MARINAS IN COLOMBIA

WEATHER

Prevalent trade winds bend along the coast from east really hard, especially along the northern eastern  coast between late December through April. All year long however every near-shore winds will let up  producing manageable jumps for vessels heading east. May through September, Colombia on the Caribbean side, faces long periods with hot and sticky conditions  followed but thunderstorms and as a consequence you have minimal near-shore winds. Early fall can even produce westerlies. Winds and waves are significantly reduced  closer  to shore.  As always do not sail on this coast on a schedule !

PILOT CHARTS

Pilot Charts depict averages in prevailing winds and currents, air and sea temperatures, wave heights,  visibility, barometric pressure, and weather conditions at different times of the year. The information used to compile these averages was obtained from oceanographic and meteorologic observations over many decades during the late 18th and 19th centuries.The charts are intended to aid the navigator in selecting the fastest and safest routes with regards to the expected weather and ocean conditions. For an explanation of historic Colombian Climatology and how to read Wind-roses follow this link.

COLOMBIA HISTORIC HURRICANE TRACKS

PORTS OF ENTRY

Caribbean Coast

1. Cartagena
   • Description: Cartagena is a popular entry point with excellent marina facilities, including Club Náutico Cartagena and Marina Club de Pesca.
   • Coordinates: 10.3910° N, 75.4794° W
2. Santa Marta
   • Description: Santa Marta Marina provides modern amenities and is an ideal spot for exploring the historic city and nearby natural attractions.
   • Coordinates: 11.2408° N, 74.1990° W
3. Barranquilla
   • Description: A significant commercial port that also handles yacht clearances.
   • Coordinates: 10.9685° N, 74.7813° W
4. Puerto Velero
   • Description: Located near Barranquilla, this port offers a marina with haul-out and dry storage facilities.
   • Coordinates: 10.9598° N, 75.0345° W
5. Riohacha
   • Description: A less frequented port but available for yacht entry.
   • Coordinates: 11.5449° N, 72.9076° W
6. Sapzurro
   • Description: Located near the Panama border, Sapzurro is a picturesque village offering a sheltered bay for anchoring.
   • Coordinates: 08° 39’N, 77° 21’W

Off-lying Islands in the Caribbean

1. Isla de San Andrés
   • Description: Known for its duty-free shopping and vibrant atmosphere.
   • Coordinates: 12.5847° N, 81.7006° W
2. Isla de Providencia
   • Description: A quieter island with excellent diving spots.
   • Coordinates: 13.3726° N, 81.3590° W

Pacific Coast

1. Bahia Solano
   • Description: A port on the Pacific coast with entry facilities.
   • Coordinates: 6.2251° N, 77.4056° W
2. Buenaventura
   • Description: The largest port on Colombia’s Pacific coast, primarily commercial but also handles yacht clearances.
   • Coordinates: 3.8833° N, 77.0667° W
3. Tumaco
   • Description: Another entry port on the Pacific coast, less frequented by yachts.
   • Coordinates: 1.7981° N, 78.7887° W

These ports provide various services and facilities to accommodate cruising yachts, from modern marinas in Cartagena and Santa Marta to more remote and tranquil anchorages in Sapzurro and Providencia. It’s advisable to check the latest entry requirements and communicate with the marinas in advance to ensure a smooth arrival process​

