Colombia · PRIVATE TOURS IN CARTAGENA

The 15 Private Tours in Cartagena People Come Back For

27 tours  ·  from $18

Prices, timings and the one caveat each, across 15 private tours in Cartagena that are worth what they ask. Start with the one most people choose and work down.

Shore Excursion PRIVATE City tour - La Popa Hill puts the city in context
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Shore Excursion PRIVATE City tour

1.Shore Excursion PRIVATE City tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $163Our pick

Spend about four hours seeing Cartagena with a private guide and driver. Visit La Popa Convent, the Walled City, Saint Peter Claver Church, and Las Bóvedas, with port pickup, light refreshments, and time for shopping. Guides such as Nico, Julia, Ismael, and Niomi have earned praise for clear English, local insight, and thoughtful pacing.

“Awesome experience. Edwardo was a great guide. Very enjoyable day. So nice not to have a private tour!”

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Cartagena: Walled City & Getsemani Private Tour - Colonial streets, old houses, and a slower private pace
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Cartagena: Walled City & Getsemani Private Tour

2.Walled City & Getsemani Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 107 reviews · 4 hours · from $69

Spend four hours walking Cartagena’s Walled City and Getsemani with a private English or Spanish-speaking guide. See Plaza de Bolívar, San Pedro Claver Square, colonial streets, walls, and sea-facing bastions. Sample arepa with egg and raspao, with an optional five-hour version adding San Felipe Castle.

“We visited Cartagena using Noriega Tours, for a private tour, and would definitely recommend them to anyone. We communicated with them via text and email and knew they were going to be there to meet us. Just outside the port welcome center, we were met by our guide, Adalberto Gonzalez Ortiz who was a GREAT host and provided an interesting and informative experience. Our driver, Nelson Noviega, was friendly and helpful - and most importantly ON TIME coming and going. Both Nelson & Adalberto spoke very good English which was great. It is well worth taking the private tour - we moved at our own pace - saw things without…”

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Private Transportation from Cartagena to Santa Marta City - Why a private ride beats the bus on this route
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Private Transportation from Cartagena to Santa Marta City

3.Private Transportation from Cartagena to Santa Marta City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Travel privately from your Cartagena hotel to Santa Marta in an air-conditioned SUV, minivan, or minibus. Your driver, often praised by name including Hader, Juan, Carlos, and William, picks you up at a chosen time, provides bottled water, and can stop for coffee, lunch, or a short break. Taganga requires a separate fare.

“Ride from Cartagena to Santa Marta rodadero was amazing and the views were spectacular. The driver was friendly and knowledgeable. Your service is greatly appreciated. Thanks.”

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Cartagena: Private City Tour in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle - Manga’s mansions and the port side of town
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Cartagena: Private City Tour in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle

4.Private City Tour in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 82 reviews · 4 hours

See Cartagena by private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver and guide, stopping at La Popa, San Felipe Castle, Manga, Getsemani, San Diego, Bocagrande, and the walled city. Guides such as Nico, Carlos, and Fernando have offered history, flexibility, and help for families and older visitors.

“Nico was a wonderful guide! My mom had mobility problems and he was very accommodating. We had a great afternoon seeing the city!”

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Private Boat Rental To The Rosario Islands Up To 17 - Isla Grande and La Piscinita
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Private Boat Rental To The Rosario Islands Up To 17

5.Private Boat Rental To The Rosario Islands Up To 17

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

You’ll spend about eight hours on a private boat from Cartagena to Isla Grande and nearby Rosario Islands sights. Expect snorkeling gear, bottled water, ice, fuel, insurance, a captain, and a bilingual host. Stops may include La Piscinita, a beachfront lunch spot, Pablo Escobar’s mansion, and an abandoned plane. Confirm the boat size and English guide before booking.

“Our boat was not a Botogena boat. I believe when the owner realized we were two people instead of 17, he farmed us out to another smaller company. We specifically said we needed an English guide and was promised one by Adam, who apparently is the owner. We received two crew members who spoke no English. We were take to Paue, a private beach club, that was fine. You have to spend a minimum amount, which was fine. Then we were asked to also buy lunch for the crew members. I was happy to do so but very surprised by this. Our last stop was supposed to be Playa Tranquilla…”

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Cartagena Unforgettable: Half Day Private City Tour (Also for Cruisers) - La Popa Convent and the city from its highest point
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Cartagena Unforgettable: Half Day Private City Tour (Also for Cruisers)

6.Cartagena Unforgettable: Half Day Private City Tour (Also for Cruisers)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $188

Spend four hours seeing Cartagena with a bilingual guide and private air-conditioned vehicle. The route covers Bocagrande, San Felipe Fortress, La Popa Convent, the Walled City, and Plaza de San Pedro Claver. Guides such as Cesar, Katherine, Nelson, and Roosevelt have adapted visits to guests’ interests, with time for local food, photos, and extra neighborhood stops.

