Cartagena

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After exploring the remote and beautiful San Blas Islands in Panama, or coming from the jet-set pace of Florida or the Eastern Caribbean, you will find your stay in Cartagena, Colombia, to be unique and enriching. This magnificent city offers safe streets, friendly people and an amazing array of things to see and do. From touring the city’s many historical sites, taking in some culture at the theater, sampling from the myriad of fantastic and reasonably priced restaurants, or spending a day at the beach, “boredom” will not be part of your itinerary here!


[edit] CHECKING IN

Although you may cruise along the coast and stop several times for few or many days, we are not aware of problems of waiting until arrival in Cartagena to clear in. Do not stop in Santa Marta commercial port. Cartagena’s port captain does not deal with any yacht captain directly and will insist on the use of an agent. Make sure you return to your agent a day or two before departure.



Solymaraire Ltda.
Manga, office at Club Nautico. Tel and Fax: 666 3230 or 6605582. Cel: 033 655 8422. Email: Manfred.al@gmx.net. Manfred Alwarelt is German and English speaking, charges $50 U.S. to check in, and can obtain discounts on certain items.
Port Captain’s Office
BCH Building, 5th floor (Multi story office building facing Parque

Centenario) La Matuna, Avenida Daniel Lemaitre Center. Upon clearing with immigration, you will be issued a two-month tourists’ visa. This can subsequently be extended on a monthly basis for up to a six month total stay per calendar year. Time spent outside of the country will not cancel out the time you have spent in Colombia, as in Panama for instance, but will instead be added on to your original expiration date. Before going to Immigration for your visa renewal after your first two months here, stop at the bank to pay the fee:

Bancafe
Pedro de Heredia, Sector Lo Amador, # 19-204. Payment is made to Account No. 14299001-9, Codigo 103. The charge for monthly renewal is $48.100 pesos. Lines in the bank can be long so plan on going early. (“Prorrogar Turismo” = “to renew a visa”)
D.A.S.
(Immigration office is here), Pie de La Popa, Tel: 656-2524. There are many holidays in Colombia, so it’s a good idea to call first to make sure they are open.

[edit] DINGHY DOCK

Club Nautico has a dinghy dock for boats at anchor.

[edit] MOORAGE FACILITIES

There are two marinas available along with the option of anchoring off of Club Nautico. Both facilities are conveniently located in Manga, a safe and comfortable middleclass neighborhood occupied by families and professionals. It won’t take long for you to discover that the bay is, shall we say, very rich in nitrogen content! The small price you pay to have your boat’s bottom and prop cleaned at least every 30 days during your stay, and shortly before leaving, is unquestionably a bargain! Also watch that anchor chain—the barnacles will love it!!! Water from the taps is potable, but a hose filter is always a good idea.


Club de Pesca Yacht Club
Manga, Fuerte de San Sebastian del Pastelillo. Tels: 660 5578/9. Fax: 660 5576. Email: cpescacartagena@ctgred.net.co. Considered to be the “premier marina” in the city, Club de Pesca is a private club that reserves a few slips for visitors. Advance notice AND a personal recommendation from a club member or resident cruiser are now required in order to procure a space. Olga Martinex de Lemaitre is the office manager and Carlos Rojas is dock master. Bow or stern-to ties on beautiful new concrete docks with pilings. Moorage fees for sailing vessels: US 30¢ per foot per day ($0.50 as of 5/2007), power and water inclusive (though new electric meters on the dock raise the possibility of separate charges for electricity). A very secure marina, NO ONE is allowed inside the gates without prior approval or a special pass. The marina includes a very elegant restaurant, beautiful clubhouse and bar, telephones, toilets and hot showers, small travel lift. Laundry service is available for 13,000 pesos per load.

[edit] HAULOUT FACILITIES

Manzanillo Marina Club
Travellift rated to 40 tons but small. A ketch may need to remove its mizzen mast, a sloop must remove its forestay or backstay. Fax/ Internet service. Max draft 7 ft. Probably the most cruiser-friendly, English spoken. Check with office for current rates. Bosque, Calle Malaga Diag. No. 53-76 (Sector Zapatero) Tel: 669 4180, 669 4067, Fax: 669 4070, Email: mmc@ctgred.net.co , VHF Ch 78


Ferrocem
Travel lift to 40 tons. Local calls and use of fax. Max draft 7’ 8" If approaching this depth take Alberto with you. You may need to wait for high tide. Check first with the marina for sedimentation and dredging. Less bother when bringing in outside workers. Armed security. Toilets and showers. Check with office for current rates. Albornos via Mamonal, Tel: 668 5554
Todomar
Speak to Tony. 40 ton travel lift. Slip will take an 8’ draw. Efficient service with good skills available on site. Good flat-bottomed stands. Big yard, not concrete, so it’s dusty. One shower, one toilet. 30 minute ride from town. Check with office for current rates. Albornos via Mamonal Km 56 No. 0577. Tel: 668-7220, 668 7219, Fax: 668 7221.
Club de Pesca
30 ton travel lift . Boat stays in the sling. Max draft 6’5”.
For larger boats
there are facilities available at the Naval yard and Vikingos. Catamarans are lifted out by cables. Check with the Club Nautico Office for current situation.

[edit] ANCHORAGES

Depart Punta Hermosa anchorage and go WSW towards Zamba Bank (it's OK to go over bank) then towards Punta Canoas then to Boca Grande entrance to Cartagena. You will usually experience a slight counter-current and less wind along this stretch. Use waypoint 10.23.45N & 075.34.47W (you'll be in 20 feet of water the last several miles) which is about 100 yards out and you will easily spot the entrance markers for 11-foot depth. NOTE: In January 2001, only the green marker remains but it is still OK to use this entrance; leave the green marker about 50’ to your port. Watch your chart and stay out a ways from hotel beaches towards monument (Madonna and Child); follow red-right-returning buoys on either side and you'll see Club Nautico with anchored boats. If you don't like the 11-foot depth entrance, go on the Boca Chica main shipping channel entrance and follow channel markers. There are many more buoys than show on charts; the basic bearings are the same. (The easiest route is to follow the green buoys towards the monument.) NOTE: Do not anchor near Boca Chica entrance; you will be robbed. The Boca Grande entrance saves about 2 hours.


[edit] SECURITY

As with all populated areas, there is petty theft. Occasionally there are dinghy thefts, so lock it and put things away. If you enter Cartagena Bay through Boca Chica (the main shipping channel), do not stop just inside the Bay which looks like the first quiet spot (particularly if you’ve had a long hard passage) as this place is a guaranteed break-in/theft/etc. You should continue to the north end of the Bay and anchor off of Club Nautico. Cartagena seems to be a demilitarized zone so the Colombians can take their families for vacation. Colombian security is a problem everywhere else.


