A River Cruise on Colombia’s Magdalena

AmaWaterways co-founders Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner pioneered cruising on Colombia’s Magdalena River. The goal was to bring the company’s European-style luxury river cruise experience to Colombia while showcasing its nature and wildlife.

The company invested in local infrastructure and employed Colombian experts to support operations. This approach was used for the 62-passenger AmaMagdalena, launched in April 2025, and the 64-passenger AmaMelodia, launched in September 2025. The result combines traditional river cruising with expedition-style experiences.

AmaWaterways offers two itineraries in the region: Wonders of Colombia from Cartagena to Barranquilla, and Magic of Colombia in the reverse direction. The 583-kilometre route connects Cartagena to the Magdalena River via the Canal del Dique, continuing through Colombia’s interior to Barranquilla on the Caribbean coast.

During a recent sailing, guests experienced Barranquilla’s Carnival celebrations, featuring dancers, music, and traditional costumes. The event, recognized by UNESCO, was a highlight of the seven-night cruise aboard AmaMagdalena.

A river cruise with boutique hotel style

AmaMagdalena is well suited to the Magdalena River. The ship offers an intimate, boutique-style atmosphere with large windows designed for scenic views of jungle-lined waters.

Salsa Deck 1 includes a double staircase connecting all three decks. It also features passenger and crew cabins.

Cumbia Deck 2 contains the wheelhouse at the front and passenger cabins. Midship areas include the reception, cruise manager’s desk and gift shop. The dining room and galley are located at the aft.

Luna Deck 3 features an indoor lounge for lectures and cultural performances, a spa, and a small outdoor area for smokers. The forward terrace offers seating, a raised pool and shaded space for outdoor events, including the Bolivar Chef’s Table restaurant.

Scenic River Views

Cabins include a private balcony with two chairs and a small table, as well as a French balcony with a lounge chair, desk and chair.

Bathrooms feature double sinks and a shower, along with refillable toiletries from Colombian brand Co.rozo.

In-room amenities include a safe, multiple U.S. and European power outlets, and USB ports. Guests are also provided with two sets of QuietVox devices for shore excursions.

Complimentary WiFi is available onboard, along with an app for daily schedules and information.

Accommodation sizes range from 237 square feet to 516-square-foot Grand Suites on AmaMagdalena. On AmaMelodia, suites range up to 306 square feet.

Highlights & Excursions

Shortly after boarding AmaMagdalena in Cartagena, passengers explored the city’s historic walled centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Getsemaní district.

The itinerary is designed to showcase Colombia’s history and cultural evolution. It highlights influences from Spanish colonial heritage as well as African and Indigenous traditions.

It also showcases Colombia’s rich biodiversity. The country is home to more than 2,000 bird species, around 150 mammals, and hundreds of fish, reptiles and amphibians.

Cruise Manager Shadia Odarte welcomed guests onboard AmaMagdalena. She noted that some communities along the route are newly opening to tourism, describing the cruise as a way of bringing the world to them.

Excursions focused on local culture and heritage. In Palenque, near Mahates, guests visited a UNESCO-recognized community known as the first free town in the Americas. Activities included a traditional drum performance, a visit with a local herbalist, and a tour of a bamboo-and-clay home.

Guided expeditions introduced Colombia’s wildlife, landscapes and local livelihoods. At Tacaloa Mouth, fishermen demonstrated traditional net casting. Along the coast, guests saw riverside homes of the “amphibian people,” who work with water buffalo.

In the Ciénaga de Pijino Swamp, sunrise and sunset excursions offered birdwatching opportunities, including kingfishers, cormorants, herons, egrets and wood storks. Wildlife sightings also included iguanas and red howler monkeys.

In Santa Cruz de Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage site, guests enjoyed tuk-tuk tours and a silver filigree workshop. In Santa Barbara de Pinto, travellers observed tobacco rolling demonstrations and traditional cultural dances.

Flavours of Colombia

Executive Chef Sebastian Coronel showcased Colombian gastronomy along the journey. He created a range of dishes inspired by local flavours and traditions.

During a fruit tasting session, he explained how Colombia’s fruits are used in cooking. He highlighted their balance of sweetness, acidity and texture in creating well-rounded flavours.

Living the Culture

Local entertainers, including well-known jazz musicians from Mompox, performed for passengers onboard.

A dance group from El Banco presented the traditional Cumbia ritual dance and invited guests to participate using drums and maracas.

Throughout the cruise, passengers also took part in salsa lessons onboard. By the end of the journey, many were able to join Barranquilla Carnival dancers in celebration.

Pro Travel Tips

This cruise is suitable for physically active travellers. However, boarding and disembarking riverboats is not recommended for guests using walkers or wheelchairs.

AmaWaterways offers pre- and post-cruise extensions in Cartagena, Bogotá, Medellín and Panama City.

Pre-cruise programs include transfers, guided tours and accommodation in Cartagena’s historic walled city. One option is the Sofitel Santa Marta, a luxury hotel converted from a former convent and later a hospital.