| 1.
Info provided by Club Nautico, Manga
Cartagena’s port captain does not deal with any yacht captain directly
and will insist on the use of an agent. All foreign flag boats are
represented by a maritime agency. You will need to talk to your agent
any time you would like to move your vessel, be it for pleasure (going
to the Rosario Islands) or work (going to the yards). For vessels less
than 15 tons the basic charge for checking in (and out) is around
$80US. However there may be additional charges for lights and buoys and
temporary importation. There is also talk of introducing a cruising
permit charge for recreational vessels staying for longer than 2 weeks.
Ask for clarification at the beginning to avoid misunderstanding at the
end.
CARTAGENA DEL CARIBE Representative Edgar
Romero or his assistant are often to be found at Club Nautico
(David’s Cel 313 523 0742 e-mail:cartamarcaribe@hotmail.com)
For boats up to 20tons the charge for checking in and out
is $140,000 pesos (there may be minor add on’s for Lights and
Buoys). Sr. Romero or his nephew David will assist in both
boat and immigration matters. They have provided an attentive
and able service helping all Club Nautico’s clients.
Brisas del Mar Ltda.
Manfred Alwarelt is German, a member of Transocean, speaks
good English, Cel. 310 616 1836 311 400 6394 email: Manfred.al@gmx.net
charges $140,000 pesos U.S. and can obtain discounts on certain items.
Again, attentive to the needs of cruisers.
Temporary Importation for your vessel
Within one week of arrival your agent will need to apply for
a one year temporary importation permit for your vessel. This
can add a modest charge on top of the basic agency fee. Clarify
this with whoever you chose as your agent. This 1 year temporary
importation can be extended for one year in almost all circumstances.
Port Captain’s Office BCH Building, 5th floor (Multi
story office building facing Parque Centenario) La Matuna,
Avenida Daniel Lemaitre, CENTRO.
Immigration
Upon clearing with immigration, normally you will be issued
a 60day 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 time already spent (during
a calendar year).
If you are planning to be here for longer
than 60 days remember to renew your visa before the 60 days
runs out.
D.A.S. (Immigration office), Pie de La Popa, Tel: 656-2524.
There are many PUBLIC holidays in Colombia, so it’s
a good idea to call first to make sure they are open. Forms
are in Spanish so take a dictionary if necessary. Also your
‘Agencia Maritima’ will be happy to assist.
American Consulate. Freddie Gonzales Rubio,
Barranquilla. Tel. 075 3532001 cel 310 632 3870
e-mail: agrpersonal@enred.com
American Citizen Services, US embassy, Bogota,
Colombia e-mail: ACSBogota@state.gov
(.US Embassy warden in Cartagena: Adriana Michele Cel 315
731 9050..e-mail Adriana@enred.com)
Panamanian Consulate Plaza San Pedro Claver,
Centro. Tel. 655 1055
Consulado Italiano. Centro. Calle de Colegio
34-75 piso 2 Tel. 6641583
Allianza Colombo Francesa. Plaza Fernando
de Madrid Tel. 664 7344
Alemania. Frank Bolle. Crespo Cra.2 No. 67-143
piso 1, Edificio Cielo Mar Tel. 656 6080
España. Centro, Calle Don Sancho No.
36-79 Tel. 664 1644
British Embassy, Bogota. Hon Consulate, Cartagena
..Graham Binns Tel 653 8050 Cel 311 215 5152
2. Moorage facilities
Club Nautico, Club de Pesca, Marina Santa la Cruz, Marina
Club Manzanillo, Marina Todomar.
3. Money
The monetary unit in Colombia is the peso. At the time of
this writing the exchange is 1700 pesos to $1 U.S. Numerous
banks and “cajeros”, ATM’s, are conveniently
located throughout the city. There are two stand-alone cajeros
within and near to the Carulla grocery (Colmena, Granhorrar
) and also one with Carulla itself(AV Villa), all very close
to Club Nautico. Not all machines accept both MasterCard and
Visa, often just one or the other. Check the exchange symbols
on the back of your card and see if it matches up with what
the machine accepts. Most machines pay out in 20 mil bills.
Change is hard to come by in this town so treasure the smaller
notes (10,000 and less).
DO NOT USE MONEY CHANGERS ON THE STREETS!
Such operations are illegal. There is no black market rate for US dollars.
Banks here do not accept telegraphic transfers unless you have a
checking account with them. You can use the Banco Colombia on the
corner opposite the Carulla Supermarket (Manga) to obtain cash advances
on Credit cards (not Debit cards) of up to $5,000,000.00 pesos (approx
$2,200US). Check bank's info desk.
Security note:
Please be careful taking large sums out of the banks. Using Banco
Colombia (above) is fine due to its location. . Banco Colombia
(Bocagrande branch) and Banco Union (Centro near to the Torre de Reloj)
are also good choices. Do not use the banks in the Castellana shopping
mall (or other malls in the outer barrios) for large withdrawals.
4. Transportation CN recommends Taxidrivers
Lorenzo, and Cesar who are experienced
in dealing with cruiser’s needs.
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 4500 pesos, 5000 at night. Manga
to Bocagrande, 5-6000. Centro to Bocagrande, 4000. Taxi to
or from the airport is $6 US(or less). An average hourly rate
if you’d like your cab to wait while you do your errands
is 20,000 pesos (occasionally for less). Buses run continuously
throughout the day along Av. Jimenez from Manga to Bocagrande
for 1000 to 1500 pesos, depending on the bus, and whether
or not it has air conditioning.
Transport to Barranquilla, a major industrial city 70 miles
North East of Cartagena. By Coach from el Terminal de Transporte
or Collectivo door to door (Transportes DOYFI Tel: 660 8118
Cel: 300 808 7725 or Barranquilla 370 2633). Reasons for going:
American Consulate, Carnival (Feb), Perkins parts etc.
5. 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 “rez” (beef). There
is not much variety in canned goods. Wines and liquors tend
to be very expensive in the grocery stores. CARULLA in Manga, one block east of Club Nautico with clothing,
cosmetics, a pharmacy, film developing & stationary.
“CARULLA EXPRESS”, Manga, 1 ½ blocks east of Club de Pesca
OLYMPICA , Bocagrande, Calle 12 and Av. San Martin
OLYMPICA, Av. Pedro de Heredia and Calle 32 with nice selection of
household goods. Next to HomeMart. Has ServiBanca allowing
ATM 400,000 peso single withdrawal.
EXITO, sector San diego, Centro. Large combination grocery / department store similar
to Target in the states or Gigante in Mexico. Has ServiBanca
ATM 400,000 peso withdrawal.
EXITO, Castellana shopping mall (Paseo de la Castellana), the big
one!
MAKRO, Los Ejecutivos. Near to La Castellana shopping mall.
Price Cosco type store. Bulk buying.
Butcher Productoros Carnicos Aliados (PCA) Manga ,corner
of Calle California & Porta ```````````Avenida. Good selection
of meats and poultry.
Jorge Vega Butcher for Donde Olano Cel 310 659 1985. Really
nice fellow and will deliver to your boat. You may need to
meet him at the gate if staying at the Club de Pesca
SPECIALTY FOODS:
Enoteca Calle San Juan de Dios #3-39 between Hotel Charleston
and San Pedro de Claver. At the back of the restaurant is
a large Italian delicatessen.
Leon de Bavaria Calle Arsenal No. 10-B-65 w/ a blue awning,
664-4412, leondebavaria@hotmail.com. Stefan. German deli and
restaurant offering fresh German sausages, German beers and
canned foods.
6. 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.
7. Propane
Lorenzo, the Taxi driver tries to organize gas runs for Monday
and Friday am. With 2/3 bottles to fill refills work out around
20mil including his time and transportation. The fill station
is 25 mins taxi ride out of town.
8. Fuel
Texaco Fuel Dock is across from Club de Pesca. Diesel 5000
approx pesos / US gallon.
Todomar Marina Located on the dock opposite the Convention
Center.
Club de Pesca. Tel. 660 4597, 660 6615 “estacion de
servicio”
Fuel and tank cleaning: You can do it the traditional way
or you can use the filtering/ recycling/cleaning (fuel polishing)
equipment managed by Sr Mauricio Pretel Cel 315 897 7351 or
6657654 (casa)
9. General Hands
For boat cleaning, varnishing, head overhaul, 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 $40-60
mil per day. (US$20-30) Negotiate the price before the job
is started. Note that you are not free to bring in whoever
to work on your boat. Prior approval from the marina will
be required.
Please note that you may not bring in outside workers unless
they have received prior approval by Club Nautico (the same
applies to the Club de Pesca). All outside workers if accepted
must have ARP(PROFESSIONAL RISK) insurance.
Alberto Vasques, Experienced seaman. Speaks some English.
Great for underwater work and hard deck work Able dinghy repairs
Jaimito. Great attitude with great willingness. Outboard repairer.
Jose Cana. Varnishing specialist. Tidy. Dependable and knowledgeable.
Rangel Gonzalez. Recommended by 100foot Motor yacht Cavu as
Yacht standard varnisher. CEL 312 6164139
Kiko. When not on Club duty. Underwater work
Eduardo Parra . General. Dependable.
Juan Carlos. General. Excellent referentes. Strong, dependable
and resourceful.
10. Haulout facilities
Manzanillo Marina Club e-mail: mmc@etb.net.co
Bosque, Calle Malaga Diag. No. 53-76 (Sector Zapatero) Tel:
669 4180, 669 4067, Fax: 669 4070, , VHF Ch 78, 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 . They have a good team
of recommended workers. Gelcoat, Fibreglass, Woodwork, Mechanical
work can all be reliably contracted through the marina.
