How to check if a boat in Cartagena is legal
A boat in Cartagena can legally carry paying guests if it has a valid registration, is linked to a company with a commercial license, has a licensed captain and valid insurance, and respects its registered capacity.
56 vessels published9 with Selección YatesNuevosUpdated September 28, 2026
The three levels
| Level | The listing says | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Selección YatesNuevos | Verified by YatesNuevos | We reviewed this vessel's documents and they are up to date. Our guarantee applies. |
| Operation | Available to book | Price and terms confirmed with the owner. |
| Directory | Not verified | Market reference information. YatesNuevos has not reviewed this vessel's documents and this listing is not a booking offer. |
The five checks
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 1. Valid registration | The vessel's identification with the port authority. |
| 2. Linked to a company with a commercial license | The port authority forbids chartering recreational vessels: they may only carry their owner and family. |
| 3. Captain with a current license | An unqualified crew is grounds for suspending operations. |
| 4. Valid liability insurance | It protects passengers if something goes wrong. |
| 5. Capacity confirmed with the maritime authority | We publish the registered capacity, not a comfortable guess. |
The Selección guarantee
If you book a Selección YatesNuevos vessel and it cannot sail for a reason attributable to the vessel, or it does not match the listing, we give you another of equal or higher category that same day or refund 100% of what you paid. The guarantee does not cover weather restrictions set by the authority: in that case we reschedule or refund your deposit.
What the rules require in Cartagena
- Recreational vessels cannot be chartered.
- Every passenger vessel must be linked to a licensed operating company.
- Every departure is registered with the maritime authority.
- Departures only from authorized docks and marinas.
- Two engines are required for the Rosario and San Bernardo routes.
- Registered capacity is never exceeded.
How to confirm it's really us
- WhatsApp: +57 323 370 4664. It's our only number.
- Email: [email protected] and [email protected].
- Social: @yatesnuevos.
- Website: yatesnuevos.com.
- We never ask you to pay into a third party's personal account.
Frequently asked questions
Are all listed boats verified?
No. Each listing states its level: Selección, Operation or Directory. We review documents only in Selección.
What should I ask for before paying a deposit?
The registration, the licensed company it is linked to, the registered capacity and written terms.
What does the Selección guarantee cover?
An equal or better vessel the same day, or a 100% refund, if the failure is the vessel's.
Why list unverified boats?
Because the catalog covers the whole Cartagena market, and saying what isn't verified is useful information too.
Got an offer and want a second opinion?
Send us a photo of the registration and what you were told. We'll tell you if it makes sense, even if it's not with us.