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

Cartagena’s best bargain at sunset may be this simple: climb aboard, raise a cup of rum, and watch the old city turn gold from the water. You choose between a lively speedboat for a younger party crowd or a roomier catamaran aimed at a wider mix of people.

I like the low price, $20 per person, and I like the easy two-hour format. It fits neatly into an evening, gives you music and open drinks, and returns you to the same central meeting point. The main drawback is that the experience depends heavily on your boat, your fellow passengers, and your expectations. This is not a luxury yacht cruise.

Key points to know

• Two boats, two different moods: The speedboat is compact and party-focused, while the catamaran is the calmer choice for families and mixed-age groups.
• Sunset is the main event: You get views of Cartagena’s skyline and a social ride rather than a guided tour of landmarks.
• Open drinks are included: Speedboat service centers on rum, aguardiente, and mixers. The catamaran includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus a light snack.
• The dock takes patience: Arrive about 10 minutes early and read your voucher closely, since several boats and sellers may be operating around the meeting area.
• The price is strong: At $20, this is an inexpensive way to add music, drinks, and water views to your evening, though the boat setup is basic.
• The options cannot be switched: A speedboat ticket will not get you onto the catamaran, and the catamaran ticket includes a 16,000 COP port tax.

Choosing between the speedboat and catamaran

The most important decision happens before you arrive at the dock. You are not choosing a seat on one shared vessel. You are choosing between two separate experiences, and the tickets are not interchangeable.

The speedboat option is designed for younger people, solo visitors, couples, and anyone who wants the evening to feel like a floating pre-party. It uses a smaller boat, plays Latin music, and serves classic Colombian spirits such as rum and aguardiente with mixers. You can also bring your own drinks.

That small-boat setup is part of the fun, but it also sets a limit. Space is tighter, the ride feels less formal, and the party mood depends on who is aboard. Some departures may feel social and energetic. Others may feel more like a short boat ride with music and drinks.

The catamaran option makes more sense for families, older couples, and mixed groups who want room to move around and a less intense setting. It includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a light snack. You will also pay a mandatory port tax of 16,000 COP, which is not part of the advertised $20 price.

I would pick the speedboat if your priority is meeting people and dancing. I would pick the catamaran if you care more about comfort, a wider drink selection, and a setting that works for different ages.

Meeting at Sibarita del Mar at 4:30 pm

The departure point is Sibarita del Mar on Avenida Blas de Lezo in Centro, Cartagena de Indias. This is a central location, but the dock area can feel confusing, especially near sunset when several boats, vendors, and activity operators are working at once.

Arrive around 10 minutes early. That gives you time to find the correct boat and sort out where your group belongs. The meeting instructions are on your voucher, so keep the mobile ticket open and read the directions before you leave your hotel.

A few people have had trouble because they expected a personal pickup message or could not identify the correct boat among the activity traffic. Do not assume someone will come looking for you. Go to the stated meeting point, show your voucher, and ask the staff to confirm the boat type printed on your booking.

You may also receive a WhatsApp message close to departure time. Keep an eye on your phone, but do not let a last-minute message replace the written meeting instructions. The key details are simple: arrive at Sibarita del Mar, be there by 4:30 pm, and make sure you are waiting for the correct boat.

Two hours of skyline views and music

The cruise lasts about two hours and ends where it starts. That short length is useful. You can enjoy the sunset without giving up the whole evening, and the optional after-party can be considered later if you still want more nightlife.

This is primarily a social cruise. You are paying for a view of Cartagena from the water, music, drinks, and a chance to meet other people. Do not expect a detailed narration of the city or a series of formal sightseeing stops.

The skyline looks different from offshore. The old city, waterfront, and evening light provide the setting, while the boat and music create the mood. The best part of the ride is likely to be the change from daylight to sunset, so keep your phone or camera ready and avoid spending the entire time at the drink station.

Music is a major part of the speedboat experience, with Latin beats and a party atmosphere. Some staff members may speak mainly Spanish, so basic Spanish phrases can make the evening easier. You do not need a language lesson to enjoy music and views, but communication may not always be in English.

The catamaran should suit you better if you want to sit, snack, and look around without the same compact party feel. It is still a social outing, not a quiet private sail.

What the open bar really means

The phrase open bar sounds grander than the setup may be. On the speedboat, the included drinks are described as Colombian spirits, especially rum and aguardiente, with mixers. That means you should picture a basic drinks service, not a cocktail lounge with a full menu.

You may bring your own drinks on the speedboat, which is a useful perk if you prefer beer, wine, or a particular mixer. Still, I would not book this expecting a polished bar, table service, or unlimited premium brands.

The catamaran includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a light snack. That makes it the safer choice if not everyone in your group drinks. The snack is light, so eat beforehand if you need a full meal.

There is an important practical point here: some people have reported confusion about how the speedboat drinks are served. The included service may feel informal, with drinks handed out rather than prepared at a proper bar. Clarify what is included when you board, and keep your expectations in line with a $20 boat party.

Bring some cash for tips. One account specifically advised carrying tip money, and small cash is useful in a casual service setting. Drink responsibly, especially on a smaller boat where movement and balance matter.

A compact speedboat, not a floating nightclub

The speedboat is the option most likely to divide opinion. Its appeal comes from being close to the music and other people. You can dance, take photos, and meet a group of fellow visitors in a short period.

Its weakness is also clear: it is a small motorboat rather than a large two-level party vessel. If you picture a rooftop deck, a dance floor, a bathroom, or a grand yacht, this is the wrong product.

