Boat Colombia to Panama
A Legendary Adventure
Trip Information
Trust Travelers! Loved & recommended worldwide San Blas Adventures is The Legendary San Blas Islands Experience. Join like-minded travelers & our Crew of foreign bilingual guides and local islanders to take you to this once-in-a-lifetime 5 Day & 4 Night island-hopping Speedboat between Colombia and Panama. Our journey skips the 40+ hours of open ocean crossing sailing from Cartagena, spend 90% of your time on the Islands with only about 8 hours of boat rides over the journey. Join The Island Vibes!
The Route
5 Days & 4 nights
San Blas Islands hopping tour
NO OPEN OCEAN – NO SEASICKNESS
From Colombia Capurgana/Sapzurro to Carti Panama
Our Legendary route crosses the entire archipelago between islands from start to the end. Skip the 40+ hours Open Ocean Crossing sailing from Cartagena to Panama & No seasickness – only about 2h boat rides per day means 90% Island Time! starting from Capurgana & including a night in Sapzurro in Colombia & ends in Panama on the afternoon of the 5th day. You’ll be in Panama City on the 5th day in the evening about 7-8pm.
HOW TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?
FROM CARTAGENA, TRAVEL WITH FELLOW TRAVELERS ON OUR ORGANIZED TRANSPORT!
We make it easy and hassle free for you! Join the group transport and let the adventure start in Cartagena! This 1 day pre-trip journey to the starting point Capurgana/Sapzurro adds On to the trip an exciting layer, allowing you to connect with fellow travelers and enjoy a seamless experience!
Here’s How It Works:
Just select the group transport option when booking!All the info will hit your inbox, and you’ll join our WhatsApp chat
You’ll be connected with your fellow travelers in a WhatsApp group before and with us throughout the entire group transport, ensuring smooth coordination and constant support for a stress-free experience.
- START IN CARTAGENA
Depart 1 day before your trip. We’ll assist with booking your bus, accommodation, and boat tickets, so you can relax and enjoy the journey. - Group Transport
Be at the Cartagena bus terminal by 8 am to meet up with the group and begin your journey. Together, you’ll take a scenic bus ride to the charming seaside town of Necoclí, - Necocli to Capurganá
Spend the night unwinding by the beach.
The next morning, hop on a Boat ferry to arrive in the lively coastal village of Capurgana / Sapzurro. - CHECK IN & BRIEFING & WELCOME DRINK!
THE TRIP STARTS HERE!!!
In Capurganá, meet your guide and fellow travelers with a welcome drink at the “THE DOCK” Restaurant for a pre-trip briefing, setting the stage for the adventure ahead! - SAPZURRO : NIGHT/ DINNER & BREAKFAST INCLUDED!
After the meeting and migration process, the trip begins! You’ll head together with our team to Sapzurro, where you’ll spend the afternoon and night in this stunning coastal village, surrounded by lush jungle and emerald waters, setting the perfect tone before your boat adventure starts!
Why Choose the Group Transport?
- Seamless Organization: We handle the details, so you can enjoy the journey stress-free.
- Bond with Fellow Travelers: Connect with the group and start the fun early.
- Explore Colombia’s Hidden Gems: Discover Necoclí, Capurganá, and Sapzurro before setting sail.
- Budget-Friendly: Costs are approximately 250,000 COP ($60 USD) until the beginning of the trip, paid directly to service providers, making it an affordable and flexible option.
- Adds to the Adventure: Transform transport into an unforgettable part of your San Blas experience.
Join the group transport and let the adventure start in Cartagena!
Reach the Departure Point on Your Own
Prefer to travel independently?
be at the briefing/checking in Capurgana the day of the trip date at “THE DOCK Restaurant”
Plan your own journey and join us at the departure point to start your San Blas Adventure. To ensure a smooth experience, and be able to join the trip you’ll need to be in NECOCLI BY 8 am THE DAY OF THE TRIP DATE to take the boat to Capurganá and be at the pre trip briefing around 10/11am at “The DOCK Restaurant”. If you are already in Capurgana then come by 10.30am!
What You Need to Do:
- Travel to Necoclí:
Arrange your transport to Necoclí from Cartagena, Medellín, or other locations:- From Cartagena: Take a bus to Necoclí
- From Medellín: Take a bus (approximately 7-8 hours), fly directly to Capurganá, or fly to Apartadó and take a taxi to Necoclí.
- Option to Join the Group in Necoclí / or NOT:
If you arrive in Necocli in the evening before the trip departure, you can meet up with the group travelers and start connecting with them early! Otherwise just enjoy the Town, we recommend you to stay at Casa Yemaya Hostel.
