Sailing from Colombia to Panama

Sailing from Panama to Colombia or Colombia to Panama it´s a great option that will let you discover San Blas Islands as no other tour can do. It´s not the cheapest option but it completely worth it.

I had great expectations on this adventure and they were completely exceeded. If you want to have a nice experience as well there are some things you must consider before and during the trip.

What is the starting and finishing point?

Island Hopping in San Blas

The boats sail both ways from Panama to Colombia. In Colombia the starting and finishing point is club Nautico in Manga, Cartagena. In Panama the starting and finishing point could be either Portobello or Puerto Lindo depending on the boat. It´s important to notice that from Portobello and Puerto Lindo you must take a jeep or bus to reach Panama City and it´s not included on the boat price. A share jeep should cost around $25 USD (2 hours) and local buses around $10 USD (3-4 hours) to Panama City.

Best time to go?

Our boat had a special guest called Gypsy

You can do this trip all year round but during the windy season (November to March) you can expect cancellations or delays due to the rough seas. Cartagena to Panama doesn´t get so affected as Panama to Cartagena because you are sailing downwind.

April to August is generally the best time of the year to make your trip. I went on december ending in Panama and it was ok. A little rough at open seas but nothing too serious.

How much  time does it takes?

Snorkels are included for free

Trips take 5 days in total. You spend 3 days doing island hopping and cruising around San Blas and 2 days sailing at open seas. If you go from Panama to Cartagena you start with 3 days at San Blas and finish with the 2 days sailing to reach Cartagena. If you start in Cartagena is the other way around.

As the weather is unpredictable, some travellers have said that boats had leaved early San Blas to allow enough time to reach Cartagena and arrived one day earlier than scheduled.

How much does it cost? – what´s included?

Tours include 3 meals a day with local food

It should cost between $450-$650 USD depending on the boat or season but expect it to be at least $550 USD. Prices are the same on agencies or hostels.

What´s included:

• Island hoppong on San Blas
• 3 meals a day (including fresh sea food and fruits) and fresh water
• Snorkeling gear and SUP or boards depending on the boat
• All paperwork for inmigration
• A bed to sleep

Not included:

• Alcohol: You take your own and they have fridges for everyone to leave their stuff or you can purchase to the captain on board.

Where can I book the trip?

Shipmates are important part of the experience

Before booking I read some really bad experiences of drunk captains and crappy boats that made the trip awful. A good captain is really important because it has an important impact on your sailing experience. Boats and captains listed on www.bluesailing.net should be ok so you check them out. You can book your trip in most hostels and agencies on Panama or Cartagena at the same price. Booking ahead of time won´t let you select the captain and boat you are going in. Departure dates will depend both on weather condiditons and booking of the boat so if nobody else books on your boat it may leave you a couple of days waiting until it´s full so have that in mind.

If possible, I would definitely recommend booking a catamaran because it leaves you more space to hang out during the day. I sailed in a catamaran called “Gitano del Mar” and I will fully recommend it because it can take up to 16 passengers so you can meet some really nice people on board. The shipmates have an important impact on your experience but there isn´t much you can do because nobody controls who books each boat.

How is life aboard? – How is the trip?

Spending time at open seas

Boats should be very basic. Don´t expect it to be really comfortable because spaces are small and the important part is the experience. Toilets are not pristine and showers are not included but you have everything else you need. Sailing at open seas could be a really nice experience or a nightmare in case you suffer from seasickness. Boats should at least include a captain and a chef. In my case both where really nice. There was a lot of food and it was amazing so you where never hungry.

During the sailing days you don´t do much, just hang up with other shipmates. Once in San Blas, you can enjoy waking up on paradise inhabited island and swimming around them. Views are amazing. The captain should take you island hopping around some islands and even let you choose where to stop. They usually organize some wood fire with other boats where you can share with the few locals that live in some islands.

Tips and Suggestions

The group

• If possible go from Cartagena to Panama. The saling is smoother and you end up enjoying San Blas instead of sailing.

• Take some card or games to hang up while you are sailing.

• Bring a lot of alcohol (mainly beer) that you can keep on the fridges of the boat. There is nothing better that enjoying a cold beer in a desert island in San Blas.

• If you suffer from seasickness while sailing try to stay as long as you can laying down and take some pills with you.

• Enjoy as much as you can this amazing trip!!!