No bathroom is promised on board. Use facilities before leaving the dock. Also, do not confuse this cruise with a rooftop bar visit or a tequila-shot package. Those features are not part of the stated experience.

The speedboat can be a good choice for a solo woman who wants a social setting rather than heading to a club alone. It can also work well for a couple who wants to start the night with music before deciding what to do next.

I would avoid it for anyone who dislikes close quarters, wants a peaceful sunset, or feels uncomfortable when the group energy is unpredictable. The experience is not private, and the maximum overall group size is listed as 50 people, though the speedboat itself is described as a smaller vessel.

The catamaran offers the broader appeal

The catamaran is the more flexible choice. It is specifically intended for all types of people, including families, and includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The light snack gives it a little more substance than a drinks-only outing.

You can still mingle with locals and other international visitors, but the mood should feel less dependent on a young party crowd. That makes the catamaran a better fit for a family group with adult drinkers, a multigenerational party, or a couple who wants views without signing up for a hard-edged nightlife event.

The tradeoff is cost. You pay the listed $20 price plus the mandatory 16,000 COP port tax. The difference is not huge, but it matters when comparing the catamaran with the speedboat, which does not require that port fee.

Choose carefully at booking. The two tickets cannot be exchanged at the dock. If you arrive with a family and discover that you selected the speedboat, you should not assume the staff can move you to the catamaran.

Sunset timing matters in Cartagena

The 4:30 pm departure is well chosen for a sunset outing, but the exact light changes with the season and weather. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Bring clothing that can handle wind, spray, and a change in temperature after the sun drops. Wear something comfortable if you plan to dance. A phone case or small waterproof pouch is sensible for photographs and personal items, though no special equipment is listed as included.

For the optional after-party, men must wear pants and closed-toe shoes. This rule applies to the later venue, not simply to the boat ride. Pack suitable clothes if you might continue your night rather than returning to change.

The after-party is optional and purchased in person. It is not part of the $20 booking. One useful warning: the later nightlife stop may feel quiet if you arrive too early, so treat it as an extra option rather than the reason to book the cruise.

Is $20 a good value?

For $20 per person, the basic speedboat package offers a lot in a short window: a two-hour ride, skyline views, music, and an open drinks service. You also return to the original meeting point, which keeps the evening simple.

The value is strongest if you already want a social night out. A solo visitor can use it to meet people, while a small group can use it as a warm-up before dinner or nightlife. It is less valuable if your main goal is comfort, detailed sightseeing, or a quiet maritime view.

The catamaran costs more once the 16,000 COP port tax is added, but it may be worth the extra amount for the broader drink selection, light snack, and family-friendly setup. Think of the tax as part of the true cost when comparing the two choices.

The rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 68 ratings, which suggests the experience works well for many people but is not uniform. The low ratings point to a pattern you can avoid: unclear meeting expectations, confusion about the boat type, and disappointment from people expecting a large party vessel.

Read the description of your selected boat before paying. The best value comes from matching the product to your plans, not from chasing the lowest possible price.

What to bring and how to avoid a poor start

Use this short checklist:

• Arrive about 10 minutes early.
• Keep your mobile voucher available.
• Confirm speedboat or catamaran before boarding.
• Bring tip money.
• Wear comfortable clothing for the boat.
• Use a bathroom before departure.
• Bring pants and closed-toe shoes if you might attend the after-party.
• Carry a phone or camera for sunset photos.
• If using the speedboat, bring your own preferred drinks only if you want something beyond the included rum, aguardiente, and mixers.

The dock may contain several boats and people selling other services. Stay focused on the name of your activity and your chosen boat type. If you hear about a rooftop bar, tequila shot, or a different package, you may be hearing about another activity.

Who should book this Cartagena cruise?

I would recommend the speedboat to solo adults, couples, and small groups who want music, drinks, and a quick way to start the night. It is especially suitable if you enjoy meeting strangers and do not need a large boat or a formal guide.

I would recommend the catamaran to families and mixed groups who want alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, a light snack, and a setting with broader appeal. Pay the extra port tax and choose this option when comfort matters more than the lowest price.

I would skip both options if you want a quiet private cruise, a full meal, extensive historical commentary, or a luxury yacht. I would also skip the speedboat if you dislike compact spaces or informal drink service.

Final booking advice

Book this cruise if you see it as an inexpensive sunset party with city views, not as a polished yacht tour. Choose the boat carefully, arrive early at Sibarita del Mar, and keep the optional after-party separate from your expectations for the cruise itself.

The cancellation policy is forgiving up to 24 hours before departure, when you can receive a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded, while bad weather may lead to another date or a full refund.

For the right person, this is a cheerful, affordable way to see Cartagena from the water and meet people before dinner. The smart choice is simple: speedboat for youthful energy, catamaran for comfort and flexibility.

FAQ

How long does the sunset cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours and ends back at the original meeting point.

Where does the activity start?

You meet at Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia.

What time should I arrive?

The scheduled start time is 4:30 pm. Arriving about 10 minutes early gives you time to find the correct boat.

Can I choose between a speedboat and a catamaran?

Yes. You can book either option, but the speedboat and catamaran tickets are not interchangeable.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. Open bar service is included. The speedboat option lists rum, aguardiente, and mixers, while the catamaran includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Is there an extra port fee?

The catamaran requires a mandatory port tax of 16,000 COP. The speedboat option does not require a port fee.

Is the after-party included?

No. The after-party is optional and can be purchased in person. Men should wear pants and closed-toe shoes if they plan to attend.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.