Friday, February 14, 2014

Facts On Sailing From Panama To Colombia

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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.

You will have 300 miles of sea to cover before you can arrive in Cartagena. There are no ferries that operate this route. The only way out is to use sail boats. You need to make the necessary payments. The journey lasts about 5 days. When starting the journey, travelers have the opportunity to blow some time on San Blas islands. These islands are of the Panamanian coast and they are very remote. They have few people living on them but they have plenty of marine life and excellent reefs.

The major risk in taking this journey is pirates. There have been few incidents of vessels being raided. Storms are also unpredictable. The best way to arrange for this trip is by seeking help from the hotel where you are staying. You may have to wait a few days before a vessel is ready to set off.

You should receive information from the captain when the boat is ready. The trip from the town to the vessel will be arranged as well. Travelers are usually expected to wake up early on that day so that you can arrive at the boat in time. You may be asked to produce your passports on the way where there are checkpoints. The journey through the mountains offers a spectacular view as you are able to see the Caribbean coast.

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 arrive on the islands you need to switch to a large vessel that will take you all the way to Cartagena. The vessel is very comfortable because you will be spending several days and nights on it. You will make stopovers on different islands along the way. While traveling, you have the option of engaging in activities such as swimming round shipwrecks, watching for sharks as well as snorkeling.

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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