Colombia and panama ?Cruising tips ?

[Jobs a good un]

Hi all

Thinking of cruising along the colombian coast and visiting panama this season , possibley up to guatemala to leave the boat.

We will be leaving from the grenadines.

Can the panel give me any info on best places to visit ,hastles along the way,wind current direction etc

Regards to all

Mark

 

[Tradewinds]

It's awhile since I was there but I'd say take your time in the San Blas esp the places a bit further away from Panama end as they'll be less frequented by tourists. It was fantastic back in '96.

Portobelo was a fascinating stop.

Enjoyed Cartagena in Colombia too - visit the castle.

Hopefully heading back that way in the not too distant future.

 

[Jeannius]

Have only been past Columbia, not stopped, but have a word of caution... coming round the corner the wind and waves are generally pretty big. Had jut about the roughest seas of our circumnavigation when around 50 nm off Cartagena.

 

[KellysEye]

As Jeannius says it windy, the windiest area in the Caribbean. Gales start in September and run through to spring. There is normally a two to three day break between gales so during that period most coast hop. When you are off the Columbian coast call the coastguard and tell them your plans, they will keep an eye on you and it's thus a safe coast to be sailing.

The San Blas and Panama have the highest rainfall in the Caribbean but are wonderful places.

If you want to know about the Venezuelan coast in detail let me know. Overall be very careful where you go and stay 50 miles the coast if you are not stopping on the coast. The Venzuzelan out island are a must visit, avoid Margerita and provision for the whole trip from Grenada to Bonaire. The only place to buy basic supplies is one island in Los Rocques. You can trade with the fishermen - local cigarettes and small bottles of rum will keep you supplied with fresh fish and lobsters.

 

[V1701]

Be a bit careful around Cartagena/Santa Marta. I lived in a small place called Taganga, a few miles from Santa Marta, it's a very sheltered bay, you can anchor there & it's on the edge of the Parque Nacional Tayrona, absolutely beautiful. Was working in scuba there & rented a house on the beach, I have very fond memories of it. If you're into diving you should dive there. FCO web site used to advise against travel there & probably still does, it's fine...