[edit] MONEY

The official currency is the Colombian Peso. At the time of this writing the exchange is 2600 pesos to $1 U.S. Some stores take US dollars but give you a lower exchange rate. Most places use 2000 per $1 US. Numerous banks and “cajeros”, automatic cash machines, are conveniently located throughout the city and are your best deal.

There are two stand-alone cajeros next to the Carulla grocery near Club Nautico. Not all machines accept both MasterCard and Visa, often just one or the other. Money exchanges are located in “el centro”, in the old city. DO NOT USE MONEY CHANGERS ON THE STREETS! If you have the time to wait in line, you can go inside the bank for VISA advances. Banks do not accept telegraphic transfers unless you have an account with them. Cruisers have used credit cards here with no bad experiences. When you are ready to leave, spend all your pesos (but save some for Rosarios - aquarium is 10,000 Ps per person; locals sell fish or lobster or necklaces).


[edit] TRANSPORTATION

Taxi drivers in Cartagena are for the most part friendly and honest, but check on the fare before you take off. The going rate from Manga to Centro is 3000 pesos, 4000 at night. Manga to Bocagrande, 4-5000. Centro to Bocagrande, 3000. “Turismo” cabs are usually a bit higher, but then the cars are nicer and have air conditioning. Taxi to or from the airport is $6 US. An average hourly rate if you’d like your cab to wait while you do your errands is 12-15000 pesos. Buses run continuously throughout the day along Av. Jimenez from Manga to Bocagrande for 500 to 1000 pesos, depending on the bus, and whether or not it has air conditioning.


[edit] PROVISIONING

If you’re an early riser you will hear the neighborhood of Manga come to life with the distinctive cries of the local street vendors hawking their wares—“Mango! Mandarina! Aguacate! Pina!” Don’t hesitate to buy from them! (You might also pick up a “tinto” from one of the boys toting the thermoses. Tinto is a tiny but stout cup of sweetened coffee for a mere 200 pesos.) Good quality produce, meats and poultry are available from the fine grocery stores throughout the city. Pork and beef are especially good here. Treat yourself to “Lomo fino” tenderloin, either “cerdo” (pork) or “res” (beef). There is not much variety in canned goods. Wines and liquors tend to be very expensive in the grocery stores.

Carulla 

• Manga, one block east of Club Nautico with clothing, cosmetics, a pharmacy, film developing & stationary. • Bocagrande, Calle 14 and Av. San Martin • Manga, 1 ½ blocks east of Club de Pesca, “Carulla Express”.

Olympica

• Bocagrande, Calle 12 and Av. San Martin • Av. Pedro de Heredia and Calle 32 with nice selection of household goods. Next to HomeMart.

Vivero

Large combination grocery / department store similar to Target in the states or Gigante in Mexico. • Centro, right inside the city wall near the Santa Clara Hotel. • Castillano, the big one!

Butcher

• Carnes Bocagrande Next door to Olympica in Bocagrande • Productoros Carnicos Aliados (PCA) Manga ,corner of Calle California & Porta Avenida. Good selection of meats and poultry.

[edit] SPECIALTY FOODS

Enoteca
Calle San Juan de Dio #3-39 between Hotel Charleston and San Pedro de Claver. In the back of the restaurant is a large Italian delicatessen.
Le Petit Chantily Delicatessen
Bocagrande, Av. San Martin #13-63 near Hotel Pegaso. Gourmet delicacies made by an experienced French chef. Chorizo, pates, quiches, crepes, pastries, etc. Meals made to order.
Panebon
A great bakery in Old Town.
Restaurante Vegetariano
Centro, Calle Quero No 9-09 and another one at Paseo de la Castellana, 2nd floor. They have a variety of herbs and breads.
Delicias Espanolas Delikatessen
Bocagrande, Av. San Martin 11-139. Direct importer of quality Spanish foodstuffs and wine. Hams, sausages, cheeses, and specialty canned goods.

[edit] DIESEL, GAS, PROPANE, WATER, BOOZE

Water
Club Nautico is the cruiser hangout; you pay a daily fee which covers showers, WATER, dinghy dock, etc.
PROPANE
At Club Nautico give your bottles to Fernando. Refills are around 20 mil including his time and transportation. At Club de Pesca you can give your bottle to any one of the workers there.
DIESEL & Gas
There are several fuel docks with DIESEL $.90-$1.00 and GAS $1.43. Top off your fuel and propane tanks and jugs here as everything is expensive in San Blas.
  • Texaco Fuel Dock is across from Club de Pesca. 2239 pesos / US gallon.
  • Todomar Marina Located on the dock opposite the Convention Center.
Booze
The best values to be had for purchasing alcohol in Cartagena are the import stores located in “Contraband Alley” or “Centro Comercial Turistico”, that runs between Calle Larga and Av. Arsenal near the Convention Center. Prices are substantially less than in the grocery stores. You will also find good prices on various other imported food items not otherwise available.


[edit] LAUNDRY / GARBAGE

There are some friendly ladies at Club Nautico to do your laundry for you -- 2800 pesos for wash & 3000 pesos for dry. Club Nautico also has garbage collection area.

[edit] YACHT SERVICES

[edit] GENERAL HANDS

For boat cleaning, varnishing, head overhaul, antifouling, running errands, piloting, underwater work, obtaining parts and general repairs, there are quite a number of workers. Most of them are at Club Nautico on the docks, ready, willing and able! While these men are experienced and hardworking, it is important that you oversee the job to insure your own satisfaction. The going rate for general repairs and maintenance is $50-60 mil per day. (US$25-30) Negotiate the price before the job is started.

  • Alberto Vasques - Experienced seaman. Speaks some English
  • Alphonso Villababa - attention to detail, security approved for Club de Pesca.
  • Jose Cana
  • Eduardo Parro
  • Eduardo Camaro,“Coro”
  • Melki Seded


[edit] SURVEYOR

NAVAL ARCHITECT & MARINE ENGINEER: Mauricio Salazar Tel: 656 6080


[edit] BOAT BROKERAGE

Cartagena Navegando
Full service brokerage for yachts in the Caribbean including Panama and Columbia. Kirk Ezell and partner Fabian Arcila, owner of s/v TERCERO, can help you buy or sell. Tel: 665 7249, cell: 310 747 3838, www.cartagenanavegando.com, Email: ezsail@hotmail.com.


