Cartagena, CO: Island Beach Trip on Pirate Boat+Drinks & Lunch

A Pirate-Themed Day on the Waters of Cartagena

Imagine sailing aboard a real pirate ship, feeling the breeze, and soaking in views of Cartagena’s historic fortresses and calm beaches. For $90 per person, this 7 to 8-hour adventure combines history, relaxation, and good old-fashioned fun. Led by friendly guides, you’ll visit Fuerte San Fernando de Bocachica, explore Boca Chica Beach, and enjoy a typical Colombian lunch with drinks—an experience that’s as enriching as it is relaxing.

What we love most about this tour are the knowledgeable guides who bring Cartagena’s history to life, and the chance to unwind on a beautiful beach with authentic local food. The boat itself, a pirate-style vessel, adds a dash of childhood fantasy to your day. A possible drawback? The beach area can become crowded with vendors and buskers, which might detract from the tranquil vibe some travelers seek.

This tour suits those who enjoy a combination of history and leisure, appreciate good value for money, and aren’t expecting wild adrenaline. It’s especially perfect if you want a relaxed, family-friendly experience that offers plenty of photo opportunities, historical insights, and delicious local flavors.

Key Points

• Authentic Pirate Experience: Board a real ship painted to evoke a pirate vessel, ideal for fans of maritime adventure.
• Rich History & Scenic Views: Visit Fuerte San Fernando de Bocachica, a fortress with stories of historic battles.
• Relaxing Beach Break: Enjoy Boca Chica’s calm beaches and a hearty Colombian lunch with drinks.
• All-Inclusive Drinks & Food: Open bar options and a filling lunch make this tour excellent value.
• Family-Friendly & Small Group: The tour is suitable for families, with a friendly crew and intimate group sizes.
• Good for History Buffs & Relaxers: Offers a blend of educational moments and downtime on the sand.

Detailed Review of the Cartagena Pirate Boat Tour

Starting Point & Overall Vibe

The tour begins aboard La Fantastica, a ship styled like a pirate vessel, docked conveniently in Cartagena Bay. From the outset, the crew’s enthusiasm and friendly attitude set a welcoming tone. The vessel’s design, complete with pirate costumes for photo ops, instantly immerses you in a fun, playful environment—whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica

The first stop takes you to Fuerte San Fernando de Bocachica, an impressive fortress guarding Cartagena’s bay. This spot is steeped in history, as it was pivotal during the 1741 attack by a massive English fleet. The guide (often a lively storyteller) shares tales of the siege and the fort’s strategic design, bringing history to life.

Expect about 30 minutes here, enough time for photos, a brief walk around the fort, and a sense of the importance of this structure in Cartagena’s defense. Reviewers mention the tour of the fort as “wonderfully informative”—with internal passages, vaults, and scientific design that reveal the ingenuity of the time.

Stop 2: Boca Chica Beach & Lunch

From the fort, you’ll walk just under 5 minutes to Boca Chica Beach Club, a peaceful strip of sand with clear, calm waters. Here, the scene turns more relaxed. The highlight is the authentic Colombian lunch, featuring coconut rice, fried fish, patacones, and a house salad. For those with dietary restrictions, a prior request for substitution is recommended.

The open bar serves coconut lemonade with rum, rum punch, and pirates’ grog—offering plenty of options to toast the day. Many reviews describe the drinks as “yummy and plentiful,” with one noting that if the punch isn’t strong enough, you can ask for an extra kick.

While the beach is beautiful and the lunch satisfying, some reviews mention the presence of vendors and buskers trying to sell massages or souvenirs, which could be a distraction for those seeking pure relaxation. However, the crew generally keeps vendors at bay, and the food is well received as “delicious and filling.”

The Return Journey

After lunch, you reboard La Fantastica for the return trip, which features more drinks, music, and camaraderie. The majority of reviewers praise the crew’s friendliness and the laid-back atmosphere. A few mention controlling the playlist, which adds a fun, personalized touch.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

A key aspect that many travelers appreciate is the blend of history and leisure. You get to explore Cartagena’s defenses, hear stories of its past, and then unwind on a scenic beach. The small group sizes (often just a handful of guests) make it feel intimate and personalized, especially when the crew is attentive and engaging.

The cost of $90 includes most amenities—drinks, lunch, fort tour, and the boat ride—making it an excellent value. Comparing this to other activities, it offers a comprehensive experience without the need to book multiple separate tours.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Feedback

One reviewer captures this well: “The fort tour blew our minds,” and “lunch was a fine surprise” with catch-of-the-day swordfish. Others highlight the friendly crew and informative guides as major positives, with comments like “the stories from our guide Issabel made the trip truly memorable.”

Some travelers point out minor drawbacks, such as the beach crowd or watered-down drinks. These are worth considering, especially if you prefer pristine solitude or stronger cocktails. However, given the overall positive reviews and the inclusion of meaningful historical insights, most find the experience well worth the price.

Practical Details

The tour departs in the morning from the La Fantastica Pirate Ship dock in Cartagena’s El Centro, accessible by public transport or taxi. It operates daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, allowing flexible scheduling. The group size is capped at 40 travelers, but reviews suggest it’s often a much smaller, more intimate experience.

Booking 16 days in advance is typical, indicating its popularity. The Tour is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed, making it inclusive for various travelers.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking a laid-back day filled with history, scenic views, and good food. It suits those who don’t mind a relaxed pace and enjoy authentic local cuisine and fun storytelling. It’s especially good if you’re interested in seeing Cartagena’s fortifications and relaxing on a quiet beach, but not necessarily looking for high-energy or adventure sports.

If you’re a history buff, the fort tour provides compelling context. If you love beach days with good company, the Boca Chica stop delivers. And if you enjoy a quirky, pirate-themed atmosphere, this boat ride hits all the right notes.

Final Words: Why This Tour Is a Smart Choice

This pirate-themed boat trip offers a delightful mix of history, scenery, and relaxation at a reasonable price. The friendly guides, authentic food, and beautiful surroundings make it clear why it’s rated 5 stars by dozens of travelers.

It’s ideal for anyone wanting to experience Cartagena beyond the typical city walk or museum visit. The combination of a historical fortress, a calm beach, and a fun boat ride makes this tour a well-rounded day out that’s both entertaining and educational.

For those who value good value and authentic local experiences—with just a bit of pirate fantasy thrown in—this trip will leave you with great memories, plenty of photos, and perhaps even a new appreciation for Cartagena’s maritime defenses.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly, and the crew is friendly and accommodating. The relaxed pace and fun pirate theme make it engaging for kids.

What’s included in the price?
The $90 fee covers the boat ride, a tour of Fuerte San Fernando de Bocachica, lunch, an open bar with drinks like rum punch and coconut lemonade, and pirate costume photo ops.

Can I request a lunch substitution if I don’t eat fish?
Absolutely. Prior email requests are recommended to ensure your dietary preferences are accommodated.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for a boat trip and beach time. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.

How long is the boat ride?
The entire experience lasts roughly 7 to 8 hours, including stops and travel time.

Are there restroom facilities onboard?
Yes, the boat has restrooms, which add to the comfort during the trip.

Is there a minimum group size?
The tour can operate with a maximum of 40 travelers, but reviews suggest it often feels more intimate.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking around 16 days ahead is typical, as it’s a popular activity.

In sum, this pirate-themed day trip combines history, fun, and relaxation in a way that’s hard to beat for the price. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family looking for a memorable outing, or someone who just wants to enjoy Cartagena’s waters and beaches, you’ll find this tour offers a genuinely enjoyable experience.