I moved to Cartagena from the U.S. a while back and have seen all kinds of travelers come through. Most are looking for exactly what this tour delivers: a turn-up on the water, island hopping, music, drinks, and a scene that’s both tropical and social. This is the go-to for people who want to party in Cartagena, not just walk around the walled city.

Here’s how the day goes: You start early—usually around 8 AM—with a quick meetup near the main port. After check-in, you board a speedboat that first takes you past a couple of Cartagena’s iconic sights: the Bocachica Fort and Pablo Escobar’s old, half-sunken mansion. Nothing too long, just some quick photo ops to break up the ride. Then the real fun begins.

First Stop: Beach Club on Barú

Your first real stop is a beach club on Barú Island, where you’ll have time to swim, lay out, and ease into the day. A solid Caribbean lunch is included—usually fresh fish or chicken with coconut rice and salad. Drinks are flowing, music’s on, but it’s not too crazy yet. That’s because the second half of the day is when it ramps up.

Main Event: The Cholón Island Party

After lunch, the boat pulls up to Cholón—a party spot famous for its floating boats and bottle service in the sea. If you’ve ever searched TikTok or Instagram for “Cholón Cartagena,” you’ve probably seen what I’m talking about. DJs, dance circles in the water, boats tied together, cold beers being passed around, and a mix of travelers from all over. It’s Spring Break energy meets yacht club vibes, and for the party crowd, this is the Cartagena experience they came for.

That said, it’s not a full-on booze cruise. You bring your own bottles or buy from vendors on site. The organizers keep things smooth and safe, and the crowd stays respectful but fun. Think early-30s birthdays, bachelor groups, and friend squads—people who want to have a blast without things getting sloppy. It’s definitely adults-only, and while it’s social, it’s not chaotic.

What I appreciate about this specific tour—run by the folks at Coco Cartagena—is that it’s organized, not overcrowded, and they know how to keep the pace fun without it feeling forced. I've gotten to know the team, and even though I don’t work for them, I always recommend this one to friends flying in from the States. They understand the U.S. traveler and what people are looking for: a vibe, but with structure. They also make sure you’re back in the city by late afternoon so you can still hit dinner, rooftop bars, or keep the party going that night.

Bottom line—if you're coming to Cartagena and looking for that tropical party experience that everyone posts about but doesn’t quite know how to book, this is it. Whether you're celebrating something big or just in town to let loose, this tour checks every box: warm water, island views, loud music, and an unforgettable day on the sea.

I’ve lived here long enough to tell what’s a tourist trap and what’s the real thing. This one’s the real thing. And if you're reading this before your trip, do yourself a favor and lock in your spot—it fills fast for a reason.

See you out there.