[edit] MECHANICS

DEISEL ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION REPAIR: Vladimir, “Chino” Candelario, “Nene”

These men know where to go for parts acquisition and fabrication.


[edit] ELECTRICAL

  • STARTER MOTORS & ALTERNATORS:
Orlando Quinonez
Tel: 662 0835
  • REPAIRING MARINE ELECTRONICS:
IEC Electronica Maritima
, Santa Lucia Shopping Center, 2nd floor, L8 Centro Commercial. Tel: 663 3909 Fax: 663 3643 (Standard call out charge $45 mil)
NEEC Ltda.
Transversal 40, Cristante Luque, Bosque Fax: 672 2424 & VHF 16
Laboratorio Electronico Aleman
Manga, Avenida Jimenez, Calle No. 26-18 B19, Tel/Fax: 660 422. More general than above but local.


[edit] ENGINEERING

Ignacio Sierra
Calle de la Guirmalda, Bosque 53-16, Tel. 669 4202 Well equipped shop for marine fabrications


[edit] STAINLESS STEEL & ALUMINUM

WELDING & TUBULAR FABRICATIONS

Aluminios Marinos,
Avenida Pedro Velez 51-70, Bosque, Tel: 674 0058, 669 4719 Mauricio Villega. High quality work, speaks English. Make sure he can schedule your job to be completed on time. Expect to pay around 50% US prices.
Tapizados Marinos
Bosque Diagonal 19, Tel: 674 2168, 662 4873, Jaime and Jorge Not well known at Club Nautico but they seem capable of high quality 'tower work'.
Ferremar,
Bosque Diagonal 21, Tel: 662 2663, 662 1101, Jorge Garcia, propietario & avid sailor
Todomar Marina
, Ana Cleta, High quality work if available
Megayate
Less qualified than either Mauricio and Ana Cleta (above) but price may better suit your pocket. Via Ferrocem
Feliz and William Torres
Tel: 662 1441


[edit] WELDING SUPPLIES

Soldar Ltda. Bosque, Diag. 21, opposite gas station, beside Coko Rico Pollo chicken restaurant


[edit] FOUNDRY, BRONZE & ALUMINUM

(When preparing molds be aware that shrinkage can be a problem!) Fumeco Ltda. Bosque, Diagonal 20 Av. Pedro Velez, #52–14, Tel: 669 4835 Eliceo Asebedo Getsemeni Calle Pedregal.


[edit] GLASS

Todo Bidrio Av. Escallon Villa Calle 11 de Noviembre, near Plaza de Toros, Tel: 669 8130. Windshield repair and installation.


[edit] GALVANIZING

Hot dip galvanizing can be obtained from Barranquilla, about a 2 hour drive away. Contact Alberto Vasquez @ Club Nautico for more info. They do tumble chain and the work seems of good quality with plenty of zinc.


[edit] PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Cartagena Yacht Services
Tel: 315 722 0925. If you would rather not do your own contracting, Steve Meadows, s/v MOTLEY, will oversee all of your projects for $50 US a day plus parts and labor.


[edit] WOODWORKING

Pilot houses, hard dodgers, interior repairs and remodeling

Jose Cazanova Alvaro Castro, “El Cura” 'Tuti', has done excellent wood and glass work for many cruisers. He knows how to use most tools so if you have a router (which he doesn't) you could trust him to use it. A minor legend amongst the cruising fraternity.


[edit] PAINT & PAINTERS

Acripinturas del Caribe Ltda.,
Av. Pedro de Heredia, No. 18-A-25, sector Espinal, Tel: 666 3289. for DuPont Paints.
Hempel
Mamonal km. 5, Zona Industrial, Tel: 668 6583
Pintuco
Bosque, Av. Buenos Aires, Diag. 21A, No. 51-70.
Pinturas Pinturas
Cra. 54 No.21B-91, Tel: 669 1515. For International Paints. For polyurethane & gelcoat hull refinishing there are various options but quality control vigilance is important. Don't take anything for granted and keep a close eye on your project. Given these essentials an excellent job should be your reward at about 25 - 30 % US prices. These men can do excellent finishing work. Contact them through Alberto at Club Nautico:
Manuel Francisco Ramirez, “El Curo”
. Ask for him at Club de Pesca-excellent references.
Jorge Garcia Galvis
Tel: 662-4873. Painting and fiberglass repair. Excellent references.


[edit] FIBERGLASS REPAIR & MATERIALS

Hull repair, modifying chainlockers, propane tank boxes, etc.

'Tuti' Alvaro Castro, “El Cura”
Ask for him at Club Nautico.
Juan Cisnero Jorge Garcia Galvis
Tel: 662 4873 A technically well-equipped and experienced team.

Good painters. If you're thinking of major haulout work he may be your best choice. You might need help with presenting a logical quotation. Get the deal settled before work begins and you should not be disappointed. Nevertheless all such contracted teams should be monitored to maintain standards, deadlines etc.

Resinas y Pinturas
Near Ron Tres Esquinas,Bosque
Resinas Y Pinturas
Cristante Luque
Etonador
Mercado de Bazurta. Paint and resin/glass supplies. If you're timid take a 'hand' with you. This area is where the poor do they're bargaining.


[edit] OUTBOARD MOTORS

Yamaha Market Manga, Ave. Miramar 2 blocks from Club Nautico. Spare parts and service.


[edit] REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING

Hermanos Malos Avenida Pedro Romero 29–130 Tel: 669 3782. Experienced team. (Fairly inexpensive portable airconditioners, $200-ish, can be purchased from Vivero, HomeMart, and the Olympica next door to HomeMart.)


[edit] SAIL REPAIR

Benjamin and Victor Herrera
Bosque, Calle Nuevo Granada,21ª90, facing the TCC, Tel Cel: 655 4739 Good strong sail repairs and canvas work
Alvaro Herazo Tapizados y Talabarteria Perez
Popa Cl 30 18 A- 254 Calle Real, Tel: 666 3784. Saddle making etc. Substantial machines for heavy work.


[edit] RIGGING

There are no rigging specialists although Fabian Arcilo on TERCERO and Alvaro Herazo, captain of KATANA, are capable. You can order rigging items through Jorge Garcia, 662 4873, at Ferremar for reasonable prices.


[edit] FABRICS & CANVAS WORK

Calypso
Avenida Daniel Lemaitre, near Vivero supermarket just inside old city wall. Tel: 664 4582 Fax: 664 0777 Good supply of upholstery and outdoor fabrics, foam rubber and Styrofoam. No Sunbrella.
Sara Carro
Calle de la Media Luna 9 – 58, Fax: 660 2544. Dinghy covers, flags etc.
Leandro Torices
Sector San Pedro, Calle Aurora # 1807, Tel: 656 0811, 666 1228
Tapizados Marinos
Bosque, Diagonal 19, Tel: 674 2168, 662 4873, Jaime & Jorge


[edit] COMPUTER REPAIR

There are several around town.

