Boat Panama to Colombia
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 Panama and Colombia. 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 Panama(Carti) to Colombia(Capurgana)
Our Legendary route travels the entire archipelago between islands from the beginning to the end. Skip the 40+ hours Open Ocean Crossing sailing boat to Cartagena & No seasickness, only about a 2hr boat ride per day means 90% of your time on the Islands! Starting from Panama & ending in Sapzurro/Capurgana Colombia in the morning of the 5th day including the last night in Capurgana.
HOW TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?
JOIN OUR ORGANIZED JEEP 4×4 TRANSPORT
FROM PANAMA CITY, TRAVEL WITH FELLOW TRAVELERS ON OUR ORGANIZED TRANSPORT!
We make it easy and hassle-free for you! Take a 2.5-hour jeep journey from Panama City to Carti, organized by us for just $35 USD.
Travel scenic roads, winding through the Darien Jungle where you’ll transition from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean, surrounded by vibrant rainforest and stunning views as you enter into the amazing Kuna Yala.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS
- Let us know where you’re staying!
– We can organize the jeeps to pick you up at any hotel, hostel or AirBnB within Panama City. Make sure you update us with any changes so we can make sure the jeeps know where to go.
- Early morning Pick Up
- Pick up is between 4.30-5am at your hostel/hotel/BnB on the morning of the trip. Be outside and ready to go by this time to avoid delaying your adventure!
- LAST STOP ON THE WAY
- The jeeps will make a last stop at a supermarket on the way to Carti, for any last minute supplies you need like cash, drinks, snacks etc. We highly recommend being fully prepared before the trip, but just in case we’ve got you covered!
Note: The last part of the journey to Carti is a winding road through the beautiful Darien Jungle. If you are affected by motion sickness at all, please advise your guide beforehand or let us know so we can be of assistance!
Getting to Carti on your own is “possible”,however it’s important to note that access by vehicle is limited to authorized 4×4 vehicles only.
It is possible to reach it by foot or bicycle if you are on a special challenge or expedition, it might take 1 day or 2 to get to the starting point, but Carti also has limited phone signal so it’s essential that you confirm your plans with us in advance if you’re traveling independently.
Let us help you organize it!
We make it easy and hassle-free for you! Take a jeep journey from Panama City to Carti, organized by us for just $35 USD.
THIS JOURNEY IS SAVING YOU ABOUT 50 HOURS OPEN OCEAN CROSSING SAILING FROM PANAMA TO CARTAGENA!!
The journey from Capurganá to Cartagena takes about 9 hours, departing in the morning and arriving in the afternoon. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a boat ride to Necocli, followed by a bus to Cartagena!
Capurganá to Necoclí: The boat ride from Capurganá to Necoclí lasts about 1.5 hours, with departures at 8:00 AM or 10:00 AM. Tickets cost 95,000 COP and can be booked the day before at the Caribe SA office near the dock. Be sure to get your Colombia immigration stamp on the same day to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Packing Tips for the Boat: Protect your bags with bin liners, which are available for purchase at the shop near the dock. Don’t forget sunscreen—the sun can be strong! For the most comfortable ride, try to grab a spot at the back of the boat.
Necoclí to Cartagena: From Necoclí, you’ll take two van trips to reach Cartagena. First, the van to Montería costs about 40,000 COP and takes around 3 hours. Then, you’ll hop on another van to Cartagena for 65,000 COP, which will take about 5 hours.
Total Cost: The entire trip from Capurganá to Cartagena will cost roughly 220,000 COP (about $75 USD).
All payments are made in Colombian pesos.
The journey to Medellín takes almost a full day, leaving in the morning and arriving in the late afternoon. On the way you’ll enjoy a boat ride to Necoclí, followed by a bus trip to Medellín!
If you are few travelers together you could also organize a Cab/Taxi with UBER or INDRIVER app.
Capurganá to Necoclí: The boat ride takes around 1.5 hours, with departures at 8:00 AM or 10:00 AM. Tickets cost 95,000 COP, and you’ll need to book them the day before at the Caribe SA office near the dock. Be sure to get your Colombia immigration stamp before departure to keep everything smooth and stress-free.
Packing Tips for the Boat: Protect your bags with bin liners, available for purchase at the shop by the dock. The sun can be pretty strong, so don’t forget your sunscreen! For a comfy ride, aim to sit at the back of the boat – it’s the best spot!
Necoclí to Medellín: Once in Necoclí, you’ll take a bus to Medellín, a 9.5-hour ride that costs about 80,000 COP.
Total Cost: The entire journey from Capurganá to Medellín will cost around 185,000 COP (roughly $62 USD).
FLY FROM CAPURGANA TO MEDELLIN
-Flights cost between $70-150 USD.
-For flight availability check
www.pacificatravel.com.co
www.satena.com/
NOTE: Flights to Medellin from Capurgana only depart on Mondays and Fridays – keep this in mind when planning your onward travel!
*All payments are made in Colombian pesos.
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.