Portal Industrial Cartagena Colombia - Forum - Contacts

Colombia

Colombia is the fourth largest nation in South America, and is also host to the second largest population in this Latin American region. The Colombians are known for their open, genuine friendliness, kindness, and willingness to help. Colombia’s historical seafaring lineage is a testament to its strategic geographical location and it remains as a natural ‘Port of Call’ for many transiting and seasonal yachts who are moving eastward or westward throughout the southern Caribbean. Colombia, being below the technical hurricane zone (12.5 degrees North), makes a perfect destination to spend some stress free weeks or months during the hurricane season. Neighboring both Panama and Venezuela, Colombia can be seen as a strategic location that is also a natural ‘stepping stone’ to Aruba and the other ABC Islands (to the east) and also offers a comfortable downwind cruising run (to the west) to connect with the ‘post card perfect’ San Blas Islands of Panama. Cartagena is the epicentre of the mainstream of yachting visitors to Colombia. Cartagena’s great colonial walled city (Cartagena de Indias) is commonly referred to as ‘The Center’ and is a really beautiful and romantic place to discover.

It has been recognized as a World Culture Heritage Centre. ‘The Centre’ is also a most popular place to get married... with many ‘international weddings’ and stunningly colourful wagons of flowers being a consistent feature of the Centre’s atmosphere. There are also a multitude of wonderful shoreside attractions, lost cities, great diving possibilities, adventurous inland hikes and nature tours available in the outlying regions; that really do signature Colombia’s natural riches and historical heritage in a way that still portrays it as a Caribbean ‘virgin land of discovery’. For most mainstream yachts on today’s ‘Caribbean Circuit’ the shoreside attractions and inland treks and hikes mentioned in this chapter are mostly centered around the Santa Marta, Taganga, Tayrona and Arrecife coastal areas; of which, Santa Marta is the closest to Cartagena (Santa Marta being located approximately 120 miles along the coast to the north east of Cartagena). Colombia represents a safe, new, and adventurous cruising ground... often overlooked... and always waiting to be explored. The Yacht Services contacts listed in this chapter were all recommended as ‘great people to work with’ in ensuring that your Colombia itinerary is a memorable success.