  • U.S. Computers Manga, Km 15 No. 26-76. Tel: 660 4080. Rodrigo Pretelt Lemaitre-Gerente, speaks English.


[edit] BATTERIES

Several stores on Pedro de Heredia have D8 and D4 truck batteries at good prices.

Masemoto Solar
Getsemeni Calle Larga #86 55 local 103. Trojans and Kyocera solar panels. Import/export company.
Pelaez Hermanos s.a.
Lo Amador, Calle 32 No. 20E-15, Av. Pedro de Heredia, Tel: 666 1514, Fax: 666 4531.


[edit] HARDWARE

Besides the many smaller hardware stores throughout town, don’t miss:

Home Mart
Cl.32 21-128, Avenido Pedro de Heredia, Tel:666 4585 Substantial and modern “Home Improvement” style hardware store, conveniently located next to a large Olympica grocery.
Ignacio Sierra
, Calle Largo, Getsemeni, on the way to the Convention Center Stainless Steel / Bronze / Aluminium Hardware: Bolts, Scews, Valves , Zincs, Cutlass bearings, Prop Shafts.
Torhefe
Av.Pedro de HerediaSector, Lo Amador, Tel: 666 1753 Stainless steel fastenings only. Also have machine shop in Barranquilla Ferremar Bosque, Diagonal 21, 40–75, Tel: 662 2663, 662 1101 General boat hardware including stainless steel cable and anchor chain.


[edit] O-RINGS, GASKETS, HOSE FITTINGS

Multi-Caucho
,Popa Cl 32, Av. Pedro de Heredia, Tel: 666 1773, Fax: 666 4839
Multi Rodamientos Ltda.
Next to Mult-Caucho, above, for bearings.
Recorres y Mangeras
Pie de la Popa, La Subida, Avenida Pedro de Heredia. Hose fittings.


[edit] FILTERS

Solofiltros Pie de la Popa Cl.32.21 C.134, Avenida Pedro de Heredia, Tel: 666 0808


[edit] DIVE TANKS & STORES

Todomar Marina
Take your dinghy up to the dock opposite the Convention Center where power boats are stored 3-high. Walk through the yard to the other side and you will find a compressor. 7000 pesos for a fill.
La Tortuga Dive School
Bocagrande, Edit. Marina del Rey, Calle 1 No. 2-23, Local No.4 Av. Del Retornol Tel/Fax:665 6995, 665 6994.
Caribe Dive Shop
Hotel Caribe at Bocagrande. Cra la No. 2-87 Local No. 9. Tel: 665-3517. Both stores have limited stock.


[edit] WOOD SUPPLIES

'Formaplac'
is an exterior grade plywood with a waterproof glue.
Jhon Mejia
(John is commonly spelled ‘Jhon’ in Latin America) Pie de la Popa,La Subida, Avenida Pedro de Heredia ===HARDWOODS===
‘Abarco’
is a resistant straight grained hardwood used in wood boat construction. Available everywhere. Sometimes, depending on how it is cut twists a little on drying. Used on Club Nautico’s dock..
‘Ceba Rojo’
Mahogany-like appearance. Resistant, particularly against termites. Takes an age to dry. More scarce than Abarco. :‘Cedro Rojo’: Select carefully. A nice wood used for furniture.
‘Roble’
(Oak) Not as hard as American white oak but seems consistently resistant.
‘Teak’
Generally teak is in very limited supply and not of the best quality.
Escaleras de Columbia
Tel: 662 8392, Javier Camacho owns a teak farm. Good quality.
Maderas Ramos
, Getsemeni
Maderas Carillo
Getsemeni, Cr 10 B 25 -70 Plaza del Pozo, Tel: 664 2802


[edit] CLEANING

[edit] GENERAL BOAT CLEANING

Mavis
, Club Nautico, (Sra. Candelaria's sister), can clean boats for roughly $15US, labor only, for a full 8 hr. day. See the office if you need alternatives.


[edit] CARPET CLEANING

Lavamos C.H. Manga, Avenida Jimenez No.20-55, Tel: 660 4020, Sr. Cesar Herrera


[edit] DRY CLEANING

Lavatodo
Manga, Avenida Rafael Calvo, Diagonal Puente Roman, Tel: 660 6468.
Lava-seco
Manga, Calle Real No.21-23, Tel: 660 6131
Costamatic
Centro, Avenida Daniel Lemaitre, Cl 32 No.9-60, Tel: 664 6488 beside Banco del Estado multistory building)


[edit] CHARTS

  • Escuela Naval Hydrographic Dept. CIOH, Manzanillo, Tel: 669 4104 Port Captains Office BCH building 5th floor (Multi story office building facing Parque Centenario), La Matuna, Avenida Daniel Lemaitre Center.

For the Islas de Rosario chart, go to the Club Nautico office.


[edit] COPIES

Copy Eventos Ltda. Centro. Calle de Ayos 4-32. They can copy charts.


[edit] IMPORTING INTO COLUMBIA

Javier Hoyos, son of Club Nautico’s Administrator, Sr. Jesus Hoyos, can be contacted for receiving mail and importing goods for yachts in transit. Tel: 731 9614, Fax: 660 6715. Javier has made importing into Cartagena comparable to services available in Panama. Javier works out of Club Nautico. Check with office for current situation. Fedex is also fine for urgent deliveries, getting credit cards, etc.


[edit] MEDICAL

A full range of medical facilities are available in Cartagena. Pharmacies are everywhere and you will find most of your prescription needs available and reasonably priced. Dental work is an excellent value with the most up-to-date equipment and well trained dentists, many having been trained at the University of Cartagena with its national reputation as a center of excellence. Cosmetic surgery and skin cancer treatment are good, as is Lasik eye surgery, which corrects near sighted eyes in an operation that barely lasts 10 minutes and burns a surprisingly small hole in your pocket! Usually there is at least one fellow cruiser around to quiz on his or her experience. The Lasik clinic in Bogota has an international reputation but will end up costing at least double the Cartagena price.


