|
INDEX
|
Air Conditioning, 34
|
Glass, 19.
|
Radio Nets & Weather, 40.
|
|
Batteries, 21.
|
Haircuts, 50.
|
Refrigeration, 34
|
|
Boat Brokerage,11
|
Hardware, 24
|
Restaurants, 57.
|
|
Booze, 6.
|
Haulout Facilities, 10.
|
Rigging, 36
|
|
Charts,40
|
History & Sightseeing, 48.
|
Sail Repair & Canvas, 34.
|
|
Checking In, 1.
|
Hose Fittings, 25.
|
Seamstress, 36.
|
|
Cleaning, 38.
|
Hotels, 53.
|
Shopping, 58.
|
|
Computer Repair, 37.
|
Importing in Colombia, 43
|
Spanish Lessons, 49.
|
|
Chrome plating 16A
|
Internet Cafes, 46.
|
Stainless Steel, Aluminum, 16.
|
|
Dive Tanks & Stores, 27
|
Mechanics, 13.
|
Surveyor, 11.
|
|
Electrical, 14.
|
Medical, 44
|
Swimming, 51
|
|
Emeralds, 59.
|
Money, 3.
|
Telephones, 46
|
|
Engineering, 15.
|
Moorage Facilities, 2.
|
Theater & Movies, 54
|
|
Exercise Classes, 54.
|
Night Life, 56.
|
Tour Guides, 62.
|
|
Fabrics, 34.
|
O-Rings, gaskets, seals, 25.
|
Transportation, 4.
|
|
Fiberglass & Repairs, 30.
|
Out-of-Town, 61.
|
Travel Agencies & Airlines, 59
|
|
Filters, 25.
|
Outboard Motors, 32.
|
Veterinary Clinics, 45
|
|
Fire Extinguishers, 30.
|
Paint & Painters, 22.
|
|
|
Foundry, 18.
|
Post Office, 47.
|
Welding Supplies, 17.
|
|
Fuel, 7
|
Project Management, 23.
|
Wood Supplies, 27/28
|
|
Galvanizing, 20.
|
Propane, 7.
|
|
|
General Hands, 9.
|
Provisioning, 5.
|
others:
|
|
Life raft inspection 31A
|
Copies, 41.
|
AB INFLATABLES, 33.
|
1. Checking in – What to do first
Cartagena’s port captain does not deal with any yacht captain directly
and will insist on the use of an agent. 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 $70US. However there may be additional charges
applicable for 6 MONTH CRUISING PERMITS and temporary importation. Ask
for clarification when you check in to avoid misunderstanding at the
end of your stay.
Agents (Agencia Maritima)
Cartagena Maritima Del Caribe (Representative Edgar Romero (and his assistant David Arroyo)
Cel: 312 659 9223; 313 523 0742 (David).is often to be found at
Club Nautico
e-mail:cartamarcaribe@hotmail.com) For boats up to 20 tons, the basic
charge for checking in and out including Temporary Importation of
$90.00 (check when additional charges may be applied). They will assist
in both boat and immigration matters and have provided an attentive and
able service. Call CH16.
Mundo Mar /White Light (Manfred Alward).
Cel. 317 729-7367; 301 222 1255; 311 400 6394 Tel: 666
3230. VHF Ch. 68, call “Hansaschiff.” E-mail:
Manfred.al@gmx.net. German, speaks English. Basic charge (vessel
less than 20 tons) 150,000 pesos (about $75 U.S.), including Temporary
Importation/customs clearance and can obtain discounts on certain
items. Attentive to the needs of cruisers.
NOTE: An additional ‘Certificado de Permanencia’ (akin to a cruising
permit but applicable to stored boats as well), is a new charge imposed
by the local Port Captain valid for 2 months and applied to all
vessels staying more than 2 weeks. Some question the legality of this
new 'tax' and hope to find legal resolution. Of course Club Nautico
hopes for an amicable and reasoned resolution. Presently the Port
Captain is applying a 154,000 peso charge for the first 2 months (after
the initial 14 day stay). After this period, a further certificate will
be issued valid for 6 months costing $154,000 pesos.
TEMPORARY IMPORTATION FOR YOUR VESSEL
On 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 whomever you chose as your
agent. We understand that you can approach the Customs office (DIAN)
directly but this must be done within 2 days of arrival. Verify with
agent. This 1 year temporary importation can be extended for one
further year in almost all cases.
PORT CAPTAIN’S OFFICE BCH Building, 5th floor (Multi-story office
building facing Parque Centenario) La Matuna, Av. Daniel Lemaitre,
CENTRO.
Immigration
Upon clearing with immigration, normally you will be issued a 60-day
tourists’ visa. This can subsequently be extended on a monthly basis
for up to a six month total stay per 12-month period. Time spent
outside of the country does not cancel out the time you have spent in
Columbia, as in Panama for instance, but instead is added on to your
original expiration date. If you are planning to be here for longer
than 60 days, remember to renew your visa before the 60 days runs out.
Before going to Immigration for your visa renewal after your first two months here, stop at the nearby bank to pay the fee.
Banco de Bogota, Caribe Plaza (Mall) or Bancafe Pedro de Heredia,
Sector Lo Amador, # 19-204. Payment is made to Account No.
14299001-9, Codigo 103. The charge for monthly renewal is $48.100 pesos
for each passport. Lines in the bank can be long so plan on going
early. (“Prorrogar Turismo” = “to renew a visa”) The counter at
the entrance has the deposit forms and a sample of how they should be
completed. (If you have any doubts contact your agent)
D.A.S. (Immigration Office), Pie de La Popa, Sector Lo Amador 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.
Alfredo (Freddie) Gonzales Rubio, Agente Consular de los Estados Unidos
de America, Calle 77B No 57-141 Oficina 511, 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@gmail.com)
Panamanian Consulate: Centro, Plaza San Pedro Claver. Tel: 655 1055.
Consulado Italiano: Centro, Calle de Colegio 34-75 piso 2. Tel: 664 1583.
Allianza Colombo Francesa: Centro, Plaza Fernando de Madrid. Tel: 664 7344.
Germany (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, Bogotá. Hon Consulate, Cartagena . Graham Binns Tel: 653 8050 Cel: 311 215 5152.
2. Club Nautico Marina
RECONSTRUCTION
PLEASE BE PATIENT WHILE WE ARE UNDERGOING A MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION PROCESS.
WE HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF CONSTRUCTION SPACE AND MUST FINALIZE BUILDING BY MID 2010 DUE TO LEGAL CONSTRAINTS.
OF COURSE THE WHOLE IDEA IS TO TRANSFORM CLUB NAUTICO INTO SOMETHING
MORE ATTRACTIVE AS WELL AS COMPLY WITH THE LOCAL MUNICIPAL PLANS TO
INCORPORATE A CYCLE WAY ALONGSIDE THE MANGA PROMENADE.
WE HOPE THAT YOU MAY BE HERE AGAIN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE.
Meanwhile we apologize to all those that are unable to take advantage
(hopefully for no more than a few weeks) of the services normally made
available.
Welcome to our family-run marina. Our marina is dedicated to the needs
of cruisers and we depend on your goodwill and good-sense.
Some do’s and don'ts:
PLEASE put a shirt on before coming into the restaurant area. Our
location in a conservative residential (not tourist) barrio has
something to do with this policy. Please be considerate in this
cultural melting pot.
PLEASE keep your pets on a leash while in the restaurant area: they can
preside only with tacit agreement of the other restaurant users (and
our club dog!).
PLEASE BE CAREFUL of unscrupulous persons trying to engage you in
dubious activities, particularly prostitution. Child prostitution is
totally prohibited (as clearly it should be) and strong action will be
taken against any involved. Help Colombia fight this grave problem.
DO NOT wear expensive jewelry while walking around town.
DO NOT deal with money-changers on the street.
DO NOT bring people from the street to work on your boat. We have
several trustworthy and able hands that can assist. Many of those
workers (not all) recommended in this guide can access the marina at no
additional cost. This is because they have a history of assisting the
marina when asked. Anybody not within this group working on the marina
must be approved by us (usually this means professional risks insurance
and a 10,000 peso ($5US) daily fee payable each day on arrival at the
marina gate).
DO NOT trash bottles. Beer and soft drink bottles (and cans) can be recycled. Return them to the bar.
DO NOT bring your own liquor into the restaurant area (wine is allowed
for Sunday Pot-Lucks (NB. Wine only - we discriminate!). The book
exchange area is provided for this purpose.
DO NOT undertake major repair work while on the dock. No welding,
grinding/sanding of fiberglass, painting (other than varnishing). The
boats yards have the necessary facilities, permits and contingency
plans for such work to be undertaken.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DINGHY IN THE WATER AT NIGHT. Raise it up high out of
reach and secure your outboard. The Coast Guard do an excellent job
patrolling the anchorage but don't take them for granted.
DO NOT employ minors (less than 18 yrs old) for any reason. It is illegal.
LEAVING YOUR BOAT
If leaving your boat unattended make arrangement with someone (approved
by the marina) to look after it. We will be happy to recommend suitable
caretakers. If leaving the country get a letter from your maritime
agent declaring that your vessel is here so you will not require an
outbound ticket on your return to Colombia.
GENERAL NOTES:
While we do provide security in keeping with our desire to maintain the
informal family ambient, the 'Club' (Club Nautico Cartagena Ltda) will
not be held responsible for you personally, nor your crew/guests.
