Panama-Colombia Ferry

[garrydymond]

I just read an article in Spansh about a ferry that will start service between Colon and Cartagena as of May 10th. It also says it will cost $99 for a return trip in a deluxe seat. Three sailings each way per week. It will be interesting to see what really happens. I am hoping to take a trip south at the end of next year or the beginning of 2014. This, hopefully, will make things easier and cheaper. I don't like boats and the idea of spending 5 days on a little yacht is very off-putting.

[John Downs]

Unicorn Ferry Servicio SA

Hey just kidding. I hope it happens. More likely to happen than a paved road through the Darien in my lifetime.

Cheers,
John Downs

[garrydymond]

Here's the link to the article http://elporvenir.com.mx/notas.asp?nota_id=576097

[John Downs]

Thanks for the link. Sure sounds good on paper. Three times a week. 99 bucks roundtrip. Capacity of 500 cars. 12 hours one way from Colon to Cartagena. Starting on May 10th. Wow! Sign me up!

They seem to think the reasons the last ferry failed were due to Colombian troubles ten years ago that cut down on tourism along with animal disease scares that no longer exist. I sure hope they are right. Might have to adjust my plans and ride to South America while they are still in business.

Kindest regards,
John Downs

[garrydymond]

I read somewhere else that it is $99 one way which is still a good price. It sounds like my wife and I could go with one bike for under $400. It also said the trip will take 7 hours and on the link it says 12. Either way 7 or 12 hours sounds better than 5 days on a yacht with a bunch of other people all cramped together.

[garrydymond]

Here's a link in English.
New Ferry Service Between Colon and Cartagena to Begin on 10 May 2012 - Panama Guide

It looks like it's for real.

[John Downs]

Sails from Colon at 6pm and arrives the next morning in Cartagena at 7am. 99.00 for the cheap seats like I know and love. Maybe a couple hundred for a little bike although it doesn't say. Will be interesting to follow this story.

It does sound promising. But with hurricane season in the fall I can't imagine it would be a year round service. Time will tell.