[edit] GENERAL

Dr. Jaime Ambrad Bechara
Clinica AMI s.a., Pie de la Popa, Cr21 30, Calle de la Candelaria, Tel: 656 2854, 666 2760. A Pennsylvania trained physician who specializes in cardiovascular and thoracic complaints, Jaime is a fellow-sailor who keeps his race boat at Club de Pesca.
Maria Auxiliadora
Clinica de la Mujer, Alcibia, Avenida Pedro de Heredia, Tel: 662 4954


[edit] DERMATOLOGISTS

Luis Miguel Ceno Segrera
Bocagrande, Centro Medico, Avenida San Martin 9 –96, Tel: 665 1719, 665 1518


[edit] DENTISTS

Sonria
Av. San Martin, Tel: 665 0222, 665 4831 Heavily advertised, hi-tech.
Ramirez Acosto Ricardo
Centro Medico Los Ejecutivos, Consultorio 201, Tel: 661-3455. Spanish speaking only. Meticulous work.
Alicia Najera Pereira
Clinica Ami, Pie de Popa, Tel: 666 3230, 660 5582 Speaks English & German. Alicia is Manfred’s, the ship’s agent’s, wife.
Dr. Gaston Martinez
Bocagrande, Calle 5 #4-10, Ste. 102, Tel: 665 1982.

[edit] OPTOMETRIST

Optica El Laguito
El Laguito, Edificio Antares, Tel: 665-0261.

[edit] HOSPITALS & EMERGENCY

Hospital Bocagrande
Bocagrande, Calle 5 & Cra. 6
Clinica Urgencias
Manga, Avenida Jimenez, Tel: 660 4588 24 hr. emergency clinic
Clinica de Fracturas
Manga, Calle 26 No. 15-73 across the street from Clinica Urgencias. Tel: 660 5652, 660 6011. Emergencies, x-rays, reconstructive surgery, lab.


[edit] LASIK EYE SURGERY

Clinica Oftamologica de Cartagena
Pie de La Popa, Calle 30, Tel: 656 0290, 656 0291, Email: clinoftaletgred.net.co, Drs. Rolando Bechara & Carlos Alfonso.


[edit] PHYSICAL THERAPY

Ericka Zabaleta Puelto
Manga, across the street from Clinica de Fracturas, Tel: 660-6164.


[edit] VETERINARY CLINICS

Note! Heartworm is alive and well in Columbia! Be sure your pet is treated monthly. Also, ticks are plentiful here. “Frontline”, an effective topical flea and tick medication that is applied every six weeks or so, is readily available at vet clinics and pet stores. ;Mascotas: Manga, Av. 4a #18, B 03, Tel: 660 5026, 660 6344. Excellent clinic open 24 hrs. for emergencies with on-site lab and x-ray.

Pets Cetera
Manga, Av. Jimenez No. 28-19. Luis Roberto Saenz, speaks English. Lovely pet supply store w/ high quality food and medicines.


[edit] Communications

[edit] PHONES / FAX

There is a PHONE at Club Nautico with direct ATT access; this is on the wall at the left end of the bar. The phone card phone is at the right of the dinghy dock. Public telephones are everywhere. Phone cards can be purchased in the marina office, grocery stores and from boys on the streets wearing advertisement aprons. A call to the U.S. using one of Columbia’s long distance direct-dial companies (005+1+area code+number) runs about 80¢ a minute. A cell phone can be purchased from BellSouth (in Carulla grocery and other locations) for a reasonable price. Prepaid cell phone cards can then be purchased from the same offices or the street boys so no monthly contract is necessary. AT&T card access number: 018009110010.

You can use the phone companies in town for phones and FAXes. Club Nautico will send/receive FAXes.


[edit] INTERNET CAFES

There are many internet cafes in Manga and Centro. To name just a few:

Discos Cartagena
Manga, Calle Real No 19-89, just past the Carulla grocery. Uses Linux. $4000 pesos per hour. Closed Sundays.
Red Columbia
Manga, Av. Jimenez Edif. Ana Teresa, Local 2. Diagonal to Davivienda. Machines with Linux and Windows. Scanner available. $2500 an hour. Open everyday.
CaribeNet
Centro, Calle Santo Domingo No.3-19 . Large, comfortable. Coffee and snacks are available. $2200 pesos per hr.


[edit] POST OFFICE

There is a post office down the road from Vivero just opposite Calipso. Telecom & Avianca offices sell stamps at the same rate. The Avianca office in Plaza Bolivar posts letters for your convenience. You’re always safe to carry US or UK stamps and find someone leaving to take mail out for you.


[edit] RADIO NETS & WEATHER

  • David Jones Weather 0730 local time on 8104.0, 0800 local time on 12.365
  • Herb at 1430 local time on 12.359.
  • Caribbean Weather Net (Ham) at 2230 & 1030 GMT on 3.815.
  • Panama Connection Net at 1330 GMT, 0830 local time, on 8107.0
  • BBC World News airs in the morning on 15.190 @0630 local time. Try www.cioh.org.co + Dimar for the local forecast in Spanish. www.meteo.an/meteo2/weerkamer/marineforecast.htm Good Netherland Antilles forecast including the Colombian coast.


[edit] HISTORY & SIGHTSEEING

The following books are recommended reading on the History of Cartagena:

Cartagena de Indias, City of a Thousand Wonders
A tourist guide that can be found in small shops selling tickets for boat rides and in racks at newspaper and magazine stands.
A Brief History of Cartagena
, by Eduardo Lemaitre. The green copy is in English and available from EL Palacio del Inquisicion in Plaza Bolivar. An excellent, readable short history of the city from it’s discovery through it’s era of colonization with it’s gold, pirates, independence, and days of the republic.

You can spend weeks exploring this fascinating city and don’t forget to carry your camera! The narrow streets, flowered balconies, and colonial Spanish architecture are beyond stunning. While every church is worth exploring, make a point of visiting San Pedro Claver in Plaza de San Pedro Claver, and the Cathedral in Plaza Bolivar. Here are some of the historical highlights that should not be missed:

Museo Naval
Located in Plaza Santa Teresa, just behind Iglesia San Pedro Claver. Iris is an excellent English-speaking tour and can explain the many interesting displays.
Museo de Oro
Plaza Bolivar. With more than just gold, the museum has interesting models of Indian communities and an historic overview of the Zenu society and their amazing flood control, gold and weaving. You can ask for an English overview of each of the 3 exhibit rooms. Closed Mondays.
Palacio de la Inquisicion
Plaza Bolivar. Fascinating and gruesome.
Castillo San Felipe
The largest fort in the city, this makes for a great early morning walk. Beautiful view of the city. An advantage to seeing this on a “cruise ship day” is that you can tag along and have a guided tour! Bring a flashlight—it’s riddled with tunnels!
Museo de Arte Moderno
Plaza de San Pedro de Claver. Beautiful gift shop next door featuring fine quality Colombian craftwork.
Teatro Heredia
Check Events( along with Centro Convenciones)
El Convento de la Popa
For it’s history and panoramic view of the city, La Popa is a must! A taxi can take you up, the drive is breathtaking!
Casa de Pedro de Heredia


[edit] SPANISH LESSONS

Amaury Martelo
Tel: 662 8658 12 mil per hour. Amaury will come to the Club or to your boat. Private or semi-private lessons. He translates English, German, and French.
Jorge Ortiz
Tel: Office, 656 2197, Home, 658 1806. Both teachers highly recommended!