“Our recent trip to Cartagena, Colombia while on a cruise with MSC, was nothing short of spectacular, largely thanks to our incredible private tour guide, Cesar. His deep knowledge of the city's rich history and culture brought the colorful streets of Cartagena to life in a way that was both educational and immensely entertaining. Cesar's passion for his hometown was evident in every story and fact he shared, making each historical site, from the iconic Castillo de San Felipe to the charming streets of Getsemaní, feel like a step back in time. His recommendations for local cuisine led us to some of the most delicious meals we've ever enjoyed, blending…”

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Private Cartagena Airport Arrival: Effortless Transfer - Landing at Rafael Núñez International Airport
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Private Cartagena Airport Arrival: Effortless Transfer

7.Private Cartagena Airport Arrival: Effortless Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $18Best value

Meet your bilingual driver after customs at Rafael Núñez International Airport and ride directly to your Cartagena hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Drivers such as Renzo, Angelica, Katerine, and Oralis have helped with luggage, local tips, and delayed arrivals. Confirm the meeting point carefully, since airport pickup instructions matter.

“I was a little bit late as the Customs line up was really long, however my ride was there waiting for me. My driver brought his son with him who was able to tell me about the city and Colombian life in English. Thank you so much for a quick and safe ride!”

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Cartagena: Rosario Island and Mangroves Private Day Trip - The road from Cartagena to Barú
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Cartagena: Rosario Island and Mangroves Private Day Trip

8.Rosario Island and Mangroves Private Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 73 reviews · 9 hours · from $244

Travel privately from Cartagena to Barú and the Rosario Islands with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide such as Luis, Sofia, Valentina, or Jonathan. Enjoy breakfast and lunch in a local home, cruise through mangroves, snorkel above coral, visit a beach, and adjust the day to suit your group.

“The trip is a delightful way to experience both the country outside of Cartagena and the Rosario islands. Be warned you have some lovely time on the beach and in the water snorkeling but it is not nearly enough! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the local wildlife (including fish), history of the area, and flexible to what we want. We ate local meals in a local home and had a place to wash off afterwards. Conditions at the home that serves as a base are primitive but authentic and sanitary. Great communication to make sure our questions were answered before the trip.”

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5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar - Snorkeling above a plane at Isla Grande
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5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar

9.5 Islands VIP Escape : Snorkeling, Private Lunch & Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 48 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120

Spend about five and a half hours on a speedboat from Cartagena, seeing Bocachica and Rosario’s islands, snorkeling over a sunken plane, stopping at Cholón, eating lunch on a private island, and relaxing at Playa Tranquila Barú. A mask, lunch, air-conditioned transport, and medical assistance are included. Hotel return is not.

“There was no hotel drop off. They leave you on the dock, their are no snacks or water offered while on the boat. You do not eat until the very end!”

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Sport Boat : Rosario Island,lunch on private island - Bocachica Fort and the first views from the water
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Sport Boat : Rosario Island,lunch on private island

10.Sport Boat : Rosario Island,lunch on private island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $134

Leave Cartagena at 8:30 am for a nine-hour boat trip through the Rosario Islands. You’ll see Bocachica Fort, snorkel near Isla Grande and a sunken plane, then eat a buffet lunch at Isla del Encanto Resort, with pool and private beach time before returning to the marina.

“Place extremely hard to find where to meet. Picture shows and list one name. The name is not even it. Started late due to iron man marathon which we understood. Non impressive places stop for beach. Main event party island we did not go to it due to it being closed. If all this told before hand honestly all 9 of us would have cancelled.”

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Private Full-Day Luxury Boat Rental Rosario Islands - Choosing your own pace around the islands
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Private Full-Day Luxury Boat Rental Rosario Islands

11.Private Full-Day Luxury Boat Rental Rosario Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Spend eight hours on a private boat from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands with a captain, snorkeling gear, life jackets, water, and an onboard restroom. Swim, visit reefs and a sunken plane, stop for lunch, and possibly continue to Barú. Zenon and Ilan are among the crew members praised for good navigation and friendly service.

