Cholon & Rosario Islands Party Boat 2025: A Real VIP Review

So, you’ve likely seen the pictures online, right? I mean, those snaps of bright blue water, people having a great time on boats, and just a general feeling of pure vacation goodness. Well, that’s basically the advertisement for the Cholon and Rosario Islands Party Boat. It’s actually one of the most talked-about things to do when you visit Cartagena. The whole idea of an ‘All-Inclusive VIP’ day out on the water is seriously tempting, you know. To be honest, we were curious to see if the real thing lived up to all the promotion. At the end of the day, a boat party sounds fun, but what you actually get can sometimes be a mixed bag, so we went to check it out for you.

First Moves and Getting on Board

Okay, so the morning of the tour, there’s this sort of excited energy in the air. You make your way to the designated marina, and honestly, it’s a little bit chaotic with different groups meeting for their tours. Our check-in process was pretty much straightforward, though. Basically, you show your ticket, they give you a wristband, and then you just wait for the crew to call your group. The boat itself was actually a big, roomy speedboat, not one of those old, slow boats you sometimes see. It looked modern and pretty clean, which, let’s be honest, is a very good first sign. Finding a spot to sit was easy enough, you know, and we settled in for the ride. The crew gives a quick rundown of the day’s plan, and just like that, you are pulling away from the dock with music already setting the mood. In a way, the view of Cartagena’s skyline getting smaller behind you is almost the perfect start to the day.

The ride out to the first stop is part of the fun, to be honest. The speedboat picks up some serious speed, and you feel the wind and the sea spray, which is pretty refreshing. The crew usually comes around with a first round of drinks, typically a national beer or some water, just to get things going. The music is a mix of reggaeton and popular hits, and it’s loud enough to feel like a party but not so loud that you can’t talk to the person next to you, at least not at first. This part of the day is sort of like the warm-up act. It’s your chance to look around, see who else is on the boat, and just kind of soak in the fact that you’re heading out into the Caribbean Sea. It’s a good feeling, really.

The Rosario Islands: That Postcard-Perfect Stop

Alright, so after about an hour, you get to the first main location: the Rosario Islands. And seriously, this place is like something you’d see on a screen saver. The water is this incredible shade of turquoise and so clear you can pretty much see the sandy bottom. This stop is all about chilling out, really. The boat usually anchors in a calm spot, and they hand out snorkel gear. You can just jump right off the side of the boat into the warm water, which is honestly amazing. Floating around and looking at the small fish is a really peaceful experience, a sort of calm before the main party later in the day.

I mean, this part of the trip is arguably the most beautiful in a natural sense. You are just surrounded by this incredibly vivid blue and green scenery. It’s a nice change of pace and really shows off the beauty of the Colombian coast, you know?

You get about an hour or so here, which is more or less enough time for a good swim and some exploring. Some people just stay on the boat, taking pictures and enjoying the open bar, which, by the way, is definitely up and running at this point. The crew might bring out some fresh fruit, like pineapple and watermelon, which is a really nice touch in the heat. To be honest, this stop feels less like a wild party and more like a private swim in paradise. It’s a bit of a reset, giving you a chance to cool off and just appreciate where you are before you head over to the main event at Cholon.

Cholon Island: Where the Real Party Starts

So, after you leave the calm of the Rosario Islands, you make your way to Cholon. As you get closer, you can literally hear it. The sound of different stereos from dozens of boats all blasting music. This place is basically a big, floating party in a shallow bay. Boats raft up together, creating a massive platform for people to hang out and move from one boat to another. It’s a pretty wild sight, honestly. Our VIP boat finds a good spot in the middle of the action, and this is where the ‘all-inclusive’ part really kicks into high gear. The crew starts serving cocktails, and the music volume definitely goes up a few notches.

The whole atmosphere here is just high-energy. You’re standing in waist-deep, warm water with a drink in your hand, surrounded by people from all over the world who are all there for the same reason: to have a good time. Local vendors paddle up in canoes selling fresh oysters and ceviche, which is a cool experience in itself. Your boat becomes a home base, you know? A place to grab another drink or get some food. The “VIP” part seems to mean you have a dedicated space and a steady flow of drinks, so you don’t really have to worry about anything. It’s pretty much the definition of a party in the ocean, and at the end of the day, that’s exactly what everyone is there for.

Breaking Down the “All-Inclusive VIP” Promise

Okay, let’s talk about what “All-Inclusive VIP” actually means on this trip because that’s a big part of the sales pitch. For drinks, it’s pretty good, to be honest. You basically get an open bar with national beers, water, soda, and rum. The cocktails are usually simple rum and cokes or similar mixers, so don’t expect any fancy mixology. Still, the drinks are free-flowing, and the crew is really attentive, so your cup is never empty for long, which is what matters, right? This is a huge plus because buying drinks individually out here could get expensive really fast.

As for the food, the included lunch is usually served while you’re at Cholon. Typically, it’s a very traditional and tasty meal of fried fish, coconut rice, patacones (fried plantains), and a small salad. It’s actually a really good portion size, and the quality is surprisingly solid for food served on a boat in the middle of the sea. I mean, it’s not a gourmet meal, but it’s satisfying, authentic, and does a great job of soaking up the alcohol. The VIP element seems to be that your lunch is brought directly to you, and it feels a bit more organized than some of the other, more standard boat tours. So, basically, you get a good lunch and unlimited standard drinks, which, for a full day out on the water, feels like a pretty decent deal.

Final Thoughts and Who Should Go

So, at the end of the day, who is this boat trip for? Honestly, if you’re looking for a high-energy, music-filled day on the water and want to experience the famous Cholon party scene, this is absolutely for you. It’s perfect for groups of friends, solo travelers wanting to meet people, and just about anyone who enjoys a good party atmosphere. The whole trip is pretty much designed for having fun and not worrying about the details. The “all-inclusive” aspect really does take the stress out of planning your food and drinks for the day.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quiet, tranquil day of exploring deserted islands, this might not be your thing. While the Rosario Islands stop is pretty calm, the main focus is definitely the party at Cholon. So, just be aware of what you’re signing up for. In terms of what to bring, you definitely want sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses because the Colombian sun is no joke. Also, bring a towel and maybe some cash for tips for the hard-working crew or if you want to buy some extra snacks from the local vendors. A waterproof phone case is also a really, really good idea, you know? You’re going to want to take pictures.

Read our full review: [Cholon and Rosario Islands Party Boat Full Review and Details]

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Book the All-Inclusive VIP Boat Tour])