Neither will the Club be responsible for your property during your stay
here. At all times the Captain/Owner remains responsible for all
matters concerning his vessel and property (the Club is always ready to
offer assistance).
PAYING THE BILL:
On arrival we will set up an account (referred to as a TAB) which
should be paid each Wednesday or prior to departure. The TAB closes on
Monday night each week with Tuesday being effectively the start of the
new TAB week. Payment should be made in pesos (US$ only by special
agreement). Any conversions are made at the official published
rate of exchange.
TYING UP:
We are happy to help but finally the responsibility remains with the
vessel's captain. Electricity is either AC 110 or AC 220 (at 60 HZ).
Please check voltage and polarity with the assistance of our
electrician before utilizing sensitive electrical equipment. ALSO, low
voltage can occasionally occur: take measure to protect against this.
The Club will not be responsible for consequential damages.
Getting Connected
Cruisers’ VHF Hailing Channel in Cartagena – Channel 68
Phone Calls - To call a local phone from a cell phone you must use the prefix 035. See Telephones below.
3. Money
DO NOT USE MONEY CHANGERS ON THE STREETS! Such operations are illegal and you will likely be cheated.
The monetary unit in Colombia is the peso. At the time of this writing,
the exchange is 1950 pesos to $1 U.S. Numerous banks and ATMs
(cajeros), are conveniently located throughout the city. There
are good ATM machines nearby (eg. Just inside the local Carulla
supermarket and the nearby Banco Colombia). Most ATMs give
only 300,000 pesos per withdrawal. Bancolombia (below) gives
400.000 and Davivienda (Manga and Centro) gives 500,000. The ATM
at Citibank in Centro near the Exito supermarket allows withdrawals of
up to 2,000,000 pesos as a single transaction.
Colombian banks do not accept telegraphic transfers unless you have a
checking account with them. You can go upstairs at the
Bancolombia on the corner just past the Carulla Supermarket (Manga) to
obtain cash advances on credit and debit cards of up to 3,000,000 pesos
(approx $1,500 US). You will need your passport (and a copy of the
principal page).
If you really need US Dollars, the Western Union at the Carullo supermarket can provide them, but at a hefty fee.
Security note:
Please be careful taking large sums out of banks. Using
Bancolombia (above) is fine due to its location. Bancolombia
(Bocagrande branch) and Banco Occidente (Centro near the Torre de
Reloj) are also good choices. Do not use the banks in outlying
shopping malls for large withdrawals.
4. Transportation
CN recommends taxi drivers Lorenzo, Fernando, and Cesar, all very experienced in dealing with cruisers’ needs.
Taxi drivers in Cartagena are for the most part friendly and honest,
but check on the fare before you take off. The official rate from
Manga to Centro is 5000 pesos, 6000 at night. Manga to Bocagrande, 7000
pesos. Centro to Bocagrande, 5-6000 pesos. Taxi to or from the
airport is 15,000 pesos. An average hourly rate if you’d like
your cab to wait while you do your errands is 25,000 pesos.
Buses run continuously throughout the day along Av. Jimenez from Manga
to Bocagrande for 1200 to 1800 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! Piña!”
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 “res”
(beef). There is not much variety in canned goods. Wines and
liquors tend to be expensive in the grocery stores.
Carulla: Manga, one block east of Club Nautico with clothing,
household items, cosmetics, pharmacy, laundry/dry cleaning, film
developing & stationery.
Bocagrande, Calle 14 and Av. San Martin.
Manga, “Carulla Express”1 ½ blocks east of Club de Pesca.
Carrefour: Large French Chaín store similar to Walmart. Across
the bridge between Manga and Pie de la Popa, then right 200 yards.
Caribe Plaza Mall (same as Home Center).
Exito Large combination grocery / department store
similar to Target in the states or Gigante in Mexico. ServiBanca
ATM allows 400,000 peso withdrawal.
Centro, Sector San Diego near India Catalina statue by city wall.
Castellana shopping mall (Paseo de la Castellana), the big one!
Makro Los Ejecutivos. Near to La Castellana shopping mall. Price Costco type store. Bulk buying.
Bazurto (Mercado Bazurto) - Cartagena city market. A huge market that
sells almost anything. Inexpensive vegetables. See the map of Manga
near the end of this pamphlet.
BUTCHERS
Productoros Carnicos Aliados (PCA) Manga, corner of Calle California
& Porta Av.. Good selection of meats and poultry. Will vacuum
freeze pack with a day or two notice.
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
El Bistro Calle de Ayos, Centro. Heavy breads - Oatmeal, whole
wheat, rye, onion, linseed. Get there before mid-afternoon or it
will be gone.
Leon de Bavaria Calle Arsenal No. 10-B-65, Centro w/ a blue
awning, 664-4412. E-mail: leondebavaria@hotmail.com. Stefan. German
deli and restaurant offering fresh German sausages, German beers and
canned foods.
FRUTI DELICIAS Juan Pablo Florez. Cel: 317 220-2850). Vacuum packed concentrated fruit juices from the Valle de Cauca.
Pacho: Centro Comercial Getsamani, first store on
left. Wines at prices less than in the grocery stores.
Also, various other imported food items not otherwise available, at
good prices.
Italian Cheeses Giovanni: Tel: 662-6138, Cel 316 275-2182 or 312
672-5992. Buffalo Mozzarella, block of Mozzarella, ricotta
fresca, provolone, provolone ahumado, parmesano, gorgonzola, sold in
kilos. Prices: 23,000 to 35,000 per kilo, depending on cheese. He will
deliver to clubs.
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 in Getsemani
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.
6. Propane
Lorenzo, the taxi driver tries to organize gas runs for Monday and
Friday mornings. With 2 or 3 bottles to fill, refills are about
20,000 pesos including his time and transportation. The fill station is
25 mins taxi ride out of town.
Propane Stove and Propane Systems Repair and Service. Oswaldo
Cardenas. Tel: 681 2977. Cel: 310 665 6721. Spanish only. Limited
spares.Replaced solenoid valve, cleaned burners on non-working stove SV
Caravela.
7. Fuel (Diesel and Gasoline)
Club de Pesca Fuel Dock: Tel: 660 4597, 660 6615 “Estación
de Servicio” CH 71 (VHF). Diesel, gasoline, lubricants,
ice, water. (Nov. 2009, diesel approx 6900 pesos/gal.)
Todomar Marina: Gas and diesel at the dock opposite the
Convention Center, where power boats are stacked 3-high in racks.
May be accessible for shallow draft boats.
Marina Sta. La Cruz, Manga, just before container loading docks.
Accessible by dinghy for diesel and gasoline, plus lubricants.
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
8 . 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 50-70 mil pesos per day. (US$20-30) Negotiate the
price before the job is started.
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). It is more likely that permission will be granted for
skilled rather than unskilled assistance. All outside workers if
accepted, must have ARP 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. Experienced and knowledgeable outboard repairer.
Jose Cana. Varnishing specialist. Tidy. Dependable and knowledgeable.
Rangel Gonzalez. Cel: 312 6164139 Recommended by 100foot Motor yacht
Cavu as Yacht standard varnisher.. Recent complaints from SV Cyrano,
Ahri and Liv1. He needs to raise his standards to recover his initial
reputation. For now, he should be supervised.
Kiko. When not on Club Nautico duty. Underwater work.
Eduardo Parra. General. Dependable.
Carlos. Cel: 312 664 8060 Good thorough and dependable worker.
Recommended by Akka and Patience (2009)
At the Club de Pesca: (will need special authorization to work at Club Nautico):
Reynaldo Padilla Cel: 313 644-5883 email: reynsyst@yahoo.com.cleaned
Lulu for many years. Hard worker, trustworthy and knows how to clean
without a lot of supervision. $25 a day. Reynaldo also finds
hard-to-get stuff, Works in the anchorage or at CN.
Vicderno Chaberra Arroyo. Cel: 310 635 3896; 314 585 4787.
General work. Good attention to detail. (Recommended by SV Simpatica
October 2009)
9. Boatyards/Haulout Facilities
Todomar. Albornos via Mamonal,
Carrera 56 No. 5-77. Tel: 668-7220, 668 5282, Fax: 668 7221. www.
todomarchl.com. (E-mail from this website does not work.)
Instead, e-mail Carlos at csbogal@todomarchl.com, or Cel: 311 651
2977. Julio is Jefe del Patio. 45 ton travel lift. Slips
will take a 10 feet draft (check that they have the stands to
accommodate deep draft vessels). 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.
Ferroalquimar Albornos via Mamonal,
Tel: 668 5726 Fax: 668 4145. E-mail
purarey@ferroalquimar.com pdh@ferroalquimar.com,
www.ferroalquimar.com. Also call English-speaking assistant manager,
Sra. Pura: Cel: 320 565 3264. Travel lift to 35 tons. Max draft 8
feet. Local calls and use of fax. Armed security (In Oct.2009, some
thefts occurred on stored boats by on-site workers. Pura says the
offending workers and security guards have been fired.) Toilets,
showers, restaurant. Apartments on site available for rent. .
They have established a good reputation for being able to contract
directly good work teams at the yard with minimal interference.
Certainly worth discussing your project ideas with them. On hand are a
variety of qualified independent contractors. Check with other cruisers
for recommendations.
Catamarans.
They have plenty of experience lifting cats. For any catamaran over 10
tons, they will need to use their (Ferroalquimar) 120 ton crane which
costs approx 500,000 pesos per hour to hire (2 hrs out 2 hours in).