[edit] HAIRCUTS

Mascara’s
Manga, across the street from Carulla Grocery. Full service including facials, manicures, pedicures.
Barbaria Rex
Centro, Calle Estanco on the corner of Calle Coliseo.
Capelli Studio
Matuna, Cl 32 Comercios La Matuna L-7. Tel: 664 5678 Close to the
Centennial Park.
Frederico. Fabulous.


[edit] VIDEO RENTAL

Blockbuster Video
Bocagrande, Avenida San Martin & Calle 10. You can open an account with your passport, telephone and local reference, someone else with an account. Most movies are in English with Spanish subtitles.


[edit] SWIMMING

Feeling land-locked in the marina? Fortunately, for you water-lovers, there are some options!

Hotel Santa Clara
Centro, Plaza San Diego. Santa Clara’s beautiful pool is open to the public, but is mainly used by their paying guests. This is a very upscale facility so please dress appropriately and be a good representative of the cruising community.
Hotel Charleston
Centro, Plaza Santa Teresa. The hotel welcomes cruisers to enjoy their fabulous rooftop pool—talk about a view! Again, an upscale facility, and they appreciate your patronage to the poolside bar or restaurant in exchange for a locker and towel. Showers are also for your use.
Hilton Hotel
Bocagrande. The Hilton has several beautiful swimming pools and a very nice section of private beach. $12US will buy you a day’s access to their recreational facilities.
La Boquilla
You can spend a great day at the beach. Also Bocagrande.


[edit] HOTELS

By the way, hotel tour offices are a good way to book a day trip or week-long getaway...

Hotel Caribe
Bocagrande, Tel: 665 0155, 665 9199, “the Grand Dame” of Cartagena’s hotels, it has 40’s charm with modern facilities. Unique grounds with caged animals and birds.
Hilton Resort & Convention Center
Bocagrande, Tel: 665 0666. Modern and lovely with exclusive beaches.
Hotel Charleston
Centro, Plaza Santa Teresa, Tel: 665 0666. Beautifully restored 17th century convent in the old walled city with state-of-the art services. Excellent location. Ask for rates in pesos, rather than dollars.
Hotel Santa Clara
Centro, Plaza San Diego, Calle de Toro, Cr 8 #39-29 Tel: 664 6070. Another exquisitely restored convent with fabulous grounds and services. Don’t miss at least seeing the bar with tombs down the stairs!
Hotel DeCameron; Bocagrande, Cr.1 #10-80.Tel
665 4400. All-inclusive, part of a chain.


[edit] THEATER & MOVIES

Teatro Heredia
Centro, Cl 323 Plaza de Aduana. Check the local newspaper, Universal, for concerts, dance and ballet. This elegant theater is located in a lovely part of the old city. The shows are often very special and worthy of a stylish night out.
Cinema Bocagrande
Bocagrande on Avenida San Martin. One screen.
Multiplex Cinema
Castillano, 15 minute cab ride away, 4 screens. In the mall.


[edit] RESTAURANTS

Where do we begin? With such a variety of restaurants in Cartagena—Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish, Middle Eastern and more, deciding to eat out poses a problem---“Which restaurant tonight?” Most restaurants here charge a 15% tax and the standard ‘propina’, or tip, is 10%. At many restaurants the propina will already be added onto the bill. It is your responsibility to check to make sure. And like restaurants in other Latin American countries, it is necessary to ask for ‘la cuenta’, the bill, in order for it to be brought to your table when you have finished your meal. Don’t plan on eating dinner much before 7PM as many restaurants don’t even open till then or later, and you’ll likely be the only occupied table at that time! Small restaurants throughout town advertise ‘comida corriente’. This is typical Columbian fare, usually a complete meal including soup, rice, patacones (fried plantain) and meat, chicken or fish, for a very reasonable price-- $2-3 US. Great for lunches! Following is a very brief listing of some favorite restaurants among cruisers and locals. Each ‘$’ symbol represents approximately $10 US per dinner including wine. “Buen provecho!” (And yes, you can drink the water!)

[edit] RESTAURANT GUIDE

$ Arabe Express Manga, Calle Real 17-65, near Club Nautico. Tel: 6605416. Will deliver to the marina. Delicious middle eastern food. Huge portions.

$ Pelikanos Corner of Calle Santo Domingo & Castelbondo. Tel: 660-0086. Fixed price US $9. 4 appetizers, main course, dessert and coffee. Unlimited wine. A favorite among cruisers.

$ Café del Santisimo Calle de Santisimo, #8-19. Reservations: 664-3316. Fixed price US $12. Gourmet food with a flair, prepared by a Cordon Bleu chef! Menu has much more variety than Pelikanos. Includes non-stop wine/liquor. You won’t believe the value!

$ Club Nautico Marina From comida corriente to sizzling steak, Club Nautico offers good food and friendly service.

$ Crepes and Waffles. Bocagrande, Calle 3 No. 4–76, Tel: 665 2680. If you’re in the mood for a gourmet ice cream sundae, this is the place. Wonderful selection of main course crepes, dessert crepes, blintzes, entrée salads. Cruisers’ favorite and extremely reasonable.

$ Pazza Luna Centro, Plaza San Diego, facing Hotel Santa Clara. Thin crust pizzas at their best! The 3rd floor is great at night with a lovely view.

$$ San Pedro Centro, Plaza San Pedro Claver across from the Iglesia San Pedro Claver. Tel: 664-5121. Elegant restaurant with outdoor seating and lovely outlook onto the plaza. Sushi, Thai, Mexican, Indonesian, all superbly prepared. Very popular.

$$ Carbon de Palo Restaurante Parilla Centro, upstairs on the corner in Santo Domingo Plaza. Specializing in meat. Fun to look out over the square.

$$ Donde Olano Centro, Calle Santo Domingo #33-08. Bistro with outstanding ambience. Friendly with reasonable prices.

$$ El Meson de Maria y Mulata Calle Arsenal #8-13, on the waterfront road before the Convention center. Tapas Bar.

