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Marina Santa Marta

San Bernado – 09°47.25'N, 75°50.57'W
Rosario – 10°00.00'N, 75°40.30'W
Cabo de Vela – 12°12.50'N, 72°10.70'W
Cartagena – 10°20.00'N, 75°27.00'W
Chalon – 10°09.90'N, 75°40.20'W
Five Bays – 11°22.00'N, 74°03.50'W
La Fluerte – 09°23.17'N, 76°10.46'W
Punta Hermaos – 10°56.50'N, 75°02.35'W
Santa Martha – 11°14.07'N, 74°13.00'W

Colombian Formalities and Procedures.
This is our understanding of the immigration, customs and port authority formalities and procedures applied to foreign cruising yachts visiting Colombia. Information is based upon our experience after arriving at Bahia Taganga (near Santa Marta) in June 2012 and sharing knowledge with two other vessels. All three yachts have used the same agent, Dino Alfonso – CSC Caribbean Sea of Colombia Shipping Agency SAS.
Background
It should be noted the processes for managing foreign vessels in Colombian waters have not been designed specifically to enable visiting yachts to cruise the Colombian coast. The processes have largely been developed to manage commercial vessels and fishing vessels, both Colombian and foreign flagged. It should be remembered the Colombian Authorities have been engaged in a struggle to enforce security in their waters during recent years with curbing activity by drug smugglers a high priority. Therefore their processes are intended to give a high level of visibility, control and awareness of the activities of all vessels operating in their waters. However, as will be evident, the system operated is bureaucratic and can be expensive (approx $US250 for less than 2 months useful cruising time). We have found the Colombian people to be very welcoming, friendly, hospitable and incredibly tolerant of native English speakers mutilating their beautiful historic language.
Agencies Involved
There are three agencies plus your agent who are involved in the necessary formalities and permissions:-
Immigration – responsible for permission for individual crew members and passengers to enter the Republic of Colombia and to stamp visas into passports depending upon the duration of stay permitted for different nationalities.
Port Captain(s) – Responsible for the navigation of vessels entering a defined jurisdictional region within Colombian coastal waters eg Santa Marta, Baranquilla, Cartagena, and for controlling the movements of vessels within Colombian waters. Note that the forms indicate the port captain is acting for the Ministerio de Defensa Nacional – Direccion General Maritima
Customs – responsible for temporary permission (Importacion Temporal de Vehiculo Para Tourista), depending upon planned duration of visit (see below), to bring a vessel into Colombian waters without being liable for importation taxes
Initial Process
The initial process is the same for all vessels arriving irrespective of how long you intend to be in Colombian waters:-
Registration with the Capitania de Puerto for the jurisdictional region entered at the port of entry. We understand the port captains will only deal with vessels through an agent. A fee is charged by an agent for this and immigration clearance (ca $Pesos50,000). The process involves a four part duplicate form being completed with vessel details. The yellow page copy once signed by the Capitan del Puerto and the Agent is returned to the vessel. This shows your approved berth location in Colombia plus other information about your vessel. This form also shows an Estimated Date of Departure from the port captain’s area of jurisdiction. If you depart the jurisdiction by this date; with the authorisation of either a National Zarpe (going to another Port Captain’s jurisdiction) or an International Zarpe (leaving Colombia) then all is fine. If you will be staying longer in that jurisdiction you must notify your agent so he can extend your registered date of departure. If you don’t do this it can cause problems for both you and your agent.
Your passports will be supplied to the immigration department along with an application for entry form. In the case of Europeans such as ourselves we were approved for 90 days entry, a copy of the application form and our stamped passports were returned to the vessel by the agent. We understand it is possible to extend the validity of the visas stamped in your passports for up to 180 days total duration of stay in Colombia (depending upon nationality).
Note 1: If you want to cruise between port areas then the expectation is that you will proceed directly from one Port Captain’s jurisdiction to another on the basis of a National Zarpe. It seems to be understood that vessels may stop overnight or if they have problems but your Zarpe is not officially a cruising permit. If you want to do more extended cruising see Permanent Permit and Zarpes below.
Note 2: If you arrive in Colombia waters without a Zarpe (clearance papers) for the port at which you arrive then a legal investigation is required to be opened by law. A legal person will be appointed to represent you and you will be liable for the costs.
Staying in Colombia for more than 5 days
A Temporary Importation Permit for the vessel must be applied for unless staying in Colombia for less than 5-days. A failure to comply with obtaining a valid permit has resulted in vessels being chained to the dock by customs officials, pending payment of a fine or taxes, as recently as June 2012.
This application takes the form of a letter sent to the office of the Chief of the work group of Importation along with copies of the Yellow Port Captain’s form, the ships registration papers and the photograph/visa pages of the captain’s passport. Our agent did this work and a fee is charged (ca $Pesos50,000) . A copy of the application is stamped by the Customs office and returned to the vessel. This is your proof that an application is pending.
An arrangement will be made for a customs inspector to visit the vessel, meet the captain and check the particulars on the application are correct.
Providing the application is approved the Temporary Permit will be returned to the vessel between 1-2 weeks after the application.