Manzanillo Marina Club Bosque, Calle Malaga Diag. No. 53-76
(Sector Zapatero) Tel: 669 4180, 669 4067, Fax: 669 4070.
e-mail: gerentemmc@gmail.com VHF Ch 78. Max draft 7 ft .
Travel lift rated to 40 tons but small. A ketch may need to remove its
mizzenmast; a sloop must remove its forestay or backstay. Fax/ Internet
service. They have a good team of recommended workers. Gelcoat,
Fibreglass, Woodwork,and Mechanical work can all be reliably contracted
through the marina. Comfortable wash, lounge area. Wifi.
Club de Pesca. e-mail:
cpescacartagena@costa.net.co 30 ton hydraulic lift . Boat stays in the
cradle. Max draft 6’0”. Two day haulouts only. A popular option for no
fuss haulouts.
The use of a guide from Club Nautico (costing around $25US) is
recommended when taking your vessel from Club Nautico to the yards.
FOR LARGER VESSELS
Naval Yard (Cotecmar): Bocagrande. Contact: Capitan Garcia, Jefe
Comercial. Cel: 315 723 1521 Tel: 665 5354 E-Mail
jdcom@cotecmar.com. This yard cannot handle fiberglass vessels due to
insurance restrictions.
Astilleros Vikingos: e-mail astivik@latino.net.co Excellent skills are available.
10. Surveyors
Mauricio Salazar Naval Architect & Marine Engineer.
Tel: 656 6080. Works through DINALCO S.A. (associated with the German
consulate) Tel: 656 1027, 656 5186. Established company providing
professional surveys for insurance evaluation accepted worldwide.
Reasonably priced for cruisers. Contact Manfred Alward, Ship’s Agent
(Mundo Mar 311 400 6394) for alternatives.
Kirk Ezell. kirkezell@yahoo.com. Has undertaken many surveys
locally and also the most experienced delivery skipper available.
COMPASS ADJUSTOR
Captain Victor M. Estevez. Tel: 665 1822; 665 6248.
11. Boat Brokerage and Yacht Delivery
Call CN for advice.
Delivery Skippers.
Kirk Ezell. kirkezell@yahoo.com Still the most experienced
( by far) delivery skipper living locally. Cel: 310 729 0674
Eugenio Montoya: On board Spica at CN.
Fabian Arcila Cel: 300 805 1816.
Delivery Crew
Alberto Vasquez regularly on the docks at CN. Excellent crew,
speaks some English. Has sailed to Aruba and beyond many times, cast
iron stomach.
12.Mechanics
DIESEL ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION REPAIR
Elvis (el Profe) . Taller Castro. Cel: 313 523 7843. Tel: 674
6422 Casa 661 9581. Has a very loyal following due to his
ability, honesty and reliability.
Francisco Perez Cel: 314 563 4033 315 626 5304 (Assistant Efren) Good work on French cat.
Diesel Precision: Av. Pedro de Heredia, Sector Espinal #18B-198.
Tel: 656 3060; 656 3085. Or contact rep. Luis Gomez, Cel: 312 621
6640, who speaks some English. Specializes in injectors.
Highly recommended by cruisers, inc. Navy Blue (2009).
Note to cruisers: We need another really good recommendation for engine rebuilds.
DIESEL PARTS
Carta Diesel Ltda. Efraín Florez Vergara; Gerente Tel: 662
7392 Cel: 310-364 0490. Incl. starters and alternators,
impellers, new and used.. (‘Very helpful’ from Cade SV Sandollar).
Agro Diesel del Caribe Ltda. Bosque. Tel: 662 3169; 669 1388.
Todomar Marina, Bocagrande. Yanmar parts.
Marina Sta. La Cruz, Manga, just before container loading docks. Volvo and Yamaha parts.
Diesel Power. Tel: 370 1512 Cel: 311 808 5420 Rusmiro Maestre Mejia
Cummins, Caterpillar, FP, Mahle. Parts importers for larger diesels.
Casa Inglesa, Barranquilla (70 miles up the coast). Perkins parts.
Agro Ingles. Barranquilla Calle 45 No. 46-141. Tel: 370 3604 E-mail: mach@metrotel.net.co. Perkins.
13. Electrical
STARTER MOTORS & ALTERNATORS
MultiElectricos: Pie de la Popa, Lo Amador, Cr.20 C34-32 (Opp.
Home Mart) Tel: 656 2111. Lena speaks English. Excellent
reputation amongst cruisers. Helpful and resourceful. Have
workshop plus good source of fan belts (all diameters).
Taller Reconstruin. Av. 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, Lo Amador. Outstanding with hydraulics and electric motor rebuilds.
REPAIRING MARINE ELECTRONICS
Laboratorio Electronico Aleman: Manga, Av. Jimenez, Calle No.
26-18 B19. Cel: 316 312 7570. Tel/Fax: 660 4222.
(Stands by on Ch. 68) ‘Resourceful and very capable’ (Sven is German
and speaks perfect English). Highly recommended.
ITEC Electronica Maritima, Santa Lucia Shopping Center, 2nd floor,
Oficinas 1 to 8. Centro Commercial. Tel: 663 3909 Fax: 663 3643.
www.iteccolombia.com. (Standard call out charge 45 mil pesos).
Well-equipped HQ diagnostics. (Call Idiana and ask for Carlos).
Technically very able.
Radio Mundo Marino: Getsemani., Av. El Pedregal 25-76. Tel: 664 2420. Repairs Icom radios amongst other brands.
MARINE ELECTRICIANS
Emigdio Gonzalez. Speaks good English and is recommended by Capt Alvaro
of ‘Katana’, a 65foot Mason. Tel: 657 2703 Cel: 313
587 2064. Did great work on Toto (105 ft Palmer Johnson). (also good
with watermakers, hydraulics etc.
Alex Gonzalez. Cel: 312 635 5673; 316 7778827. 'Great Electrician' (SV Simpatica 2009)
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
La Casa del Sonido Matuna, Ave. Venezuela #9-45. Tel: 664 5928,
664 5352, 660 1826. Next to Exito. Switches, plugs, cables, adapters,
connectors, jacks, etc.
Electronica Cartagena Centro, Av. Daniel Lemaitre 31-72, bajos del
Hotel San Felipe. Tel: 664 3268; 664 7091 Fax 664 3937. (just off
Parque Centenario).
14. Engineering
Ignacio Sierra: Bosque, Calle de la Giralda, No. 53-16. Tel: 669
4202. E-mail: gspicker@hotmail.com. Www.fisltda.com.
Managers/Owners Srs. German and Vicente Spicker both speak good
English. Well-equipped machine shop for marine fabrications. Also have
swaging equipment.
Taller Palmer: Calle 2da de Mamonal 21A-119. Tel/fax 674
3019 Cel: 300 483 4229. Javier Rios, Manager.
Industrial and naval mechanical engineering. (Recommended by SV
Stormbird 2007.)
Taller Kali: Av. Cristante Luque. A nearby basic
alternative to above. No English. More steel fabrication but also good
for custom brass/bronze machined fittings.
15. Stainless Steel & Aluminum
WELDING & TUBULAR FABRICATIONS
Bianney Torres. MEGA YATES, Bosque. Cel. 316 6339418;
3135125759. (Assistant Julio Miguel). Home Tel: 662 1441. Bianney
does very high quality work, consistently delivering what cruisers
want. Highly recommended.
Todomar: The in-house team at the haul out yard (see Marinas) seems pretty good. Specialists in aluminium welding.
SUPPLIES:
Inox Caribe Ltda. Tel: 666 5975; 666 6374.
Tubocol. Km 2 Cra.de Mamonal (just after the bridge).
16. Chrome Plating & Anodizing
Niquelados Industriales. Freddy Gomez Navarro. Pie de la Popa, Lo
Amador, Calle El Progreso. Tel: 656 5903. Good work at reasonable
per-piece prices (Akka & Attitude, 2009).
Planta Industrial de Niquelados. Ing. Daniel Coronel Daniel. Pie
del Cerro, Av. Antonio Arevalo No.31B–174. (At the foot of Cerro San
Felipe.) Tel: 666 5124 Cel: 315 684 1004. Also do silver and gold
plate, electro galvanizing, 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 Santa Fe, No. 18 to 40 Tel: 666 1361. Good detail work (SV Endless Journey).
19. Glass /Acrylic
TodoBidrio. Av. Escallon Villa Calle 11 de Noviembre, near Plaza de
Toros, Tel: 669 8130. (Their Motto: We spell badly but install
great.) Windshield repair and installation. Sandwich and tempered
safety glass. Will cut to specification.
C.F. Casa Automotrik E. U. Cel: 315 715 7255; 311 411 6698. Sr.
Cleyderman. Can assist with installation of acrylic and other
laminates.
20. Galvanizing Hot Dip
Galvamar. Bosque, Av. Pedro Velez No. 51-70. Tel/Fax 674
1046. Call Daisy (Directora Admin) Cel:312 626 2229.
Office: 310 355 0080. E-mail: galvamar@hotmail.com. The work is 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).
21. Batteries
Several stores on Pedro de Heredia have D8 and D4 truck batteries at good prices.
Energias Alternas. Tel: 664 4842 Cel: 3135852214. Calle
Largo Just past entrance to Centro Comercial Getsemeni. .
Fernando is very helpful; speaks English. T105 6 volt golf cart
batteries for around $200US. US and Taiwanese made AGMs. May be able to
supply VAT exempt (Foreign vessels) solar panels. Highly
recommended by cruisers.
