Destinations
How to travel between Colombia and Panama (Page 3)
Tips for travelling the Darién Gap
- Choose your boat carefully – find out how long the captain has been sailing this tricky route.
- Arrange your crossing in advance – boats don’t leave according to a regular schedule.
- Allow for delays caused by the weather, especially from December to February when there are fewer boats doing the trip.
- If you can, check out the boat before committing yourself – make sure there is a shaded area on deck.
- Find out how many beds there are, how many passengers will be on board and who does the cooking.
- Take sea sickness pills, sun screen, books, water and snacks.
- Pack everything you might need during the day into a small bag – if you suffer from sea sickness you’ll want to avoid moving around as much as possible.
Recommended boats
I travelled on Sacanagem with Capitan Federico Layolle (federico_layolle@yahoo.com.br) in January 2010. He was excellent: a good cook, enthusiastic host and experienced captain, although conditions were a little cramped.
Other people have recommended Sailing Koala http://www.sailingkoala.com/ (recommended by Sonya Spry and Aaldrik Mulder; www.tour.tk; @tourdottk), and Metacomet, Stahlratte, Tango and Seedler (recommended by Nancy Sathre-Vogel; http://www.familyonbikes.org/).
Finally, be aware that this is still very much a budget traveller experience. None of the boats on offer cater for travellers used to a life of luxury.
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