Where is Cartagena?
Cartagena is one of Colombia's major ports, situated on the north coast in the Caribbean Sea. It is a popular place for yachts to stop prior to making their way to the Panama canal.
The government is trying hard to encourage this influx of visitors and there are plans to build two new marinas. In addition, Club de Pesca y Vela Marina has expanded to 180 slips and the Club Nautico has been upgraded.
Entrance Notes and Cautions for Cartagena
- Bahia de Cartagena is a well-protected anchorage. Entrances to the bay are through the large ship channel - the Boca Chica strait, or the northwest entrance - Boca Grande (Escollera). The Boca Chica entrance is easier and is the one used by most recreational sailors.
- The navigation buoys for Rosario and Cholon were removed October 2023 and may not have been replaced.
- The Boca Grande entrance tends to be used by small craft (yachts) coming from the north and east but should be approached with caution at right angles from at least 200 mtrs out.
The Colombian Navy has re-installed the red and green buoys to mark the small vessel channel here, but in boisterous conditions these 2 buoys have been known to drift.
Guaranteed "official" depth is about 8 feet, greater depth might be possible if there is limited swell and conditions are not otherwise unfavorable. Deeper water favours the green buoy side of the channel. Cruisers report the echo sounder never going below 3.2 meters. Advice is to follow the marked channel and don't cut corners.
- In blustery dry season conditions the prudent choice may be the main ship channel at Boca Chica.
- On approaching the Sea Buoy at Boca Chica (or the small vessel entrance at Boca Grande) you must call Cartagena Port Control (Estacion de Control San Jose) VHF 16/14. They will ask for the name of your chosen maritime agency.
- Make sure you are flying the Q Flag.
- Cartagena Port Control have good English speakers and will give specific arrival instructions. You can proceed to your desired marina/anchorage.
- Before anybody disembarks you must call your maritime agency (if you have no e-mail call Club Nautico (VHF 69) or Club de Pesca (VHF 71) to assist with the communications. See Biosecurity for entry requirements.
- In case of Maritime Emergency in Colombia dial 146, or e-mail: jefcp05@dimar.ml.co
- The San Jose Coast Guard station (Guarda Costa San Jose) is known to be helpful. They can be hailed on VHF 16/14/13l. Humanitarian assistance will always be available.
- Full entry guidelines on the Club Nautico website: https://www.clubnauticocartagena.com/entry-guideline
Cruiser Highlights for Cartagena
Good weather all year; lots of choice for haulout and repair work; excellent cruiser social scene; ideal place to leave the boat and explore inland; easy provisioning and shopping; history and culture; yachting and sailing events (see Colombia Events).
Yachts can sail to the Rosario Islands nearby where you can go ashore but there are environmental/ conservation restrictions in force. No jet skiing, fishing and anchoring area limitations (amongst others).
There are also great sailing options further to the South West including the San Bernardo Islands and Isla Fuerte. Useful information can be found on the following pages and groups:
Position:
10° 23'17"N, 75° 34'13"W
