Road travel to Colombia from Panama is not possible because of the Darien Gap that is a break from the highway of Pan-American. Travel by air and water are the only left options. Air travel is fast but is boring for adventure seekers. One of the greatest journeys in the world is a boat Panama to Colombia ride.
It takes 3 to 5 days of beautiful islands and breathtaking tropical beaches to get to Colombia depending on the weather. San Blas is the main departure point in Panama City although a little bit pricey from Panama. The first 3 days are fun filled passing through the islands while the other two is sailing through the open sea to Cartagena in Colombia.
When hiring, it is advisable to first make contact with the captain or book through a hostel or agency. In addition get to know the number of people who will be making the trip with you. Remember to be in the departure town in time for the sail. Have cash with you, as there are no ATM points in Carti or El Porvenir or any other point in your journey. Make the withdrawal from your bank while still in Panama City.
The meals, water, departure and arrival costs are all catered for by the transport fees you pay. Immigration requirements such as passport stamping are taken care of by the captain. The fare is paid on the boat to the captain using cash. Then the captain takes your luggage to appropriate storage location. For this reason, prepare a day pack containing the essentials you need for the trip. These include sunscreen lotions, sunglasses, shorts, toiletries and tees.
Alcohol may or may not be allowed depending on the rules of the boat. When it is allowed however you have to carry your own. For soft drinks you will also make your own plans. There are special meals for special cases such as diabetes, vegetarians and vegans. However, you have to provide this information beforehand that is during booking. During your trip you may want to try out snorkeling or fishing and the necessary gear is provided.
Before the journey, you are informed of the safety requirements by captains. Sailing is not a game it often gets dangerous and risky. Storms may occur while at sea, even people may fall overboard or even food running out. There are even cases of drunk or sleepy captains. The best thing for you to do is not have many expectations and look for every chance you can get to have fun.
While on the trip you also get to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture. San Blas Island is inhabited by the Kuna people and they are social, beautiful with a rich culture. Their food is a must try and you should consider buying some of their craft for souvenirs.
It is important to know the credentials of the captain when booking for your trip. They should be professional, experienced and licensed. Do not always go for the cheapest options blindly. The boat ought to have safety equipment and also a GPS tracker. The boat ride from Panama to Colombia is a definitely memorable journey.
It takes 3 to 5 days of beautiful islands and breathtaking tropical beaches to get to Colombia depending on the weather. San Blas is the main departure point in Panama City although a little bit pricey from Panama. The first 3 days are fun filled passing through the islands while the other two is sailing through the open sea to Cartagena in Colombia.
When hiring, it is advisable to first make contact with the captain or book through a hostel or agency. In addition get to know the number of people who will be making the trip with you. Remember to be in the departure town in time for the sail. Have cash with you, as there are no ATM points in Carti or El Porvenir or any other point in your journey. Make the withdrawal from your bank while still in Panama City.
The meals, water, departure and arrival costs are all catered for by the transport fees you pay. Immigration requirements such as passport stamping are taken care of by the captain. The fare is paid on the boat to the captain using cash. Then the captain takes your luggage to appropriate storage location. For this reason, prepare a day pack containing the essentials you need for the trip. These include sunscreen lotions, sunglasses, shorts, toiletries and tees.
Alcohol may or may not be allowed depending on the rules of the boat. When it is allowed however you have to carry your own. For soft drinks you will also make your own plans. There are special meals for special cases such as diabetes, vegetarians and vegans. However, you have to provide this information beforehand that is during booking. During your trip you may want to try out snorkeling or fishing and the necessary gear is provided.
Before the journey, you are informed of the safety requirements by captains. Sailing is not a game it often gets dangerous and risky. Storms may occur while at sea, even people may fall overboard or even food running out. There are even cases of drunk or sleepy captains. The best thing for you to do is not have many expectations and look for every chance you can get to have fun.
While on the trip you also get to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture. San Blas Island is inhabited by the Kuna people and they are social, beautiful with a rich culture. Their food is a must try and you should consider buying some of their craft for souvenirs.
It is important to know the credentials of the captain when booking for your trip. They should be professional, experienced and licensed. Do not always go for the cheapest options blindly. The boat ought to have safety equipment and also a GPS tracker. The boat ride from Panama to Colombia is a definitely memorable journey.