Founded in 1525, the historic city of Santa Marta is South America’s oldest surviving city and as a result has a cultural and historical importance worth exploring being the second most important city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
The beautiful white sand beaches overlooked by snow-capped mountains are now accompanied by an expansion of facilities to accommodate yachtsmen. Knowingly so, Santa Marta is becoming increasingly popular with yachtsmen cruising to and from Panama, Venezuela, Aruba and Trinidad and Tobago.
Located on the north coast of Colombia, Santa Marta was one of the first cities to be discovered in the country and is also known as "Ciudad Mágica" (the Magic City). Santa Marta is located to the north of Cartagena (100 NM or 150 kms - 3 hours and 30 minutes by car) and Barranquilla (90 kms- 1 hour and 30 minutes by car) - two of the best known and most beautiful cities on the Colombian coast.
Head to the east side of the bay but be aware that your approach will take you across the main shipping channel into Santa Marta commercial port. The Marina entrance is about 0.3 nm south of the container cranes. You will see some masts over the wall but not many as this is mostly a motor boat marina. The entrance runs north to south and is marked with a yellow (yes, yellow) and green buoy. The entrance is unlit but can be negotiated at night with care once the breakwater has been identified. Alternatively, yachts may choose to anchor to the northeast of the Marina entrance to enter in daylight.
During dry weather, black dust on the decks can be a problem in this port, probably from the dark sandy beaches nearby or the coal transfer at the port.
Anyone planning to visit should be aware that winds inside the marina blow 20-30 knots and can gust up to 40 knots on a reasonably regular basis. There are often white caps inside the breakwater so ensure you have sufficient lines and chafing gear.
Security in the anchorage is poor. There have been reports of fender theft and boardings. Also, fishermen interfering with yachts at anchor. However, the Armada Nacional (Colombian Coast Guard) are ever present within the Marina and can be alerted 24/7 on Channel 16.
A yacht anchored alone in Taganga Bay in December 2023 was boarded by armed men and the crew held at gunpoint while the boat was ransacked. See news item.
In case of Maritime Emergency in Colombia dial 146, or e-mail: jefcp04@dimar.ml.co
Excellent marina facilities; boatyard; easy repairs; reportedly a safe town to visit; good place from which to explore inland; Tayrona National Park just 34km away; archeological remains; best beaches in S. America; abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna.
Santa Marta is located within the only department in Colombia that has two Biosphere reserves declared by UNESCO.
11° 14.67'N, 74° 13.05'W
Last updated: August 2024
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