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: Zona Industrial de Mamonal, KM3. Jaime Villalba Olier
Tel: 668 5106 Cel: 311-539 0833. This is an industrial yard behind
locked gates. Wear long pants or you will not be admitted.
Not a retail place and very hard to find. Main distributor for
Pintuco products, industrial and naval. Rep. Armanda Alvear Vasquez
Resinas y Pinturas: Av. Pedro de Heredia Sector Toril 22A-141 Tel: 669 2083.
SIKA: Mamonal, Sector Albornoz. Good English speaking technicians. Good
basic vinyl high copper antifouling tested by the military. They also
have an ablative antifouling
HEMPEL: Mamonal, Sector Albornoz. Tel: 665 0037. Contact
Ing. Carlos Corral Cel: 315 7362973 (speaks English). 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).
SIGMA: Bellavista, Cr. 56 5A-69. Tel: 667 3370; 667 2647.
Jaime Falquez: Cel: 310 3689116. Epoxy anticorrosivos and vinyl
antifouling (similar to SIKAAlso for antifoulings PINTUCO
International, Sigma, Hempel, and Ameron (ablative 52% copper).
Acripinturas del Caribe Ltda., Av. Pedro de Heredia, No. 18-A-25, sector Espinal, Tel: 666 3289. DuPont paints.
Decoraciones el Pintor: Getsemani, Parque Centenario con Calle de La
Magdalena. Tel: 664 3165. They sell Pintuco Epoxy similar to West
System 4:1 mix .
(Please note that repainting work involving fibreglass/gelcoat
grinding/sanding and gelcoat/polyurethane 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 yard’s. 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.
Flavit and Jaime: Ferroalquimar Cel: 311 427 0960
Recommended by SV Andromeda (major repaint plus sugar scoop transom
fabrication(2008)). Also very highly recommended by Catamaran Simpatica
(2009)
Jorge Garcia Galvis: Cel: 315 629 3796 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.
Cel: 311 680 3855. Good work with SV’s Contigo, Inshallah .
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 Ortiz: Ask for him at Club de Pesca. He comes with excellent references.
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)
23. Hardware and Chandleries
Home Center. Caribe Plaza Mall, Av. de los
Lagos, Pie de le Popa. A significant improvement on Home Mart
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.
Ferreteria Industrial de la Costa. Av. Pedro de Heredia #19-46 Tel: 666 4286 Good selection of tools. Will also fabricate parts.
Ignacio Sierra Taller (workshop). Bosque. Dr.
German Spicker. Tel: 669 4202; 6694242. Cel: 300 810 3869.
Stainless Steel / Bronze / Aluminium hardware: bolts, screws, valves ,
zincs, cutlass bearings, Ppop Shafts. Www.fisltda.com e-mail:
gspicker@hotmail.com.
Torhefe Av.Pedro de Heredia, #19-230. Tel:
666 1753. Large selection of stainless steel fastenings (incl.
springs), as well as Stanley Tools. 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 customer service.
chandleries
Aquatico Surtidor Nautico: Manga, Av. Miramar
Calle 24 (next to Club de Pesca). Tel: 660 6418; 660 5338.
Random selection of goods at “marine” prices, inc. Harken, Garmin,
Perko brands. Tohatsu outboards.
Marine Sport: Manga, Av. Miramar Cra 17
Calle14-6. (next to Club de Pesca, around the corner from the
above.) Tel: 660 8227; 660 8268. Cel: 315 733-1212. New in
2009. Ancor electrical supplies, Sikaflex, 3M products, filters,
Yamaha outboards.
Ferremarina: Bosque, Diagonal 21, 40–75, Tel:
662 2663; 662 1101. Cel: 301 260-8155; 300 816-8612. E-mail:
ferremarina2@yahoo.com. General boat hardware including stainless
steel cable and anchor chain. Can source rigging at competitive prices.
24. Bearings, (O-rings, gaskets, hose fittings)
Multi-Caucho: Pie de la 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.: Av. Pedro de Heredia (next to Mult-Caucho, above) for bearings.
Recorres y Mangeras: Pie de la Popa, La Subida, Av. 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 alternator and starter motor
repairs). Excellent headgasket made for SV Sea Adler.
25. Filters
The following three shops are located next door to each other.
What one place doesn’t have, the others probably will. All the
staff are very helpful. Limited English but eager to please.
Lubricantes y Filtros Av. Pedro de Heredia 21C-140. Tel: 6661935; Cel:
316 557 0487; 316 619 8169. All types of filters: water and diesel.
Shell Lubs. Sikaflex 221, Loctite, Mac Batteries, Racors. Ing. Edwin
Villareal.
Solofiltros Pie de la Popa, Av. Pedro de Heredia C21-34, (next to
Lubricantes). Tel: 666 0808. Big selection of filters.
Filtros y Mas: Pie de la Popa, Av. Pedro de Heredia (next to
Lubricantes). Cel: 312 6493615; 300 833 3487. Humberto
Guerrera Rivera very helpful. Has wide variety of paper filters
and cartridges suitable for watermakers, plus gaskets and o-rings.
26. Dive Tanks & Stores
Todomar Marina: Take your dinghy 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. Also offers dive tours and scuba
instruction and certification.
Diving Planet. Laguito, Edif. Alonso de Ojeda No. 2-50. Tel: 655
0154 Beatriz Ossa (Marine Biologist and Advanced PADI instructor)
Padi diving courses. Rosario and other sites.
27. 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 can trust him to use it. A minor legend amongst the cruising
fraternity
Victor Potes. Another outstanding carpenter/fibreglass boat
builder. Has a mold from which he can make a great little sailing
dinghy.
Pedro Garcia Bettin: Cel: 312 292 9083. Fiberglass repair, fabrication. Recommended by Tisha Baby, 2009.
Note: The above have authority to use the limited Club Nautico
facilities (those mentioned below require a permit although are
considered trustworthy).
Nilson Markato: Cel: 316 680 6361; 315 699 9436. Excellent (SV
Runner). Efficient reliable, punctual, creative.
Daniel Guerrero: Cel: 310 350 5953 (Worked well on Wooden Brigantine GRETA).
Gaston Betruz Fernandez: Tel: 665 8315 Cel: 315 688 7161 Recommended by SV Makai.
Manzanillo. Re-soled Escapade B and Gonzo
2 (both Morgan Out Islands). They use Abarco wood to very good
effect.
Pedro Castro Barrio. Cel: 316 4630433 318 2472727 311 428 8423 6754158 (Ref: SV Coconut 2009)
28. Wood Supplies
Home Center: (also listed under hardware.) Caribe Plaza Mall, Av.
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, Av. Pedro de Heredia.
Escaleras de Colombia: Tel: 662 8392, Javier Camacho owns a teak farm. Good quality.
Maderas Ramos: Getsemani.
Maderas Carillo: Getsemani, Cr 10 B 25 -70 Plaza del Pozo, Tel: 664 2802.
PLYWOOD
'Formaplac' An exterior grade plywood with a waterproof glue.
HARDWOOD information
‘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’ Red Cedar. 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.
29. Fiberglass, Minor Repairs & Materials (See also:Woodworking)
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. Recommeded 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: Bosque, Near Ron Tres Esquinas.
Resinas Y Pinturas: Av. Cristante Luque.
Etonador: Mercado de Bazurta, Av. Pedro de Heredia. Paint and
resin/glass supplies. If you're timid take a 'hand' with you. This area
is where the poor do their bargaining.
El Cazador: Mercado de Bazurta, Av. Pedro de Heredia. Can supply good spearguns (locally made).
30. Fire Extinguisher Recharging
Seguridad Industrial de Colombia, LTDA: Barrio Chapacua, Manzana H L 25. Gabriel Florez, Tel: 663 0796.
Also..Talk to Taxi driver William. He has an excellent source for refills at good prices.
31 Liferaft Inspection
ASTEMAR Safety Equip.: Tel: 662 8773, 662 1964; 662 5117. Fax:
(95)660 4632 Rudolfo de la Vega, Tech. Manager speaks excellent
English. Certified RFD liferaft inspection center. They sell Viking
liferafts (about $4000US for 6 person).
32. Outboard Motors, sales, parts, repairs
Marina Santa La Cruz: (Eduardo Londono, Ltda.. (5 mins walk South
East from Club Nautico) Juan Manuel Diego, Tel: 660 8385, Fax 660
7569 E-Mail jdiago@eduardono.com. Yamaha spares.
Motomarina: On the Av. Miramar (close to Yamaha market). Suzuki parts.
Jaimito at Club Nautico is competent at fixing most outboard problems
and many others besides. He can source parts but you ahould ask
for a receipt from the part supplier (for any kind of guarantee).
Aquatico Surtidor Nautico: Manga, Av. Miramar Calle 24 (next to Club de
Pesca). Tel: 660 6418; 660 5338. Tohatsu outboards.
Marine Sport: Manga, Av. Miramar Cra 17 Calle14-6. (next to
Club de Pesca, around the corner from the above.) Tel: 660 8227;
660 8268. Cel: 315 733-1212. New in 2009. Yamaha outboards.
Delemiro Contreras: Call Reynaldo Padilla for information.
Cel: 312 644 5883. , “Delo” works out of Club de Pesca, excellent
repairs on dinghy engines.
33. AB Inflatables
Formerly manufactured in Venezuela, now Colombia (Barranquilla).
Outstanding Hypalon quality. Available with Aluminum or Fiberglass
hull. Can be delivered directly to Club Nautico. www.abinflatables.com,
Tel: (57 5) 379 5132. E-mail: info@abmarinegroup.
34. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Hermanos Malos: Av. Pedro Romero 29–130. Tel: 669 3782, 669 3243.
Cel: 311 402 8916. Expert team. Reinaldo and Antonio have a very
solid reputation, and are approved at CN.
Nestor Diaz: Taller de refrigeración /air con. Tel: 313 523 6142. ‘Excellent worker, good value’
Pedro Simarra Porras: Barrio Las Caracoles Cel: 300 814 6583; Casa 667 9344.
REFRIGERATION PARTS
Refrigeración La Mona. Barrio Lo Amador 19#32-97. Tel: 658 2899. Luz Eida Graciano (La Mona). Original parts/spares.
35. Sail Repair, Canvas, Upholstery & Fabrics
Esteban Perez. Manzanillo, Tapizeria Moderna: Tel: 310 651 4545;
317 772 9940. Has established a very good reputation amongst
cruisers. Excellent upholstery, dinghy covers and canvas work. He
talks fast so try and get him to slow down to avoid misunderstandings
(mas despacio por favor!). In busy months, he can get overloaded so
don't overlook the alternatives below if time is a key factor.
Jorge Torres: Cel: 314 537 6391. Upholstery slipcovers,
fitted sheets, but no canvas work. A designer, he’ll help with
planning as well. Recommended by Simpatica, Makai 2009.
Benjamin Herrera: Bosque, Calle Nuevo Granada,21ª90, facing the
TCC(an express transport company) Cel:310 655 4739. Tel: 674
5874. Good strong sail repairs and canvas work. 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 Herrera Cel: 315 704 2200 or 317 820 4411. Meticulous work
(sail repair, canvas and rope work). Highly recommended by SV Gypsy
Wind (also as an ad hoc Spanish instructor).
Renzon Herrera: Barrio Paraguay, Diagonal 24 No. 24-26 (behind the Juan
xxiii church). Cel: 313 532 9894. Brother of the above but
independent. Same experience. (some upholstery swork less than perfect,
Attitude 2009).
Monica Alvarez: Cel. 311 4243061, 315 773 9435. Cushions,
covers. Beautiful work, but her prices have increased quite a lot.
SUPPLIES
Calypso: Centro, Av. Daniel Lemaitre #10C-22-28. (near Exito
supermarket just outside the old city wall.) Tel: 664 4582 Fax: 664
0777. Big supply of upholstery and outdoor fabrics, foam rubber and
Styrofoam. Acrylics 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.
CoralCosta: Pie de la Popa and Caribe Plaza Mall. Large selection
of household fabrics and decorating items. First location has
more.
Sunbrella can be obtained from Bogota but it’s expensive. Good seconds
can be found in Panama at El Tapiz (Panama 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. Turbaco, Barrio
Bellavista, Clle Principal No. 13B-76 Tel: 655 5114 Cel: 315 760
3956, 312 677 2058. Denizar Hernandez will come to Club Nautico.
Excellent!
Zair Anaya at Multirepuestos: Centro, Calle Porvenir. Tel:
664 5401; 664 2411. Another excellent Singer sewing machine repairman.
36. Seamstresses
Creaciones ROXANA: Centro Comercial Getsemani,N1A 07. ‘Roxy’ does fine
work altering and/or making clothes for both ladies/girls and gents.
Johana Fashion. Inirida Diaz Angulo Nuevo Bosque Mza. 25 Lt 15
etapa 1a. Cel: 300 804 7901. e-mail
johanafashion31@latinmail.com
37. Rigging
There is no (as yet) professional rigging shop in Cartagena (maybe
things are changing—see below). The people mentioned below are willing
assistents and can offer limited recommendations. We would advise that
all cruisers check their rigging themselves, possibly with advice from
other cruisers with greater experience.
Richard Brooker from Canada is setting up his business to operate in
Cartagena: Regency Marine Services. Tel: 318 852 6453 318 852
7711. He is a professional rigger as well as being an agent for
Doyle Sails and Schaefer furling. We don't know how long it will take
Richard to get this business up and running legally but you could call
him for advice:
Mario Julio: A rigger working at Club de Pesca.
Ariel Palacio: ,Often based at CN, is a source of willing and competent assistance.
Ignacio Sierra Ltda. Bosque, Av. Pedro Velez, Can fabricate many useful rigging items for good prices.
Importing rigging can be arranged simply using
(www.sailingservices.com) Sailing Services (Florida USA) delivered
through a freight forwarder in Miami (see Importing #43). Should take
no more than 2 weeks.
38. Computer Repair/Supplies
Felix Malo: Cel: 311 410 5647. skype Felbad felbad@yahoo.com. Very
capable and often at CN in the morning. Felix fixes hardware and
software problems including wifi configuration issues. Speaks
reasonable English. (Highly recommended by Lulu and Akka, 2009.)
Compusisca: Centro Comercial Bocagrande (by the cine complex). Tel: 665
5011, 665 2030. Some English spoken. Competitive, Competent and well
organized. (Well recommended by SV Cherokee II, May 2007.)
Centro Commercial Getsemani. The area off of Calle Largo is flourishing with repair facilities. Fair prices.
Sistematica Telematica Ltda. Tel: 664 0603; 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: Tel/Fax 664 1147 Cel: 316 816 6253. Technician Javier speaks very good English..
U.S. Computers: Manga, Km 15 No. 26-76. Tel: 660 4080. Rodrigo Pretelt Lemaitre, Gerente, speaks English.
MULTI SISTEM SERVICE: Manga. Tel: 660 7946 Cel: 310 647 9696.
e-mail: lesafran@hotmail.com. Good for software and hardware
installations. Try Leandro. Genial but speaks little English (outside
of Compuspeak).
Centro UNO, Centro, Avenida Venezuela, Sector La Matuna, Second
floor of this “mall” is full of computer stores. Try COMPULAGO Tel: 660
2294. Rep. Luis speaks English.
39. Cleaning (see also General Hands)
CARPET CLEANING
Lavamos C.H. Manga, Av. Jimenez No.20-55, Tel: 660 4020, Sr. Cesar Herrera.
DRY CLEANING
LavoMatic: Manga, inside Carulla supermarket (also does regular laundry). Open 8 am – 8 pm, Mon-Sat.
Lava-seco: Manga, Calle Real No.21-23, Tel: 660 6131.
Costamatic: Centro, Av. Daniel Lemaitre, Cl 32 No.9-60, beside Banco del Estado (multistory building).Tel: 664 6488.
40. Charts
For the Islas de Rosario chart, go to the Club Nautico office.
Escuela Naval Hydrographic Dept. CIOH, Manzanillo. Tel: 669 4104.They
have a beautiful chart books (Colombian Charts) available at very
reasonable prices. Charts are high quality. Worth a visit.
41. Radio Nets and Weather
David Jones Weather: 0730 local time on 8104.0, 0800 local time on 12.365
Herb (Southbound 2) at 1430 local time on 12.359.
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 USB.
BBC World News airs in the morning on 15.190 @0630 local time.
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/swatlanticbrief.shtml This is the source of the above weather info.
42. Copies
There are many places to get copies made in Manga, Centro, and
Bocagrande. The internet café at the Carulla supermarket in Manga
makes copies of regular-sized documents. For special needs:
Ingenerio Y Deseno. Centro Commercial Getsemani. Tel: 660 2473.
Upstairs 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.
Aurora: Centro, Calle de Colegio/Porvenir, next to the University law school.
43. 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 at very
competitive rates.
Javier Hoyos,:Tel: 315 731 9614, 313
599 9636, Phone/Fax: 660 4863. E-mail: roundservice@gmail.com
Javier has made importing into Cartagena comparable to services
available in Panama. Javier’s office is at Club Nautico. Contact to
receive mail and to import goods for yachts in transit. He
speaks good English. Tell him exactly what you’re planning to import
(including dimensions) and whether insurance is required. Follow his
instructions to the letter.
Fedex is your clear choice for urgent deliveries, getting credit cards, etc. The others don’t measure up (yet).
International Business Cargo (freight forwarder): 5151 NW 74th Ave., Miami, Fl. 33166.
Contact: Kathy Castillo (in Miami) e-mail: inbc@fdn.com Tel. 305-592-9602.
Kathy comes well recommended by several cruisers..an efficient and
responsive operation providing an economical delivery service (customs
cleared). Shipping every Friday from Miami (3 days to Barranquilla).
Prices and further info from Kathy (above).
Effective February 2009, the customs office (DIAN) has disallowed tax
free 'yacht in transit' status for goods delivered through express
delivery companies such as FEDEX and DHL unless passing through the
customs clearance process mentioned above (taking 2 weeks to clear and
costing approx $150US with assistance from your nominated 'Agencia
Maritima').
Fedex is your clear choice for urgent deliveries, getting credit cards, etc.
44. Medical
A full range of medical facilities are available in Cartagena. 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).
Pharmacies are everywhere and you will find most of your prescription
needs available and reasonably priced. Prices vary considerably
among the pharmacies, and even among branches of the same
pharmacy. It pays to shop around. Many drugs that are
prescription only in other countries can be purchased over-the-counter
in Colombia. Most pharmacies have reference books to find a
generic equivalent of name-brand drugs.
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.
Medihelp Services Colombia: Bocagrande, Cr.6 5-101 Tel: 665 2538,665 2549. Best equipped, 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, Av. 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., Sala de Urgencia: Pie de la Popa, Cr 21 30,
Calle de la Candelaria. Tel: 656 2854; 666 2760. See
Dr. Jaime Ambrad below, under Cardiovascular.
