Cholón Boat Party: Is the Full Day DJ Trip Worth It? [2025 Review]

Picture this: you’re on a boat, the sun is, like, totally beaming down, and the beats are, honestly, just pumping. That, right there, is the promise of Cholón, you know, this island spot near Cartagena, Colombia, known for its, really, vibrant party scene. Lots of companies offer a full-day boat trip, often with a DJ, and I wanted to, like, check out whether it’s actually as amazing as everyone says. So, after giving it a whirl, here is my take on the “Cholón Forever” full-day DJ boat trip, looking at what’s great, what could be improved, and if it’s, actually, worth your money.

What Even is Cholón? Understanding the Hype

Before getting into the boat bit, it’s, maybe, good to know what Cholón is all about. Cholón is, in a way, like, this tiny island, it’s actually more of a sandbar, located in the Islas del Rosario, pretty close to Cartagena. What sets it apart? Simple: It’s a party, it’s like an aquatic block party. People come by boat, anchor up, and wade in the, really, shallow water to, you know, socialize, drink, and, for the most part, just have a good time. The atmosphere is, like, loud, lively, and very much geared toward fun. Cholón’s appeal lies in its, very, unique blend of beach vibes and, of course, a non-stop party. On weekends, especially, it can get, honestly, crowded, making it a hotspot for both tourists and locals.

The “Cholón Forever” Experience: A Full Day Breakdown

So, the “Cholón Forever” tour, well, it tends to follow a fairly similar format regardless of the specific tour company, give or take. Generally, you will be looking at a full day affair, lasting around, could be, six to eight hours. My experience went a little something like this:

• Morning Pickup: You start with an, honestly, early morning pickup from your hotel or a central meeting spot in Cartagena. Mine was, maybe, around 8:00 AM. A bit of a drag if you were out late the night before!
• Boat Ride Out: The boat trip to Cholón takes, too it’s almost an hour, or sometimes even longer depending on the boat and the sea conditions. This is, maybe, a time to soak in the coastal views and get yourself mentally prepped for the day. It’s also the, really, perfect time to, like, mingle with the other people on the tour.
• Cholón Time: You arrive at Cholón, and, boom, you’re basically thrown into the thick of it. Boats are, actually, everywhere, music’s blasting, and people are doing, you know, their thing. You anchor up, usually close to other boats, and you are, maybe, free to enjoy the party.
• Lunch Onboard (Usually): Most tours include lunch, often served onboard. What I had was, like, pretty typical – things like fried fish, rice, and plantains.
• DJ Entertainment: One of the key features is the DJ, and, usually, they play a mix of music that goes from reggaeton and salsa to some international hits. If the DJ is, actually, good, they can seriously, honestly, lift the party vibe.
• Afternoon Cruising (Sometimes): Some tours also incorporate a bit of afternoon cruising around the islands before heading back.
• Return Trip: The boat heads back to Cartagena in the late afternoon. It’s, actually, a good time to, maybe, chill out and catch the sunset.

The Pros: What Makes it a Great Day Out?

Okay, what makes a “Cholón Forever” boat trip, maybe, worthwhile? Quite a few things, frankly:

• Party Atmosphere: The energy is just, very, infectious. If you are up for a fun day of drinking, dancing, and meeting people, Cholón definitely brings it. The vibe is, you know, all about letting loose and having fun.
• Beautiful Scenery: The Islas del Rosario are, honestly, beautiful, so the boat trip itself is nice. You get to see, like, clear blue water and some, honestly, pretty little islands along the way.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: The good tours package everything. Hotel pickup, boat transportation, lunch, and the DJ – it’s, you know, all sorted. This makes it, perhaps, a hassle-free way to spend the day.
• Social Experience: It’s, like, a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers and, of course, locals. Everyone is usually in high spirits and open to chatting, so it’s fairly easy to make new acquaintances.

Read our full review: cholon boat party Cartagena Full Review and Details

The Cons: What You Should Watch Out For?

