How to Take a Budget Cruise From Panama to Cartagena, Colombia

Although Panama and Colombia are connected by land, the land routes that connect them are very dangerous, both because of the natural dangers of the jungle and because of the human danger of bandits. But fortunately it is easy to take a budget cruise from Panama to Cartagena, which is one the safest and most beautiful cities in Colombia. When the winds are favorable, you can usually catch a ride on a yacht that sails through the San Blas islands on its way to Cartagena.

Instructions

1. Check at the youth hostels and other hotels in Panama (or in Cartagena if you are starting from there). There are often signs or flyers posted. If not, ask someone who works at the hotel or ask the other guests. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, this is something that is probably easier to set up once you are there rather than trying to schedule it ahead of time. The price should be about $300, and may include a stopover on San Blas islands. The trip should take a minimum of two days but will most likely be 3-5 days.

2. Check online for people who have blogged or written travelogues recently about their experience with a budget cruise from Panama to Cartagena. You can also try googling popular yachts. Travelers have recommended a German yacht called Stahlratte, Captain Marcos and his boat The Melody, and the Golden Eagle captained by Peter Rippingale.

3. Look through a Lonely Planet book for Colombia or Panama. They have mentioned these cruises in their travel guides.

4. Beware of small cargo boats. You may be offered a ride on a small cargo boat to Cartagena, but these are usually smugglers and you may be in for a very dangerous ride. You might also find yourself dumped off somewhere in the middle of the the night that is far from where you were supposed to be taken.

Tips & Warnings

• There are rough seas in December through February, and you might not be able to find anyone making the trip during those months.

• If you are not from a North American or European country, you may be asked by immigration to show an onward ticket and proof of funds or a credit card