Seeking advice on Colombia

[teneicm]

Hello-

We're planning on heading to Columbia later this fall, probably arriving from one of the ABC islands. I know that we'll be stopping in Cartagena, but was looking for advice on what the clearance procedures are and if there is a way to take in both the 5 Bays area AND Cartagena without paying clearance and agent fees twice.

My understanding (which certainly may be wrong) is that you need to clear in at Santa Marta if you want to spend more than 1 night in the 5 Bays area (heard it was possible to yellow flag for one night IF your Zarpe lists Cartagena s a destination). However, if you clear in at Santa Marta, I think that you need to repeat the clearance procedure (and fees) when you get to Cartagena?

Can anyone with recent experience shed some light on this? Would also love to hear any recommendations on coastal cruising spots from the ABCs to Cartagena. We have read the informative article by Pizzaz, but would love to hear other's opinions.

Thanks- Matt

[Blackie Swart]

Don't live in that area but I presume your are referring to "Colombia"

Columbia vs. Colombia - The City Paper Bogotá

Not sure if the link works.

[teneicm]

Yes, Colombia! Gonna have to plead excessive reliance on the built in spell-check, apparently.

[Paul L]

As I understand it, if you check in at Santa Marta and then go to Cartegena you will need an agent and fees at each place. Also, I believe if your total stay is under a week, then you don't pay for a cruising permit.
Have you gotten a hard copy or downloaded the Colombian's gov. cruising guide? It has some good info and a lot of updated charts. The hardcopy book is available free if you can find it. Or (a large) download here:
www.svsarana.com/free_guides.php

[teneicm]

Thanks Paul! Some good info on that site.




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