$-$$$ Enoteca Centro, Calle San Juan de Dios #3-39, near Hotel Charleston in Plaza Santa Teresa, Tel: 664-3806, 664-3793. 3 Italian restaurants around a lovely courtyard. Pizza and pastas, good Italian wine selection.

$$ Dragon de la Marina Calle de Porvenir Elegant Chinese in a beautiful colonial setting.

$$$ El Mar de Juan Centro, Plaza San Diego, Calle del Torno, Tel: 664 0004. Excellent seafood restaurant with lovely ambiance and live music.

$$$ La Barchessa Centro, Calle Santo Domingo #35-367. The “high chair” restaurant! Good pasta.

$$$$ Club de Pesca Manga, Fuerte del Pastlillo, Tel: 664-4594. Spectacular setting overlooking the yacht club and bay with elegant food & excellent service.

$$$$ Hotel Santa Clara Centro, Plaza San Diego. A super Sunday brunch buffet starts at 11:30. Very good food. $18.00. Take your swimsuit and towel and spend a day at the pool afterwards! The Santa Clara also features a stunning bar and three restaurants: French, Italian, International.

$$$$ La Fragata Cabrero, Calle Real del Cabrero, Tel: 664 8734. “The yellow mansion” with the best view of the city wall and San Felipe Castle. A Cartagena dining tradition.

$$$$ La Vitrola Centro, Cl 23 #2-01 Calle Baloco Tel: 664 8243. Live Cuban background music. Excellent service, fine food, delightful ambiance.

CATERING:

Lucho Cote
, experienced cruise ship chef and former chef at Del Lucho Restaurant in the city, will prepare exquisite and delicious food and bring it to your boat! He has menu suggestions and will do appetizers-only for a cocktail party or a 4-course meal for less than the cost of going out! Speaks English. Tel: 660 5309, ask for Teresa.


[edit] NIGHT LIFE

In Cartagena, the night is young at 11PM, so if you partake of the night life, plan on staying up late! (And if you do, use good judgement and take a taxi back to the marina. Do not walk back from town at night!) Bocagrande is the place to be for your tourists’ bars and discos. In Centro, the old city, you will find many off-beat places that cater to the large student population here.

Baluarte de San Francisco
Centro, Plaza Santa Teresa with a beautiful view on top of the wall across from the Hotel Charleston. A great spot to enjoy an after dinner drink, live music and Spanish dancing.
Tu Candela
Centro, Plaza Portal de Los Dulces, Cra 32-25, Tel: 664 8787.Faces the clock tower at the entrance to the old city center. A 'wine bar' style disco. Often crammed. Not cheap.
La Tarzana
Centro, Plaza de los Coches. 100% Salsa Club.
Quiebra Canto Café Galeria
Getsemani, Cra 8B25-110, Edificio Puerta del Sol. Tel: 6641372. Beside the old Teatro Cartagena facing the avenue between Parque Centenario and Muelle Pegasus. Typical salsa bar. Plenty of local color and a good mix of people. Nice view from the balcony.
Avenida del Arsenal Playa
The street along the waterfront on the way to Centro has many clubs, bars, and eateries.


[edit] EXERCISE CLASSES

There are a surprising number of opportunities to join an exercise class within walking distance to your marina! Call for times as they may change.

Yoga
4 Callejon de Manga #27-82. Tel: 660 0690. M-W-F 9AM and 9PM. T-Th-S 5:30AM.
T’ai Chi
4 Callejon de Manga #27-82. Tel: 660 0690. M-W-F 5:30AM. 1 hr.
Marathon Gym Club
Manga, 3a Ave. Hrs: 5AM-noon & 3PM-9PM. $50 mil for one month.
Aerobics
M thru F: 5:30AM, 6:30AM, 8AM, 5:30PM, 6:30PM, 7:45PM. Sat: 8AM, 4PM.
Aerobics
Aerobic class outside at the south end of the malecon, weekdays at 5AM.
Walk the Wall!
If you’re an early riser you can make the perimeter of the entire old city before it gets too hot! Later in the day, wait until about 4pm. The walk from Manga, around the wall, and back is approximately 8 miles. The wall alone is 4 miles.


[edit] SHOPPING

There are simply too many fine stores to list in depth, and discovering them on your own is part of the fun. Following are some shops that have been recommended more than once by cruisers. Buyer beware! When the cruise ships start rolling in (September, October….) prices around town start going up, up, up!


[edit] LOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS

Las Bovedas
Centro. A huge “mall of stalls”, somewhat repetitive but there are some fine things to be had… avoid cruise ship days.
Fegali Joyeros
Centro, Calle San Juan de Dios, between the Hotel Charleston and San
Pedro de Claver.
Finer quality gifts and artifacts. Interesting inventory.
Palenque Artesenias
Centro, Plaza San Pedro Claver, No. 403.


[edit] Art Gallery

Agua de Lluvia
Calle del Santisimo No. 8-19. Excellent & unusual high quality crafts, fabrics pottery, woodwork.
Gallery del Cano
Centro, Plaza Bolivar next door to the Gold Museum. Finely crafted true Columbian crafts. Also beautiful copies of pre-Columbian jewelry. There is a very nice coffee house upstairs with a balcony overlooking the square. (Bill Clinton was there!) A smaller store is located in the Hotel Santa Clara.
Clavia
Bocagrande, Pierno Gallo Shopping Center, 2nd floor, Tel: 665-5408. Probably the best and most authentic collection of Columbian artifacts.

[edit] CIGARS

Cava del Puro
, Calle San Juan de Dios 3-106, near the Hotel Charleston. Careful! What you see being sold on the streets is NOT what you get! For real Cuban cigars come here. Try their Columbian cigars. Very good & reasonably priced.

[edit] CLOTHING

The street running between the Charleston Hotel and Plaza Santo Domingo has a variety of fine women’s boutiques. You will find good clothing in all price ranges throughout the city.

[edit] COFFEE

Coffee And….
El Laguito, Pierino Gallo Shopping Center, Upstairs. Proprietor Luis Romano speaks great English and carries not only several different qualities and different roasts of coffee, he also has premium hand-rolled cigars, some handcrafts, sweets, leather goods, and more. He has a wealth of information to share about the city, and his coffee is terrific! *Remember, you’re in Columbia! Good coffee is not hard to find, but really fine coffee is the province of specialists like Luis!

[edit] HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Best selection seems to be HomeMart, Olympica (next to HomeMart), & Vivero.

