Full Day Boat Tour to Cholón Island forever with DJ on boat

Cartagena’s Cholón Island: A Full-Day Boat Party with a DJ

Imagine spending a day on a boat cruising from Cartagena, stopping at lively spots, and ending up on Cholón Island, where music, drinks, and dancing are the main attractions. This 8.5-hour tour costs around $115 per person and includes lunch options, alcoholic beverages, and a DJ on board (on weekends). It’s a popular way to soak up the Caribbean sun and vibe with friends, with most bookings happening about 18 days in advance.

What makes this tour attractive? First, it’s a chance to enjoy a fun-filled day in a relaxed party atmosphere with music blasting, plenty of drinks, and opportunities for swimming or riding jet skis. Second, the guided stops at iconic spots like Palito de Caucho and Muelle de los Pegasos give you a taste of local scenery and culture before the real highlight: Cholón Island’s party scene.

But beware: there are some unpredictable elements — from late starts and engine issues to different levels of organization, which have been noted in reviews. Still, if you’re looking for a lively, social day with friends or a partner, this tour offers plenty of value. It’s especially suited for those eager to dance, drink, and meet new people in a carefree setting.

Key Points

• Vibrant Party Atmosphere: DJ, music, drinks, and dancing on the boat and on Cholón Island.
• Includes Lunch: Three meal options—chicken, fish, or vegetables—catering to different tastes.
• Flexible Participation: Most travelers find the group size manageable, with a maximum of 40 guests.
• Booking & Timing: Usually booked 18 days in advance; tour starts at 8:30 am and ends back at the meeting point.
• Potential Drawbacks: Some reviews mention delays, engine issues, and inconsistent organization.
• Best suited for: Those wanting a lively, social day out with a focus on fun, music, and beach party vibes.

An In-Depth Look at the Cholón Island Boat Tour

The Meeting Point and Departure

Your day begins early, with a pickup service offered or a meeting at Palito de Caucho, your initial gathering spot. The tour starts promptly at 8:30 am, so arriving on time helps you avoid missing out on the fun. From here, you’ll hop onto a boat that can carry up to 40 travelers, giving a sense of intimacy but enough energy for a lively group.

The First Stops: Palito de Caucho and Muelle de los Pegasos

The first stop, Palito de Caucho, serves as a casual meet-and-greet. You’ll spend about 30 to 45 minutes here, enough time to snap some photos, stretch, or get a quick drink. The next stop, Muelle de los Pegasos, offers a 20-minute walk, which is free of charge and provides a glimpse of Cartagenan harbor life.

These initial stops help set the tone for the day—relaxed, scenic, and social. They also offer opportunities to buy souvenirs or simply enjoy the waterfront views. They are great moments to connect with fellow travelers and get a feel for the local vibe before heading to the island.

The Main Event: Cholón Island

After about seven hours at Cholón Island, you’ll be immersed in its party atmosphere. Expect boats bobbing around, music blaring, and people dancing and drinking openly. The reviews highlight how this part of the trip is the true highlight—a lively, carefree environment where you can relax in the sun, enjoy a swim, or partake in water sports like jet skis and banana boats, if available.

Reviewers praise the vibe: “This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip,” said Shallette, noting “the island was a whole vibe,” and Monifa added, “Great drinks, great music, lots of dancing.”

Food, Drinks, and Music

Included in the tour is lunch with three options—chicken, fish, or vegetables—a practical touch for fueling your party mood. Plus, you’ll find alcoholic beverages available onboard, though reviews advise bringing your own drinks for better value since on the island, prices can be inflated. One reviewer recommends keeping track of your purchases to avoid being overcharged.

The DJ on the boat adds an energetic soundtrack, especially on weekends when live DJ music is available. The music, combined with the scenic ocean views and party crowd, makes this a memorable experience. It’s a chance to dance, meet fellow travelers, and enjoy the Caribbean’s lively spirit.

Expectations and Realities

While many rave about the experience, some reviews highlight organizational hiccups—like late starts, engine problems, or delays in lunch service. For example, one reviewer noted the boat engine broke, and lunch was served late. Others mention unprofessional staff or difficulty communicating in English when issues arose.

However, the tour provider responds to such feedback, indicating they’ve addressed some of these concerns, and most participants agree that the overall fun outweighs the minor inconveniences. If you’re flexible and prepared for some unpredictability, you’ll likely find this tour worth the price.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for party lovers, travelers who want to dance in the ocean, or groups of friends seeking a day of sun, drinks, and music. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy socializing in a lively environment—you’ll meet people from around the world and dance to a DJ set while floating in the Caribbean.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, cultural, or quiet beach day, this isn’t the best choice. But if your goal is fun, laughter, and making memories, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts on the Cholón Island Boat Tour

This tour offers a unique blend of scenic boat travel and party beach vibes. The included lunch and drinks make it a convenient option, although bringing extra beverages might save money. The lively music and water activities ensure a fun-filled day that’s more about enjoying the moment than sightseeing.

While some aspects of organization could be improved, most travelers find the overall experience enjoyable. It’s a great way to connect with others, dance in the sun, and experience a ** Cartagena-style beach party**.

If you’re after a lively, social, and music-filled day that combines scenic stops with Caribbean fun, this tour delivers. However, if you seek a more tranquil or structured day, you might want to consider other options.

FAQs

Is transportation provided back to my hotel?
No, the tour does not include shared transport back to your hotel. You’ll need to arrange your own way back after the tour ends.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:30 am, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day’s activities.

Are drinks included?
Alcoholic beverages are available on the boat, but extra and special cocktails cost extra. It’s recommended to bring your own drinks to save money.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 40 travelers, making for a lively but manageable social environment.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Most travelers participate, and service animals are allowed. However, the focus is on partying, so non-drinkers should be prepared for a lively atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Sun protection, water, extra drinks, and possibly cash for additional purchases on the island are advisable. Bringing your own sunblock and water can make the day more comfortable.

To sum it up, this full-day boat tour to Cholón Island with a DJ offers a lively, fun-filled escape from Cartagena’s city hustle. It’s best suited for those craving music, drinks, and beach party vibes, with plenty of opportunities to meet people and enjoy the Caribbean sea. Expect some organizational quirks, but overall, it’s a memorable experience for anyone prepared to embrace the carefree spirit of a seaside party.