Note: This Importacion Temporal de Vehiculo Para Tourista is normally valid for the same duration as your immigration stamps in the passport. If you are leaving your vessel in Colombia while the crew travel abroad, or you extend your immigration visa, then the temporary permit expiry date can be extended. A customs inspector told us this may soon change to 180 days –thereby harmonising the whole of Colombia onto a common standard.
Staying in Colombia more than 30 days
If intend the vessel to remain in Colombian waters for more than 30 days then the costs may increase significantly above those associated with a short term visit.
Permanent Permit (Issued by Port Captain)
If you are intending your vessel to stay in Colombia longer than 30 days and to cruise in the Jurisdictional areas of Santa Marta or Cartagena then you must apply for a Permanent Permit (Permiso de Pemanencia para Yates y Veleros de Bandera Extranjera). This permit is issued by the Port Captain and can be applied for after the temporary importation permit has been approved by the customs office.
The issue of a Permanent Permit can take until approximately 23 days after arrival and a charge of $Pesos175,700 (June 2012), payable directly at a bank, is made by the Port Captain’s office. Your agent will also make a charge for his services (ca $Pesos50,000). The Permanent Permit is an approval to legally have your vessel in Colombian waters for a defined period and longer than 30 days.
It seems the Permanent Permit is normally valid for different durations depending upon the port area where you initially clear in and the current application of the rules.
We are told that an initial duration of validity of 2-months now seems to be the normal expiry applied at Santa Marta region. We do know a vessel that has recently (May 2012) been issued with a permit valid for 365 days at Santa Marta, but this no longer appears to be current practice (June 2012).
A renewal must be applied for before the expiry date. A fee is payable to the agent for each renewal, another charge of $Pesos175,700 will also be charged by the Capitania de Puerto
Note 1: We understand that if you have left Santa Marta either before a Permanent Permit is required, or a renewal is due, and are travelling along the Colombian coast, under the authority of a national zarpe, that it is not required to have a valid Permanent Permit in national waters outside of the jurisdiction of Cartagena or Santa Marta.
Note 2: We have been told the authorities at Cartagena will recognise a Permanent Permit issued at Santa Marta that is still valid.
Note 3: We have been told the time before a Permanent Permit is deemed required at Cartagena may be less than 30 days, but have not been able to check this out.
Note 4: If you leave Colombia with your vessel and then re-enter, for example cruise the Colombian Caribbean coast then transit the Panama Canal to cruise the Colombian Pacific coast the complete process for entry and all fees will be due again. The Permanent Permit and Temporary Importation Permit will be rescinded each time you leave Colombia.
Note 5: We understand that vessels which have remained in the marina at Santa Marta (ie not cruising) have not previously been required to have a permanent permit. However, it seems the Port Captain is now pressing the agent to inform owners of vessels who have been in the marina for more than 30 days they are required to have a permanent permit.
Transit requirements (departing one port, entering another)
Zarpes
It is also necessary to obtain a zarpe to be permitted to leave the authorised anchorage/berth described on your “yellow page copy” of the initial Port Capitain’s permission. There are 3 types of Zarpe that can be issued to permit departure from the approved berth: Jurisdictional Zarpe, National Zarpe, International Zarpe.
Jurisdictional Zarpe – Once you have been registered as having entered a new port captain’s jurisdiction, and a Permisso Permanencia has been requested, you may apply for permission to cruise within that jurisdictional area. Upon request through your agent a Jurisdictional Zarpe will be authorised stating the approved zones within the jurisdiction you are authorised to cruise. This type of Zarpe is normally issued for a maximum validity of 20-28 days duration after which it must be re-issued if you wish to cruise the area for longer. Local fishermen in the Santa Marta region also have to obtain a new Jurisdictional Zarpe in the same manner.
Note: There are special zones which need additional approval to cruise eg The Tayrona National Park near Santa Marta. To cruise this national park you must first have a Permanent Permit and can then apply for a special park cruising permit. A Tayrona Park permit is valid for around 20 days. The permit can be renewed for the same fee for another 20 day period, either contiguous or not, providing your other documentation remains valid. This type of permit is additional to a Jurisdictional Zarpe.
National Zarpe – permits you to exit the jurisdictional area of one port captain to transit to an official port of entry in another port captain’s jurisdiction. Upon arrival you will be issued with a new “yellow page copy” designating you as permitted to occupy an authorised anchorage or berth. Although vessels might stop overnight while en-route or in the case of bad weather, it is not expected there will be a delay in completing the passage and reporting your arrival to the Port Captain of the new jurisdiction.
International Zarpe - Clears you out to leave Colombia waters for a named port in a foreign country. Part of the process for obtaining one will involve immigration stamping your passports as exited and relinquishment of your Temporary Importation permit and permanent Permit (if issued). You will be expected to leave Colombian waters within a reasonable period, normally 24 hours.
Note 1: There is an agent fee to arrange the issuance of zarpes.
Note2: There is no single document that constitutes a “Cruising Permit” as used in other countries. The medium to longer term Cruising Permit is effectively the collective holding of a valid Temporary Importation Permit, Permisso Permanencia (depending upon location) and Zarpe