Accommodation in Necocli from 45.000 to 70.000 pesos at Casa Yemaya (nice seafront Guest House ), contact whatsapp +57 312 884 60 80 - Boat to Capurganá:
Be at the Necoclí dock in the morning by 8 am to board the Boat ferry to Capurganá. (1h30) - Pre-Trip Briefing in Capurgana
Upon arrival in Capurgana, enjoy a welcome cocktail drink at “The Dock” Restaurant as you meet your guide and the rest of the team. Connect with fellow travelers, complete immigration formalities, and get a full trip overview to prepare for your island-hopping adventure. - Head to Sapzurro: NIGHT / DINNER & BREAKFAST INCLUDED
After the meeting and immigration process, the group will head to Sapzurro to spend the night together in this stunning coastal village, surrounded by lush jungle and emerald waters. You can choose to stay with the group at Triny’s Hostel or select a different accommodation. While we recommend staying together for the best experience, it’s entirely optional!
Why Choose This Option?
- Flexibility: Travel independently while still having the opportunity to join the group later.
- Bond Early: Meet the group in Necoclí for a more connected experience or just enjoy the beautiful Sapzurro and Capurgana area with trekkings/snorkeling/discover the beautiful bay of La Miel or aguacate & much more…ASK US!
- Tailored Journey: Perfect for those who prefer organizing their own transport and itinerary.
If this option fits your travel style, be sure to arrive in Necoclí by 8 am THE DAY OF YOUR TRIP DATE to board the boat to Capurgana & kickstart your San Blas adventure!
TRAVELING OVERNIGHT FROM CARTAGENA
It is possible to travel overnight from Cartagena, if you want to avoid the stay in Necocli or are pressed for time. This journey is made in 2 parts. First you’ll take a bus from Cartagena to Monteria, leaving the night before your San Blas Adventures trip. Second, a van from Monteria to Necocli. Remember, the boat from Necocli leaves at 8am (7am on Sundays).
The last bus from Cartagena to Monteria is around 8:00 pm (Brasilia Bus)
Once in Monteria, you need to take a van, not a bus. Take the first one available! At the very latest you need to leave Monteria by 3-4 am.
You MUST get a Van (not a bus) from Monteria to Necocli in order to get to the boat on time.
TRAVEL FROM MEDELLIN
There are 2 options to travel to Capurgana from Medellin. You can either travel there by bus or if you’re pressed for time you can take a flight directly to Capurgana.
OPTION 1: TRAVEL BY BUS
This journey takes place in two parts. First you will take a bus from Medellin to Necocli, where you will stay overnight, then you’ll need to take a ferry from Necocli to Capurgana the next morning.
TRAVEL OVERNIGHT FROM MEDELLIN
You can also take an overnight bus from Medellin to Necocli and go directly to the ferry. To do this you need to take a bus from the NORTH TERMINAL in Medellin, leaving no later than 7pm the night before your San Blas Adventures trip.
OPTION 2: FLY FROM MEDELLIN TO CAPURGANA
-Flights cost between $70-150 USD.
-For flight availability check:
www.pacificatravel.com.co
www.satena.com
NOTE: If you book your flight for the day of your San Blas adventures trip, you may need to meet the group in Sapzurro if you arrive late after the group Briefing. In This case you will need to first get your exit stamp on your passeport at the immigration & then take a boat from Capurgana to Sapzurro (10-15 min)
Whats is included
5 days & 4 Nights
Guides & Crew
Food
Accommodation
Immigration & Customs
Snorkeling & Beach Games
Cultural Immersion
Giving Back
Most of your trip money supports local Islanders families & social projects. Your adventure makes a difference, helps share the benefits of tourism with the local communities. you are supporting hundreds of families, funds school renovations, provides food for kids, and sponsors youth sports. Make the Difference!
Cocktails & Bonfire
Not included
Kuna Tax
Transportation
Snacks & Beverages
Insurance
Gratuities or Tips
Coconuts
Windy Season
From December to April, “summer” in San Blas brings blue skies, hot days, and strong winds, which can make the sea rough at times. In these conditions, our Native Islanders, who know the seas perfectly, may adjust the itinerary or delay the trip for safety and comfort. Delays are extremely rare, but we believe in keeping you informed that they could happen. If weather conditions become particularly severe, our captains may opt for a delay before or during the trip. Allow 3-4 extra days after the expected trip end date when planning flights or other commitments to ensure flexibility.
Safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we do not accept travelers under 18 during this season.
We want you to have the best possible experience during your trip to San Blas! It is important to keep in mind that this Expedition requires a certain level of flexibility & good spirit!
