Cholón Island with Music Lunch and Drinks

Cholón Island with Music Lunch and Drinks is a lively, all-day adventure that offers a taste of Colombia’s vibrant Caribbean spirit. For around $95 per person, you’ll spend about five and a half hours exploring the famed “island of parties”, with stops at the Islas de Rosario for swimming and relaxing, followed by the main event on Cholón — a place where music, food, and good company collide. Guided by friendly, energetic staff, this tour is designed for travelers eager to soak up Cartagena’s festive atmosphere while enjoying some natural beauty and delicious food.

What we love about this experience is its combination of scenic views and social energy. The boat ride itself offers excellent vistas of the archipelago, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the sea breeze. Plus, the music and lively crowd on the island create a genuine party vibe that makes the day feel both special and fun. The included lunch and two beers add to the relaxed, carefree atmosphere.

One thing to keep in mind is that organization can sometimes be a bit chaotic, especially at the start of the trip, with reviews noting lengthy boarding processes and crowded meeting points. If you prefer a very tightly scheduled, seamless experience, this might be a minor concern. However, for those looking to enjoy a spontaneous, energetic day on the water and on the island, these quirks tend to fade into the background once the fun begins.

This tour suits social travelers, music lovers, and those eager to mingle with locals and fellow travelers alike. It’s particularly appealing if you want a lively, informal day out that combines sightseeing with party atmosphere — just be prepared for some vendor pushiness on Cholón.

Key Points

• Vibrant atmosphere with music, dancing, and friendly crowds.
• Includes lunch and two beers, with options to bring extra drinks.
• Scenic boat ride that provides stunning views of the Rosario archipelago.
• Flexible schedule with stops for swimming and relaxing at the pool.
• Slightly disorganized start but a lively, authentic experience once underway.
• Ideal for social, energetic travelers who want to enjoy Cartagena’s festive side.

A Detailed Look at the Cholón Island Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour begins early in the morning, with pickup offered from your Cartagena hotel or designated meeting point, located at Babylon restaurant/bar in Cartagena’s historic center. We appreciated the early pickup, which helps maximize our time on the water. The first stop is a quick check-in, followed by a roughly 1-hour drive to the boat departure point, the Pegasus Pier.

The first actual stop is the Islas de Rosario, where we get a taste of Caribbean waters and natural beauty. Here, you’ll find a “pool” area—likely a calm, shallow section ideal for swimming and socializing before heading to Cholón. This part of the trip is great for cooling off, and reviews mention it’s a relaxing prelude to the more energetic island.

Next, you’ll take a panoramic boat ride across the Rosario archipelago, offering impressive views of the islands and the ocean. It’s not just transportation; it’s part of the charm, giving you that classic Caribbean boat trip feeling. You might catch sight of interesting sights like the wreck of Pablo Escobar’s plane, which some travelers highlighted as a memorable photo opportunity.

The final stop is Cholón, the real star of the tour. Known as the “island of parties,” Cholón pulses with music, laughter, and vendors selling souvenirs, drinks, and snacks. The vivid, lively scene is what makes this tour stand out. Expect about three hours on the island to eat, dance, and mingle. Reviewers loved the “fun vibe,” with Adriano and the crew keeping spirits high with music and entertainment.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Cartagena Pickup and Check-in: Expect a prompt start. Some reviews mention minor disorganization at this stage, with the meeting point crowded and the process a bit lengthy. Arriving early is advisable to avoid feeling rushed.

Islas de Rosario: A quick swim spot where you can relax before the main event. It offers a break from the boat ride and a chance to enjoy the natural surroundings. The calm water is ideal for a dip, but be aware it might be crowded or busy, depending on the day.

The Archipelago View: The boat ride provides stunning panoramic views and photo opportunities. Expect lively music and a festive atmosphere onboard. The vessel is air-conditioned, and the crew is known for their hospitality.