Maria Auxiliadota: Clinica de la Mujer, Alcibia, Av. Pedro de Heredia, Tel: 662 4954. Women’s clinic.
(These Clinics are all private: there are public hospitals but with limited facilities)
CARDIOVASCULAR
Dr. Jaime Ambrad: Cel 315 623 1176 Tel: 656 2854; 666
2760. Pennsylvania trained physician specializing in
cardiovascular and thoracic complaints. Dr. Jaime is a fellow sailor,
keeping his boat 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 No.
6ª. Tel: 665 0410. Cel: 312 6697144. lumico@costa.net.co.
Speaks English. Excellent references.
DENTIST
Dental Spa, Felipe Frieri: Bocagrande (Castillo Grande), Av.
Pinango Calle 5A #6-108. Tel: 665 2778 Cel: 303 535 7602
ffodontologo@yahoo.com. www.felipefrieri.com. Best to contact by
e-mail, suggesting a time/date; he responds quickly. Speaks English.
Highly recommended by many cruisers (2009).
Ramirez Acosto Ricardo (known as Dr. Ricardi): Centro Medico Los
Ejecutivos (a good residencial area 15 mins taxi ride away),
Consultorio 201. Tel: 661 3455. Speaks a little English only. A
one-stop dentist: root canals and crowns a specialty. Very
careful/methodical work, and great value. Great feedback.
Yesica Fajardos, Dental Plus: Manga, CrA 17 Av. Pastellilo. (next to
Mimo’s ice cream.). E-Mail: yesicafajardos@yahoo.com Tel: 660 5366.
Cel: 300 271 3358. Great and convenient for routine
cleaning. Mixed reviews about more extensive work.
ENDOCRINOLOGY (Edoctrinologist)
Villalba Yabrudy Ladina: Centro Diagnostico Cardiologico, Castillo Grande Cl. 5 No.6-47. Tel: 655 0515. Some English.
EAR NOSE AND THROAT
Luis Fernando Padilla, MD: Centro Medico PRISMA Consultorio
501 Tel: 665 6425. Very well equipped, modern clinic. Very
competent young doctor who speaks good English. Recommended by SV New
Morning.
Faustino Espana Fernandez: Centro Medico Bocagrande, Calle 5 No.
6ª-19, Consultorio 504. Tel: 665 4900. Had the grace to recommend
the above when his English was found wanting. For Spanish speakers well
recommended.
GYNOCOLOGY (Ginecologist)
Orlando Bustillo Jr. MD: Centro Medico Bocagrande, Unidad
de Ginecologia y Obstetricia, Calle 5 No. 6ª-19 Consultorio 308.
Reservations 655 5733; Cel: 315 734 0835.
www.gobustillo.com. He speaks English though his staff does not.
Recommended by Patience, Akka, (2009).
Dr. Nestor Martinez Pizarro: Centro Medico Bocagrande,
Ginecologo/Obstetra Consultorio 503. Tel: 665 7369. Cel. 315 760
6539 E-mail: nemap152@yahoo.com US trained.
Note for women and those who love them: There is a blood test for
early detection of ovarian cancer called CA125. This is generally
not available or ordered in the US because of possible false positive
results. However, it is the only early warning test available,
so. With the understanding that a positive result may be false and a
re-test should be performed, you may want to take advantage of the
ability to have this screening while in Cartagena.
OPTOMETRY
Dr. Alvaro Perez MD: Centro de Glaucoma. Getsemani, Calle Larga,
No 8b-148. Tel: 664-3011. E-mail:
info@centrodeglaucoma.com. He is an ophthalmologist and his wife
is an optometrist. ('I would highly recommend his services.' SV
Will o the Wisp.)
Optika Reflejos: Centro, Calle Roman No 5-38. (Through the clock
tower gate, it's the street on the far right of the big building of
shops.) Tel: 664 9634 , 664 0272. Dra. Gloria Amparo Diaz, the
owner, is charming and her exam was very thorough. Prices were 30 to
25% cheaper than Caribe Plaza Centro Comercial
Bocagrande opticians.'Service was quick and all of the staff went out
of their way to help, despite language differences'. Very good value.
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Jaime Valiente, MD: Centro Medico Comfenalco. 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.
Clinica ASIMED: Manga, Av. Jimenez. Tel: 660 9461. Advisable to make an appointment before going. Some Spanish useful.
PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Pedro Camacho Lopez: Centro Medico Bocagrande, Consultorio
507. Tel: 665 2318, 665 1363 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 (in
Bogotá). E mail: bermudez@cirustetic.com
colombiaestetica@yahoo.es Works with clinics in Bogotá and
Cartagena. Highly recommended by Australians Ernie and Julie (SV
Sovereign 2).
LASIK EYE SURGERY
Clinica Oftamologica de Cartagena: Pie de La Popa, Calle 30. Tel:
656 0290; 656 0291, E-mail:clinoftaletgred.net.co, Drs. Rolando Bechara
& Carlos Alfonso. An excellent deal with surgery for both eyes
costing about $700 US. Plan for 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 that
enables 20/20 stereo vision for reading and long sight. This is
available for around $3000 dollars US for both eyes.
UROLOGY
UROHELP: Bocagrande Centro Urologico Integral Cr.6A
N0.5-101. Tel: 665 7565. E-mail:
info@medihelpservices.com www.medihelpservices.com. Dr
Gabriel de Leon Manotas. Very well-equipped and efficient. Dr
Gabriel speaks some English and has an effective interpreter.
Dr. Antonio Velilla: Centro Medico Bocagrande, Cr.6A N0.5. Tel: 665 7290.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Jorge Vasquez Ramirez, MD Manga, 4 Callejon #26-56. Cel:
315 727-6415; Tel: 656-3701. Close to Club Nautico.
Orthopedist, specializing in foot and heel problems, Sets broken bones,
does physical therapy. Highly recommended, 2009. Spanish only.
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 with modern
equipment. Spanish speaking only but usually there are English-speaking
clients available to help out. Charges approx 30,000 pesos per session
($15US) (info Suzanne, SV Trio.)
Dra. Liliana Bajaire: Centro Comercial Bocagrande. Recommended by Dr. Jaime Ambrad.
Sra. Ericka Zabaleta (massage therapist): Manga, Tel: 660 6592; 666 2509 (Casa).
Chiropractor (Quiropraxis)
SIMILIA. Dra Katya Velez Garces and Dr. Aristides Alfonso
Sector B i f f I, La Providencia CR. 71 No. 31-145 Tel. 661
8148 Cel: 301 424 5011 300 609 8914
There are many labs from which to choose. Here are some suggestions:
Laboratorio Clinico: Centro Comercial, Getsemani, 2B-04 second
floor. Tel: 664 4546. Dr. Javier Palacio Vargas speaks some
English. All the usual tests: blood, urine, throat,
cultures. Easy 10 minute walk. Results in 24 hours.
Escanografia Bocagrande Calle 5 #6-111 (across from the Centro
Medico. Tel: 665 7736; 665 3436. E-mail:
escanobgde@telecom.com.co. Dr. Arnold Puello Benedetti.
Latest equipment for mammograms and sonograms. Little English
spoken by reception staff, but very accommodating to foreigners,
offering discounts (mammograms for 130,000 pesos in 2009.) No
referral (prescription) is needed.
INNOCULATION
CENTRO Integral de Vacunacion: Edificio(building) Citibank, Piso
(floor) 4. Cel: 300 818 7100; 316 317 3629. Offers all the major
vaccinations.
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.
45. 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. Dr.
Santa Maria. Excellent clinic open 24 hrs. for emergencies with on-site
lab and x-ray. Recommended by Verite,2009
46. Telephones.
Colombia Country Code: 57.
Phone booths are plentiful. Phone cards can be purchased in the
marina office, grocery stores and from street vendors wearing
advertisement aprons. A call to the U.S. using one of Columbia’s long
distance direct-dial companies (005+1+area code+number) runs about 80¢
a minute. A cell phone can be purchased at many places, including
nearby Carulla supermarket. You can make international calls using the
internet through the Skype service at the Internet café at Carulla
supermarket. Carulla also has phone booths facing the check outs where
international call/faxes can be made.
To place calls to fixed line phones from a cell phone, dial 035 before the 7-digit number.
International calls from cell phones.
Each cell phone company has a different access code for int’l calls:
Comcel: 00 444 (then country code and number)
TIGO: 00 414 (then country code and number)
Movistar: 00 9 (then country code and number)
47. Internet Cafes
There are many internet cafes in Manga and Centro. To name just a few:
Internet service at Carulla supermarket: Efficient broad band
service, including international calling via Skype. Also does
photocopying, scanning and laminating.
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. 2500 pesos an hour. Open every day.
Discos Cartagena: Manga, Calle Real No 19-89, A block past
Carulla. Uses Windows and Linux. 4000 pesos per hour. Closed
Sundays.
.CaribeNet: Centro, Calle Santo Domingo No.3-19. Large,
comfortable. Coffee and snacks are available. 2200 pesos
per hour.
Using Club Nautico’s WI FI hotspot
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: note that between g and /
there is a space). 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 at Club Nautico 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
USB antennas, if necessary).
48. Post Office
On the road leading to the perimeter wall from Plaza Telecom. Don’t use
the post box outside; have your letters franked by the attendant
inside. The office of Summa Avianca facing Citibank, Centro also
handles Airmail. It ain’t cheap! Airmail to and from Europe took
20 days each way in 2009.
