is sold in person after the cruise. It is not part of the base ticket, so ask about the cost and details before paying. Men should wear pants and closed-toe shoes if they plan to attend. If you arrive in shorts and sandals, you may not meet the dress requirement.

The biggest risk is a mismatch in expectations

The strongest negative reactions come from people expecting a large party boat, a rooftop bar, tequila shots, or a formal host speaking English. Those features are not part of the stated experience.

I would read the description literally. The speedboat is a smaller vessel, and the catamaran is the broader option. The cruise includes an open bar, but that does not promise premium cocktails, a two-level boat, or a nightclub-style production. There is no stated rooftop bar, tequila shot, or onboard bathroom.

The dock may also feel disorganized because many boats operate in the same area. That is a meeting-point issue, not necessarily a problem with the cruise itself, but it can affect your first impression. Arriving early and using the exact voucher details gives you the best chance of a smooth start.

Another variable is the crowd. One boat may gather young people who want to dance, while another may include families. The speedboat is therefore not a guaranteed party in the nightclub sense. You get the music, drinks, and setting, but the atmosphere depends on the people sharing the boat.

Is $20 a good value in Cartagena?

At $20 per person, the price is attractive for a two-hour sunset activity with drinks included. The value is strongest if you want a simple night starter rather than a polished luxury cruise.

The speedboat offers the clearest budget advantage because no port fee is listed. The catamaran costs an additional 16,000 COP for the mandatory port tax, but it includes a light snack and may be more comfortable for a mixed group.

I see this as a good value for solo visitors, friends, and couples who care more about atmosphere than fine service. It is less compelling if you want a quiet sail, a detailed guide, or a guaranteed high-end boat. The $20 price should make you curious, not unrealistic.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and weather cancellations offer a different date or full refund. That policy makes early planning fairly flexible, but it gives you little room for a same-day change.

Who should book this Cartagena cruise?

I would choose the speedboat if you want Latin music, local spirits, dancing, and a quick way to meet people. It fits a younger crowd and anyone treating the cruise as the first stop of a night out.

I would choose the catamaran if your group includes non-drinkers, families, or people who want more room and a less intense setting. The light snack and non-alcoholic drinks add practical value, though you must pay the port tax.

Solo visitors may find the social format useful, especially if they want a public setting for an evening drink. Couples looking for a quiet romantic sail should think twice, since the music and group setting are central to the experience.

I would skip it if you need a clearly guided tour in English, guaranteed nightclub energy, a large luxury boat, or a formal meal. The activity is simple and affordable. Its success depends on choosing the right boat and arriving with realistic expectations.

Final verdict: choose the boat carefully

This is a lively, low-cost way to see Cartagena at sunset, with the best value coming from the included drinks, two-hour length, and choice between two different boat styles. I especially like the speedboat for social energy and the catamaran for mixed groups.

My advice is simple: select the correct ticket, arrive early at Sibarita del Mar, bring tip money, and do not expect a floating nightclub or a narrated sightseeing tour. Book it if you want views, music, local spirits, and a chance to meet people. Choose another cruise if comfort, quiet, or polished service matters most.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is Sibarita del Mar on Avenida Blas de Lezo in El Centro, Cartagena de Indias.

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at 4:30 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Can I choose between a speedboat and a catamaran?

Yes. You can choose an open bar speedboat or an open bar catamaran when booking.

Can I use a speedboat ticket for the catamaran?

No. The speedboat and catamaran tickets are not interchangeable.

Is the port tax included?

The mandatory 16,000 COP port tax is not included with the catamaran ticket. No port fee is required for the speedboat.

What drinks are included?

The speedboat includes Colombian rum, aguardiente, and mixers, and you may bring your own drinks. The catamaran includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

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.