YACHTING CTG – SMR
Yachting from Cartagena, Colombia: A Journey Along the Colombian Coast
Yachting along the Colombian coast is a captivating blend of natural beauty, thrilling adventure and serene luxury.
Setting sail from the historic city of Cartagena, the gateway to Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the experience offers a perfect mix of sun-drenched days among vibrant marine life, pristine beaches and awe-inspiring seascapes.
Cartagena with its amazingly vivacious culture and striking coastline, provides the perfect embarkation for an unforgettable yachting adventure sailing along the Caribbean coast.
The journey advances along the northern coast, passing through the dynamic city of Barranquilla, the more sedate port of Santa Marta and the ethically endowed Riohacha. This is a tremendous opportunity to experience something different with a degree of freedom and independence hard to experience elsewhere.
Cartagena: The Gateway to Adventure
Stepping onto your maritime conveyance in Cartagena, the adrenaline awakens.
The waters surrounding this city glisten with expectation and excitement. There is something really stunning about Cartagena that is hard to describe. It just has to be experienced. The city itself, with its colonial architecture and walled old town, fades into the background as the gentle hum of the yacht’s motor blends with the sound of the waves gently lapping against the hull. The crystal-clear waters, shimmering like liquid emeralds, invite you to dive in and explore their depths. The sea breeze, warm and inviting provides the incentive to board the yacht to witness all that awaits.
Gliding out of the bay of Cartagena, the wind picks up and the fresh, salt-laden air is invigorating. The sky is crystal clear with only far distant specks of clouds indicating islands on the horizon.
Sailing into the Caribbean: Rosario Islands and Barú
While the general direction of the voyage is eastbound, the Rosario Islands beckon.
A National Park comprising a cluster of 27 coral reefs, this is a truly magical place. It is possible to peer down through the glistening water to see the incredible marine life and corals. This is nature at its best, untouched by human hands, displaying itself in its true majesty.
The gentle sound of the lazy waves is tremendously calming, interrupted only by the occasional call of a passing gull overhead. Dive into the warm waters to explore the reefs or merely relax onboard with a fresh tropical juice, basking in the scintillating sun.
After a morning of exploration, a luncheon will be prepared of fresh seafood on board the yacht. Exquisite dishes like grilled lobster, ceviche or Caribbean-style fish are likely served, accompanied by tropical fruits and refreshing coconut water.
Further south is Isla Barú, another island known for its stunning beaches. Just like Playa Blanca, the sand is powdery white and the waters are an ethereal shade of turquoise. The serenity here is unparalleled.
Options are to either disembark to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach, or for those who wish for more active there are exhilarating water sports such as jet skiing, paddleboarding or kayaking.
The peace and tranquillity of Barú know no bounds and are a perfect contrast to the relentless energy of Cartagena. Relax and appreciate the wonders of all around you, the best that nature has to offer.
Heading Northeast: The Open Waters to Barranquilla
As you navigate along the Colombian coastline, you will be fascinated by the stunning scenery to your right. Lush rainforests clothe the rising ground, their vibrant green hues contrasting dramatically with the deep blue of the sea. The blazing sun creates shadows across the water, deepening the colours.
The voyage continues out into open water, bound for Barranquilla, the true thrill of yachting revealing itself. The breeze becomes your constant companion, gently ruffling your hair with its much-appreciated cooling qualities. The sun, high in the sky, creates a shimmering mirage. The water beneath the yacht sparkles with each wave reflecting the sun in a dazzling display. The horizon stretches endlessly ahead with each passing moment, allowing the cares of everyday life to slip further away.
Barranquilla, is a bustling port city, offering unique experiences for those arriving by private yacht.
World famous for its lively Carnival celebrations, Barranquilla offers a fascinating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Take advantage and explore the historic Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, wander along the Malecón del Río or just enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s flowing streets.
While here, you can take a canoe and explore the Magdalena River Delta, where the river meets the Caribbean Sea. The brackish waters are home to a great variety of bird species and offer opportunities for eco-tourism, such as birdwatching and enchanting river tours.
