I'm currently cycking from Alaska to Argentina, and although in Mexico at the moment, I am planning my route ahead.
I would like to find a boat ride from Colon, Panama to Cartegena, Columbia. Has anyone else done this, and do you have any tips ?
Thanks
Dave

www.mamallena.com

Stuart will have best current info

beware lots of scammers shysters and touts.

stick with a reputable SOBER

person with a good track record.

If you decide to sail to Colombia you'll enjoy 2-3 days sailing in the beautiful San Blas islands. This is an opportunity not to be missed. White sand tropical islands are waiting to be explored. Snorkling, swimming and just relaxing on the deck of your yacht. If you can, catch your own seafood. Also experience the traditional lifestyle of the Kuna Islanders.
Then it's 2 days of (hopefully, but maybe not.......!) plain sailing to Cartagena.

Most Captains are now charging at least $375, this includes food, drinks and immigration charges. All the captains we deal with have made a number of trips with backpackers and know how to show you a great time.

The traditional route sailing from Panama to Colombia is to Cartagena via the San Blas islands. More captains are now offering a trip to the Panama/Colombian border. It's still a 5 day trip but you'll sail through the entire group of islands and finish in the Colombian town of Sapzurro. From there you'll take a boat to Carpurgana, a boat to Turbo and then buses to Cartagena, Medellin or where ever you're going. Most prices for this trip are between $300-375. It'll then take another day or so and $70 to reach your destination. The area around Carpurgana is beautiful and known as a Colombian beach resort town.


Boats don't travel to a strict schedule so it's never sure that a boat will be ready to leave when you are. Also remember, this is sailing!!!! It's the sea!!!!! Sometimes it's going to be rough and you may be seasick. Sometimes it may be dangerous, but if you're not up for the adventure you wouldn't be doing it.

Please remember, these aren't our trips. We help both you and the captains arrange the trip but each captain is independent and operates as they wish. Prices and experiences may not be exactly as you see here!!!! And remember, we want to know how your trip goes. If it's bad, we'll know not to use that captain again. If it's good we want to tell others so they can have the same great time you did. But no matter who you go with we know you'll love sailing to Colombia.

Thanks very much for the info. I've gotten the names of a couple of good boats from other cyclists who have made the trip, but its always good to have more options available.
Although most people arrange this in panama city, i am assuming i can just rock up to colon and sort it out there ?

http://www.davestravelpages.com

Dave,

There are some cruisers and sailers who hang out at the Bocas Marina in Bocas del Toro who make this trip several times a year. The Bocas Marina is a common stop before Colon and on to Cartagena.

The cantina there is called Calypso and if you talk to the bar manager - he's South African - he might be able to hook you up with someone who's headed south on that trip. We just met him last August and my hubby is trying to remember his name. I'll post again if he remembers it.

If you haven't traveled here before, relize that there are some fringe folk "at work" down there and be smart. Don't underestimate anyone, especially on their way to Colombia.

Where are you in Mexico right now? I have a friend doing a 6 month language immersion near Guadalajara right now.

Good luck and have a safe journey.