Cholón: The highlight — a party island filled with music, dancing, and food. The atmosphere is casual and social, with opportunities to buy additional drinks, water sports, or souvenirs. The food here, which some reviewers describe as tasty, is served during the trip, and beer is included, with the option to bring extra drinks (recommended since some found the included options a bit limited).

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

We loved how the guides and crew bring energy and friendliness to the trip, often making genuine efforts to mingle with passengers. They know how to create a fun atmosphere, which is evident in the reviews praising the hosts, notably Adriano and Jafet.

A real plus is the chance to meet people from all over the world, as the tour tends to attract an international crowd. Many reviews mention conversations with locals and fellow travelers, which adds to the trip’s social appeal.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the experience is fun and lively, it’s not without flaws. The boarding process has been described as unorganized and crowded, which could be frustrating if you prefer a more structured start. Plus, some reviewers pointed out vendors on Cholón can be pushy, and the environment might not always be pristine. There are also mentions of the water at the island being less than perfect, so don’t expect a pristine beach experience — more of a lively, party-oriented vibe.

Some travelers noted that the boat ride back can be choppy, especially if the sea is rough, so bring appropriate clothing or motion sickness remedies if needed. Also, those expecting a full five-island tour might be disappointed, as one review clarified that this particular trip only includes the Cholón stop, not multiple islands.

Price and Value

At $95 per person, this tour offers a competitive price considering the included lunch, drinks, transportation, and lively entertainment. The scenic boat ride and the party atmosphere make it a good value for those wanting a fun-filled day without worrying about extra costs once on the island. Keep in mind, extra drinks and activities on Cholón are paid separately, and vendors accept cash only, with some even charging extra for credit card payments.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for social, energetic travelers who want to experience Cartagena’s famous party scene in a relaxed, festive setting. If you love music, dancing, and meeting new friends, you’ll find the vibe infectious. It’s also great for those interested in natural scenery and boat rides but comfortable with some unpredictability in organization.

However, if you prefer secluded beaches, pristine waters, or a quiet day with family, this might not be the best fit. The lively, sometimes chaotic environment on Cholón and the vendor crowds might be overwhelming if you’re seeking serenity over celebration.

Final Thoughts

The Cholón Island with Music Lunch and Drinks tour offers a fun, lively slice of Caribbean life. It balances natural beauty with social energy, making it perfect for travelers eager to mingle, dance, and indulge in local flavors. The included lunch and drinks add value, and the scenic boat ride is a highlight for photography lovers.

While slight organizational hiccups and vendor crowds are considerations, they don’t overshadow the genuine enjoyment many travelers report. It’s a casual, energetic experience that captures the free-spirited soul of Cartagena’s coast.

If you’re in the mood for a party on the water, a chance to try local seafood, and to meet fellow travelers in a lively setting, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just pack your sense of adventure, some cash for extras, and an open attitude — you’ll likely leave with memories of a joyful, sun-soaked day.

FAQs

How early do I need to be picked up?
The tour starts with pickup an hour before the scheduled departure, around 8:00 am, so plan to be ready early to ensure smooth boarding.

What’s included in the price?
You get transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, two beers, and the boat ride. You can bring extra drinks to enjoy during the trip, and medical assistance is also provided.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, you’re allowed to bring extra drinks into the boat, which is kept cold in an ice cooler.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 18; it’s geared toward adult crowds looking for a lively, party atmosphere.

What should I expect on the boat ride?
The boat ride provides scenic views of the archipelago, lively music, and a festive vibe. Be aware that the return trip can sometimes be choppy.

How much free time do I have on Cholón?
You’ll have approximately three hours on the island to enjoy the music, food, and social scene, but expect vendors and crowds.

What about the organization at the start?
Some reviews mention delays and crowded check-ins, so arrive early and be patient during the initial boarding process to avoid stress.

In sum, this tour captures the vibrant spirit of Cartagena’s coast, making it an excellent choice for those who want to celebrate, dance, and relax in a lively Caribbean setting. Just come prepared for a bit of chaos, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by good vibes, tasty food, and stunning sea views.