Todomar e-Mail todomar@ctgred.net.co
Albornos via Mamonal Carrera 56 No. 5-77. Tel: 668-7220, 668
5282, Fax: 668 7221. Speak to Yovanis (jefe del Patio). 40
ton travel lift. Slip will take an 7’4”draw. Good
skills available on site. Good flat-bottomed stands. Big yard,
good drainage, gravel so it can be dusty. One shower, one
toilet. 20 minute ride from town. Their charges in November
2005 were $17,500 pesos per foot per day in and out incl.
3 lay days. Outside workers can be brought in with prior agreement.
Those that they approve of will be subject to a daily surcharge
(around $30 US).
Ferroalquimar e-mail. PDH@FERROALQUIMAR.COM
www.ferroalquimar.com Albornos via Mamonal, Tel: 668 5590
Fax: 668 5174 (also call English speaking assistant manager
Sra. Pura Cel:315 670 7986) Travel lift to 40 tons. Local
calls and use of fax. Max draft 8 feet. Armed security. Toilets,
showers, restaurant. Apartment on site available for rent.
Hardware store for basic needs and good wifi internet.
Has reputation for being able to contract directly good work
teams at the yard ly with minimal interference.
The use of a guide form Club Nautico (costing around $25US)
is recommended.
Catamarans.
For any catamaran over 10 tons they will need to use their
120 ton crane which costs approx $500,000 pesos per hour to
hire (2 hrs out 2 hours in). They have plenty of experience
lifting cats.
Club de Pesca e-mail: cpescacartagena@costa.net.co
30 ton hydraulic lift . Boat stays in the cradle. Max draft
6’5”. Two day haulouts only. Becoming a popular
option for no fuss haulouts.
Catamarans. A 37 foot snowgoose (Prout) can enter the receiving
bay for the travel lift at Ferralquimar. Any wider will need
to be lifted using one or two cranes. The marine railway at
the naval yard and Astilleros Vikingos can also be used but
they will need a plan of your vessel and will insist on using
their people to do the work
For larger vessels
There are facilities available at the Naval yard/COTECMAR(Bocagrande)
Contact: Capitan Garcia, Jefe Comercial Cel 315 723 1521 Tel:
665 5354 E-Mail jdcom@cotecmar.com and Astilleros
Vikingos: e-mail astivik@latino.net.co Excellent
skills are available.
Cotecmar cannot handle fiberglass vessels due to insurance
restrictions
WE recommend the use of guides based at Club Nautico when
going to the yards
11. surveyor
Mauricio Salazar 656 6080 NAVAL ARCHITECT & MARINE ENGINEER.
Works through DINALCO S.A. (assocaiated with the German consulate)TEL
656 1027, 656 5186. Established company providing professional
surveys for insurance evaluation accepted worldwide. Reasonably
priced for cruisers.
Humberto Baratto Abello(Naval Captain Marine Inspector/surveyor)
Tel: 6609283/Fax 6609294/ Cel: 315 7313009/e-Mail: capimar@enred.com
Compass Adjuster. Captain Victor M. Estevez Tel 6651822 6656248
12.boat brokerage/ yacht delivery
Call CN for advice.
Delivery Skippers. Eugenio Montoya (Spica CN) Alvaro Herazo
(Marlin del Rey). Fabian Arcila *Cel 300 805 1816 Kirk Ezell
Tel. CEL 310 7108786.
Delivery Crew. Alberto Vasquez (excellent crew, speaks some
English. Has sailed to Aruba and beyond many times, cast iron
stomach)
13. Mechanics
DEISEL ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION REPAIR:
Vladimir, “Chino” + assistant Candelario ‘nene’.
Cel 311 6636929 Always available and willing. Capable with
Perkins engine repair, servicing and transmission checks.
Elvis Castro (el Profe) . Taller Castro. Tel. 674 6422 Casa 661 9581.
cel 316 770 6886 Has a very loyal following due to his ability,
honesty and reliability. Cel 310 3690314
Diesel parts:
Carta Diesel Ltda. Efraín Florez Vergara; gerente Tel:
662 7392 Cel: 310-3640490. ’Very helpful´ (Cade
SV Sandollar) Incl. Starters and Alternators. New and Used
Agro Diesel del Caribe Ltda. Bosque Tel 662 3169 669 1388
Todomar Marina, Entrance to Bocagrande. Yanmar Parts
Marina Sta. La Cruz, Manga Volvo and Yamaha parts
Casa Inglesa, Barranquilla (70 miles up the coast) Perkins
parts.
Agro Ingles. Barranquilla calle 45 No. 46-141 Tel. 3703604
E-mail: mach@metrotel.net.co. Perkins
14. Electrical
STARTER MOTORS & ALTERNATORS:
MultiElectricos (Opp. Home Mart) Lo Amador, Pie de la Popa,
Cr.20 C34-32 Tel 6562111
Helpful and resourceful. Have workshop plus good source of
fan belts (all diams).
Taller Reconstruin. Avenida Pedro de Heredia. Sector Cuatro
vientos No. 44c-80 Tel 669 8101 Sr. Edwin Puente. Starter
motor rewinding and repair.
Turbinas y Mangeras, Pie de la Popa sector Lo Amador. Outstanding
with hydraulics and electric motor rebuilds.
REPAIRING MARINE ELECTRONICS:
Laboratorio Electronico Aleman Manga, Avenida Jimenez, Calle
No. 26-18 B19, Tel/Fax: 660 4222. Sven is resourceful and
very capable(Sven isGerman and speaks perfect English). Many glowing recommendations!
ITEC Electronica Maritima, Santa Lucia Shopping Center, 2nd
floor, oficinas 1 to 8. Centro Commercial. Tel: 663 3909 Fax:
663 3643 (Standard call out charge $45 mil). Well equipped
HQ diagnostics.(call Idiana and ask for Carlos). www.iteccolombia.com.
Technically very able.
Emigdio Gonzalez. Speaks good English and is recommended by
Capt Alvaro of ‘Katana’, a 65foot Mason. Tel 6572703
Cel. 315 751 6982. Did great work on Toto (105 ft Parmer Johnson).
Radio Mundo Marino. Av. El Pedregal 25-76, Getsemani. Tel
664 2420. Repairs Icom radios amongst other brands.
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS:
La Casa del Sonido Matuna, Ave. Venezuela #9-45, Tel 664 5928,
664 5352, 660 1826. Next to Vivero. Switches, plugs, cables,
adapters, connectors, jacks, etc.
Electronica Cartagena Avenida Daniel Lemaitre 31_72 Bajos
del Hotel San Felipe Tel 664 3268 664 7091 Fax 664 3937(just
off Parque Centenario by the old city center). 15. Engineering
Ignacio
Sierra. Calle de la Guirmalda, Bosque 53-16, Tel. 669 4202.Well
equipped machine shop for marine fabrications. Managers/Owners
Sr. German and Sr. Vicente both speak good English. (have swaging
equipment too).
Taller Palmer..Calle 2da de Mamon 21A-119 tel/fax
674 3019 Cel 300 483 4229 (Javier Rios, manager). Industrial and
naval machanical engineering. Recommended by SV Stormbird (2007)
Taller
Kali, Avenida Cristante Luque. A nearby Basic alternative to above. No
English. More steel farication but also good for custom brass/bronze
machined fittings.
ENGINE REBUILDS
Elvis Castro, Taller Castro. Very capable and completely dependable. Cel 316 770 6886
Vladimir at Club Nautico for Perkins diesel engines, and transmissions.
(Only Perkins 4108 spares can usually be obtained ex stock)
Prop Ballancing, repitching etc.
LJPROPCenter www.ljpropcenter.com Cel 311 439 0777 311 439 0772. Affiliated to marina Todomar. KM2 Via Mamonal.
16. Stainless Steel & Aluminum
WELDING & TUBULAR FABRICATIONS
Bianney
Torres. (MEGA YATES, BOSQUE, Cr. 54-24-280 Sector San Isidro) cel. 316
6339418 3135125759 (asistente Julio Miguel) Home Tel. 662 1441. Bianney
is capable of very high quality work, consistently delivering what
cruiser’s want. Highly recommended.
The in-house team at the Todomar Haul out yard seem pretty good. Specialists in Aluminium welding.
Ana-
Cleto. Very high quality work both in Stainless and Aluminium.
Cel 3107343939. If getting a quote from him make sure it is in
writing and witnessed by someone responsible at the yard where the work
will be done. He is very capable but his pricing can be all over the
place! (REF Catamaran Side by side)
SUPPLIES
Inox Caribe Ltda. Tel 6665975, 6666374
Tubocol. Km 2 Kra.de Mamonal (just after the bridge)
Note:If going outside the above recommendations you may obtain lower quotes but beware: the results could be disappointing.
16A. Chrome plating & anodizing
Niquelados Industriales. Freddy Gomez Navarro. Lo Amador, Calle El Progreso.
Tel. 656 5903
Planta
Industrial de Niquelados. Ing. Daniel Coronel Daniel. Located at
the foot of Cerro San Felipe.( AV. Antonio Arevalo No.31B–174, Pie del
Cerro) Tel: 666 5124 Cel: 315 684 1004. Also do Silver and gold
plate, electro galv., Anodizing.
17. Welding Supplies
Soldar Ltda. Bosque, Diagonal 21, by the 'Coko Rico Pollo' chicken restaurant.
18. 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. Good for casting propellers.
Eliceo Asebedo Getsemeni Calle Pedregal
Ely Cardenas. Calle Sanata Fe, No. 18 to 40 Tel 666 1361 .good detail work (SVEndless Journey).
19. Glass /Acrylic
Todo
Vidrio Av. Escallon Villa Calle 11 de Noviembre, near Plaza de Toros,
Tel: 669 8130. Windshield repair and installation. Can cut to
specification.