49. Tourist Information
There is a tourist information booth just inside the Torre de Reloj
gate to the Old City (Centro). The main tourist information
office is in Plaza de la Aduana.
At the tourist information offices and at many hotels, you can get:
Donde: A free monthly magazine (in Spanish) with maps, and information about special events.
Background 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 its discovery
through to colonization with its gold, pirates, independence, and days
of the republic.
GUIDES
Many knowledgeable tour guides eagerly await 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.
Some highlights
You can spend weeks exploring this fascinating city – 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. Free admission. 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 Sundays and Mondays.
Palacio de la Inquisición: 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 de Convenciones: Modern event center.
El Convento de la Popa: For its history and panoramic view of the
city, La Popa is a must! A taxi can take you up; the drive is
breathtaking! Do not walk up or down from here – the barrio at
the bottom of the hill is said to be very dangerous!
Casa de Pedro de Heredia.
50. Spanish Lessons
Amaury Martelo: Has been teaching cruisers successfully for many
years. Normally found mornings at Club Nautico. Cel: 313
5263910. Home 662 8658 (prefix 035 if calling from a cell
phone). Highly recommended by cruisers.
Oscar Quintana Cel: 300 846 9805 Recommended by SV Glide. History graduate. Good preparation.
Universidad Tecnologico de Bolívar: Manga, Calle del Bouquet
Cra.21 No. 2-92. Tel: 660 6041 Ext. 433 Fax. 660 4317. E-mail:
everano@unitecnologica.edu.co. Their base in Manga offers occasional
intensive Spanish classes (summer school).
Ask at the CN office for other ideas (there are generally 10 cruiser students enjoying morning classes at CN).
51. Haircuts, Manicures, Pedicures
Luz Guerrera Peluqueria Manga, Av. 26, just before you get to
Laboratorio Aleman. Tel: 660-5542; Cel: 311 400 3004. No
English, but Meybi gives good haircuts. Manicures, pedicures also
available. (Used to be next to Danna’s pizza.)
Gente Uno (Federico): Centro, Sector La Matuna. Centro Comercial
Invercredito, Local #19. Cel: 300 836 6338 Tel: 664 9160. Fabulous,
with a great personality but speaks almost no English.
Caribian: Manga, Av. de la Asemblea No.27-71. Tel: 650 0040 Cel: 300
801 8571. Contact: Delcy (no English). Unisex, Facials, foot/hand
spas, sauna, etc. 5 mins walk to spoil yourself,
Barbaria Rex Centro, Calle Estanco on the corner of Calle Coliseo.
Gladys Romero: Tel: 652 4581. A fine local woman who will come to your
boat for manicures & pedicures. (Recommended by Lulu 2009).
Diego Moya: Bocagrande, Avenida San Martin 9-96. Tel: 655 1518. Haircuts, massages, manicures and more.
52. Swimming
Feeling land-locked in the marina? For you water-lovers, there are some options!
Bocagrande The beaches on Bocagrande are all free and open to the
public. They are, however, often overrun by vendors offering
foods, massages, cabanas, etc.
La Boquilla: You can spend a great day at the beach here too.
Hotel Charleston. Cruisers welcome to enjoy their fabulous rooftop
pool—talk about a view! Also upscale. Show your a
appreciation by a purchase at the poolside bar or restaurant in
exchange for the showers, lockers and towels.
Hilton Hotel Bocagrande. Looks out-dated, but has several
beautiful swimming pools and a very nice section of private beach.
$12US buys you a day’s access to their recreational facilities.
Hotel de Las Americas. 'Hotel to the soap opera stars'. Pool/day passes available for $25 US per person.
Hotel Caribe: Bocagrande. Day passes or monthly passes
(75,000 pesos) give access to the pool with swim lanes, lounge chairs,
gym and showers. Great deal!
53. Hotels (5 star!) and Hostals (2/3 star)
Hint: Hotel tour offices are a good way to book a day trip or week-long getaway.
Hotel Caribe: Bocagrande, Tel: 665 0155; 665 1160. The “Grand Dame” of
Cartagena’s hotels, it has 40’s charm with modern facilities. Unique
grounds with caged animals and birds. Laned swimming pool.
Hotel Santa Clara: Centro, Plaza San Diego, Calle de Toro, Cr 8 #39-29.
Tel: 650 4700; 664 8040. 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 Tres Banderas: Centro, Calle Cochera del Hobo
#38-66. www.hotel3banderas.com. Near Plaza San Diego.
Upgraded to Hotel status. Costing around 160,000pesos ($80US) per
night. A/C and Cable. Breakfast included. Colonial ambience, great
location.
Hotel Casa la Fe: Centro, Calle segunda de Badillo #36-125. Tel:
6640306 www.casalafe.com. High-end.boutique style,
beautifully restored. Run by ex sailor Geoff Chew and his wife Carmen.
Hotel (Hostal) Casa de las Palmas: Getsemani, Callejon de las
Palmas (40yds off Calle Larga, ). Tel: 6643630; 664 1765. Family
atmosphere. Nice ambience, Rooms incl AC, cable TV start at 125,000
pesos ($65US) inc. b’fast. Close to marinas.
54. Exercise Classes
There are a surprising number of opportunities to join an exercise
class within walking distance to your marina! Call for times as they
may change.
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.
Yoga: Manga Centro Armonico de Desarrollo Humano, Callejon Santa
Clara, Cra 19. 24-37. (A block from Club Nautico.) Tel: 660
4827. E-mail: cadh44@hotmail.com. Owner/instructor Eduardo
teaches in Spanish with a smattering of English. Excellent manner and
teaching style. Delivers the essence of yoga — nonjudgmental awareness,
detachment, connection between the exterior and interior worlds. Also
dance and martial arts classes, aromatherapy, acupuncture, Reiki
treatments. MWF at 7 AM.
Aerobics: Aerobic class outside at the south end of the malecon, weekdays at 5AM.
Yoga and T’ai Chi Classes: Manga, 4 Callejon de Manga #27-82. Tel: 660 0690.
Bodytech Centro Deportivo: Caribe Plaza Mall. Very well-equipped and trendy exercise club.
Fitness Venture Gym: Bocagrande, Av. San Martin Centro
Cial. El Pueblito, 2nd Floor. Tel: 655 0792/ 665 5979.
(There is no sign so just go to 2nd floor). Very well-equipped, great
atmosphere and instructors. Highly recommended by SV Bruja.
55. Theater & Movies
CineColombia: Caribe Plaza Mall. www.cinecaribe.com for
showtimes and reservations. Multi-screen. Most U.S. films
are in original language with Spanish sub-titles, except kids’ movies
which are dubbed. Wear a sweater – the a/c is fierce!
Teatro Heredia: Centro, Cl 323 Plaza de Aduana. Check the local
newspaper, El 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 Av. San Martin, One screen.
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.) Bocagrande is the place
to be for tourists’ bars and discos. In Centro, the old city, you
will find many off-beat places that cater to the large student
population.
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.
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.
La Havana: Getsemaní, Calle Media Luna y Calle del Guerrero.
www.cafehavanacartagena.com. Live music in typical Cuban
ambience. Good & of course, expensive) mojitos. Dodgy
neighbourhood – use taxis to and from.
Av. del Arsenal Playa: The street along the waterfront in
Getsemani 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! Its owner Alvaro Sierra is a fascinating host.
57. Restaurants
Where to begin? With such a variety of restaurants in
Cartagena—Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish, Middle Eastern and more,
deciding to eat out poses a problem--“Which restaurant tonight?”
Most restaurants here charge a 15% tax and the standard tip (“propina”)
is 10%. Many restaurants add the propina onto the bill – it’s
your responsibility to check. 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 local water: it’s quite good & a lot tastier
and cheaper than the small bottles available.)
$ La Carreta Burger House Manga, Carrera
17a, ½ block from Club de Pesca. Burgers, pizza, excellent local
lunches and dinnerss. Air conditioned.
$ Pacho Y Guillos Manga, around the corner from
Carulla Express. Sandro makes great thin-crust pizza, has happy
hours every evening. Second home for cruiser get-togethers during
CN reconstruction.
$ Narcobollo: Manga, behind Carulla
Express. Mostly a lunch place. Good variety of TYPICAL
local food. Try the pasteles,
no matter how bad they look.
$ Pelikanos: Centro, Corner of Calle Santo
Domingo & Castelbondo. Tel: 660-0086. Fixed price meal for US $9
ncludes 4 appetizers, main course, dessert and coffee, plus unlimited
wine. A favorite among cruisers.
$ El Bistro Centro, Calle de Ayos 4-46in.
Inexpensive, delicious food, great for lunch, gets busy. German owners.
Several specials on the board, plus sometimes Indian specialties. Great
soups. They also sell loaves of bread, mostly wheat. The onion bread is
wonderful.
$ Crepes and Waffles. Two locations:
Bocagrande, Calle 3 No. 4–76 and Caribe Plaza Mall. If you’re in
the mood for a gourmet ice cream sundae, this is the place. But there’s
also a huge selection of main course crepes, pitas, dessert crepes,
blintzes, entrée salads. Cruisers’ favorite and extremely reasonable.
$ Fajitas. Bocagrande, Carrera, 3, #60 (Across from
Crepes & Waffles) Tel: 655 1875. Tex-Mex fare; run by an American
couple.