CHARTS

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1. 261 Bahía de Cartagena
2. 263 Bahía Interna de Cartagena
3. 264 Entrada a la Bahía de Cartagena
4. 843 Canal Acceso a Bahía de Cartagena
5. BBA-1 Bahía De Las Ánimas
6. BBT-2 Terminal Turístico
7. BID-3 Isla del Diablo
8. BCO-4 Sector Del Bosque Marina Manzanillo (Contecar)
9. 255 Archipiélago Islas del Rosario
10. BIR-4 Isla Tesoro
11. BIR-5 Islas Del Rosario a Isla Grande
12. BIR-6 Isla Grande
13. BIR-7 Isla Periquito Cholón
14. BIR-8 Islas Del Rosario Islas Rosario
15. BIR-9 Isla Arena
16. BIR-10 Isla Arena a Isla Barú
17. COL 259 Archipiélago San Bernardo
18. BSB-1 Isla Tintipán
19. BSB-2 Isla Múcura
20. BSB-3 Isla Múcura a Isla Panda
21. BSB-5 Isla Palma
22. BSB-6 Isla Panda
23. BSB-7 Isla Ceycen
24. BIF-8 Isla Fuerte
25. 040 Península de la Guajira
26. GCV-1 Cabo de La Vela
27. GMA-2 Manaure
28. GRI-3 Riohacha
29. GDI-4 Dibulla
30. MEC-1 Ensenada Cinto
31. MEN-2 Ensenada Nenguange
32. MEG-3 Ensenada Gairaca
33. MEC-4 Ensenada Concha
34. MBT-5 Bahía de Taganga
35. MBS-6 Bahía de Santa Marta
36. MRO-7 Bahía de Gaira (El Rodadero)
37. APC-1 Puerto Colombia
38. APV-2 Puerto Velero
39. SPB-1 Punta San Bernardo
40. SST-2 Tolú
41. SCO-3 Coveñas
42. SBC-4 Bahía de Cispatá
43. SSA-5 San Antero
44. SBV-6 San Bernardo del Viento
45. CMO-1 Moñitos
46. CPE-2 Puerto Escondido
47. CLC-3 Los Córdobas
48. 412 Golfo de Urabá
49. 295 Bahía Colombia
50. CBT-1 Triganá
51. CAC-2 Acandí
52. CCA-3 Bahía de Capurganá
53. CSA-4 Bahía de Sapzurro
54. COL 004 Archipiélago de San Andrés y Providencia
55. SAI-1 Rada el Cove
56. SAI-2 Club Náutico San Andrés
57. SAI-3 Bahía de Santa Catalina
58. SAI-4 Aproximación a Santa Catalina
59. SAI-5 Agua Dulce South West Providencia

CHARTS COLOMBIA PACIFIC

1. INT 6000 / 003
2. CBS-6 Bahía Solano
3. INT 6105 Golfo de Cupica a Buenaventura
4. INT 6110 Bahía de Buenaventura a bahía Ancon de Sardinas
5. 153 Bahía de Buenaventura
6. 730 Puerto de Buenaventura
7. 521 Isla de Malpelo
8. 520 Isla Gorgona
9. 101 Aproximación a Tumaco
10. 100 Puerto de Tumaco

DOCUMENTS

DOCUMENTATION	COLOMBIA
Passport	Valid for at least 6 months; requires one blank page
Boat Documentation	Coast Guard Doc (Original)
Proof of Insurance	Liability
Crewlist	Required at checkin/out
Zarpe	Required at checkin/out
OFFICIAL PROCEDURES	MUST USE AN AGENT
Official Country Visa	NA if your country is on a list
Immigration Visa	Colombia’s instant tourist visas to citizens of many countries  good for 90 days. It is quite easy to extend a Colombian tourist visa to enable staying in Colombia a maximum of 180 days in a year. If you are a tourist from Canada, may have to pay an entry fee of 201,000 pesos.
Required Permits	TIP / Customs via agent
Upon Arrival Visit:	Immigration; Customs; Port Authority
Upon Departure Visit:	Immigration; Customs; Port Captain
Entry & Exit Fees:	$ 150+ for agents – Julian $ 50 PP special
Notes:	Expect to be boarded by Navy upon entering and/or leaving the country
OTHER
Required Vaccinations	YELLOW FEVER
Pets	Vaccination Certificate
Currency: Peso	American Dollar to Colombian Peso

PORTS OF ENTRY

ALL REQUIRE USE OF AGENTS

Caribbean Coast
Barranquilla, Cartagena, Puerto Velero, Riohacha, Santa Marta, Sapzurro

Caribbean Islands Colombia
Isla de Providencia, Isla de San Andres

Pacific Islands
Gorgona (non POE), Isla Malpelo (non POE)

Pacific
Bahia Solano, Buenaventura, Tumaco

US EMBASSY
TEL +57 1 2752000
Cl. 24 Bis #48-50, barrio, Bogotá, Colombia

https://co.usembassy.gov/

WEATHER

Prevalent trade winds bend along the coast from east really hard, especially along the northern eastern  coast between late December through April. All year long however every near-shore winds will let up  producing manageable jumps for vessels heading east. May through September, Colombia on the Caribbean side, faces long periods with hot and sticky conditions  followed but thunderstorms and as a consequence you have minimal near-shore winds. Early fall can even produce westerlies. Winds and waves are significantly reduced  closer  to shore.  As always do not sail on this coast on a schedule !