Manacryl. Ave. Pedro de Heredia # 55-70 Estadio de
Beisbol 11 de Noviembre. Tel: 310-7102684. Glass/acrylic supplies and
installations. Sr. Jovani Gonzalez- retired navy. Speaks English
C.F.
Casa Automotrik E. U. Sr. Cleyderman Cel 315 715 7255 311 411
6698. Can assist with installation of Acrilic and other laminates.
20. Galvanizing Hot Dip
Galvamar.
Bosque. Av. Pedro velez No. 51-70 E-mail: galvametal_mar@costa.net.co.
Tel/Fax 674 1046 The work is now done in Barranquilla. They pick
up and deliver for approx 6000 pesos per Kilo. The quality has been
good with plenty of zinc (occasionally a chain link may stick because
of this). Call Daisy(Directora Admin) Cel: 314 525 5350
21. Batteries
Several stores on Pedro de Heredia have D8 and D4 truck batteries at good prices.
Energias
Alternativas. Calle Largo Just past entrance to Centro Comercial
Getsemeni. T105 Golf carts for around $300 US and Taiwanees made AGM´s.
Tel 664 4842
Cel
3135852214 Fernando. Very helpful, Speaks English. Also can supply VAT
exempt (Foreign vesels) solar panels. Highly recommended by
cruisers.
Pelaez Hermanos s.a. Lo Amador, Calle 32 No. 20E-15, Av. Pedro de Heredia,
Tel: 666 1514, Fax: 666 4531 . General battery supplier (90 amp/hr
around 200US)
22. Paint & Painters
Antifouling
options: Pintuco, Sika (better known for Sikaflex products) Hempel,
Sigma and occasionally Ameron and International. The local product
Pintuco in its ablative form for sailboats appears to be as good as the
imported products..it is the popular choice amongst the local sailing
community.
PINTUBOL: Main distributor for Pintuco products,
industrial and Naval. Rep. Armanda Alvear Vasquez. Zona Industrial de
Mamonal, KM3 Tel 6685410 6685106
Jaime Villalba Olier Tel 668 5106 cel 311-5390833.
Resinas y Pinturas. Avenida Pedro de Heredia Sector Toril 22A-141 Tel 6692083
SIKA.
Via Mamonal, Sector Albornoz. Good English speaking Techs. Good Basic
Vinyl high copper antifouling tested by the military. They also have an
ablative antifouling
HEMPEL Mamonal, Sector Albornoz. Tel: 665
0037. Best results with Black ablative 55% solids. 3 coats or more
recommended. They have a non TBT antifouling suitable for Alum boats
(check the specs). Contact Ing. Carlos Corral Cel 315 7362973 (speaks
English).
SIGMA Bellavista Cr. 56 5A-69 Tel 667 3370 667 2647
Jaime Falquez for epoxy anticorrosivos and Vinyl antifouling (similar to SIKA).
Cel 310 3689116 Also for antifoulings PINTUCO International, Sigma,
Hempel, and Ameron (ablative 52% copper).
BarnixCar. DuPont authorized distributor. Avenida Pedro de Heredia No. 21-149
Tel: 6566208 Cel 311 6392210 Antonio Corrales Villegas
Acripinturas del Caribe Ltda., Av. Pedro de Heredia, No. 18-A-25, sector Espinal,
Tel: 666 3289. for DuPont Paints.
Decoraciones
el Pintor. Parque Centenario con Calle de La Magdalena (Barrio
Getsemani). They sell Pintuco Epoxy similar to West System 4:1 mix .
Tel 6643165
(please note that repainting work involving
fibreglass/gelcoat grinding/sanding and gelcoat/polturethane
finishing should be undertaken in the yards not the marinas)
Painters:
For
polyurethane & gelcoat hull refinishing there are various options
but quality control vigilance is important. Keep a close eye on your
project and an excellent job should be your reward at about 25 - 30 %
US prices. These men can do excellent finishing work (although at times
may indulge in short cuts so be warned). Please draw up a written
agreement before starting any major project. Be wary of the lowest
quotation since when a project starts it may be difficult to maintain
the original agreement. Also, contractors at Ferroalquimar may be your
responsibility not the yards’. Unless contracting through the yard
itself don’t expect them to bail you out if things go wrong. Most of
the teams need supervising on a 2 times per week basis (making sure
commitments are kept).
Note: Most of the yards now insist on
being the primary contractor so it may be advisable to negotiate
directly with the yard rather than the folk that actually do the work.
Jaime at Ferroalquimar is very well recommended by SV Andromeda (major repaint plus sugar scoop transom fabrication(2008)
Jorge
Garcia Galvis cel: 315 6293796 Tel: 662-4873. Painting and
fiberglass repair. A good crew based at FerroAlquimar yard.
Alfonso
and Crew based at the Club de Pesca and Ferroalquimar. Good work with
SV’s Contigo, Inshallah ( Andrea Clair(40FT STEEL) had problems
after 6 months).
Cel.311 680 3855
Jose Castro and crew. Cel 311 679 3875 Professional, Honest, Reasonable (SV Asylum).
William Berrick Cel 315 201 4652. Good worker, Finishes on time and estimates accurately.
Manuel
Francisco Ramirez, “El Curo”. Very willing but needs supervising to
ensure ‘yacht’ standards (based at Club Nautico where only minor
maintenance jobs can be undertaken)
Check the yards for first hand info. on current performance
23. Project Management. (Maybe a gap to be filled!)
CN looking for suggestions as well as happy to offer advice.
24. Hardware
Home Center.
Avenida de los lagos, Pie de le Popa. A significant improvement on Home
Mart (below, now owned by the Vivero, Carulla, Éxito Chain). This is a
serious home improvement center 15 mins walk from Club
nautico. Compare with Home Depot.
Home Mart
Cl.32 21-128, Avenido Pedro de Heredia, Tel:666 4585. Modern slightly
lacklustre “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.
Ignacio Sierra workshop (Taller). Bosque. Dr. German Spicker Tel. 6694202 6694242 Cel. 300 810 3869
Torhefe
Av.Pedro de HerediaSector, Lo Amador, Tel: 666 1753 Stainless steel
fastenings(incl. Springs) only. Also have machine shop in Barranquilla.
La casa del Tornillo, Av Pedro de Heredia, Sector Los Alpes (just past the Castellana shopping mall). Tel 663 0138/ 651 3720. Responsive Cust Serv
Ferremarina
Bosque, Diagonal 21, 40–75, Tel: 662 2663, 662 1101 General boat
hardware including stainless steel cable and anchor chain. Can source
rigging at competitive prices.
(As with all items that can be copied locally at a fraction of OEM prices, make sure you get what you are paying for)
25. BEARINGS, (O-rings, gaskets, hose fittings)
Multi-Caucho
Popa Cl 32, Av. Pedro de Heredia, Tel: 666 1773, Fax: 666 4839
(suppliers of Sikaflex caulking and ‘Tip Top’ dinghy glue). Can make
seals, rubber gaskets to order.
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 (incl. Hydraulic). Gaskets made while you wait:
Empaques Cartagena (gasket makers). Lo Amador, Calle Santander No.20 D45.
Tel: 666 0957
Colsoportes(gasket makers). Lo Amador Carrera 20c No 32-25. Beside MultiElectricos(highly recommended for Alternador and starter motor repairs). Excellent headgasket made for SV Sea Addler
26. Filters
Lubricantes y Filtros
Av. Pedro de heredia 21C- 140 Tel Fax. 658 3604 all types of
filters> water and diesel Shell Lubs. Sikaflex 221, Loctite, Mac
Batteries, Racors.
Engineer. Adfwin Villareal
Solofiltros Pie de la Popa Cl.32.21 C.134, Avenida Pedro de Heredia, Tel: 666 0808
27. 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.
Caribe Dive Shop Hotel Caribe at Bocagrande. Cra la No. 2-87 Local No. 9.Tel: 665-3517.
Diving Planet.
Laguito, Edif. Alonso de Ojeda No. 2-50 Padi Diving courses. Rosario
and other sites Tel. 655 0154 Cel 033 657 4826 Beatriz Ossa (Marine
Biologist and Advanced PADI instructor)
28. Woodworking (incl: Galley counter mods)
Pilot houses, hard dodgers, interior repairs and remodeling
.Alvaro Castro,
“El Cura”. A methodical woodworker capable of fine results. Make sure
you work with him the first few hours to avoid possible
misunderstandings. You have to be reasonably advanced to understand his
Spanish, Tell him to speak very slowly (muy despacio por favor!).
Highly recommended.
'Tutti',
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
The above have authority to use the limited Club Nautico facilities
Eder Montes. Excellent Corrian Counter top work. Cel 312 6769391 (6764391 maybe) Address Pozon, Sector la Estrella Mza. C Lote 35ª
Nilson Markato: Excellent (SV Runner). Efficient reliable, punctual, creative.
Tel: 316 680 6361 or 315 699 9436
(In
the high season December Jan 2007/2008 it was evident that both Nilson
and Eder were overloaded and couldn’t keep to their scheduled plans.
This upset 2 or 3 cruisers but remember these are pretty humble teams
that if pressured will almost always say yes despite fear that they
might not comply. If you need things done on a tight schedule you may
have better results in mid/low season (March to October).
Daniel Guerrero Cel. 310 350 5953 (Worked well on WOODEN Brigantine GRETA)
Gaston Betruz Fernandez. Tel: 6658315 cel 315 688 7161
Amando Barrios Carillo and Jaime Perez. Re-soled Erscapade B and Gonzo 2 (both Morgan Out Islands) They use Abarco wood to very good effect Tel 666 1628
Cel. 310 686 3055 (Yimmi). Based at Marina manzanillo.