Barranquilla’s amazing cuisine is also something to revel in. Onshore, you can sample coastal delicacies such as mote de queso, a soup made from yam and cheese, or arroz con coco, a coconut rice dish often served with fresh seafood. Alternatively, enjoy a luxurious meal prepared on board, where the yacht’s chef can whip up gourmet dishes featuring the freshest local ingredients.
Santa Marta: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
Continuing northeast along the coast, Santa Marta appears on the horizon. A historic city bordered on one side by the Caribbean and on the other by the impressive Sierra Nevada mountains.
The view as you approach Santa Marta is quite spectacular. The green peaks of the mountains rise rapidly and dramatically from the coastline, creating a totally stunning backdrop for the city’s sandy shores. The contrast between the two is nothing but incredible. The lush green of the mountains against the deep blue water is simply breathtaking.
Santa Marta is the perfect pedestal for exploring Tayrona National Natural Park, a protected area with palm-fringed beaches and surrounded by dense jungles and an array of wildlife. Arriving by yacht, you have the advantage of easy access to hidden coves and the pristine beaches that are otherwise difficult to reach.
Playa Cristal, for example, is renowned for its calm, clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling in a very private environment.
Pass the day exploring the coral reefs and amazing colours of the fish or simply unwind on the beach, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of the sea and hidden wildlife.
The serenity of sailing along this stretch of the coast is unmatched. This stretch of water here is nearly always calm, with unlimited vistas to catch a glimpse of the shoreline.
As the sun begins to set, the sky turns gentle shades of pink and orange, casting a warm glow over the water. There is a profound sense of peace that comes from being on the open sea, far from the noise and distractions of the world.
Riohacha: The Gateway to La Guajira
The final stop on this coastal journey is Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira, Colombia’s northernmost department. The landscape here is stark and beautiful, with desert dunes meeting the Caribbean.
As you sail into Riohacha, the sea breeze carries with it a hint of the desert, a dry warmth that contrasts with the moist, salty air of the ocean.
Riohacha, a quieter, lesser-known destination, has beaches that are no less stunning. The city is the springboard to the remote and wild landscapes of La Guajira. From here it is possible to explore the famous Cabo de la Vela, a desert peninsula with windswept beaches and towering sand dunes.
Here, you can experience the amazing Wayuu culture, indigenous to the region and visit artisanal markets selling intricate handmade crafts.
While in Riohacha, you can enjoy local dishes such as friche, a traditional goat dish, or arroz con camarones, a shrimp and rice dish cooked with coconut milk.
The culinary experience in La Guajira is more rustic and reflective of the region’s indigenous roots, offering a unique contrast to the more refined Caribbean cuisine of Cartagena and Santa Marta.
The Exhilaration and Serenity of Yachting
Sailing along the Colombian coast is a unique combination of exhilaration and serenity.
The thrill of the vastness of the open water renders moments of utter peace and harmony. The only sounds are the call of seabirds gliding overhead.
Each port of call along the way offers something different, something indescribable. From the transcendent coral reefs of the Rosario Islands to the soaring mountains above the beaches of Santa Marta to the arid desert landscapes of La Guajira.
This experience of being on the water is really unlike any other. The blazing overhead sun, with the sea breeze refreshing and constant. The saltiness of the air and peacefulness all combine to create an amazing sensory experience. There is, too, something deeply meditative about being surrounded by water, with the horizon stretching endlessly in every direction. Time is of no importance and the world becomes a simpler, more peaceful place.
No matter what you are seeking from your adventure, be it energetic water sports and snorkelling, or simply fishing and relaxing, the beauty of nature is there for the offing.
Sailing along the Colombian Caribbean coast yields it all.
The water is your playground, the yacht your private oasis. Every meal, whether enjoyed on board or at a seaside restaurant, is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and stunning tropical flavours. With every moment spent on the water being a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the natural world, it is no wonder that there is an urgency to remain at sea.
Sailing from Cartagena along the Colombian coast is a totally memorable experience. There is a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, all set against the unique backdrop of the Caribbean. From the bustling port of Barranquilla and picturesque Santa Marta to the remote beauty of Riohacha, this journey showcases the best of Colombia’s coastal treasures, leaving you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.