The huge concert on the water, a short walk from your hotel
Cartagena Nautical Festival 2026 — stay a short walk away from the event, right in the Old Town.
Cartagena Nautical Festival 2026
The Nautical Festival is one of the most anticipated shows of the Independence Festivities: a free concert staged on the water in the Bahía de las Ánimas, right beside the Old Town and Getsemaní. More than a thousand boats gather in front of the stage while thousands enjoy it from boats and from the giant screens on Calle del Arsenal.
In 2026 it's scheduled for November 13 and 14, with a mix of salsa, vallenato, tropical and urban music. Recent editions have brought major national and international headliners; the City of Cartagena confirms the official lineup each year.
The Ethnic Thematic Hotel is on Calle de la Moneda, a short walk from the boarding points and the Arsenal screens. After a night of music on the sea, you walk back to a quiet, air-conditioned room — no fighting for a taxi.
Highlights
Program based on the official agenda; dates may change.
Boats set sail
MiddayBoats start heading out to the Bahía de las Ánimas from midday, before the music begins.
Music program begins
2:30 PMThe show on the water starts in the afternoon and runs until around 10:30 PM.
Concert from the boats
The best view is from a boat in front of the stage; it's also enjoyed from the giant screens on land.
Screens on Calle del Arsenal
If you don't board a boat, the Arsenal screens — a short walk from the hotel — are the on-land plan.
Part of the November Festivities
It's part of Cartagena's Independence Festivities; check out the full week's agenda too.
Why stay here for Cartagena Nautical Festival?
A short walk from the Arsenal & boarding points
We're in El Centro, near Getsemaní and the Bahía de las Ánimas. Walk to the nautical festivities and back, no taxis required.
Rest after a night at sea
A day of sun, sea and music is tiring: your air-conditioned adults-only room is the perfect place to recover.
Beach club included
Free access to our beach club in Bocagrande to add more sea to your November trip.
Best price booking direct
Official booking at the best price, with no OTA fees and 24/7 express check-in for arrivals at any hour.
Your base for the festivities
Rooms with a colonial balcony and air conditioning to rest between events.
King with Balcony
Our flagship room: King bed and a private balcony overlooking the center's colonial façades.
Double with Balcony
A wooden balcony opening straight onto the Old Town street, to soak up the city's color.
Beach club included in Bocagrande
Between events, recharge at our beach club: a pool by the sea and a lounge area, with free access for guests. Transfer to Bocagrande is at the guest's expense.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Cartagena Nautical Festival 2026?
According to the Independence Festivities cultural agenda, the 2026 Nautical Festival is scheduled for November 13 and 14. Boats usually set sail around midday and the program runs roughly from 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Dates are confirmed by the City of Cartagena and may change.
How much does the Nautical Festival cost?
The concert itself is free. There are no tickets for the event as such; what you pay for is a spot on a boat if you want to experience it from the water with a good view. From land, the giant screens on Calle del Arsenal let you enjoy it for free.
Where is the Nautical Festival and how close is the hotel?
It takes place in the Bahía de las Ánimas, beside the Old Town and Getsemaní. The Ethnic Thematic Hotel, on Calle de la Moneda, is a short walk from the boarding points and the Arsenal screens.
Is the Nautical Festival part of the Independence Festivities?
Yes. The Nautical Festival is included in the official agenda of Cartagena's Independence Festivities (“La fiesta que nos une”), held every November.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible. November is high season and accommodation in the Old Town sells out weeks ahead. Booking early secures your rate and a location near the event.
Also that week
Book your spot for Cartagena Nautical Festival 2026
24/7 express check-in · Best price booking direct
November sells out: secure your room in the heart of the festivities.