“We had a fantastic trip. Zenon and Ilan were a very friendly crew. The boat was in a very good condition and it featured nice things such as a toiletroom and a ladder to get out of the boat. We started the day off by going to the Rosario Islands, were we did some snorkling at different locations. Zenon and Ilan new all the good spots and we saw great fish, reefs and even a sunk plane. Besides the snorkling they told us some nice historic facts about the area. Afterwards they recommended us a good place to have lunch. After Lunch we went for the Island of Baru. Zenon…”

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Family Day Trip - Private Boat Charter To The Rosario Islands - Rosario Islands: clear water and open choices
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Family Day Trip – Private Boat Charter To The Rosario Islands

12.Family Day Trip – Private Boat Charter To The Rosario Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Set out from Cartagena’s Sibarita del Mar on an eight-hour private boat trip for up to 10 people. A bilingual guide takes you around the Rosario Islands and Barú for swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and lunch at your own cost. The route can be adjusted to your family’s interests, but confirm the snorkeling equipment before departure.

“A fantastic and enjoyable experience! Our tour guide was exceptional. Ensured we were comfortable and tailored the tour to suit our tastes. Showed us the islands, shared interesting facts and took us to great spots for snorkeling, swimming and lunch.”

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Private Tour with Certified Guide of San Basilio De Palenque - Walking through San Basilio de Palenque
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Private Tour with Certified Guide of San Basilio De Palenque

13.Private Tour with Certified Guide of San Basilio De Palenque

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $130

Travel from Cartagena in a private air-conditioned car to San Basilio de Palenque with a local guide such as Sofia or Vincent. Visit the Benkos Bioho monument, hear live drums, make coconut sweets, cook a traditional lunch, see an herbal medicine garden, and try a beginner boxing class. Plan for 4 to 6 hours.

“My husband and I loved EVERYTHING about this tour! Tour guide was awesome and the package is unbeatable. It will not disappoint!”

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Cartagena: Private Sail in the mangrove GUIDE in ENGLISH - Birds, crabs, fish, and the quiet reward
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Cartagena: Private Sail in the mangrove GUIDE in ENGLISH

14.Private Sail in the mangrove GUIDE in ENGLISH

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 32 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $25

Take a 90-minute to two-hour private canoe trip from La Boquilla through three mangrove tunnels in the Pantano de la Virgen. An English-speaking guide explains the area, while you watch for herons, pelicans, flamingos, crabs, fish, reptiles, and mangrove plants. Hotel pickup is optional, but the meeting point and return transport need careful confirmation.

“The attraction itself was worth seeing, there were lots of different birds and crabs, the mangrove park looks like a wild jungle and is beautiful. The organization on the other hand was below expectations - the day before I was called very late at night and I was told that we have to choose a different hour or date because the english guide has to do sth else at that time. Then I was called even later, actually after I had gone to bed, that the tour is going to take place at the original hour. There was no information what kind of car is going to get us so…”

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Cartagena: Private Bird-Watching Tour with Breakfast - Walking through Matute Nature Reserve
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Cartagena: Private Bird-Watching Tour with Breakfast

15.Private Bird-Watching Tour with Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 7 hours

Leave Cartagena at 5 AM with a private English or Spanish-speaking guide, often Luis, for birding at Matute Nature Reserve. Look for pygmy owls, cuckoos, jacamars, hummingbirds, monkeys, and sloths, then share a traditional Colombian breakfast at a local home. The seven-hour tour includes transport, entry, water, photos, and a flexible pace.

“Had a great time. Guide was personable and knew the birds and habitats. Saw lots of wildlife a good bird list. Happy to recommend this guide to any visitor to Colombia.”

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New in Private Tours in Cartagena

★ 4.2San Basilio de Palenque Private Day TourFrom $1644 reviews
★ 4.8Rosario Islands Private Boat TourFrom $4033 reviews
★ 5.0Old City Cartagena Private TourFrom $503 reviews
★ 3.9San Basilio de Palenque private DayTrip with LunchFrom $1093 reviews
★ 5.0Private Walking Tour with German or Italian Guide4 reviews
★ 5.01-Hour Paddleboard Rental or Private LessonFrom $283 reviews

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Where to go in Colombia

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Out on the water

Rosario ReefsBarú BeachesBoat DaysSnorkellingDiving

In the cities

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Coffee and cacao farms

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Beyond the city

Salt CathedralCocora ValleyTayronaParaglidingWaterfalls