Escape the Crowds: Discover Cartagena and the San Blas Islands This Hurricane Season
Looking for a new adventure this hurricane season? Sail to Cartagena and the San Blas Islands for stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. Avoid crowded anchorages and explore the hidden gems of the Caribbean.
Plan Your Summer Pilgrimage
As another hurricane season quickly approaches, it’s time to start making cruising plans. Instead of heading to the usual crowded anchorages, why not try something new and different? Cartagena and the San Blas Islands offer the perfect off-the-beaten-track adventure, with the added bonus of making your insurance company happy.
Discover Cartagena: More Than Meets the Eye
Contrary to popular belief, Colombia is not just about drugs and guns. Cartagena, one of the oldest cities in the New World, is rich in history and culture. This is where Sir Francis Drake made history, and today, it’s home to some of the best facilities for cruisers in the region.
Stay at Club Nautico Marina
Cartagena boasts a terrific cruisers marina, Club Nautico, with another, Club de Pesca, just around the corner. Both offer reasonable dockage rates, night security, and plenty of amenities. Whether you prefer a marina slip or anchoring out front, you’ll find everything you need, from fresh-caught fish at the local restaurant to laundry services and day laborers at great rates.
Explore the Old Walled City
For just a couple of bucks, hop in a taxi to the old walled city of Cartagena. Here, you can find just about anything you need, from groceries to unique handicrafts. Enjoy an evening stroll, dine at one of the many reasonable restaurants, catch a movie in English, or embark on a road trip to explore nearby towns and their arts and crafts.
The Rosario Islands: A Perfect Stopover
Once you’re provisioned and ready to sail, head to the Rosario Islands, a beautiful group of islands just a few hours from Cartagena. It’s the perfect place to relax, clean your boat’s bottom, and socialize with other cruisers before continuing your journey.
Sail to the San Blas Islands: A Separate Reality
Next, embark on a 180-mile sail across the Darien Gulf to the San Blas Islands. The San Blas are like stepping into a time warp, where the Cuna Indians live in thatched huts and sail handmade log canoes. This is a place where you can truly disconnect from modern life and experience a simpler way of living.
Experience Cuna Culture
The Cuna people are friendly and welcoming, often approaching cruisers to sell fresh fruit, eggs, homemade bread, fish, crab, and lobster at great prices. Invite the Cuna women aboard for a drink and negotiate for their unique Molas, incredible works of art that play a vital role in their economy.
Explore or Relax on Pristine Beaches
Whether you choose to explore the villages with the permission of the village elder or lounge on a deserted island’s pristine beach, the San Blas Islands offer something for everyone. Snorkel the surrounding reefs, go spear fishing, and meet fellow cruisers for a potluck on the beach.
Don’t Miss Out on the Adventure
There aren’t many places like the San Blas Islands left on the planet, and this one is within your reach. Break from the pack, and discover what cruising is truly about. When you’re sitting in your rocking chair at 80, you won’t want to regret missing this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Isn’t this why you started cruising in the first place? Not just to sail from bar to bar, but to truly experience life.
Val Doan has written for ALL AT SEA since 2005.
Worth your time?
Thanks — noted.
