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In Cartagena there are two types of tour operators: those who comply with all of Colombia's maritime safety regulations, and those who don't. The first have their paperwork in order, their boats inspected, and their crew certified. The second — known locally as "pirates" — operate without permits, without insurance, and without any emergency protocol.
The problem is that, from the shore, it's hard to tell them apart. Both have boats, both offer island tours, and the pirates tend to be cheaper and more aggressive with their sales pitch. This guide gives you the tools to avoid the mistake that thousands of tourists make every year.
Why the problem exists: the informal tour market
Cartagena receives more than 2 million tourists a year, and nautical tourism is one of the most lucrative sectors in the city. That attracts serious, formal operators, but also unscrupulous middlemen who offer "island tours" without a single document in order.
Pirate operators work in several ways. Some have stands on the street or at the docks, approaching tourists with eye-catching prices. Others operate through hotel receptionists or tour guides who get a commission for every client they refer. Some even have websites and social media with beautiful photos of boats that may not even be theirs.
Heads up: The fact that someone has a uniform, a business card, or a website doesn't mean they're a legal operator. In Colombia, setting up a front company is relatively easy. What matters are the documents issued by the maritime authorities.
The 10 warning signs of a pirate operator
1. They can't show the Certificado de Zarpe. This document, issued by the Capitanía de Puerto before each departure, authorizes the boat to sail with passengers. Without it, the boat shouldn't go out to sea.
2. They don't have passenger insurance. Mandatory water transport insurance covers accidents and incidents during the trip. If they don't have it and an accident happens, you're completely unprotected.
3. The price is unbelievably low. If a trip that normally costs $180,000 COP is being offered for $80,000, something doesn't add up. The price difference is usually paid for by cutting corners on safety, maintenance, and certified staff.
4. They approach you on the street or on the beach. Serious operators have a fixed office or an online platform. The people chasing you with a piece of paper in front of the Hotel Caribe usually don't have an office, because they don't have permits.
5. The boat doesn't have a life jacket for every passenger. This is required by law. If you board and the number of life jackets doesn't match the number of people, get off.
6. The captain doesn't have a sailor's license. Crew operating passenger boats in Colombia must be certified by Dimar. You can ask directly: "Do you have a current sailor's license (matrícula de marinero)?"
7. They don't have a landline phone number or a verifiable address. A serious business can be reached both before and after the tour.
8. They don't give you a contract or proof of payment. Any legal operator must give you a receipt or invoice. If you pay and there's no paper trail, there's no protection.
9. The boat is visibly old or poorly maintained. Check the engine, the hull, and the overall condition. A poorly maintained boat is a risk out on open water.
10. They don't communicate an emergency plan. Before departure, the captain should point out where the life jackets and fire extinguishers are and explain the procedure in case of an emergency. If no one says anything about it, that's a bad sign.
The documents a legal operator must have
Before hiring any boat tour in Cartagena, ask to see these documents:
- Certificado de Zarpe: Issued by the Capitanía de Puerto for each specific departure.
- Passenger insurance policy: Must be current and cover accidents during the trip.
- Tourism operation permit: From Dimar (the Colombian Maritime Authority) for passenger transport.
- RUT or business registration: The company must be legally established in Colombia.
- Captain's sailor's license: A current individual certification.
A serious operator not only has these documents — they show them proudly, without you needing to ask twice.
How to verify before booking
You can check the registry of authorized nautical tour operators on Dimar's website (dimar.mil.co) or call the Capitanía de Puerto de Cartagena directly. If the name of the company or the boat appears in the registry, that's a positive sign.
You can also search for reviews on Google Maps, TripAdvisor, or specialized platforms. Pirate operators rarely have a verified profile on these platforms, and when they do, the negative reviews are easy to spot.
The visible difference with Dunas & Olas
Every boat in our fleet has documented up-to-date maintenance, current insurance, and all the documentation required by Dimar. Before each departure we do a safety briefing: location of life jackets, fire extinguishers, and emergency protocol. Not because the law requires it, but because we believe no one should board a boat without knowing those things.
Nohemi personally checks the condition of each boat before it goes out. This isn't a marketing promise — it's how we've worked from day one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a boat has a legal permit?
Ask to see the Certificado de Zarpe, the passenger insurance, and the Dimar permit. If they can't show them, don't board.
What if I already paid and have doubts?
Call the Capitanía de Puerto de Cartagena before departure. If the operator isn't registered, you have the right to demand a refund.
Are pirate boats cheaper?
30-50% cheaper, yes. But they operate without insurance and without an emergency protocol. The savings aren't worth the risk.
Can I report a pirate operator?
Yes. You can report them to Dimar, the Capitanía de Puerto, or the Tourist Police of Cartagena. Reports help protect other tourists.