Island Hopping In Paradise
So you’re backpacking Central America and want to continue to South America? Then you might have realised that there’s no road connecting Panama to Colombia, and you need to book a flight for a few hundred bucks. This sailing guide between Panama and Colombia is here to show you another option, that is well worth spending a little more money on to have a unique experience as well as transportation!
Sailing between Panama and Colombia is nothing less than an adventure. Not only that, but you get to explore the San Blas islands with three days of island hopping in paradise! So if you’re planning on going between the two countries, why not make it into a experience you won’t forget?
How does it work?
In the Caribbean sea there are plenty of boats offering different types of services, and the islands of San Blas is a popular tourist destination for people visiting Panama. Therefore, many boats and companies offer day tours or multi-day tours to the islands.
In recent years, some of these have started taken advantage of the demand from backpackers who need to travel between Panama and Colombia. These are travellers who usually take a bus between countries and only fly as a last resort.
By combining the paradise of San Blas with transportation and the logistics of border crossing, several boats now travel back and forth. The easiest way to get a spot on these boats are through Blue Sailing. On their site you can see schedules and contact them for the dates you would like to go and I highly recommend using them. Another option is to go to the ports and try and book a spot on a boat there, but that way you are not guaranteed to find a spot.
There are also speed boats that take you just across the border to Colombia, and from there you will have to use public transport to make it to Cartagena. This is faster and cheaper, but requires more travel time after entering Colombia.
Also, it is of course possible to do this trip in reverse, starting in Cartagena and going to Panama for those travelling in the opposite direction.
Costs
By booking through Blue Sailing, the price starts at $660 for 5-days. This includes all the food and drinks, visits to the islands, transportation between Panama and Colombia, and usually snorkelling gear or similar on the boat. Alcoholic beverages and sodas are not included. The captain will also take care of the paperwork for leaving and entering the two countries.
Keep in mind, there is a $20 dollar entrance fee to be paid in cash. Also, the boats leave from the Pacific coast, which means you will have to make your way there from Panama City. If you’re boat laves from El Porvenir you will need special transportation provided by Blue Sailing which coast $60. The other port is Puerto Lindo which you can arrive by local transportation if you want for less than $10 or the provided shuttle service for $25.
An important thing to keep in mind is that a multi-day tour to San Blas can set you back a few hundred dollars. The same will a one way flight between Panama City and wherever you want to go in Colombia. This starts adding up to almost the price of a 5-day sailing trip that also includes all meals for five days. Pretty good deal if you ask me!
Activities
During the passage between the islands and Colombia there are not much to do as the boat will run non-stop, and you will be best trying not to get seasick! But, during your three days hopping between islands, here are some of the activities you can enjoy!
Chill on the beaches
Just relax and try to soak in the magic of visiting islands where no humans live. Lay down on perfect white sand beaches and chill in the blue water of the Caribbean sea!
Snorkelling
The sailboats come with snorkelling gear and there are plenty of reefs and places to see. Ask the captain to take you to a good spot if he’s not already and get a glimpse of the life under water!
Chat with the locals
You are likely to visit some island where you will find the local people of San Blas, called Guna. If your Spanish is good enough, chat with them and maybe support some of their work by buying some souvenirs to bring back home! Just remember to bring cash!
Monkey Island
One of the more famous islands here is the so called Monkey Island. Explore this paradise and experience the monkeys living here up close!
Life on the boat
Spend some time tanning on the sailboat with a cold drink and some fruit while listening to music. Then jump in the water when you start getting too hot! After dinner play some games or party up with your new friends and the crew.
There will also be wildlife spotting. Everything from sharks, to dolphins, manta rays and flying fish!
Food
The food included on the trip is nothing less than amazing! Prepare to feast on what the locals have to offer. Fresh lobster, octopus and other fish straight from the fisherman and to the grill onboard will make your mouth water! Make sure you bring beer and rum to enjoy before, during and after the meals and enjoy absolute paradise!
If you bring too little, the locals sell some on one of the islands so make sure you grab some if you need. Also here you can enjoy a nice barbecue on the beach and enjoy the fact that you’re living the dream!
An Adventure You Won’t Forget
So if you ever find yourself in Panama City or Cartagena and want to go on an adventure, this is an amazing experience. For sure one of the highlights of my trip throughout Latin America, and something I hope to do again one day!
Resources
So, are you ready for an adventure to South America? Here are some of the resources I personally use when I travel. Great value and support, in addition to the best deals out there!
BOOKING – The best place to book accommodation. In my experience the site with the best prices, deals and selection. Perfect for a budget traveller.
HOSTELWORLD – The best place to find hostels, and also has group chats for all your bookings and places you’re going to make it easier to meet people. Perfect for solo travellers!
SKYSCANNER – When I need to find the cheapest days and ways to fly somewhere, Skyscanner is always the first place I go.
GET YOUR GUIDE – A massive marketplace for inspiration and booking of tours and activities for each place you visit.
AIRALO – What I use to stay connected on the road. A slightly more expensive option than buying local sim cards, but nothing beats having e-sim installed and ready to go as soon as you cross the border.
