 |
|

18 May 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: melbourne
Posts: 21
|
|
I came over from Panama to Bogota in january with 4 other riders, and cos of this Air Girag gave us a discount so to fly the bikes then cost $750 US then we managed to get flights for ourselves for about $400. I recommend Air Girag, it was very easy, quick and painless... and our bikes also didn't have to suffer the rusty ride over the sea, I have heard of some riders who had to replace chains etc cos of rust right after the boat or had worse problems down the line...
|

19 May 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Black Forest
Posts: 171
|
|
Hi Y`ll
I remember times when the transfer was $ 250 for the bike and $ 250 for yourself ....
OK, price for oil is nowadays more .... but 3 - 4 times
In my opinion, just a further ripoff from Girag and boats .... like so many other places
Thanks Adam for the information and thoughts
Hope you doing well and have fun    
See you Thomas
PS: a monthly container with a fixed date .... could be working
|

2 Jun 2011
|
Moderated Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 15
|
|
RoRo is the way to go without crating, safe and sound, for less money from/to Panama and Catagena as flying your bike from Bogota.
The same RoRo service goes all the way up to Tacoma crossing the Panama canal and also down to Brazil and Argentina. Cartagena is one of the ports of load.
Bikes had been shipped before with a good end result.
There is a similar thread about this on ADV regional forum(Latin America)
|

3 Jun 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: On the road, Homeward bound :-(
Posts: 127
|
|
Crossing the Darien
Hi
We shipped from Cartagena to Carti with Fritz end of April this year, cost for the two of us and the GS (we are not Ewan wannabes) was over US$1300, the price to fly wasn't much different. We opted for the sailing as it was inclusive of 5 nights accom and food for the duration making it a slightly cheaper option and we thought it would be a bit of a holiday. However, the proof that it is just about the money was the boat being overcrowded, 4 bikes with riders and 15 backpackers, a very cramped 5 days. Some people didn't even get a bunk!
There are other boats that do the crossing but all around the same price and maybe not all of them are high on the safety list, you pays your money you takes your chance!
Anyone thinking of doing the gap in the future might well be a good idea contacting Shaun at
When we stayed there he was looking at trying to set something up.
|

3 Jun 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 25
|
|
Gap crossing reservations?
Okay. We're in. People are talking about trying to set something up, a container or maybe dealing with another private boat, if we can sort out a group far enough in advance.
This might be too far in advance for now, but my fiance and I will be crossing the Gap in about 3ish months. We're on a Ural. Very flexible with dates, of course.
Any chance?
Tyler
|

4 Jun 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Panama City, Panama
Posts: 28
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by panhandle1300
Hi
Anyone thinking of doing the gap in the future might well be a good idea contacting Shaun at www.panamapassage.com
When we stayed there he was looking at trying to set something up.
|
Hey Kev -
We have a british couple here riding 2 up on an R80 that took you and Lorraine's place on the porch. Almost a direct replacement!
Give us a call or email - we are indeed trying to figure out how to get prices down to cross the gap. We're getting some lines on decent boats that don't overcrowd. For now - you get what you pay for.
Hopefully soon you'll pay less and get more.
|

5 Jun 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: On the road, Homeward bound :-(
Posts: 127
|
|
Darien crossing
Don't know what the logistics or cost would be for someone to set it up, but when we crossed from Cape Town, South Africa to Buenos Aires, Argentina it was in a "Groupage Container". A 40 foot container booked onto a regular sailing which went whether it was full or not. Cost for us was very reasonable and I know the container we shipped in was less than half full as ours was the last crate loaded. I guess the shipping agent in SA just pays a set price for the container and 9 times out of 10 makes a good killing from the smaller goods that are transported... win, win situation maybe!!
|

11 Jun 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: melbourne
Posts: 24
|
|
panama to colombia(same old story!!)
I am in panama city now heading to colombia!!! anyone near by want to search for a cheaper alternative together, safety in number i guess!!! Keep hearing stories of people doing it cheaper but i am yet to meet anyone or get any concrete evidence!!!!!
dean_202@hotmail.com
|

28 Sep 2011
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by zundapp
I came over from Panama to Bogota in january with 4 other riders, and cos of this Air Girag gave us a discount so to fly the bikes then cost $750 US then we managed to get flights for ourselves for about $400. I recommend Air Girag, it was very easy, quick and painless... and our bikes also didn't have to suffer the rusty ride over the sea, I have heard of some riders who had to replace chains etc cos of rust right after the boat or had worse problems down the line...
|
I don't recommend them, but as there is no other choice (currently) to fly then gap, then no choice.
Calls not returned, cut off, emails ignored.
Poor handling of bikes, 2 hours to do paper work and then the bikes didn't fly on time.
But, what should I have expected for 900USD/bike :-)
|

4 Oct 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 25
|
|
Stahlratte crossing
I just crossed the Gap with Shaun and 11 other riders (13 bikes in all including my Ural) on the Stahlratte and it was a great trip. The boat is plenty big, the crew takes good care of the bikes (loading, tying down and unloading), loads of great food and hanging out in the San Blas for a few days was a nice break. Yeah, it's pricey, but as others have said, you get what you pay for on this one.
Also, Ludwig (the capitan of the Stahlratte) has an agent in Cartegena, and I'm guessing for Panama going the opposite direction, who took care of all the bullshit paperwork for us. All we had to do was get insurance and wait around.
|

25 Oct 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Idilevo Bulgaria
Posts: 45
|
|
Just throwing it out there, although we are only in Mexico at the moment I would imagine around the New Year period 2 of us both with KLR’s 650 will be looking to cross. So if anyone is thinking ‘container’ at this early stage, let’s talk. (Ideally in English as my Spanish is not as good as I thought)
|

22 Dec 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 56
|
|
Cheapo crossing
Is there a particular time of year that boats are leaving more often? I'd love to set something up with a container, but the idea of having a set date to make it down there defeats the purpose of my ride
|

23 Dec 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 117
|
|
Next year I'm seriously thinking of skipping Mexico, CA and the Darien gap entirely and shipping from Miami to Medellin for the same price, then I could spend a lot more time in SA where I will probably never get another chance to return to.
|

24 Dec 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: OK
Posts: 133
|
|
That's a good idea Growler and saves the time and money traveling across many borders.
The cheap way is the unknown way on the Pacific. Not many do it so the price is not going to be the typical $850 and up. Heard they are going to hit $900+(check SteelRat's website IIRC) rider and bike on the Caribbean next year
Flying from the States is now looking very attractive if a person is not willing to try something new and probably cross sub $500 range, will take a little effort and time, not near as comfortable/scenic as the San Blas but great adventure awaits!
John
|

28 Dec 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Togliatti, Russia
Posts: 261
|
|
I just paid 850$ for the trip with bike by boat. Independece is one of biggest boat on this way from Portobelo to Cartagena. The boat is big, fast, should be safe but bad managed. 850$ is to much for theirs service.
__________________
RUBTSOVTRAVEL.COM
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|