What boats cross the Darien Gap?
 

Hey there,

I'm looking to ship my bike from Colombia to Panama. I've been looking at Stahlratte, but since they leave for there Caribbean tour on March 18 and I plan on going after that, they are sort of out of the question. Therefore I would like to hear peoples recommendations with other sailing vessels.

I know this is not a new question, but I couldn't find any threads with the same topic.

Cheers.

Don the Dane

The Stahlratte is the one I'll be taking on Oct 17th from Panama to Cartagena

panama_cartagena_en

Garry

The Stahlratte seems to be highest rated but OH SO EXPENSIVE. I've heard of at least two other boats making the run. Look on ADV Rider in Latin America section. The boat captains sometimes post there as do clients.

Also there is a new Ferry running ... but it's of dubious reliability. Not sure it's in regular use or not. If they can get it together, this could end up being the cheapest option. As of now, mostly NEGATIVE comments on the Ferry. Lets hope it will improve.

If you are really adventurous, you can hire small "launchas" (15ft to 20ft outboard powered boats) These guys have to island hop and have to avoid open Ocean. This has been done, but really uncertain. Hundreds of routes in and around hundreds of islands and waterways. I did read a report on this. It took the guy about two weeks, 4 or 5 different boats, about $300 total cost. This was 3 or 4 years back.

What route did you end up going? I am also looking to cross from Colombia to Panama - so I am curious what you found.

Cheers

I like this idea too :funmeteryes:


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxJVJoDLGT...-katamaran.jpg

http://www.4x4tripping.com/2013/12/r...s-nur-ein.html

Surfy

What I'd like to know is how much cheaper it really is than air freight. Stahlratte is a well-known boat with a great reputation, and you get to have some fun while you're shipping. The Stahlratte is, however, expensive (currently 980US for you and the bike from Panama to Cartagena), and will not be around in the next few weeks. I've read some horror stories about other boats where the trip is nearly unbearable and the loading, unloading, occasional salt-water-soaking of your motorcycle, and port fees really make it more expensive to ship by sea.

From what I understand, air freight is more reliable, faster, better for your motorcycle, and comparable in price when you include your own airfare.

Please educate me if you think differently.

Stahlratte
 

I hope to be on same ship same day. Since I'm leaving the HUBB meet in late Sep in California, would you reckon I could make it to Panama without 1000km days?

I will be leaving Phoenix on Sept 19 and will be averaging about 300 km per day to get there.

Maybe we will meet up. Email me at garry(at)gkramer(dot)ca and I'll send you my tentative schedule.

Garry

Independence
 

The biggest one. it's a good option when the sea getting rough.The old captain Mechele has a disorganized crew (4 young girls). bad food, poor service but 100$ cheaper than others. I paid 850$ from Portobello to Kartagena in 2012.

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.

I sailed from Cartagena last year on t he SANTANA, The Captain was German and superb.The local hostels in Cartagena and Panama act as agents for the boats.

Your correct that there are all sorts of stories of dodgy boats and captains but I would strongly recommend you sail rather than fly. it's great fun and you see the San Blas Islands. Not to be missed. Just check out the captain!

One tip I was given... Check out nationality of the captain....if Colombian ...avoid! Not sure how true that is!
Anyway, thoroughly recommend SANTANA

...adding The Santana...
 

I never heard of this boat, but quickly found a website where you can see the voyage scheduled, berth availability (for the Santana and the Jacqueline) and make a reservation (with $75 deposit.) The base price for passage is $550. I could not find the fee for motorcycle transportation. Guessing, I would say the fee for the bike will be $400 to $600 extra.

The Santana and Jacqueline
Colombia Panama Sailing | San Blas Sailboats

Not all sailboats transport motorcycles, but these do. During some months there is little or no wind. The Stalhratte motors and arrives on schedule. I have heard of boats sitting the water mid-voyage waiting for wind. Ask if the boat you are considering uses a motor if there is no wind. Another way to find out is to ask how long the boat takes to make the crossing. From time of departure, the Stalhratte takes 24-26 hours, using their motors.

Ask with the fee includes assistance processing the motorcycle importation paperwork. The Stalhratte provides an importation fixer and an insurance agent. Using the provided insurance agent is optional, but you might only save a few dollars and spend a lot of time shopping around.

I am curious if the Exito grocery store near the old town section sells motorcycle insurance. Months later I bought insurance at an Exito when I re-entered Colombia from Ecuador. The price was reasonable and fast service. If your captain doesn't connect you with an insurance agent, then try going to an Exito. I understand that some gas stations also sell insurance.

From the research I have done if you want a reliable service between Central and South America, Stahlratte is in the ball park for price considering bike and rider.

