Sailing from Panama to Colombia

So there's this crazy piece of jungle called The Darien's Gap between Panama and Colombia that means to get between the two countries you either have to fly or take a boat. There's a few boat options, speed boats (apparently these are two fast and have been known to cause black eyes), ferries and sail boats. We opted for the sail boat, even though it's the most expensive option we were pretty confident it would be a hell of a lot more interesting than flying. We were not wrong.

Early on the 20th of February we were bundled into a 4wd to start the trip to Porvenir where we would meet our sail boat. This trip includes riding in a crammed 4wd for 2-3 hours, then taking a launcher out to the island. We were informed our boat was running late and we just had to sit tight at the drop off point to meet the rest of the crew before we could go to Porvenir. I think we waited for like 2 hours or more before we realised the rest of the group were there (Literally the only other people in the car park). We all said hello and then suddenly it was time to go.

Next thing we knew we were in the San Blas Islands and the colours were amazing. We were told our boat was still running late so we had lunch at the local hotel (a choice of fried chicken or octopus). After lunch and a nap in the hammock we were told the boat wasn't going to make it so we'd all be spending the night in the hotel, they'd be there at 7am. After being given a complementary dinner of fresh fish and a couple bottles of rum no one was complaining. Call it a good group bonding experience.

The next day we were finally picked up about 9am and the journey was underway! We were sailing...for about an hour.

What we called home for 8 days

We anchor at our first destination and El Capitan is immediately buying fresh fish and lobster for dinner. Feeling excited we all head over to the island to explore. It's pretty much what you expect, white sand, blue water, coco locos (rum poured into a fresh coconut) and bonfires. Life lesson: palm trees do not burn, don't try and start a bonfire with palm trees, you will be disappointed. As a bonus we even got to catch up with friends from Australia as they swam back to their boat from the island. Dinner is delicious and we learn how to get all of the meat from lobsters and fish. The cheeks, go for the cheeks!

Lobster Time

Island Drinks Menu

After some complications we sail onto the next island a day later than planned. This island actually has a shower (meaning pour fresh water onto yourself using a milk carton), a luxury we didn't expect.

We cruise around a few more islands for the next day before making the big jump to Colombia through open seas. By now we are getting the hang of boat life.

Our Bed for the trip - the front of the boat where it moves the most!

Home Sweet Home

Clearly I'm enjoying it

Surprisingly the salty apples weren't that bad

Rum and Cats - the staples of sailing 

I think one of my favourite moments was getting to hang out on one of the more populated islands for an afternoon. The local Kuna people were very welcoming.

Another massive feed of fish and lobster in one of the local's huts. The kids around here just grow up eating lobster, chicken is more expensive for them.

Impromptu game of "soccer" with the kids

Alex using the local facilities. 

The girls were especially friendly and were constantly trying to play.

                                

The two days at sea to get from the San Blas Islands to Colombia were spent lounging around the boat in different positions trying to hide from the sun. We took many sea sickness tablets and I constantly reminded myself I was on a boat. The mantra seemed to work and the trip was vomit free! I have now mastered the skill of making a toasted sandwich while being thrown from side to side. When we got into Colombian waters we celebrated with rum, beer and fried little fish. 

Dolphins swimming along side the boat

mmmmm fish

The Crew (minus me and El Capitan) 

We spend two nights anchored at some Colombian Islands. One of them had a weird half abandoned aquarium with some nurse sharks and a depressed turtle. It was a strange place. Our last day we set sail early in the morning and soon enough we can see Cartagena. There's a mix of feelings: sad the adventure had ended but excited to have a shower. After everyone has settled and washed the salt off their skin the crew get together one last time for amazing pizza and a lot of wine.

First Glimpses of Cartagena