San Bernado

For San Bernado, the way point 09.47.25N 075.50.57W worked for us
We anchored on the South of Isla Tintipan, and found good holding along the middle part of the shore in about 6 metres. 09.47.25N 075.50.568W .
We used the gap in the reef South of Timpani 09.43.50N 075 50.28W to 09.43.31N 075.50.005W with no less than 6 metres depth.


Rosario
Way point for Rosario 10.00.00N 75.40.30W
An anchorage which makes a good starting point if heading further west, or a few days relief from Cartagina 's hussle and bussle
A chart can usually be obtained from Club Nautico, as above the buoys marking the various channels are not always in place. Care should be taken as depths can rise from 25 metres to 4 rapidly. Besides US paper charts, we used C map charts for the approach, and found them to be reasonably accurate, but do not rely on them. Holding was variable in the main anchorage on the south side between Isla Grande and Isla Carlibaru. Good snorkelling on nearby islands.
Cabo de Vela

Beware of fishing nets and pots between the small island and the mainland. We bought 3 lobsters off the local fishermen. 3 for £7.00 not bad! Welcome to Columbia! We went ashore and walked around, met some local tourists who wanted to do a photo shoot with us, everyone seemed very friendly, although there was not a lot to see, but every place has its own beauty. We ended up staying about 5 days

