¡Hola!

I'm holding up in Panamá, waiting for my ankle to heal, trying to figure out whether to head to Colon or Carti to catch a merchant, contraband, 'cheaper boat', etc. to Colombia. I'd like to clarify this for everyone and have the most up-to-date info on the HUBB, so please post your experiences.

My research -

Colon:

• Sketchy port, not worth visiting or spending much time there, but it's here where boats depart more frequently
• Go to the free zone, marina, mornings are better to meet captains to negotiate a trip on a ship
• 'Don't get to see as much of the San Blas islands'
• Sounds safer and more straight forward to getting your bike on the boat

Carti:

• There isn't anything here, but if you had to spend time waiting for a boat, better to be in the Kuna Yala (San Blas) than Colon
• Boats that depart from here are infrequent and smaller
• 'See more of the San Blas islands'
• I have nightmares of my bike and equipment falling into the ocean or getting damaged while loading it onto the ship; how is this accomplished safely e.g. planks, cranes, etc?

My apologies if some of this is inaccurate or just speculation. In truth, I'm tempted just to go get out both locations before embarking across the gap, but I do have somewhat of a time constraint. I just really dislike inaccurate hearsay. So, thank you for sharing your precise experiences.

Saludos,

__________________
Victor S Baron

2000 Kawasaki KLR 650
http://www.dondeestavictor.com

I would head to Portobelo. I took Cap'n Marco's boat and had a great time. FRESH AIR CHARTERS - Home

Here the loading of the bike:
YouTube - Getting to Colombia

__________________
Left Seattle March '09 for RTW trip.
'02 BMW 1150 GSA

We are about to catch the Stahlratte from Cartagena to Carti on 3rd September. It will arrive on the 6th September. This is a BIG vessel 38 metres I think and should work OK as they have done it many times before.

My wife gets a little sea sick so maybe bigger is better. Check out their Web site. Plenty of info there plus timetable. We are 2 up on R80G/s with plenty of gear. K & C

Mark on Fresh Air Charters knows his stuff, but he does have a smaller boat. I've dealt with him on various business and he is honest. Probably cheaper than the steel rat too. You'll have the feeling of what it is like to cruise the San Blas on your own sailboat with Mark on Melody. The boat looks a bit rough, but it is seaworthy. I personally was not impressed with the steel rat's seamanship, but it is a much bigger vessel.

Great advice being given here. Make sure that you do not go the cargo boat route.

I did that and they almost dropped my bike into the ocean both while loading and unloading.

Some things in life are just worth the extra money for peace of mind and this is one of them.

__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)

You could also try Peter from the GoldenEagle, a 65ft sailboat and the ONLY boat in survey for passengers doing that route. All other boats sign you on as crew.

They use the main sail winch to raise the bike onto the deck, Peter and his crew were very good, no damage done and a lot of fun over the five days of the crossing.

YouTube - Bike Loading Golden Eagle

Cheers
TravellingStrom

__________________
www.travellingstrom.com