Crossing the Gap in Feb 2017
 

Hey All! Friend and I are hoping to be crossing the darien gap around Feb 4th 2017 on 2 Kawasaki Versys 650's. We have been in contact with Stahlratte and they will NOT be servicing that route from December to May. They instead will be doing trips from Mexico to Cuba (lame, i know). I am looking into other forms of transport across the Gap. I am a little disappointed as I have heard good things about Stahlratte. I am also a sailor myself so the prospect of SAILING this route was very appealing. Anyway there must be some of you that know of some other forms of transport from Panama to Colombia.

Can you please share with me your successful crossing story using anything other than Stahlratte (Provide links or contacts)? Sailboat would be cool, but obviously safety is most important!

Thanks in advance!

B

They stop servicing that route at that time of year due to conditions.

Girag GIRAG - Air Cargo will fly your bike across, not sure of current price. You will have to get a scheduled flight.

Due to what conditions?:)

Here are a few advrider links that might help.
Don't waste any time on the ferrys mentioned in some of the links.
Both out of business. One stuck on the reef in San Blas right now...

Panama to Colombia Alternative (Cost ~$700) | Adventure Rider

Shipping bikes Panama to Colombia last half of March 2016 | Adventure Rider

Darian gap crossing mid February 2016 | Adventure Rider

Los Angeles, California to Ushuaia, Argentina Ride 2/18/2016 | Adventure Rider

Darien Gap / Panama to Colombia Sea Crossings | Adventure Rider

[QUOTE=Stahlratte;548527]Due to what conditions?:)

/QUOTE]

Maybe I am mistaken, but I thought that was a time of year with more "unsettled" sea conditions, so they ply their trade else where.

[QUOTE=BruceP;548598]You are right. Jan/Feb the sea is a little rougher in the Panama Colombia area. But usually no problem for a ship the size of Stahlratte.
It's more because of the end of hurricane season in the northern caribbean. So sailing there is safe again between Dec and May and the to and fro between Panama and Colombia just gets boring with time...

I have heard of small boat(s) taking motorcycles across as unscheduled journeys. The legal part is sketchy as Panama or Colombia has decided small boat aren't appropriate for this type/size cargo.

If finding a container & shipping line or air lifting doesn't appeal to you for cost, hassle or time factor (each of these has its own combination), then keep your ears to the ground. When you get to Panama City, ask every backpacker hostel if they know of a captain/boat that will help you. I have heard two or three times in recent years of a captain that floats bikes. Sorry, I don't have any contact info...