29. Wood Supplies
Home Center
also listed under hardware. Avenida de los lagos, Pie de le Popa. A
serious home improvement center 15 mins walk from Club nautico
Johny Wood (was
Jhon Mejia, just in case the Taxista forgot) (John is
commonly spelled ‘Jhon’ in Latin America) Pie de la Popa, La Subida,
Avenida Pedro de Heredia
Escaleras de Colombia 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
PLYWOOD
'Formaplac' An exterior grade plywood with a waterproof glue.
HARDWOODS
‘Abarco’
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.
‘Teca’ Generally teak is in very limited supply and not of the best quality.
30. Fiberglass, MINOR repairs & Materials
Hull repair, modifying chainlockers, propane tank boxes, etc.
Alvaro Castro, “El Cura” Ask for him at Club Nautico.
Jose castro and Crew Cel 310 614 6557 Recom for Fibreglass, Gelcoat and painting.
'Tutti'.
Club Nautico’s high quality mainstay in the past. A minor legend
amongst the cruising fraternity. If needed you’ll need to plan since
the old brigade will go into a ‘feeding frenzy’ to contract him at the
very hint of new interest
MATERIALS
Resinas y Pinturas Near Ron Tres Esquinas ,Bosque
Resinas Y Pinturas. Avenida 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.
El Cazador. Mercado de Bazurta, Av. Pedro de Heredia. Can also supply good spearguns (locally made)
31. Fire Extinguisher recharging
Seguridad Industrial de Colombia, LTDA Barrio Chapacua, Manzana H L 25. Gabriel Florez, 663-0796
Solseg de bolivar S.A. Av. Pedro de Heredia (near Castellana shopping mall) Tel 663 0962
Also..Talk to Taxi driver WILLIAM. He has an excellent source for refills at good prices.
31A Liferaft Inspection
Safety Equip., Rudolfo de la Vega(Tech. Manager). ASTEMAR. Tel. 6628773, 6621964
Fax: (95)6604632 . They sell Viking liferafts (about $4000US for 6
person)
32. Outboard Motors
Marina
Santa La Cruz. (EDUARDO LONDOÑO LTDA) Yamaha spares (5 mins walk from
ClubN South East) Juan Manuel Diago, Tel: 6608385, Fax 6607569
E-Mail jdiago@eduardono.com
Motomarina. On the Avenida Miramar (close to Yamaha market). Suzuki parts.
Jaimito
at Club Nautico is also quite competent at fixing most ob probs. and
many others besides. He can source parts but you will be advised to
obtain a receipt from the part supplier (for any kind of parts
guarantee)
Surti Marina. Good stock of Yamaha parts. Pie del Cerro, behind the Roloj Solar (Sun Dial) Tel: 666 2584 Hernan Gutierrez
Taller
el monito. Across the bridge (Puente Roman) connecting Manga to
Getsemani. First workshop on the right, They really know their stuff
but occasionally their prices appear out of line; try for a quotation
before work starts.
33. Refrigeration & Air conditioning
Hermanos
Malos Avenida Pedro Romero 29–130 Tel: 669 3782, 669 3243. Expert
team. Fabio and Antonio have a very solid reputation. Cel 311 4028916
Nestor Diaz. Taller de refrigeración /air con. ‘Excellent worker, good value’.
Tel 313 523 6142. Limited or no guarantee offered on work (ref MV
Delusions)
Pedro Simarra Porras. Cel 300 814 6583 Casa 667 9344 Barrio Las Caracoles
Calypso Baranquilla Ltd. 664 4582 Ave Daniel Lemaitre 10C-22-28
REFRIGERATION PARTS
Refrigeración
La Mona. Original parts/spares. Barrio Lo amador 19#32-97
Tel:6582899 Luz Eida Graciano (La Mona)
34. Sail repair, canvas work & Fabrics n' Upholstery
Tapizeria Moderna. Esteban Perez.
Has established a very good reputation amongst cruisers. Excellent
upholstery, dinghy covers and canvas work. Tel 310 651 4545
Manzanillo He talks fast so try and get him to slow down to avoid
misunderstandings (mas despacio por favor!)
Benjamin and Victor Herrera
Bosque, Calle Nuevo Granada,21ª90, facing the TCC(an express transport
company) Tel Cel:310 655 4739 Good strong sail repairs and canvas work.
Tel. 674 5874. Sometimes best to jump in a Taxi and go see. Some
ability to communicate in Spanish is useful. Often 2 quotes will be
presented, one to repair with new material, the other with anything
that happens to be more or less suitable. Victor is knowledgeable and
also very good at splicing 3 strand.
Renzon Herrera.
Barrio Paraguay, Diagonal 24 No. 24-26(behind the Juan xxiii church).
Ditto above. Brother of the above but independent. Same
experience Cel: 313 532 9894
Tapiceria Union. Jose Hernandez cel 313 5435 230 Tel. 669 9912 Recommended by SV Cyrano(2006/2007).
Monica Alvarez. Cushions covers. Cel. 311 4243061, 315 7739435
Bedmar Los calamares . Telefax 6603544. Ricardo Betancur. Courtesy flags plus other (good) canvas work
Tapizados y Talabarteria Perez Popa Cl 30 18 A- 254 Calle Real, Tel: 666 3784. Saddle making etc. Substantial machines for heavy work.
William Martinez Accommodating, good 669 3630, 652 8560(home). Has done good sail repairs on SV Yemaja(2006)
SUPPLIES
Calypso
Avenida Daniel Lemaitre, near Vivero supermarket just outside the old
city wall. Tel: 664 4582 Fax: 664 0777 Good supply of upholstery and
outdoor fabrics, foam rubber and Styrofoam. Acrilics but No Sunbrella.
Las Nuevas Botas Centro, Centro commercial El Cañonazo, Kra 11 No. 32C-49 Apto 19 Tel. 664 0373 Cel. 315 682 7681
Sombrella
can be obtained from Bogota but it’s expensive. Good seconds can be
found in Panama at El Tapiz (Pnama City) costing Appprox $10US. Tel 507
262 3926 262 2334 e mail eltapiz@hotmail.com.
SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS AND SERVICE
Taller
de reparacion de Todo Tipo de Maquinas de Coser. Denizar Hernandez Tel.
6555114 cel 315 7603956, 312 6772058 Turbaco, Barrio Bellavista,
Clle Principal No. 13B-76 (will come to Club Nautico). Excellent!
Zair
Anaya at Multirepuestos Singer on Calle Porvenir in Centro 664 5401 and
664 2411. Another excellent singer sewing machine repairman.
35. Rigging
A
very capable rigger working at Club de Pesca is Mario Julio.
Ariel Palacio. and Alvaro Herazo, often based at CN are a good source
of willing and competent assistence.
Importing rigging can be
arranged simply using SAILING SERVICES (Florida USA) delivered to
Javier´s contact in MIAMI. Should take no more than 2 weeks.
Ignacio Sierra Ltda. Av. Pedro Velez, Bosque: can fabricate many useful rigging items for good prices.
36. seamstress
Marielena
Kra.4 No. 5A-17 Piso 2, Facing the Carulla Supermarket in
Bocagrande tel 6653213 cel: 316-2438830. Makes
clothes to order, copies your favorites,makes alterations/repairs, plus
‘adorable childrens clothes’. Marielena, who speaks very good English,
is at her shop 11am to 1pm. She is usually at the factory/Atelier 3-5pm
(Callejon de los Pocitos, Pie de la popa.
Tel. 656 0614)
Creaciones
ROXANA Centro Comercial Getsemani N1A 07. ‘Roxy’ does great
fine work altering making clothes for both ladies/girls and gents/boys.
(SV Bruja) Cel: 311 4311971
Rosa Sanchez (cell) 665 8131 In BocaGrande behind El Pueblito, CRA 17A (go down an alley and turn left)
37. Computer repair/supplies
Compusisca, Centro Comercial Bocagrande (by the cine complex). Some English spoken.
Tel 665 5011, 6652030. Competitive, Competent and well organized. Well
recommended by SV Cherokee(May 2007)
Felix Malo, Very capable and
often at CN in the morning. 311 410 5647 Felix fixes hardware and
software problems including wifi config issues. Speaks just enough
English.
Centro Commercial Getsemeni The area off of Calle
Largo is flourishing with repair facilities. Fair prices. Sistematica
Telematica Ltda. Tel. 664 0603 1220 Fax 664
7736 (BILLING, Manager) 315 665 9828 Fluent English speaking techs are
hard to find but the language of computers is pretty
universal. COMPUCLINICA. Tachnician Javier speaks very good
English Tel/Fax 664 1147 Cel: 316 8166253.
Try Leandro of MULTI
SISTEM SERVICE e-mail: lesafran@hotmail.com. (now based in Manga) Tel
6607946 Cel 310 647 9696. Good for software and hardware installations.
Centro UNO, Centro, Sector La Matuna, Av Venezuela Second floor. Full of computer stores.
Try COMPULAGO (REP. LUIS speaks English) Tel: 660 2294.
38. Cleaning
GENERAL BOAT CLEANING
$20US, labor only, for a full 8 hr. day. See Club Nautico office for reliable help.
CARPET CLEANING
Lavamos C.H. Manga, Avenida Jimenez No.20-55, Tel: 660 4020, Sr. Cesar Herrera
DRY CLEANING
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)
39. Charts
Escuela
Naval Hydrographic Dept. CIOH, Manzanillo, They have a beautiful chart
book available at a very reasonable price. Charts are high quality.
Worth a visit. Tel: 669 4104. (Colombian Charts)
For the Islas de Rosario chart, go to the Club Nautico office.
