We acknowledge the clickbait title. In truth, several sunset cruises in Cartagena get you out into the bay just in time for the golden hour.

However, if you are budget family travelers like us, the best sunset cruise in Cartagena takes place on a pirate ship.  Because, you know…..it’s a pirate ship and what kid doesn’t want to spend some time aboard a pirate ship?

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Before we start this recommendation, let us be clear. We are typically a “do-it-yourself” adventuring kind of family. If there is a way to use public transit to have an experience over booking a tour, we will typically opt to figure it out ourselves. Not only because “do-it-yourself” adventures are much more budget friendly, but because frankly, we enjoy the challenge.

So when we recommend a tour, it is because we couldn’t figure out how to do it ourselves. Or because even if there is a way to do it ourselves, like with the Mexico City bike tour to Frida’s Blue House, the tour is budget friendly and really great.

The sunset cruise in Cartagena meets both those criteria.

Sunset Cruise Departure Locations

All of the tours, including the one we are recommending, start from the port right next to the Convention Center.

If you are coming from the old town, you will walk towards the Muelle de los Pegasos, the pair of winged Pegasus sculptures in front of the Convention Center and continue down the boardwalk. Your destination is a pirate ship so trust me when I say that you will see it. 

However, if you choose our second choice, the Catamaran tour, it is right behind the pirate ship so also can not be missed. 

Both ships depart at 5 p.m. most nights of the week. 

Top Sunset Cruises in Cartagena

Best Sunset Cruise in Cartagena by Catamaran

First, let’s talk about the one we didn’t take. The Bona Vida is the best choice for a sunset cruise on a Catamaran sailboat.

We loved the look of the boat. However, we have a sailboat–albeit nowhere as beautiful or impressive as the Bona Vida. So we wanted a different experience. 

The Bona Vida is also advertised as a romantic sail. At 15 and an only child, O’s life is hanging out with adults. So he would have been fine to join the sail.

And to be clear there is no age limit or even a hint of a suggestion that kids can’t come on the Bona Vida. But as family bloggers, we felt compelled to channel our inner pirate. So it was La Fantastica, the pirate ship, for us. 

The Cost of a Catamaran Sunset Cruise

The cost of a sunset cruise on Bona Vida is very reasonable. At just $22 per person, sailing this beautiful ship is a budget experience. The ticket just includes soft drinks and snacks.

Also, this is a small thing, but worth mentioning. While the tickets are a bit more expensive on La Fantastica, the pirate ship, adult tickets include lovely tropical cocktails. And kids can also have all the tasty fruit punch-sans alcohol–as well. 

Best Sunset Cruise in Cartagena on a Pirate Ship

Yes, Pirates Were A Real Thing

I am not even a bit ashamed that all three of us just had the loveliest time on La Fantastica. Is it a bit hokey? Sure. But also, it is a pirate ship cruise in a city that was once a haven for real pirates. 

We loved the experience so much we have put it on our list of the best things to do in Colombia with teens.

You see, in the early 16th century, after the Spanish arrived, they built a walled fortress to protect the city against, wait for it, French, British, and Dutch pirates.

In fact, the reason why Cartagena, otherwise known as Cartagena de Indias, is a walled city is because of pirates.

One of the first pirate attacks was a French pirate named Robert Baal. After stealing some serious gold from the Spanish crown, the monarchy started building the walls which took two centuries to complete. 

Today, the walls are the most preserved in all of South America. The 11 km of walls are one of the most important attractions of all of Cartagena and are what designates the city as a UNESCO heritage site. 

The Cartagena Pirate Ship Cruise: What to Expect

What to expect is what you might imagine: some relaxation and beautiful views after a long day of sightseeing.

We arrived at La Fantastica around 4:45. Once aboard, we were quickly treated to a cocktail. Our son took the opportunity to take the requisite pirate picture.

Once all the patrons had arrived we set sail (which is a motor and not a true sail), but with the sun dipping down and the beautiful walled city just behind us, unless you are a purist, the motor will serve you just fine. 

The cruise takes its time working its way out of the bay. The ship sails past the Virgen del Carmen statue. The Virgen is the patron saint of fishermen. However, as our captain explained, the 100-year-old, 30 ft. statue of the Virgen was struck by lightning in 2015.

Divers were able to rescue several of the pieces of the statue and she was restored and put back into her rightful place in 2016. 

After paying our respects to this important statue, the ship sailed onward to San Sebastian fort at the mouth of the Bocachica Bay. Here you will get great views of both the old, walled part of the city and the newer high rises across the bay. 

The captain’s timing is perfect so as you arrive just past the fort where the bay opens into the ocean, the setting sun becomes the star of the show.

After plenty of time enjoying the beautiful light on the water, the captain and his crew–after offering one more cocktail for those interested–turn the boat around and make their way back to the beautiful city of Cartagena.

The dome of the Church of San Pedro Claver, the most iconic landmark in the distance, welcomes you back.  

Why the Pirate Ship Sunset Cruise is Perfect For Your Family

First of all, let me say that even if it were just Matthew and I aboard the boat without our son we still would have had a lovely time. There were several adult only groups onboard.

However, the captain and his crew were especially welcoming to children. He encouraged all the kids on the boat to take their turn at the helm, steering the boat once we were in open waters.

And all of the crew encouraged the kids to explore the ship including both the main deck and the galley below.

While O was certainly past the age where he had to be “kept an eye on,” we all got the sense that the La Fantastica was a place where kids were just allowed to be, which is not always the case when traveling.

The Cost of the Sunset Cruise

It is easy to book this unique sunset cruise in Cartagena. We booked our sunset cruise aboard La Fantastica the day of and had no trouble.

The cost is $30 per person. Certainly a reasonable amount for such a fun adventure.

But wait. What if you suffer from sea sickness and have no sea legs to speak of? Don’t worry there are so many other places to watch the sunset in Cartagena.

Best Budget Place to Watch the Sunset in Cartagena

While numerous posts can tell you the best bars and cafes to see the sunset. Why not head to another important Cartagena landmark: the ancient city walls for golden hour?

Grab a drink from one of the local street vendors. Or head to a market or grocery store for a drink.

Then find a great spot on the wall and just wait…

One of the most magical things about traveling is reflecting at the end of the day. And a Cartagena sunset is certainly worth reflecting in front of.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taking a Sunset Cruise in Cartagena

Want more time on the water in Cartagena? Read our honest review of the Cartagena’s 5 Island Tour to the Rosario Islands. Sailing to the islands is one of the most popular day trips from Cartagena.

Or spend a day enjoying the art and culture Getsemani with our walking tour.

Or if you are moving on to Bogotá, we have a suggested 2-day itinerary that includes the Salt Cathedral.