It is not, actually, all sunshine and roses. There are, sometimes, a few downsides to the Cholón experience to keep in mind:

• Crowds: Cholón can get really packed, particularly on weekends and holidays. This can, maybe, detract from the experience if you don’t really appreciate super crowded spots. The sheer number of boats and people can, in some respects, get a little overwhelming.
• Pushy Vendors: Be ready for vendors trying to sell you things – drinks, souvenirs, massages, you name it. While most are friendly enough, it can get, a bit, tiring constantly saying “no gracias.”
• Quality of Food & Drinks: The food that I had was, well, adequate, but certainly not gourmet. The drinks are usually, you know, pretty basic, too. Manage your expectations, especially if you’re a foodie.
• Music Volume: It is loud, very loud. The music is blasting from, you know, multiple boats, and it can be hard to even have a conversation. If you’re sensitive to loud noise, maybe bring earplugs.
• Environmental Impact: It’s tough to ignore the amount of trash and pollution, honestly, in the water around Cholón. The environmental impact of so many boats and people concentrated in one small place is something to be mindful of.

Finding the Right Tour Operator: What to Look For

If you decide that Cholón is, like, your type of thing, then picking a decent tour operator can seriously, very, greatly affect your experience. Here is what I recommend considering:

• Read Reviews: I mean, start by checking out reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and, could be, even Facebook. Look for comments on the boat’s condition, the quality of the food and drinks, and, specifically, the DJ’s skills.
• Check Inclusions: See exactly what’s included in the price. A good tour should cover transportation, lunch, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and, definitely, the DJ. I would also ask about any additional costs upfront.
• Consider Boat Size: Smaller boats can sometimes offer a, more, intimate experience, yet they might feel a little rocky if the seas get a bit rough. Bigger boats are generally, perhaps, more stable, but can feel more crowded.
• Safety Standards: Confirm that the tour operator has, actually, proper safety equipment onboard, like life jackets, and that they follow safety regulations. This is just basic, you know.
• Environmental Practices: See if the operator has, in some way, eco-friendly policies in place. Some companies make an effort to reduce waste and minimize their impact on the environment. It’s a decent thing to check.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cartagena boat party)

Tips for Maximizing Your Cholón Experience

Want to get the most from your Cholón boat day? I have got some suggestions:

• Go on a Weekday (If Possible): If your travel schedule allows, try going on a weekday. The crowds are typically, you know, smaller, and it’s often a little more relaxed.
• Bring Cash: Even though drinks and lunch are often included, it’s useful to have cash for tipping, buying extra drinks, or, like, snagging a souvenir from one of the vendors.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun: The sun in Cartagena is, honestly, strong. Apply sunscreen regularly, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink a bunch of water to stay hydrated, particularly if you are knocking back the cocktails. Dehydration can quickly ruin your day.
• Look After Your Belongings: Keep an eye on your stuff. While most people are honest, petty theft can occur in crowded areas. Think about using a waterproof bag to keep your valuables safe.
• Pace Yourself: It’s a long day, so, I mean, pace yourself with the drinks. No need to burn out before lunchtime!
• Be Open to Meeting New People: Cholón is, certainly, a very social scene. Be open to meeting new people, striking up conversations, and, maybe, making new friends.

Is Cholón for You? Factoring in Your Travel Style

Ultimately, whether or not a “Cholón Forever” boat party is a good fit is down to, you know, your travel style and what you’re after. If you like a party atmosphere, music, and meeting new people, then it could be a highlight of your trip to Cartagena. Though, if you prefer more chill environments, pristine beaches, or are bothered by crowds, maybe you should, like, skip it.

Consider what else you want to do in Cartagena. There are, obviously, many more things to see and experience, from exploring the walled city to visiting other islands like Isla Barú. Balance your time and select experiences that match what you’re seeking for your vacation.

Read our full review: Cartagena travel guide Full Review and Details

Final Thoughts: Cholón – A Memorable (Potentially) Mad Day

Overall, my day on the “Cholón Forever” boat party was, yeah, quite the experience. It was a mix of fun, sun, and, arguably, a touch of chaos. The non-stop music, combined with the energy of the crowd, made for an unforgettable party atmosphere. Still, it’s important to, like, go in with your eyes wide open, aware of both the positives and potential downsides. So, if you are looking to cut loose and have a good time, Cholón is probably worth checking out. Just remember to slap on the sunscreen, stay hydrated, and get yourself ready to embrace the madness!

Here’s a quick summary to consider:

• Vibrant party scene
• Can get overcrowded, especially on weekends
• Pick your tour operator with care. Read reviews before hand!
• Bring sunscreen! The Cartagena sun is scorching.

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