MUST SEE

1. Cartagena’s Colonial Walled City and Fortress

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1984)

Description: Cartagena’s colonial walled city is a beautifully preserved example of Spanish colonial architecture. The city was a major trading port in the 16th to 18th centuries and played a significant role in the Spanish empire. Key attractions include the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the city’s extensive fortifications, and the charming streets of the historic center.

2. San Agustín Archaeological Park

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1995)

Description: San Agustín Archaeological Park is home to the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America. The park contains more than 500 statues, tombs, and other archaeological remains of a pre-Columbian civilization that existed between the 1st and 8th centuries AD.

3. Tierradentro National Archaeological Park

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1995)

Description: Tierradentro is famous for its elaborate underground tombs, known as hypogea, which were created by a pre-Columbian culture between the 6th and 9th centuries AD. The tombs are decorated with intricate carvings and paintings, offering insights into the funerary practices and beliefs of the ancient inhabitants.

4. Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (2011)

Description: The Coffee Cultural Landscape encompasses a series of landscapes and towns in the central Andes that showcase the cultural traditions of coffee growing. Visitors can explore coffee farms, traditional towns such as Salento and Manizales, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and coffee plantations.

5. National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1995)

Description: Tierradentro National Archaeological Park is known for its underground burial chambers, which are among the most elaborate in the Americas. The hypogea, or subterranean tombs, are richly decorated with carvings and paintings, reflecting the complex funerary practices of the pre-Hispanic culture.

6. Los Katíos National Park

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1994)

Description: Located in the Darien region, Los Katíos National Park is a region of high biodiversity and ecological importance. The park features tropical rainforests, wetlands, and a variety of wildlife, including many endemic species. It is also an area of significant scientific interest due to its unique geological formations.

7. Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1995)

Description: Santa Cruz de Mompox, often simply called Mompox, is a colonial town that has preserved its architecture and atmosphere since the 16th century. Situated on the banks of the Magdalena River, the town played a crucial role in trade and commerce during the Spanish colonial period.

8. Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (2006)

Description: Malpelo Island and its surrounding waters are a sanctuary for marine life, particularly sharks. The area is renowned for its biodiversity and is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. The sanctuary provides a critical habitat for a variety of marine species and is an important site for scientific research.

9. Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar”

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (2018)

Description: Chiribiquete National Park is one of the largest national parks in Colombia and is known for its unique tepuis (table-top mountains) and extensive rock art. The park’s rock shelters contain thousands of paintings that date back thousands of years, depicting the spiritual and cultural practices of indigenous peoples.

10. Port, Fortresses, and Group of Monuments, Cartagena

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1984)

Description: Cartagena’s extensive fortifications, including its walls, bastions, and forts, are a testament to the city’s strategic importance in the Spanish colonial era. Key sites include the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the largest Spanish fort built in the Americas, and the historic center with its beautifully preserved colonial buildings.

Additional Noteworthy Sites

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)

Description: Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City, is an ancient city in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. It is believed to have been founded around 800 AD by the Tayrona people. The site is accessible via a multi-day trek through the jungle, offering a unique glimpse into pre-Columbian civilization.

Villa de Leyva

Description: Villa de Leyva is a colonial town known for its well-preserved architecture and large cobblestone plaza. Founded in 1572, the town has retained its historic charm and is a popular destination for those interested in Colombia’s colonial past.

These sites offer a diverse and enriching experience for anyone interested in Colombia’s rich history and cultural heritage. From ancient archaeological sites to well-preserved colonial towns, each location provides unique insights into the country’s past and its cultural evolution.

SERVICES

LOGISTICS

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EMERGENCIES