40. Radio Nets & Weather
George. 06.15 local 7241LSB switching to 7086 LSB at about 06.25 local.
Caribbean Weather Net (Ham) at 2230 & 1030 GMT on 3.815.
Central American Breakfast Club At 13.00 GMT (0800 LT) on 7083 LSB.
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.
www.meteo.an/meteo2/weerkamer/marineforecast.htm Good Netherland Antilles forecast including the Colombian coast.
www.nativeblend.net/wx
Jack and Chrissie from Trimaran Naga run this site as an adjunct to
their Web site (selling guess what): has excellent satellite imagery
and prognostics.
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/swatlanticbrief.shtml This is the source of the above weather info.
41. Copies
INGENIERIA
Y DESENO. 660 2473 Centro Commercial Getsemani. Up Flight of stairs at
Calle Larga entrance. Excellent value and quality and only a short walk
from CN. They can copy any size chart. Ask for Alvaro who
speaks English.
42. Importing into Colombia
Normally
orders for ‘Yate en transito’ over 1000 US or 18kilos weight will be
held in Bogota awaiting custom clearance involving a paper trail
involving your ship’s agent and roughly 150US in clearance/warehouse
fees (plus a 2 week wait). An alternative to this tedious bureaucracy
is to contact Javier Hoyos (see below) who can arrange delivery and
clearance with a minimum of fuss.
Javier Hoyos, can be contacted for
receiving mail and importing goods for yachts in transit. He is
helpful and speaks good English. Follow his instructions to the letter.
Tell him exactly what you’re planning to import (including dimensions)
and whether insurance is required.
cel: 315 731 9614, Phone/Fax: 660 6715.
E-mail eduangulo@hotmail.com.
Fedex is your clear choice for urgent deliveries, getting credit cards, etc. The others don’t measure up (yet).
Remember to mark goods clearly for YATE EN TRANSITO with the name and Tel No. of your maritime/ship’s agent noted.
If
you wish to use DHL for example keep things very simple: Yacht name,
Yate en Transito, Puerto de Cartagena, Colombia, Ship’s
agent/Agencia Maritima (eg.Agencia Brisas del Mar) plus Tel/Cellphone
of this ‘Agencia’.
(you only have 4 lines to write things down so keep to the essentials)
43. 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 excellent value with
the most up-to-date equipment; well trained dentists, many having
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 and farsighted
vision in an operation barely lasting 10 minutes and burning a
surprisingly small hole in your pocket! (Usually there is at least one
fellow cruiser around to quiz on their experiences).
HOSPITALS & EMERGENCY
Clinica
AMI (Sala de Urgencias) Pie de la Popa, Cr 21 30, Calle de la
Candelaria, Tel: 656 2854, 666 2760. See Dr. Jaime Ambrad
below, under Cardiovascular. Other listing below are for this
clinic.
Medihelp Services Colombia Bgde Cr.6 5-101 Tel 665 2538,665 2549. Best equiped..if cost is no object
Hospital Naval Bocagrande, emergency clinic. A military hospital open to general public
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.
GENERAL
Clinica AMI s.a., Pie de la Popa, Cr 21 30, Calle de la Candelaria, Sala de Urgencia
Maria Auxiliadora Clinica de la Mujer, Alcibia, Avenida Pedro de Heredia, Tel: 662 4954
Clinica Del Mar. Popa Cl.30.20-71 Tel. 6583893.
CARDIOVASCULAR
Dr.
Jaime Ambrad Cel 315 623 1176 Fixed 656 2854,
666 2760 (prefix 035 if using a Cel phone to call a fixed line Tel.)
Pennsylvania trained Physician specializing in cardiovascular and
thoracic complaints. Dr. Jaime is a fellow sailer, keeping his Ohlson
40 at the Club de Pesca and has always been very helpful towards
cruisers. His clinic (AMI see above)) is fully equipped.
DERMATOLOGIST
Luis
Miguel Covo Segrera Bocagrande, Centro Medico, Calle
5, #6A-29, Tel: 665 1363 ext 76 . Direct ?.
Cel.(please report new cell number). Speaks English. Excellent
references. lumico@celcaribe.net.co.
DENTIST There are some very capable and well trained dentists (term used to cover all specialities).
Ramirez
Acosto Ricardo Centro Medico Los Ejecutivos (a good residencial
area 10 mins taxi ride away), Consultorio 201, Tel: 661 3455. Speaks a
little English only. Very careful/methodical work, and great value.
Feedback from cruisers has consistently been good. A one stop
dentist.route canals and crowns a speciality
Jean Paul Lopez Centro Medico Santo. Domingo. Centro Tel 664 0390 cel 310 657 0476 am only
Pilar Ordoñez Bocagrande, Edif. Portofino, Local 6. Tel: 665 3444, 665 6112. English speaking.
Yesica
Fajardos. Cosmetic dentist Manga, CrA 17 Avenida Pastellilo. E-Mail
yesicafajardos@yahoo.com Tel: 660 5366 Cel 300 271 3358 Recommended by
Brits from SV Pagos, Spray of Boston.
Alicia Najera Pereira Clinica
Ami, Pie de Popa, Tel: 666 3230, 660 5582. Her husband Manfred(of
SOLYMAR fame) speaks English and German and can be on hand to help.
ENDOCRINOLOGY Edoctrinologist
Villalba
Yabrudy Yadina. Centro Diagnostico Cardiologico, Castillo Grande Cl. 5
No.6-47 Tel 655 0515. Some English spoken .
EAR NOSE AND THROAT
Faustino Espana Fernandez Consultorio 504 Centro Medico B,grande ………….Tel 665 4900
GYNOCOLOGY Ginecologist
Orlando
Bustillo Jr. M.D. Unidad de Ginecologia y Obstetricia,
Castillogrande, Calle 5 No. 6ª-19 consultorio 308 Reservations
665 7095 cel: 315 734 0835 www.gobustillo.com
Dr.
Nestor Martinez Pizarro Ginecologo/Obstetra Consultorio 503 Centro
Medico Bocagrande. US trained Tel 665 7369. Cel. 315 760 6539
E-MAIL nemap152@yahoo.com
OPTOMETRY
There
are many fine optometrists along Ave. San Martin in Boca Grande. Try
the ones on the main floor in Boca Grande Centro Commercial for
starters.
Optica Gerdts 665 2136 665 3575 Centro Comercial in Bocagrande 3A
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. An excellent deal for many with surgery for both eyes running
to about $700 US. Plan 6/7 visits to the clinic plus one to another
clinic for an electrocardiogram. Approx 3 weeks total.
There is also
a new technique implanting a replacement lens which enables 20/20
stereo vision for reading and long sight. This is available for around
$3000 dollars US for both eyes.
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Jaime
Valiente, MD. Centro Medico Comfenalco. Tewl 669 6690 Cel
310 367 6817 Very good English, Excellent care (Suzanne, SV TRIO)
Edgardo
Rivera, MD , Clinica AMI , Pie de la Popa Tel. 656 2747. Speaks very
good English. Runs and attends med conferences in the US Also attends
Clinica ASIMED, Manga, Avenida Jimenez Tel 660 9461. Advisable to make
an appointment before going to the Clinic..some Spanish useful.
PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr.
Pedro Camacho Lopez. Consultorio 507 Centro Medico B.Grande
Tel 665 2318, 6651363 ext 57 Spanish speaking only but works closely
with CN favorite Dermatologist Dr Covo Segrero who speaks excellent
English.
Luis Eduardo Bermudez Tel. 483 7165 213 5125 691 9021
(BOGOTA) E mail bermudez@cirustetic.com
colombiaestetica@yahoo.es Works with clinics in Bogota and
Cartagena. Highly recommended by Australians Ernie and Julie on
SV Sovereign 2
UROLOGY
Dr. Antonio Velilla Tel. 665 7290 Centro medico Bocagrande.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Rehaz/Physical
Therapy C. Mover (near Castillo San Felipe) Pie del Cerro, Barrio El
Espinal, Calle 30 No. 14-43 Tel: 646 4664 656 0494
Excellent 1 on 1 care. Complete P.T. center modern equpment.
Spanish speaking only but usually there are English speaking clients
available to help out. Charges approx $30,000 pesos per session ($15US)
(info SV Trio..Suzanne)
Dra. Liliana Bajaire, Centro Comercial Bocagrande. Recommended by Dr. Jaime Ahmrad
Sra. Ericka Zabaleta (massage therapist) Manga, Tel 6606592. 6662509 (Casa)
Laboratory Tests (many to chose from)
Laboratorio
Clinico 664 4546 Centro Comercial, Getsemani 2B-04 second floor, off
Calle Largo. Dr. Javier Palacio Vargas speaks some English.
All the usual tests: blood, urine, throat, cultures... Easy
10 minute walk. Results in 24 hours.
Yamil Bajaire Cia. Centro, Calle de Colegio No. 34-82 Tel. 664 2004
INNOCULATIONS
Edificio
Fatima on Calle Larga (Social Security, certain jobs are free although
a donation would usually be appreciated. Otherwise the Red Cross
(Barrio Españo) could help together with most of the major clinics.
Centro Medico Confenalco:
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
ORCA Next to C.Mover (See above under Physical Therapy)
A health and legal note concerning prostitution.
Aids
continues to be a risk. Club Nautico has a policy against the use of
our premises for soliciting and may prohibit the entry of certain
persons plainly engaged in prostitution, particularly those dressed
accordingly. Club Nautico is strongly against (as is the law) the
involvement of minors (less than 18 years old) in prostitution.
Identification may be requested in certain cases; tact being of
secondary consideration.
44. Veterinary clinics
Note!
Heartworm is alive and well in Colombia! 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. Dr. Santa Maria.