[edit] SALVAGED ANTIQUE BOAT PARTS

CoMarCa, Ltda. Centro, Plaza Santo Domingo No. 3-16, Tel: 664 9960. A fabulous collection of fascinating boat artifacts dating back to who-knows-when! A true treasure trove for the ‘old salt’ in you!

[edit] MARINE STORES

There are a few marine parts stores and an unlimited supply of autoparts (12 volt) stores. The Home Mart or ServiStar are places to visit if you need tools, garden items, household goods, lamps, etc. MultiElectrico (on the side street, across the street, from Home Mart) can take care of alternator repairs and parts, bulb replacements, wires, etc; anything electrical. Ignacio Sierra (just over the bridge from Club de Pesca on Calle Larga on the right) is the place for nuts, bolts, screws, cutlasses, plumbing pieces, etc; if they don’t have it, they will make it. There are many cruisers in Cartagena who have been there many years; they can direct you where to go for whatever you need.


[edit] EMERALDS

You won’t get far walking down the streets in Old Town without being approached by someone who has, by far, without question, the absolutely very best buy on emeralds! AND, he’ll probably promise you a “special price today!” The fact is, emeralds are a great buy in Cartagena. But you need to do some homework. Some of the jewelers will take time with you and explain what you should look for. They may also be honest enough to show you varying qualities of emeralds, and the prices should reflect that. Don’t rush, and enjoy the shopping experience.

Mister Emerald - Leland W. Miles
Centro Comercial Pierino Gallo L.2-10, Upstairs Plaza, El Laguito, Cartagena. Tel: 665-6781 Expatriate American and avid sailor with 30 years in the emerald trade in Cartagena. "no mystery; no smoke and mirrors" www.MisterEmerald.com
Andorra Jewelry Factory
Centro, Plaza Santa Domingo, Calle de Ayos, #4-24, Tel: 64 6136. Good reports on information given, quality and prices. Juan V. Gomez.
Casa Blanca, Fabrica de Joyas
Centro, Calle Ayos No.4-20, down the street from Paco’s off Plaza Santo Domingo., Email: indujoyas@hotmail.com Tel: 664 6793. Jesus Ocampo, proprietor, has an excellent reputation among cruisers of honesty and integrity. He wholesales to the public and if you price jewelry around town, it will be obvious. He has no jewelry on display as everything is made to order: custom, copies, pre-Columbian copies, whatever you desire. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Lucy’s Jewelry & Emerald Store
Centro, Calle Domingo & Calle de la Iglesia #3-77. Tel: 660 0973. Email: lucysjewelry@hotmail.com, www.lucysjewelry.cartagenainfo.com Lucy has established a reputation among cruisers for her warm personality and very considerate and professional business ethic. Ask for Lucy personally and you will be treated with respect and patience.
Joyeria Caribe
Bocagrande, Calle 5 #2-51. With several smaller stores in the city, the Bocagrande location shows an instructional video on mining and cutting emeralds, as well as having emerald cutters on-site. A good place to go for an “emerald primer”.


[edit] TRAVEL AGENCIES & AIRLINES

Convi Travel Ltda.
Getsemani, Calle Larga #10-70, Tel: 664 2653, 665 8311, Fax: 665 2383, Email: convi@ctgred.net.co. Patricia speaks English and her agency specializes in cruises, tours (Columbia, Amazon, Peru, etc) & locating apartments for visitors.
Contactos
Bocagrande, Av. San Martin, Centro Comercial, 2nd floor. Tel: 665 1300, Fax: 665 2327. Good prices on tickets. Monica speaks English.
Mar y Mar
Centro, Calle de la Factoria #36-17, Tel: 664 2964, 664 3843, Fax: 664-2964. ‘Nestle’ speaks English.
Circular de Viajes
Manga, Calle Real #20-37, Tel: 660 6139, 660 6140, Email: circularctg@hotmail.com. Shirley Rojas Ruiz speaks some English
Aces Airlines
Bocagrande, Av. San Martin No. 9-58, Tel: 665 0407.
Aviatur Airline
Bocagrande, Pierno Gallo Shopping Center, upstairs, Tel: 665 0101
Avianca Airlines
Bocagrande, Cra. 3 No. 8-129, Tel: 665 1950.
Copa Airlines
Centro, Calle Castelbondo No. 2-107, Tel: 664 8289.


[edit] OUT-OF-TOWN

If you are planning to travel within Columbia, it is important to keep in mind that while Cartagena is safe, traveling any distance from one city to another is extremely dangerous! Even locals here will advise you that it is definitely safer to fly, and/or make arrangements with a tour operator!!!

Islas de Rosarios
If you don’t want to sail to these beautiful islands yourself, boats are available for hire from the fishing dock just outside the clock tower, for day trips. A popular stop there is the Sea Aquarium. The Santa Clara Hotel owns Hotel San Pedro de Majagua-- beach bungalows in the Rosarios-- and travel arrangements and reservations for that facility can be made at the hotel in the city.
Horticultural Gardens
Turbaco. Day excursion a taxi ride away.
Santa Marta
The town is a 3 to 4 hour long bus ride away. Museums, beaches, restaurants. Gets you out of the hustle and bustle of Cartagena.
Mud Baths & Volcano
This is a weird 50’ cone of mud with a bubbling mud bath on top. It is apparently very healthy and the massage you get while floating in the mud is terrific. Take a change of clothes, towel and sandals. A taxi will take you there, wait several hours, and bring you back to town for approx. $60. The fee for the baths is $2 US, propina for the masseuses, $10+ and tips are also in order for the ladies who rinse you off. Very crowded on weekends. “Not everyone’s cup of tea!” Lunch, sodas and beer available.
Isla Palma
Hotel DeCameron sponsors a launch to their private all-inclusive resort in San Bernardo Islands. (2 hr. Trip) Approx. $145 per night per couple w/ all meals and drinks included.
Villa Babilla
Ecological tour, ½ day trip, reported to be well worth the effort! Contact Juan Carlos Lopez, tour guide. Tel: 663 9068, 663 9058.


[edit] TOUR GUIDES

There are many knowledgeable tour guides eagerly awaiting your business. As “personality” factors into the success of a trip, be it a half day city tour, eco tour, or emerald buying spree, we feel it’s best to advise you to ask others who “have done it”, who they used and how they fared. Be sure you clearly state your desires—exactly what you have in mind, and settle on the price before leaving. Again, hotels are a good source for arranging for professionals guides. Please report your experience with any tour guides, positive or negative, to the office at Club Nautico so that other cruisers might have references. Thanks!


[edit] CITED

  • Information for this guide was compiled by Cindy Robinson, s/v ANGEL, with assistance from John Halley, dock master.

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