Private Boat Tour Full day trip to Rosario Islands, Cholon, Baru

The team at Baru private boat rentals, led by our captains Kevin and Manuel, were super. We were looking for a tranquil experience and even on a busy Saturday, they found quiet places along the Rosario Islands and Baru for us to swim and snorkel and relax. It helps to speak some Spanish most certainly. My Louisiana fisherman husband knows boats and we marveled at how they navigated the rough waters upon our return from the islands for the World Cup semifinal. What a lovely duo! Mil gracias to Kevin and Manuel!

Excellent trip. We were able to customize the trip to our liking and had a really friendly crew. José and Fernando were great.

So the address given is just a dock and not one in the marina that the boat is parked in. We found the boat rental building down the block. Abel was the contact and he was very nice. He set us up with our Capt and first mate. They brought ice to the boat for us. We bought beer and water night before for the trip and the boat cooler was loaded. There was a big language barrier which was annoying being I requested and English speaking crew. Most people in Cartegena don’t speak English and our boat guys were no different. Not only did they not speak English but they were also not friendly, which was the biggest problem. It was awkward almost like we were on a boat ride with our ex wife lol. They stopped at a nice spot near Bora Bora where we swam and snorkeled for 45 minutes. Then we went to a beach club PAUE for some relaxation and lunch. Lunch was not included which we were fine with. The private boat tour doesn’t have lunch included. It was nice to have a boat to ourselves for the 9 of us. After 2 hours at the beach club we left. I asked the host at the club to ask our guys where we were going next. He asked and they said back to Categena no Cholon. We weren’t upset about not going to Cholon as it was a family setting but I voiced my displeasure with not going somewhere else. They decided to make a short stop (10 min) at Tranquillo Beach. It was a cool spot but 10 minutes was crazy short. Also you are guilted into buying our boat crew lunch at the beach club added to our bill. If this is customary then whatever but no communication about it was annoying. Overall we had a good day and the private experience was worth it. Just wish we had a better crew even if they couldn’t speak English at least be fun and festive.

The boat tour was incredible. It was 2 couples so we were looking for a laid back experience. They took us to a quiet area for swimming and a private beach. We chose to skip cholon and went to the lunch spot. It was a little pricey for lunch, but the tour was great. Highly recommend

We were on the 29' boat, seas were a little rough but boat operator was very experienced and made the ride comfortable and safe. Great snorkel spot, gear provided. They took us to an island for lunch, chicken was good and Pina Coladas the best I've ever had. Fun day, crew speaks very little English, bring your translator if you don't speak Spanish. Highly recommend

Travelers need to be aware that the boat is small and water is choppy with large swells. Captain did a great job piloting boat. I liked that we could customize the experience but it was disorganized. Staff had very limited English and it was difficult to communicate. I didn’t like that we were guilted into buying the captain and first mate lunch and then they still expected a gratuity. I recommend that they give a safety message before departure and advise travellers on where to find life jackets. Some of our group loved the excursion and others did not. Overall, this is not for everyone.

It's well worth hiring your own boat. We had a great crew, they took is to the Rosario Islands, Paue for lunch and Cholon. It was a fantastic day.

Very good boat and very good crew Attentive and helpful at all times Complying in everything offered

We had a fabulous time island hopping for my 50th birthday. Our crew were funny, kind, and extremely accommodating. We were so glad we chose the private tour after seeing the group tour boats packed shoulder to shoulder with tourists. We got to “call the shots” and lingered longer on some islands, while just passing by others. It was a perfect day.

The boat was similar to pictured and was great! They took us to many places to snorkel and the water was clear and amazing. They were accommodating in picking us up in Baru instead of Cartagena, which I appreciated it. Communication was great ahead of time. However, they did not speak English at all so communication on board was limited.