The biggest threat to foreign travelers in Colombia is street crime. The threat of terrorism is still high in some parts of the country and it is advisable to check travel advisories before traveling inland. However, visits to major cities and other popular tourist destinations is not usually a problem.
For travel advisories, see the following websites:
Reports persist about the dangers of cruising in Colombian waters because of the risk of being intercepted on the high seas by drug-running vessels. US Coast Guard vessels patrol the Caribbean Sea and while there have been no recent reports of yachts being molested on the high seas by drug-running vessels, there have been incidents reported by yachts in transit from countries including Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama to Colombia.
US Coast Guard vessels patrol at all times and private cruising yachts are boarded on a regular basis. Though it may feel like an imposition to be boarded, this constant presence is an effort to keep the seas in this area safe. Security issues in other areas closer to shore still remain a problem. See Noonsite's Colombia Security Reports section or more details.
Cruisers should practice a high level of caution and careful planning if transiting near shore or when anchoring for an overnight stop in an isolated anchorage.
It is requested by all Port Captains that sailors file a simple "float plan" for their own security. See Formalities for further details.
Cruisers should take basic safety precautions and use common sense when leaving the boat or going ashore at night. Dinghy and outboard thieves operate throughout the Caribbean and the best advice is to place your dinghy and outboard on deck and chain them, and everything in it, overnight. Reports continue to come in from cruisers who do lift and lock their dinghies at night but overlook locking the outboard and fuel tank and of course, these are what get stolen!
Although the overall security situation in Colombia has improved considerably in recent years, Noonsite continues to receive security reports from cruisers and from CSSN. Theft is common including from yachts at anchor, so be cautious at all times, particularly when anchoring in remote locations or when you are the only yacht in an anchorage.
Colombia is a major drug-smuggling area, and police and customs are especially active on the north coast, San Andrés Island and in other tourist resorts. Penalties for possession are up to 12 years' imprisonment. Searches are frequent and one should beware of anyone claiming to be a plainclothes policeman. Apparently, foreign visitors have also been set up by police with planted drugs, so caution is essential. Walking alone at night is to be avoided as this is dangerous in many towns. The Tourist Office (CNT) will advise on the dangerous areas.
Use great care when banking in Colombia, especially outside of the main cities, and carrying large amounts of cash. Perhaps use a taxi for return trips to your boat. Be aware that in a bank others may see you counting out large sums or you may be marked as a good target.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN) collects and shares reliable reports of crimes against yachts in the Caribbean, helping cruisers make informed decisions.
The CSSN website offers current and past incident reports, stats, regional piracy info, and annual summaries. Here are some of the ways to use their site:
Visit the CSSN Colombia page or use the CSSN Interactive Map to keep up to date with the latest incident reports.
Also review Noonsite Security Reports for Colombia and the Noonsite Piracy & Safety Pages.
Call at any time on VHF channels 16, 13, 11.
Between Cartagena and Panama there are Coast Guard stations at Islas del Rosario, Coveñas (which covers both Islas San Bernardo and Isla Fuerte), and Turbo in the Gulf of Urabá (which covers Zapsurro Bay).
There are significant gaps in the coverage of VHF along the coast, although the fixed stations are supplemented by Coast Guard units that are constantly on patrol.
You may send a confidential e-mail to the Colombian Coastguard (Guardacostas).
In case of Maritime Emergency in Colombia dial 146, or e-mail:
For additional emergency numbers see General Info - Emergencies.
Last updated: July 2025
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