$ Mi Dulce Café: Bocagrande, Calle 6-A, Carrera 6
#3-2. Tel: 665 2827 Sylvia. Good food. Also
a
training center for women in distress. A day care for worker’
children is behind the restaurant.
$$ Mila. Calle de Ayos (next to El Bistro) Cel:
314-516-1246, 1247. Serving sandwiches and dinner. A
beautiful space with amazingly good desserts. Some breads.
$$ De Oliva: Manga, Cra 17, No. 24-116.
660 6861. Cel: 310 601-0636 deolivarestaurante@gmail.com . Quiet, air
conditioned, great service, fine food with a mid-Eastern touch. The
manager, Irene Dimitrio, speaks excellent English. Highly recommended
by cruisers. Open for lunch and at 6pm for dinner.
$$ Carbon de Palo Restaurante Parilla Centro,
upstairs on the corner in Santo Domingo Plaza. Specializes in
meat. Fun to look out over the square. Lunch & dinner.
$$ El Mar de Juan Centro, Plaza San Diego, Calle del
Torno, Tel: 664 0004. Good seafood restaurant with lovely ambiance and
live music.
$$$ La Cevicheria, Calle Stuart, on the side of the
Santa Clara Hotel. Amazing ceviche and other seafood. Try the
Suprema de Supremas, shellfish in tomato sauce, served in a crab body
or the Tostones Madre Teresa. No reservations. Cash only. Lunch or
dinner.
$$$ 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.
$$$$ Oh! La La Centro, Calle de Ayos, next to
El Bistro. Cel: 313 555 5021. Tel: 660 1757. Very dramatic,
beautiful space. Very good food.
$$$$ Hotel Santa Clara Centro, Plaza San
Diego. A super Sunday brunch buffet starts at 11:30.
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, in the wall at the waterfront. A huge “mall
of stalls”, somewhat repetitive but there are some fine things to be
had. Avoid cruise ship days. Store #13, El Cacique, is
owned by Luis Restrepo, a very nice, helpful man who speaks very good
English.
Fegali Joyeros: Centro, Calle San Juan de Dios, between the Hotel
Charleston and San Pedro de Claver. Finer quality gifts and artifacts.
Interesting inventory.
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: Centro, Claustro de la Merced (beside the Teatro
Heredia). Cel: 315 718 9483; 315 557 6088. E-Mail:
normauparela@hotmail.com; www.artcartagena.com. Norma Uparela
Brid. Select gallery showing some of Cartagena’s best creative talent.
Artesenias El Sinuano: Centro, Calle de la Iglesia #35-68. Wither
and Milton Martinez. Excellent selection of older, better quality
molas, both Panamanian and Colombian. Good people!
CIGARS
Casa del Puro, Calle San Juan de Dios 3-106, near the Hotel Charleston.
Careful! What is being sold on the streets is NOT what you get! For
real Cuban cigars, come here. Also try their Colombian cigars. Very
good & reasonably priced.
CLOTHING
The street 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 Centro, 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. Very special coffee even for Colombia!
*Remember, you’re in Colombia! Good coffee is not hard to find! And by the way, there really IS a Juan Valdez!
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. Don’t rush, and
enjoy the shopping experience.
Mr. Emerald: Bocagrande, Pierino Gallo Shopping Ctr., Local 2-10,
2nd floor. Tel: 665-6781. Cel: 300 817 0606. E-mail:
Leland@MisterEmerald.com. Owner Lee Miles will take time to show
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.
Lucy’s Jewelry & Emerald Store: Centro, Calle Santo Domingo &
Calle de la Iglesia #3-77. Tel: 660 0973. E-mail:
lucysjewelry@hotmail.com, www.lucysjewelry.cartagenainfo.com Lucy
has an excellent reputation among cruisers for her warm
personality, patience and business ethic as well as her ability to
supply beautiful jewelry. Ask for Lucy personally and you will be
treated with respect and patience.
Greenlight: Centro, Calle Santo Domingo. Tel: 660
1392. A great option providing original handcrafted jewelry at
excellent prices.
60. Travel Agencies & Airlines
Aviatur: Santa Clara Hotel, Tel: 664 9078; 664 9982.
Augusto. Also at Bocagrande, Pierino Gallo Shopping Center,
2nd floor. Tel: 665 0101.
Convi Travel Ltda. Getsemani, Calle Larga #10-70. Tel: 664 2653; 665
8311. Fax: 665 2383. Email: convi@ctgred.net.co. Patricia
speaks English and her agency specializes in cruises, tours (Colombia,
Amazon, Peru, etc) & locating apartments for visitors.
Mar y Mar: Centro, Calle de la Factoria #36-17. Tel: 664
2964; 664 3843. Fax: 664-2964. Nasli speaks English and has an
excellent reputation for helpfulness.
La Tienda del Turismo: Bocagrande, Cra 3 No. 8-156. Tel: 655
1919. Cel: 315 6829370 (Airport Tel: 666 3640 6666757) e-mail:
info@latiendadelturismo.com. Their rep Nalda del Rio Cantillo is
highly recommended by SV Cyrano.
Calamari Tours: Bocagrande.Cl 5ª No. 4-10. Tel: 665 0529; 665 2470; 665
6896. Cel: 315 731 4686. Maria del Pilar speaks English.
FENIX Tours: Bocagrande, Cl 5a no 4-10, Centro Turistico del
Caribe, Local 102. Tel: 665 0529: 665 6896. Cel: 315
731 4684. Maria del Pilar Daza Covo has always had an excellent
reputation.
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 journeys 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 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. Make
travel arrangements and reservations at the Santa Clara Hotel in the
city. Also check out Isla Kalua (near the Oceanario) for a special
treat. Cel: 311 635 2117. 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
details.
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
Colombia has so many fascinating places to visit. Cartagena can be your base for exploring .
* Many cruisers have compiled information for this guide over the
years, with coordination and assistance from John Halley, dock master
at Club Nautico. Feedback from cruisers is both welcome and needed to
keep information current. Provide your input to John at Club
Nautico, and help others in your wake enjoy their stay. Thank
you, y bienvenidos a Cartagena!
CRUISING THE COLOMBIAN COAST TO PANAMA
Report of meeting organized by Lee Miles (Mr. Emerald), and Doug and
Linda (SV Que Linda). Some 40 cruisers were at Club Nautico for the
meeting held January 2007.
VHF CNANNELS 16, 13, 11
The Port Captain’s office and the Coast Guard are happy to see cruisers
making intermediary stops at the Islas Rosarios, Islas San Bernado (Is.
Tintipan), Punto San Bernado, Isla Fuerte and Zapsurro Bay (on the
Colombian Panamanian border).
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.
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 Netherlands Antilles or elsewhere headed for
Colombian waters may do so as well, e-mailing to the same address. Port
Captain’s Office e-mail: navescp05@dimar.mil.co.
Note: 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
E-mail To: cp05@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 "Guardacostas" ("Goo-AHR-dah-COAST-Ah") on Channel 16/13/11
They will answer and ask you to change channel, normally to Channel 14 (Kah-nahl Kah-TORE-Say).
Indicate the name of your vessel, your current position, and which way
you plan to exit the Bay of Cartagena (Boca Chica or Boca Grande)
FORMAT FOR REPORTING DEPARTURE/(arrival) TO COAST GUARD STATION, CARTAGENA)
Either call on VHF Channel 16,13,11 or e-mail 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:
Subject: 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
Call at any time 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 confidential e-mail 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 e-mail c3i1@fnc.armada.mil.co
To: <c3i1@fnc.armada.mil.co>
Subj: Reporte de motonave sospechosa u otra anomalía
Text:
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 A VISTA 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 of 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:
Subject: 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 meeting held 9th March 2008 at Club Nautico with
representation from both the Port Captain’s office, and the Coast
Guard).
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
Emergency Telephone numbers:
Cell
phone:
+57 310 710-1668 OR +57 315 702 0120
Direct telephone: +57 5(if calling outside Cartagena) 655-0316 (Coast Guard Station, Cartagena)
Other emergency numbers in case of suspicious activity within the Inner Bay of Cartagena:
24HRs 655 0316 (prefix by 035 if using a cell phone) and cell No. 314 596 0131
(Please note: "57" is the Colombia country code; "5" is the
Cartagena city code (Not applicable to cell phone numbers)
Civilian coordinator in Cartagena:
Lee Miles: E-mail: Leland@MisterEmerald.com or www.MisterEmerald.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 careful
to allow frigates/cruise liners (plus tugs) manoeuvering room to moor
alongside the dock immediately to our South East. Note that although
designated an official anchorage 'Area de Fondeo No. 1' effectively is
not so. The Coast Guard will ask you to move for security reasons (too
near to military base).
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’
Emergency Calls (Numeros de Urgencia):
The following are free (no charge) phone numbers:
Centro regulador de Urgencia…………………….. 125
Policía Nacional..............................................……… 112
Firestation. (Bomberos)……………………………. 119
Traffic Police (Transito) …………………………… 127
The following are fixed line phone numbers. If calling from a cell phone, first
dial the prefix 035:
Ambulante (Servicio de Ambulancia
AMI)
665-3119, 665-3121
Coast Guard (Estación Guardacostas
Cartagena)
655-0315
CoastGuard Anti Narcotics Co-operative net (Red de Cooperantes) 655 0316
Cel:
310 710
1668
146
- 152
Tel/Fax 57 5 660 4863
WWW.clubnauticocartagena.com
e-mail: clubnauticocartagena@gmail.com | |
Cartagena