Travelling to Colombia By Speedboat
Planes, busses and trains can be boring. But boats are always fun. So when we heard about a 4 day boat trip from Panama to Colombia, we went for it. Instead of sitting on a sweaty plane, we got to sleep in hammocks, explore local island life, eat fresh lobster, make some friends and snorkel.
You can either take a sailboat or a speedboat. The sailboat option includes sleeping on that boat and cruising slowly through the islands whereas in the speedboats you’re sleeping on the islands themselves and skipping the long ocean crossing. I’ve only spoken with people who’ve done the speedboat way, and they’re always really happy about their decision (as were we).
Sail Boat Vs Speed Boat
If you want to do the speedboat option, you’ll be booking with San Blas Adventures, as they’re the only company that does it. This option offers much more island time, the food is incredible, and you get to engage more with the local Kuna communities. Plus, you have a lower chance of sea-sickness because the boats stay closer to shore for shorter periods of time. See below for more information.
If you’d rather spend the majority of your time on a sailboat relaxing, there are tons of companies to choose from. One we heard good reviews about was Blue Sailing. The sailboats and captains are all different, so it depends on what type of trip you're looking for. Just check out the companies' websites to see photos and descriptions of the sailboats and contact them with ones of interest.
San Blas Adventures
The Panama to Colombia tour is 4 days and 3 nights. Each night you sleep in hammocks on the beach, but the last night you go into a village and sleep in beds.
You’ll visit the villages that occupy the tiny tropical islands and learn about the Kuna, a group of indigenous people with their own government system separate from Panama. They control their own laws and don’t use money as currency. Instead, they exchange food and labour with each other. They also have parties that if someone doesn’t attend, they get fined.
The food is phenomenal. The best we had in all of Central America. Big buffets of fresh-caught fish, veggies, coconuts, rice, treats.
Tip: Make sure you bring lots of water because they don’t supply any. They drive you to a grocery store the morning before you take off, so you can stock up then. Bring more than you think you need. Also, bring chaser if you’re drinking hard alcohol… I made the mistake of taking a bottle of vodka with nothing to mix with so I had coconut water vodkas (not good for your stomach that’s for sure).
Beware of sand flies. We all got bitten a lot at night especially, as they lurk in the sand and come out around dusk. Bug spray doesn’t do much for these relentless insects, but I’ve heard lavender or coconut oil helps keep them away.
Important Things To Know Before You Go
Be aware that Canadians have to pay $70 - $80 upon arrival in Colombia, so make sure you have enough cash with you. Pay in USD instead of Colombian pesos because they will likely try to overcharge you if you pay in pesos.
Make sure you get your yellow fever vaccination and bring the paper with you as you cross the border. Otherwise you’ll have to pay a lot of money or get a doctor to come to your hostel and give it to you there.
Staying in Panama City Before
We flew to Panama City from Nicaragua and stayed at Luna’s Castle Hostel, which is where the pre-trip meeting is held the day before you leave. Luna’s was a typical hostel, but the best part was the air conditioning - which is absolutely necessary in Panama. The humidity is out of this world. Be careful with your electronics.
