CARTAGENA DE INDIAS BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Seven Hours Aboard La Fantastica: Pirate Tales, Forts and a Secluded Caribbean Beach
A 7‑hour pirate-ship excursion from Muelle de Los Pegasos that combines sailing, a visit to Fuerte San Fernando, beach time with a typical lunch and an open bar—this guide lays out the itinerary, logistics, and what to pack.
Seven Hours Aboard La Fantastica: Pirate Tales, Forts and a Secluded Caribbean Beach.
Adventure brief
Seven Hours Aboard La Fantastica: Pirate Tales, Forts and a Secluded Caribbean Beach
Cast off from Cartagena aboard the Pirate Ship La Fantastica for a seven‑hour Caribbean outing that trades the city’s walled-stone bustle for wind, surf and a small, secluded beach. Along the way the crew punctuates the sail with pirate tales and music, you’ll disembark to explore the historic Fuerte San Fernando de Boca Chica, then relax at a private beach club for a typical local lunch, swimming and rum-sweet cocktails served from an open bar.
Cartagena de Indias comfortably ranks among Colombia's most vibrant coastal cities, where colonial streets meet the restless cadence of the Caribbean Sea. Here, La Fantastica Cartagena offers a distinct maritime experience aboard the Pirate Ship La Fantastica, a seven-hour journey blending history, beach relaxation, and spirited Caribbean culture.
Departing from Av. Blas de Lezo in El Centro, this adventure welcomes guests with pirate costumes and the promise of storytelling steeped in the city's spirited privateer past. Sailing out from the picturesque Muelle de Los Pegasos dock, the ship cuts through turquoise waters under billowing sails and an open sky.
The journey’s first highlight is Fuerte San Fernando of Boca Chica, an imposing fortress that once defended Cartagena against pirate raids. Guests can wander its storied battlements, capturing photos amid relics of coastal defense and hearing tales that bring Cartagena’s seafaring history vividly to life.
A brief walk from the fort leads to a calm, secluded beach club where a traditional Caribbean lunch awaits—options range from fresh fish to vegetarian and vegan choices—paired with an open bar featuring signature drinks like Pirate’s Coconut Lemonade and Punch, non-alcoholic variants included for younger adventurers.
Throughout the day, the relaxed rhythm of the sea combines with curated entertainment, leaving ample time for swimming, sunbathing, or simply absorbing the lush surroundings. As the ship sails back to Cartagena’s historic harbor, guests savor the final views of islands dotting the horizon.
La Fantastica Cartagena stands out for weaving energetic cultural storytelling with genuine relaxation on the Caribbean, creating an immersive yet accessible escape. By highlighting local history alongside vibrant beach life, it provides a singular way to engage with the natural and cultural riches of Cartagena—whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or casual traveler seeking a memorable outdoor adventure.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
The trip follows a coastal loop with on‑water play, a historic fort landing, a beach club stop for lunch and a leisurely sail back to the city.
Muelle de Los Pegasos Dock — Check‑in and Departure
Check-in at 7:50 AM at Muelle de Los Pegasos Dock; the ship departs promptly at 8:00 AM after a welcome beverage and safety briefing.
Open sea anchorage — Rope swinging & swimming
Around 9:00–9:15 AM the ship anchors in open water for rope‑swinging, swimming and optional fishing with provided rods.
Fuerte San Fernando de Boca Chica — Fort visit
Between 10:00 and 10:30 AM the ship disembarks at Fuerte San Fernando for a short tour, pirate history commentary and photo time.
Beach Club — Lunch and swim
After the fort visit a 3–5 minute walk brings guests to the Beach Club for a typical Cartagena lunch (fish, with chicken, vegetarian or vegan options available), swimming and relaxation.
Return sail — Leisurely cruise back to Centro
Depart Fort San Fernando at about 1:30 PM for a relaxing sail back toward Centro, aiming to hoist the sails when wind conditions allow, and arrive to disembark at Los Pegasos dock around 2:30–3:00 PM.
The captain may adjust sailing and how much the sails are hoisted depending on wind conditions; schedule and exact sailing pattern are subject to change during the voyage.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pirate ship atmosphere and open bar
La Fantastica sets the tone with pirate stories, costumes for photo opportunities and an open bar served during the boat segments; the onboard experience blends theatrical flair with Caribbean sailing.
Fuerte San Fernando de Boca Chica
The itinerary includes a stop at Fuerte San Fernando, where the crew provides a brief pirate history of the fort and time for photos and exploration onshore.
Secluded beach lunch, swim and relaxation
After the fort visit a short walk leads to a beach club on a secluded stretch of Caribbean sand where a typical fish lunch (with chicken, vegetarian or vegan options on request) is served and guests can swim and unwind.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day moves at a sailor’s cadence: a prompt check-in and safety briefing at the dock, an hour of open‑sea play with rope‑swinging and fishing, then a shore stretch for history and photos at Fuerte San Fernando before a relaxed lunch, swim and a wind-lifted sail back to Cartagena. It’s part theatrical pirate romp, part seaside respite—structured but easygoing across seven hours on the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—based on participant guidance and age categories.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Snorkel gear if you want to snorkel, sunblock, eyewear and towels as needed. The operator suggests bringing some cash for souvenirs, premium drinks or appetizers ashore.
Bring sun protection and a towel for beach time; a change of clothes may be useful for the return leg.
Carry some cash for optional purchases at the fort or beach club and for any extras not included in the trip package.
Dietary choices (chicken, vegetarian or vegan) for the typical lunch can be requested in advance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The excursion lasts seven hours.
What time and where do we check in?
Check-in is at 7:50 AM at Muelle de Los Pegasos Dock; the ship departs promptly at 8:00 AM.
What is included in the price?
Inclusions include pirate-story audios in English, a typical fish lunch (with chicken, vegetarian or vegan options on request), an open bar on the boat segments, pirate costumes, a souvenir cup, onboard bathroom and fort admission.
Is alcohol served and can it be non‑alcoholic?
Unlimited drinks listed (Pirates Lemonade, Pirates Punch, Pirates Paloma) are offered and all can be served without alcohol; open bar cocktails are served during the boat ride to and from the beach only.
Is there a dock fee or other exclusion I should know about?
The City of Cartagena/La Bodeguita dock fee is excluded and must be paid in cash: $3 USD or 14,000 COP per person.
What should I bring for the beach and swim portions?
Bring snorkel gear if you plan to snorkel, sunblock, eyewear and towels; also bring some cash for souvenirs or optional purchases.
When do we return to Cartagena?
The itinerary plans a leisurely return sail departing the fort around 1:30 PM with arrival to disembark at Los Pegasos dock at approximately 2:30–3:00 PM.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-25T00:44:59.112Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.