Good Spirit
Adventure
Keep us updated
Booking and payments
Cost of the trip
The 5-day, 4-night San Blas adventures starts at $545 per person. Prices may vary depending on the season, also on available discount so please check our online booking System or contact us for exact pricing and availability. Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!
How To Book
To secure your spot, please make a deposit of $130 USD per person through our online booking system. The remaining balance will be paid in cash (USD) at the briefing with your guide the day before departure.
Check our departure dates and availability on our online calendar, and book your adventure today!
We are also available to chat via Whatsapp!
Cancellations & Rescheduling
RESCHEDULING POLICY
Rebooking/changing date:
Bookings are transferable to another date or direction free of charge (1 time) if we are notified at least 10 days before departure *subject to availability.
1st rebooking more than 10 days before the trip = Free
2nd rebooking, and any rebooking after = $20 per person in the booking.
3-10 days before the trip = fee of $20 per person in the booking
1-2 days before the trip = Fee of $40 per person in the booking.
*This doesn’t apply for health, or other emergencies with proof. In that case send us an email with the document showing why you had to rebook.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
If you wish to cancel your spot on a scheduled trip, your eligibility for a refund will depend on how far in advance you cancel:
- More than 30 days before the trip: FULL REFUND
- 8 – 30 days before the trip (inclusive): 50% REFUND
- 7 days or less before the trip: NO REFUND
*Any deposits paid are non-refundable if you cancel within 7 days of your scheduled departure.
*If you choose to rebook for a future date and wish to cancel the new date, refund eligibility will be based on your original departure date, not the new booking date.
Refunds will be made via PayPal or through our booking online system.
IF WE CANCEL OR DELAY A TRIP :
We only cancel a trip if there is a severe weather warning or if the Maritime office does not give us clearance to travel.
On rare occasions we may delay the trip a day or so if we don’t have enough people to run the trip or if for some unforeseen reason we cannot leave on the day scheduled.
If our trip cannot proceed on the scheduled departure date,we will reschedule in the next day/s. In that case we will let you know, sending an email explaining the delay. We issue full refunds only if a trip is cancelled due to weather or any other reason.
We will issue a full refund if we cancel the full trip.
If we cancel the full trip, you will have the option to join the next departure if there is an available seat and if that works for you. You will also be able to move your booking to any future departure dates, and if that isn’t possible for you we will gladly issue a full refund.
Note : By Booking the trip you accepted our FAQ, the terms & conditions and liability & release
Terms & conditions
San Blas Adventures acts solely as a booking agency, with boats independently owned and operated by trusted third-party partners. Captains have full authority to refuse passage or make changes to the itinerary to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Once aboard, the captain assumes full responsibility for the quality of service provided throughout your journey.
Please note that San Blas Adventures is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or changes caused by unforeseeable events such as weather conditions, government actions, civil disobedience, acts of God, or any other unexpected occurrences. While we make every effort to minimize disruptions, we will keep you informed of any changes that may affect your trip.
Passengers are responsible for ensuring they have valid travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, personal belongings, and adventure activities. Additionally, passengers are required to disclose any health conditions, physical limitations, or dietary requirements that may impact their participation in the trip.
San Blas Adventures, the boat owners, and crew are not liable for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings during the trip. Passengers should take the necessary precautions to safeguard their items..
Adventure travel involves inherent risks. By booking and paying for your trip, you acknowledge and accept these risks. San Blas Adventures, its affiliates, the crew, and boat owners cannot be held liable for accidents, injuries, or losses incurred during the trip. The safety and well-being of all passengers are our highest priority, and the crew is authorized to take all necessary precautions to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.
Given the nature of adventure travel, itineraries may be subject to change due to weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. Passengers are expected to remain flexible and open to adjustments as needed for safety or operational reasons.
During the windy season or when weather conditions are severe, passengers must be at least 18 years old to participate. Additionally, all passengers are required to respect local Kuna customs and laws, including restrictions on removing natural items such as coconuts without permission, which may result in fines.
By booking your trip with San Blas Adventures, you agree to these terms and conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. Thank you for choosing us for your San Blas adventure!
Third-Party Transport Waiver
San Blas Adventures acts solely as a facilitator for third-party transportation services. All transport before and after our trip, including but not limited to jeeps, boats, buses, and flights, is operated by independent providers. We do not own, manage, or control these services and are not responsible for any delays, cancellations, accidents, loss of property, or any other issues that may arise.
By using these transport services, you acknowledge that San Blas Adventures is not liable for any claims, damages, or inconveniences resulting from third-party transport arrangements. Travelers are responsible for verifying schedules, conditions, and any necessary documentation required by the transport providers.
We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.