Canilandia
Manga 4A Av. No. 22-50 Tel.660 6688 6608121 Cel: 315 747
0259. ‘Very good vet’ Can come and collect you and dog from Club
Nautico.
45. Telephones
A call to the U.S. using one of Columbia’s long distance direct-dial companies (007+1+area code+number) runs about 80¢ a minute.
A
cellphone can be purchased with the help of your ‘Agencia Maritima’.
You can make international calls using the internet through the Skype
service at the Internet café at the local Carulla supermarket. Also
Carulla (in Manga) has Phone booths facing the check- out’s where
international calls/faxes can be made.
There are 3 cellphone
providers: Tigo, Comcel and Movistar. Rates will vary according to
whether or not you are calling another phone from the same service
provider. Remember that if you are calling a fixed Telephone number in
Cartagena you need to use the prefix 035 (03 for fixed line
and 5 for Cartagena). If calling a fixed line in Bogota the prefix
would be 031, Medellin 034 etc.
AT&T long distance access number: 018009110010 AOL Local Access #: 5 665 9190
46. Internet cafes
There are many internet cafes in Manga and Centro. To name just a few:
Internet
service C/O Carulla supermarket. Efficient broad band service.
Photocopying, scanning and international calling service via skype
available.
Red Colombia (close to Club de Pesca) Manga, Av. Jimenez
Edif. Ana Teresa, Local 2. Diagonal to Davivienda. Machines with Linux
and Windows. Scanner available. Open everyday. Tel. Booths and
photocopying.
You are also welcome to use CN’s WI FI hotspot.
Charge $15,000 pesos weekly paid in advance.
To
connect, First, make sure you have an up to date antivirus program
installed. Second, find your wireless card physical address (Mac
address) and give it to John (Dockmaster):
Windows:
Programs>Accessories>CMD: then enter ‘ipconfig /all’
(without the quotation marks). The wireless physical (mac) address has
12 alphanumeric digits.
Macintosh: Open ‘About This Mac’ in the
Apple Menu, choose ‘More Info’ then ‘Network’ The Mac
address is the Ethernet Address of your Airport.
If using the
restaurant area please understand that you may be asked to relocate if
there is insufficient space to accommodate restaurant customers. Also,
this area is not available for internet use after 9:00 pm. This
shouldn’t be a significant issue since the purpose of CN’s hotspot is
to allow people to connect from their vessels (with appropriate USB
antennas if necessary).
47. Post office
Is
situated on the road leading to the perimeter wall from Plaza Telecom.
Don’t use the post box outside; see your letters are franked by the
attendant inside. The office of Summa Avianca facing Citibank, CENTRO
also handles Airmail. It ain’t cheap!
Post cards: Have a look at Sr.
Jesus Hoyos’ offerings of Club nautico (really outstanding). He also
has an excellent 4 cassette pack of Fotos of Cartagena. Cost $20,000
each CD. $60,000 for the set of 4
48. History & Sightseeing
The following publications are recommended reading about 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 to colonization with
it’s gold, pirates, independence, and days of the republic.
Destination
Cartagena A free guide to Cartagena with the appearance of a
full-color newspaper. This is generally given to cruisers at Club
Nautico and Club de Pesca upon arrival. If you don’t have one,
ask! Published by Lee Miles (an avid sailer, emerald Guru and local
expert, from the USA).
You can spend weeks exploring this
fascinating city and don’t forget to carry your camera! 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 guide and can explain the
many interesting displays. He is also available to give a walking
history tour of the center.
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. Seeing this on a “cruise ship day”
should allow you to 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 for special cultural events in a classical setting.
Centro Convenciones. Modern event center.
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
49. Spanish Lessons
Amaury Martelo.
Has been teaching cruisers successfully for several years. Normally
found AM Club Nautico. Cel 313 5263910. Home 662 8658 (prefix 035
if calling from a cell phone). Highly recommended by cruisers.
Universidad
Tecnologico de Bolivar, Manga, Calle del Bouquet Cra.21 No. 2-92. Tel.
6606041 Ext. 433 Fax. 6604317 e-mail everano@unitecnologica.edu.co
Their base in Manga offers occasional intensive Spanish classes (summer
school).
Ask CN for other ideas (currently there are about 10 cruiser students enjoying morning classes here at CN).
50. Haircuts
Gente Uno
(FEDERIC0) , Centro, Sector La Matuna. Centro Comercial Invercredito
Local #19 Cel: 300 836 6338 Tel. 6649160 Fabulous, with a great
personality but speaks almost no English.
Peluqueria Doris
Getsemani. Calle Tripita y Media No. 31-56 Tel:664 0530. Pedicure
manicures, facials, masajes, waxing and other defoliating.
Caribian.
Unisex, Facials, foot/hand spas’s, SAUNA etc. 5 mins walk to
spoil yourself. Av. de la Asemblea No.27-71 , MANGA Tel 6500040
Cel 300 8018571 Contact: Delcy (No English spoken)
51. 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.
52. SWIMMING
Feeling land-locked in the marina? For you water-lovers, there are some options!
Hotel
Santa Clara. Hotel Caribe, Hotel Charleston. Hotel de Las Americas.
Pool/day passes available for $25 US per person. All 5 star so good
presentation is a must.
La Boquilla You can spend a great day at the beach. Also Bocagrande.
53. Hotels (5 star!) and Hostals (2/3 star)
(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. Nice pool but too deep for young non- swimmers
(7 years or less)
Hotel Santa Clara
Centro, Plaza San Diego, Calle de Toro, Cr 8 #39-29 Tel: 664 6070.
Exquisitely restored convent with fabulous grounds and services. Don’t
miss at least seeing the bar with tombs down the stairs! If you need to
ask the price…………………..!!
Hostal San Diego Near Plaza San Diego and Santa Clara hotel. Prices $25 - $30 AC,TV Breakfast inca.(TV not cable).
Hostal Tres Banderas
Upgraded to Hotel status. Costing around $100,000pesos ($50US) per
night. A/C and Cable. Breakfast included.Near Plaza San Diego. Colonial
ambience, great location.
www.Hote3BANDERAS.com
Hotel Casa de la FE.
High end.boutique style Beautifully restaured. Run by ex sailer Geoff
Chew and his wife Carmen. Plaza Fernandez Madrid, Centro. Around 90US
per night. TEL:6640306 www.casalafe.com
Hotel (Hostal) Casa de las Palmas.
Getsemani, Calle de las palmas (40yds off Calle larga). Family atmos.
Nice ambience, English very limited, incl AC for around $50 US. Close
to marinas.TEL:6643630
OTHER PLACES NEAR CN
Soraya’s house (room with balcony). Opposite the Tourist Dock immediately South of CN marina.Tel Soraya 57 5 6607522
54. Exercise classes
There
is a surprising number of opportunities to join an exercise class
within walking distance to your marina! Call for times as they may
change.
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.
Bodytech Centro Deportivo. Bocagrande. Cra 4 6-12 Tel: 655 1070. Very well equipped and trendy exercise club.
Fitness
Venture GYM Very well equipped, great atmosphere and
instructors.Av. San Martin Centro Cial. EL Pueblito, Bocagrande.
2nd Floor Tel: 6550792/ 6655979 (there is no sign so just go to 2nd
floor). Highly recommended by SV Bruja
55. 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. Centro Comercial LA Castellana, 15 minute cab ride away, 4
screens. In the mall.2nd floor. Holliwood’s latest
(subtitled in Spanish, not dubbed except for children’s movies).
56. 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 judgment
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. Also try the
waterfront area on the way to CENTRO called Arsenal.
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.
La Tarzana Centro, Plaza de los Coches. 100% Salsa Club.
Quiebra Canto,
Café Galeria Getsemani, Cra 8B25-110, Edificio Puerta del Sol.
Tel: 664-1372. 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.
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!
Has become a bar and its owner Alvaro Sierra is a fascinating host with
a story (or three) to tell.
57. Restaurants
Many
wonderful choices. Here are a few. 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 Colombian fare,
usually a complete meal including soup, rice, patacones (fried
plantain) and meat, chicken or fish, for a very reasonable price-- $2-3
US. Great for lunches! Following is a small sample of some favorites
among cruisers and locals. Each ‘$’ symbol represents approximately $10
US per dinner. “Buen provecho!” (And yes, you can drink the
water!)
RESTAURANTS (a starter guide only)
.
$
Pelikanos Off Plaza Santo Domingo. Appetizer, main course,
dessert, 2 glasses wine $25,000 pesos. Good value
$
Club Nautico Marina From comida corriente to sizzling
steak(Filet), Club Nautico offers good food and friendly service.
$
EL BRUÑOL Le Pitit Bistro de la Alianza Colombo Francesa with a
Parisiene touch. Good and inexpensive. Centro, Plaza Fernando de
Madrid. Cel 311 427 5293 Available for midday meals only except
Thursday when it is open in the evening.
$ El
Bistro Calle de Ayos in El Centro. While you are there, buy
some of their fresh bread to take back to the boat.
$
Mi Dulce 665 2827, Cra 3A in Bocagrande, near Calle
7. Good food. Also a training center for women in
distress. A day care for worker’ children is behind the
restaurant.
$$ De Oliva 660 6861, Close to CN.
Cra 17, No. 24-116 in Manga. From CN go toward the fort at Club de
Pesca and turn right just before reaching the Cde P entrance. De Oliva
is on the corner two blocks away. Quiet, air conditioned, great
service, fine food, inexpensive, perhaps the best bargain in Cartagena.
