boats
Here are the link and some thoughts:
The Stahlratte
Some say it expensive, I say you get what you pay for. In my opinion you get a well oiled machine and a good reputation comes from year of service. I sailed with them twice, including the voyage to Jamaica and Cuba. I wish the boat was running when you need it...
http://www.stahlratte.org/27.0.html?&L=1
The Independence
I don't know much about this boat. It looks nice and I was thinking about taking it at one point. Dunno.
http://www.independence-ms.com/#!bikes
Jacqueline Catamaran (Fritz the Cat II)
I can't seem to find a website to make a reservation directly with Fritz. Your mileage may differ. This website is through a good hostel in Cartagena, the Mamallena. I stayed there. They require a deposit.
Panama City Hostels - Mamallena backpackers, Panama City | Panama City Hostels - Mamallena backpackers, Panama City
Below are some link to reviews for Jacqueline Catamaran (Fritz the Cat.) The boat is ~55 feet long vs. the Stalhratte 124 feet. Buy motion sickness pill either way and take them before the boat start moving. Some reviews talk about getting sea sick on Fitz the Cat. I don't remember anyone having problem on the Stalhratte going to Colombia, but a few had problems in the stronger seas going from Colombia to Jamaica. Motion sickness pills can make some people sleepy, but I recommend taking them.
The food is reported to be very good on Fritz as he was a chef. Meal on the Stalhratte were good, included lobster on my trip. Some reviews complain about over crowding on Fritz the Cat.
Positive blog post
Riding the Dream: Sailing on Fritz the Cat from Colombia to Panama
Mixed reviews
Sailing on the "Fritz on Jacqueline" from Panama - Cartagena Forum - TripAdvisor
I wouldn't book passage on the ferry given the stories that were posted on on the South America forum of the HUBB. I wish it was otherwise. I haven't seen any posts after the first voyage.
There is a recent post on the South America forum that details the steps and cost for airlifting from Bogota to Panama with Girag. Cost was $1030 per bike. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-bgo-pty-75383
If you airlift, you still have to buy a airplane ticket for yourself. By all reports a sea voyage is cheaper and more fun. Airlift is for those that get sea sick or have more money than time.
__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.
Blogs: Peter's Ride
Last edited by Peter Bodtke; 12 Apr 2014 at 01:01.
Reason: typos
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