Travelling to Colombia? Why not sail to Cartagena?

Not sure about sailing all the way to Cartagena? How about spending 3 days on a private yacht charter in the San Blas islands? You'll see more of the islands and, including a flight to Colombia, it won't cost much more than sailing all the way. You'll have more time on the islands and won't spend two days out at sea staring at the horizon!!!!

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.

For bookings come directly in Hostel Mamallena or email: mamallenapa@yahoo.com

If you want to sail from Colombia TO Panama and want to find out about boats FROM Cartagena to Panama, check out this website for Hostel Casa Viena in Cartagena. www.casaviena.com

Boat name: Ailsa Craig. Captain: Ulisse

Sail the "new route" To Colombia. Join the 40ft "Ailsa Craig" on her 4 night/5 day voyage through the entire San Blas to Capurgana at the Colombian border. From there it's a hop, skip and a jump to Cartagena (about $50 more). This way you'll spend all your time on the islands and avoid the 2 days of rough seas you'll experience by sailing direct to Cartagena. Swim, snorkel or just laze on the boat/beach, it's up to you. Sailing to Cartagena this way will give you more time in the islands and more time to relax.

Price $300 not including the food Approxim. $30 more for food.
For more info or booking, phone: (507) 6676 6163 or email Hostel Mamallena

Boat name: KARMA. Captain: David.
"KARMA" is sailing from Panama to Cartagena from El Porvenir, one of the San Blas islands, or from Isla Grande, on the Carribean coast of Panama. We'll spend 3 days in San Blas and, according to your wishes, we'll swim, fish, have some barbecue; meeting some Kunas (local indians) on a friendly way. On this 29 feet yacht, you'll have a true sailing experience, some good meals, David, who speaks English, Spanish and French just wants you to relax.

For more info or booking, phone: (507) 6676 6163 or email Hostel Mamallena