The manager, Irene Dimitrio, speaks excellent English. Recommended by
numerous cruisers. Open for lunch and at 6pm for dinner
$$ Donde Olano Off Plaza Santo Domingo. Excellent seafood. TEL 6647099
$$
El Mar de Juan Centro, Plaza San Diego, Calle del Torno, Tel: 664
0004. Good seafood restaurant with lovely ambiance and live music.
$$$ Café Santisimo. Excellent. Wonderful ambience
$$$ San Pedro Plaza San Pedro. ‘Their Tiramisu was to die for’. Excellent TEL 664 5121
$$$
Quebracho Centro, Calle Baloco 2, near Hotel Charleston, 664
1300, 664 1190 wonderful “Lechoncito,” roast baby suckling pig, good
chicken dishes, osso buco. Great atmosphere. Ask for Rosita, who
speaks excellent English.
$$$$ La Vitrola Calle Baloco, Centro. Great ambience including occasional live music. Excellent. TEL 6648243
$$$$
Hotel Santa Clara Centro, Plaza San Diego. A super
Sunday brunch buffet starts at 11:30. Very good food.
$18.00. Access to the pool facilities is limited to those with
deep pockets ($50,000 per person)!
58. 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!
LOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS
Artesanias Tradicionales Colombianas(ARTC). Centro, Calle Sta. Teresa, Casa Mapfre,
Local 3 Tel 6662541 cel 300 312 8101 e-mail marypz_2@latinmail.com. Mola bags, Molas, cushion making etc (Mary).
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.
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 Colombian crafts. Also beautiful copies of pre-Colombian jewelry. Higher prices. A smaller store is located in the Hotel Santa Clara.
Art Cartagena.
Select gallery showing some of Cartagena’s best creative talent.
Claustro de la Merced (beside the Teatro Heredia), Centro
Cel 315 718 9483 315 557 6088 Norma Uparela
Brid E-Mail normauparela@hotmail.com www.artcartagena.com .
Artesenias El Sinuano
El Centro, Calle de la Iglesia #35-68 Wither and Milton Martinez.
Excellent selection of older, better quality molas, both Panamanian and
Colombian. Ask to see them. Good people!
Enigma
Calle Ricaurte, second block of the street alongside the Hotel
Charleston (Santa Teresa); interesting modern jewelry; good prices on
handbags.
CIGARS
Casa 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 Colombian cigars. Very good &
reasonably priced.
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.
COFFEE
Juan
Valdez In El Centro near the University. Corner of Calle de
la Universidad and Calle San Agustin. Great coffee, even iced and
they serve (and sell) decaf as well. As a bonus, next door is a
Brian Zola ice cream shop.
Coffee And…. Bocagrande, Pierino
Gallo Shopping Center, Upstairs. Proprietor Lee Miles, who also owns
Greenfire and Convi Travel, and publishes Destination, Cartagena, is a
sailor who has lived in Cartagena for 25 years. He caters to the cruise
ship business and has a wealth of information to share about the city,
and his coffee is terrific!
*Remember, you’re in Colombia! Good coffee is not hard to find! And by the way, there really IS a Juan Valdez!
SALVAGED ANTIQUE BOAT PARTS
CoMarCa,
Ltda. Centro, Plaza Santo Domingo No. 3-16, Tel: 664 9960. You
can no longer buy from the collection of fascinating boat artifacts
dating back to who-knows-when. A true treasure trove for the ‘old salt’
in you! It has now become a tavern with its co-host Alvaro Sierra ready
with an interesting story to tell. Live music usually on a Thursday
(night).
59. 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.
Lucy’s Jewelry & Emerald Store Centro, Calle Santo Domingo & Calle de la Iglesia #3-77. Tel: 660 0973. Email: lucysjewelry@hotmail.com, www.lucysjewelry.cartagenainfo.com
Lucy has established an excellent reputation among cruisers for her
warm personality, patience and business ethic as well as her ability to
supply beautiful jewelry at substantial discounts to cruisers. Ask for
Lucy personally.
Casa Blanca,
Fabrica de Joyas Centro, Calle de Colegio No. 34- Email:
indujoyas@hotmail.com indojoyas@netscape.net Tel: 664 6793.Cel.
315 705 3547 Jesus Ocampo, proprietor, offers budget prices to
cruisers. He has no jewelry on display as everything is made to order:
custom, copies, pre-Colombian copies, whatever you desire.
Greenfire
Bocagrande, Pierino Gallo Shopping Ctr., Local 2-1, 2nd floor. Tel:
665-0413. Owner Lee Miles will take time showing you what to look for
in an emerald with no obligation to buy. He has a large, high quality
inventory and offers substantial discounts to cruisers. E-mail: Leland@MisterEmerald.com
Greenlight 660 1392, Centro, Calle Santo Domingo A great option providing original handcrafted jewelry at excellent prices.
60. Travel Agencies & airlines
Mar y Mar Centro, Calle de la Factoria #36-17, Tel: 664 2964, 664 3843, Fax: 664-2964. ‘Nasli’ speaks English.
La Tienda del Turismo.
Bocagrande Cra 3 No. 8-156 Terl 655 1919 cel 315 6829370 (Airport
Tel 666 3640 6666757) e-mail: info@latiendadelturismo.com. Nalda del
Rio Cantillo their rep is highly recommended by SV Cyrano(US).
Calamari Tours. Bocagrande.Cl 5ª No. 4-10. Maria del Pilar speaks English tel 6650529, 6652470, 6656896. cell 315 731 4686
Aviatur Santa Clara Hotel, 035 664 9078, 664 9982,
Avianca Airlines Bocagrande, Cra. 3 No. 8-129, Tel: 665 1950.
Copa Airlines Centro, Calle Castelbondo No. 2-107, Tel: 664 8289.
61. Out-of-town
If
you are planning to travel within Colombia, it is important to keep in
mind that while security has greatly improved throughout much of the
country, some journey’s by road continue to present a risk! It may be
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. There
are several full service chalet facilities available to enjoy a
‘crystal water’ break. The Santa Clara Hotel (5 star) owns Hotel San
Pedro de Majagua-- beach bungalows in the Rosarios-- and travel
arrangements and reservations for that facility can be made at the
Santa Clara Hotel in the city. Also check out Isla Kalua (near the
Oceanario) if you want to give some guests a special treat. Cel 311 635
21 17 e-mail kaluaisland@yahoo.com . Another great place for a
weekend relax is the Island cabaña hotel complex on Isla Pirata (the
Eastern end of the Island group)
Horticultural Gardens Turbaco.
Day excursion a taxi ride away. Get together with the gang at ‘club
nautico’ and turn the visit into a party (and save).
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. Hike
to the lost city (5 days). Dockmaster John has the details.
Isla Palma
Hotel DeCameron sponsors a launch to their private all-inclusive resort
(reportedly once owned by a certain Pablo Escobar) in San Bernardo
Islands. (2 hr. Trip) Approx. $145 per night per couple w/ all meals
and drinks included.
Villa Babilla Ecological tour, croc farm, ½ day trip, reported to be well worth the effort! Contact Juan Carlos Lopez, tour guide. Tel: 663 9068, 663 9058.
FURTHER AFIELD
Eje Cafetero,
Armenia, Quindio. Go and see one of the more interesting places in the
Andes. Good security with a chance to experience Finca (country estate)
living at modest cost. Great climate. Plenty of activities. Try:
www.corazonverde.net Cel 315 5906588, 300 616 5971 6655605
(local call)
Leticia. See the Amazon.
Colombia has so many fascinating places to visit. Cartagena can be your base for exploring S. America.
62. 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—what you have in
mind, and settle on the price before leaving.
CRUISING THE COLOMBIAN COAST TO PANAMA
Result
of meeting organized by Lee Miles(Destination Cartagena), and Doug and
Linda (SV Que Linda). 40 cruisers were present at Club Nautico for the
meeting held January 2007
VHF CNANNELS 16,13,11
The Port
Captain’s office and the Coast Guard are very pleased that increasing
numbers of cruisers are considering making a trip to Panama with
intermediary stops at the Islas Rosarios, Islas San Bernado (Is
Tintipan), Punto San Bernado, Isla Fuerte and Zapsurro Bay (on the
Colombian Panamanian border). Only this last leg may require an
overnight passage.
The Coast Guard asks that you help them support you by:
1. Filing a VOLUNTARY float plan or itinerary with Port Captain's office
2. Reporting your departure upon getting your anchor up in Cartagena
3. Reporting any suspicious vessel or activity anywhere you see it.
1..File a VOLUNTARY float plan (by e- mail when getting your zarpe)
Planned
itinerary from Cartagena until leaving Colombian waters. Those
boats leaving the Netherland Antilles or elsewhere headed for Colombian
waters may do so as well, emailing to the same address. Port Captain’s
Office email: < navesmcp05@dimar.mil
N.B. You can fill out
the Spanish version of the format below and cut and paste it into a
message to the Port Captain's Office; (the English version should help
you understand what you are declaring).
FORMAT TO REPORT FLOAT PLAN (ITINERARY) TO PORT CAPTAIN'S OFFICE, CARTAGENA
Email To: navesmcp05@dimar.mil.co
Subj: Reporte Itinerario de embarcación extranjera
Text:
PARA: EMBARCACIONES MENORES, CAPITANIA DE PUERTO, CARTAGENA
FORMATO REPORTE ITINERARIO DE EMBARCACION EXTRANJERA
ESTA ES LA EMBARCACION DE NOMBRE (Name of Vessel)
DE BANDERA (Country/Flag)
TIPO (Sailboat, powerboat, trawler)
AGENCIA MARITIMA ___(Ship’s Agent in Colombia, if known)___
ITINERARIO __(tentative itinerary in Colombian waters, approximate dates)_
PUERTO DE ORIGEN Y FECHA ___(Port you are leaving from and est. date of departure)__
NOMBRE DEL CAPITAN (Captain’s name)
English version:
Subj: Float Plan of a foreign vessel
To: Small boats, Port Captain, Cartagena
Float Plan of a Foreign Vessel
THIS IS THE VESSEL (Name of vessel)
CARRYING THE FLAG OF (Country)
TYPE OF VESSEL (Sailboat , Powerboat)
MY SHIPPING AGENT IS (Name of Agent, if known)
ITINERARY or FLOAT PLAN (tentative itinerary in Colombian waters, approximate dates)
PORT OF ORIGIN AND DATE: (Port you are leaving from and departure date)
NAME OF CAPTAIN (Captain’s Name)
2. Procedure for reporting departure
Call for "Guardacostas" ("Goo-AHR-dah-COAST-Ah") on Channel 16
They will answer and ask you to change channel, normally to Channel 14 (Kah-TORE-Say).