Even travelling on a budget, there are some fixed costs. I've opted to fly my bike twice, from Australia to the US and from Argentina to South Africa for a three-year trip round the world. The cost of the Stahlratte and other ferries I will need through Asia add on to the cost. All together I have calculated $10,000 for transport, over three years that's not so bad.

There are probably cheaper options such as shipping rather than flying, but after getting off the plane in LA, uncrating my bike and putting it together for an hour and a half, I rode off (albeit into the rain at night) and was away on my adventure. So easy.

I chose this because I want to take my own bike and avoid the time and hassle of buying and selling bikes along the way. I also have this romantic notion of taking the same bike all the way.

After my fixed costs I can be a cheapskate in a number of other areas but like insurance and carnets, there are some costs that are just part of the journey.

PN

Shipping from Colombia to Panama
 

Wooow, I'm getting excited!! Just contacted the Steel Rat about their July 22nd Colombia to Panama sailing. Thanks for all the info here- very, very helpful.

I'm in Peru now, heading north to the States. Anyone have boat info to get around Honduras? As a solo-girl traveler, I'd rather avoid that country at the moment if possible.

Thanks!
Elisa

TravelBugBlues.com

I would read ... and possibly contact Sjoerd Bakker. Read his advice here on
crossing Honduras. post #3 and #5.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...083#post465517

Honduras is fine. Take that for what it's worth to you, but by the time you've been riding around for a while you're very likely to wonder what all the fuss was about. If in doubt, the northern routes are a lot easier and less hassle than the PanAm.

Mark

Thanks! It's so great to have so many people as a resource...!

Yes, a lot of times I do wonder what all the fuss is about. But, I'm already a really experienced traveler, and have been since I was a teen. I've now ridden in Latin America for 17,000km, and as a soon to be solo-female motorcyclist on this trip, things are different than for a man... I was nearly kidnapped in Guatemala at 17, and sexually assaulted there at 21 (thank god I got away both times, unscathed except for some psychological trauma), and held at gunpoint in Brazil at 20, where I was born- and I'm a really careful traveler. I love Guatemala, but I hear Honduras is even worse!

I'll check out the northern routes. Any more info on that? Thanks!

a pretty tight schedule I would say. I hope you are not riding a KTM, cause then you will need MOOOOOORE time. (at least if you need help or parts, do not think that the so-called dealers along the way know what they do or have parts, very few...)
Good luck!

+1!

Holy moses, you are a tough one!
Sorry to hear that you had all these incredible incidents!
from what I experienced -a bus ride from San Salvador to Utila, back via San Pedro Sula, then with the bike straight from the north to Nicaragua-:No problems at all. If I remember correctly (where it was) I was stopped by a cop when riding fast on the side of the road, passing others. He only advised me not to do it cause of the danger of getting a flat tire : )!
Suerte!

Haha, that's funny! I had a cop stop me just the other day here in Peru, only to flirt and practice his English!! Tom, my travel buddy until tomorrow, and who doesn't speak Spanish said, "Was that cop flirting with you?!"

yea, I agree, pretty tight for sure.
I think Steve will be on another Triumph, but not sure.

But that only allows about 20 days. If in a rush & have no interest in Mexico or any of the Cent. American countries ... then YES, you could make it, but you won't get many rest days.

Figure a day for every border ... so roughly 7 days there. With no mechanicals or weather delays ... you could make it but you won't see much along the way. Keep in mind you'll still be in rainy season ... late Sept./Oct. famous for Huge Natural Disasters in Cent. America. Roads/Bridges fail, Huge flooding, sometimes roads are closed for WEEKS.

Maybe take some time in Mexico (most under appreciated country in the region, IMO) So much variety in geography, flora/fauna: Beaches, Jungles, Mountains, Deserts. All there in spades. By November the best weather comes (once rain stops). Coolest time of year. Each country in Cent. America has it's own character ... and each has a Pacific side and a Caribbean side .. which are night and day different. Many a Garden of Eden to be discovered ... if you only take the time! bier

Totally agree with all that was just stated. Mexico is amazing- so much to see and enjoy. Guatemala has a gorgeous indigenous culture that's still very much alive. Not a huge fan of Honduras, as mentioned, but Costa Rica is (expensive) but gorgeous. Nicaragua and Panama have tons to offer, too.

Yup, things are different. But if you're going to ride as a woman, alone or accompanied, you're already in the thick of that. And Honduras is not any worse for experienced travelers than anyplace else in particular.

The north is obvious on any map. At one end you'll enter from Nicaragua; at the other you'll exit into Guatemala. There's an option via El Salvador which might be open or not--I happen to really like that part of El Salvador, but I visited on a different trip.

Seriously: don't get unduly worked up. It's just another Central American country with cops who like to prey on moto tourists transiting along the PanAm.

Mark