Monday, February 3, 2014

Facts On Sailing From Panama To Colombia

By Jayne Rutledge


There is no direct land route that you can use when traveling from Panama to Colombia. This is because the border between these two countries is pure jungle. There is no road through. The terrain is inhospitable and there is no effort on the side of the government of Panama to make a way. The government is hesitant to construct a road because it might result in the war in Colombia extending into this country. Sailing from Panama to Colombia is the only option other than flying.

The distance to be sailed is about three hundred miles. There is no ferry service but there are sail boats that travelers can use to get to Cartagena. This service comes at a fee of course. The whole trip usually takes approximately 5 days. Travelers have the opportunity to spend some time on San Blas islands which are a few miles off the Panamanian coast. These islands are very remote but they have good reefs and marine life.

Pirates have been known to attack sail boats. However, the cases are few. Another risk is the unpredictable storms. If you want to find information about embarking on this journey you should make an inquiry at the hotel where you are being accommodated. You may be required to wait for several days before the journey begins.

When there is a ready boat you will get notified. You need to travel to the edge of the water by road. This trip will be organized. You should expect to be woken up early so that you can get started in time. Along the road through the mountains you will come across police checks. You will be asked to produce your passport. You will have a wonderful view of the Caribbean coast when going through the mountains.

When you eventually get to the waters edge you will be transported through a dugout canoe that has a motor attached to the San Blas islands. Most of the tour operators here are inhabitants of the island. The indigenous people run the islands and this is why they remain untouched and undeveloped.

When you get to the San Blas islands you will get to move to a larger vessel that will transport you to Cartagena. You should meet the captain and his whole crew. The boat will have enough room because you will be spending the next five days in it. There are several stopovers on the islands along the way. There are many activities to be involved in. They include watching for sharks, snorkeling and swimming around shipwrecks.

The fourth and fifth day will be spent in the open waters while crossing the Caribbean. You should arrive in Cartagena on the sixth day. The first day will be spent on the island of Porvenir. It is a short distance away and it is possible to swim across. There is an airstrip on this island and flights leave and arrive every day.

The journey is tiring but full of fun. You will get good hospitality and there are plenty of activities to engage in along the way. When sailing from Panama to Colombia it is advisable to plan ahead. Make the necessary arrangements in advance so that the journey is successful.




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