Indicate
the name of your vessel, your current position, and which way you plan
to exit the Bay of Cartagena (BocaChica or BocaGrande)
FORMAT FOR REPORTING DEPARTURE/(arrival) TO COAST GUARD STATION, CARTAGENA)
Either call on Channel 16,13,11 or email:
To: c3i1@fnc.armada.mil.co
Subj: Reporte Salida (llegada) Embarcación Extranjera
Text:
FORMATO REPORTE ESTACION DE GUARDACOSTAS CARTAGENA
"ESTACION DE GUARDACOSTAS:"
ESTA ES LA EMBARCACION DE NOMBRE (Name of Vessel)
DE BANDERA (Country/Flag)
TIPO (Sailboat, powerboat, trawler)
AGENCIA MARITIMA ___(Ship’s Agent in Colombia)___
PUERTO DE DESTINO __(Final destination, including intermediary stops)_
PUERTO DE ORIGEN ___(Port you are leaving from)__
NOMBRE DEL CAPITAN (Captain’s name)
LA NAVE TIENE ( Number of crew members ) TRIPULANTES
LUGAR DE ZARPE O ATRAQUE_(Cartagena Bay, Dock of Club Nautico, etc)_
English version:
Subj: Departure (Arrival) of a Foreign Vessel
Report to the Coast Guard Station, Cartagena
“Attention: Coast Guard Station, Cartagena”
This is vessel (Name of vessel)
Carrying the flag of (Country)
Type (Sailboat , Powerboat )
My shipping agent is (Name of Agent)
Port of destination (Final destination and intermediate stops)
Port of origin: (Port you are leaving from)
Name of Captain (Captain’s Name)
The vessel has (Number) crewmembers.
Place of departure or arrival (Cartagena Bay, Dock of Club Nautico, etc.)
3. reporting suspicious activity
At
any time you may call on VHF channels 16,13,11. Between Cartagena and
Panama there are Coast Guard stations at Islas del Rosario, Coveñas
(which covers both Islas San Bernardo and Isla Fuerte), and in Turbo in
the Gulf of Urabá (which covers Zapsurro Bay). There are significant
gaps in the coverage of VHF along the coast, although the fixed
stations are supplemented by Coast Guard units that are constantly on
patrol. You may send a confidencial email to
<c3i1@fnc.armada.mil.co>. This address can be used for
communications relevant to all locations along the Colombian Caribbean
coast from Venezuela to Panama.
FORMAT TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS VESSELS
If
you sight a suspicious vessel or for any other reason need to contact
the Colombian Coast Guard anywhere along the Colombian coast:
Telephone: +57 (5) 655-0316 Satellite Phone: 881631710707
Mobile(cell phone) +57 315 702 0120 or +57 310 710 1668
or email c3i1@fnc.aramada.mil.co
To: <c3i1@fnc.aramada.mil.co>
Subj: Reporte de motonave sospechosa u otra anomalía
Text:
FORMATO REPORTE DE MOTONAVES SOSPECHOSAS A ESTACION DE GUARDACOSTAS CARTAGENA
GUARDACOSTAS
ESTA ES LA EMBARCACION (name of your vessel)
EN POSICION LATITUD (degrees/minutes Lat.)
Y LONGITUD (degrees/minutes Lon.)
RUMBO (your course in degrees)
VELOCIDAD (your speed in knots)
SE AVISTA UNA EMBARCACION SOSPECHOSA (‘I have seen a suspicious vessel’)
TIPO (description suspicious vessel: fishing boat, canoe, fiberglass with outboard motor(s), etc)
COLOR DEL CASCO __(hull color, suspicious vessel)
COLOR DE LA SUPER ESTRUCTURA _(superstructure color, suspicious vessel)
RUMBO (its heading in degrees)
VELOCIDAD (its speed)
POSICION LATITUD (Degrees, minutes Lat.)
Y LONGITUD (Degrees, minutes Lon.)
HORA EN QUE SE VIO LA EMBARCACION _(Time of sighting and time zone)
English version:
Subj: Report of a suspicious vessel or other anomaly
Report of a suspicious vessel to the Cartagena Coast Guard Station
"Attention Coast Guard"
This is the vessel: (name of your vessel)
Located at: (your position, degrees/minutes Latitude; degrees/minutes Longitude)
My heading: (course)
My Speed: (speed)
I have sighted a suspicious vessel
Type (fishing boat, canoe, fiberglass with outboard motor(s), etc.)
Color of hull (of suspicious vessel)
Color of superstructure, if any (of suspicious vessel)
Heading, suspicious vessel: (heading)
Speed, of suspicious vessel: (speed)
Position, of suspicious vessel: (degrees/minutes Latitude; degrees/minutes Longitude)
Time of sighting: (time and time zone).
Note:
Due to the delicate nature of reporting suspicious activity anonymous
calls are also welcomed in these cases (this was confirmed during a
recent meeting at Club Nautico with representation from both the Port
Captain’s office, and the Coast Guard (held 9th March 2008).
Officers
from the Port Captain’s office and the Coast Guard have expressed their
sincere hopes that you have an enjoyable experience both in Cartagena
and along the Colombian coast. Without wanting to restrict your
movements, they ask that you keep them informed of where you are and
where you are headed so that they are better prepared to provide
support.
If you wish to contact the Commander,
Caribbean, Colombia Coast Guard in person: (currently Cpt. Miguel
Vargas) <dosma2006@yahoo.com>; or the Commanding Officer,
Cartagena Station: (currently Capt. Mauricio Echandia)
ceguc@fnc.armada.mil.co
Emmergency Telephone numbers:
Cel phone: +57 310 710-1668 OR +57 315 702 0120
Direct telephone: +57 5(if calling outside Cartagena) 655-0316 (Coast Guard Station, Cartagena)
(Please note: "57" is the Colombia country code; "5" is Cartagena city code (Not applicable to cell phone numbers)
Civilian co-ordinator in Cartagena. Lee Miles <Editor@DestinationCartagena Website:www.DestinationCartagena.com
Official anchorages for recreational vessels.
The
Port Captain has expressed his concern that many sailboats are
anchoring well outside the designated anchorage area. Try to anchor
within the designated areas or as close as possible to them. Be
particularly careful to allow for tugs and frigates to manoeuvre when
entering the dock immediately to our South East.
Area de Fondeo (Anchorage) No. 1 ( Bahia de Las Animas):
1.Lat: 10deg 25’ 5.6’’ N Long: 75deg 32’ 52.5’’W(approx)
2.Lat: 10deg 25’ 4.6’’ N Long: 75deg 32’ 53.8’’W
3.Lat: 10deg 25’ 0.4’’ N Long: 75deg 32’ 44.7’’W
4.Lat: 10deg 24’ 58.3’’N Long: 75deg 32’ 47.5’’W
Area de Fondeo(the main anchorage surrounding Club Nautico)No. 2 (marked out by following positions):
1.Lat: 10deg 24’49.7’’ N Long: 75deg 32’’ 41.o’’W
2.Lat: 10deg 24’43.9’’ N Long: 75deg 32’ 34.9’’W
3.Lat: 10deg 24’ 39.8’’N Long: 75deg 32’ 26.7’’W
4.Lat: 10deg 24’ 38.0’’N Long: 75deg 32’ 28.0’’W
5.Lat: 10deg 24’ 41.2’’N Long: 75deg 32’ 37.1’’W
6.Lat: 10deg 24’ 48.6’’N Long: 75deg 32’ 42.4’’ W
It
is important to keep some distance from the ‘Muelle Turistico’ (also
referred to as the Terminal Touristico) as this is occasionally used by
visiting frigates where Tugs will need working room.
It is
important to keep well inside the Red Buoys marking the channel leading
to the Bahia de Animas and the docks ‘Muelle de Bodeguita’ and ‘Muelle
de Pegasus’
e-mail: gerencia@clubnauticocartagena.com
Emmergency calls:
Numeros de Urgencia:
Free call numbers
Emmergency
call
centre.
Lineas gratuitas
Centro regulador de Urgencia……………………………… ……………… ….. 125
Policia
Nacional.
……………………………………………………………… 112
Firestation. Bomberos ………………………………………………………………. 119
Ambulance,
Sercicio de Ambulancia
AMI
665 3119, 665 3121(PREFIX 035 IF USING
CELLPHONE)
Traffic Police, Transito ………………………………………………………….. 127
Coast
Guard . Estacion Guardacostas
Cartagena
6550315 (PREFIX 035 IF USING CELLPHONE)
CoastGuard. Anti Narcotics Co- operative net.
Red
de
Cooperantes
655 0316 (PREFIX 035 IF USING CELLPHONE)
Cell 310
710
1668
146 - 152
Club Nautico Cartagena Ltda.. 19-50 Avenida Miramar.
Manga, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia Tel/Fax 57 5 660 4863
WWW.clubnauticocartagena.com
|
Cartagena