Cartagena
1) Information Submitted by John & Lyn Whyte - Archrival 2) Date January 1999 3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Cartagena, Columbia, 10°20’N, 75°27’W approx. 4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts Magnificent old walled Spanish colonial city in remarkable state of preservation. A good base to leave the boat if you wish to go travelling in South America. 5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage The marina used by most cruisers is the Club Nautico de Cartagena on Manga Island. An alternative is Club de Pesca , also on Manga Island. The only yacht anchorage is the area immediately outside the Club Nautico on the south of Manga island. The address of the Club Nautico is Miramar Avenue 19-50 , Manga, Cartagena, Columbia. Tel 575 660 4769. Fax 575 660 5582 6) Entry Ports Cartagena 7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing: a) from/to same country None b) from/to abroad Complicated and best to use an agent. One is located in the office at the foot of the main dock in Club Nautico. Cost $60 US to cover both entry and exit including all fee and dues. c) visa requirements Not necessary for UK, USA or Canadian citizens. 8) Location/Existence of: a) harbour master Dealt with by Agent b) customs/immigration Dealt with by Agent c) health authorities d) police 9) Control of Foreign Yachts Yachts can be left in Columbia whilst you travel out of the country. A certified letter from the Agent is necessary to show Immigration when you return to the country. 10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen Immigration at Cruise ship dock very correct and friendly. All other officials dealt with by Agent. 11) Repair/Hauling Facilities All repairs and recommendations can be organised through the Australian owner of Club Nautico (Norman Bennett). Most repairs can be undertaken. Haul out available at a yard about 4 miles down the bay towards Boca Chica. 12) Sailing Directions or Charts All DMA and Admiralty charts for the inner bay were out of date but the channel from Boca Chica is well buoyed and lit for east day and night entry. There is a gap in the wall with 12 ft depth in Boca Grande well marked with beacons on both sides but I would only recommend using it only in daylight and with not too great a swell running. 13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail 14) Port Radio Services Initial contact Ch 16 15) Weather Forecasts None 16) Yacht Club(S) Club Nautico is the Cruisers’ hangout. Informal. Good cheap bar and food. Anchored yachts can use all facilities for nominal daily or weekly fee. Club de Pesca is mainly for Sports Fishing boats but does have dockage available and a pleasant bar/restaurant. 17) Other Facilities: drinking water Club Nautico dinghy dock & Club de Pesca fuel dock fuel Club de Pesca fuel dock gas (propane)/gaz Once weekly gas run from Club Nautico chandlers Very limited stocks in Club de Pesca and two outlets east of Club Nautico bank 100 yds from Club Nautico but the ATM machines only take Cirrus system cards. Use Visa/Mastercard in any bank in town for cash. You need your passport for all credit card dealings. Do NOT use street moneychangers. shops/market Good supermarket 100 yds from Club Nautico. Trolley the purchases to the dock. restaurants/hotels post office/telephones including mobile facilities internet cafes best mailing address Club Nautico ( see No.5) showers Club Nautico laundry Club Nautico transport/air services Airport and Bus station medical facilities/hospital Yes, good dental services. 18) Recommendations or Warnings As in any city you have to be careful but, in general, Cartagena was regarded by most cruisers as being much safer than Venezuela and security on the anchorage and in the Club Nautico was regarded as good. 19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting.

Chalon

A way point for Chalon of 10.09.90N 075 40.20W
10 miles SSW of Boca Chica. A beautiful sheltered anchorage in a large mangrove lagoon.
An ideal place to relax, and/or work on the boat. The entrance channel is difficult to identify, and it is very important that one should take latest advise from Club Nautico about the latest position of the small markers. Isla Periquoto 10.10.70N 75.40.30W is a good indicator of where the buoys should start, keep about 100 metres to the west of the island and look out for a small green marker about 1 foot tall 200 metres SSW of the island which marks the entrance channel. We found a minimum of 3 metres depth all the way in; and in places 14 metres. Alternative information may possibly be obtained by calling "Crows Nest" on VHF ch68. Robert has a property overlooking the lagoon and usually has the VHF on.
He has opened his vessel Manity as a happy hour bar for cruisers.
The nearest village is Baru, about 1 hours walk or 20 minutes by fast dinghy on a fabulous trip through Mangrove canals and open water, limited supplies available. Tie up dinghy at Misters bar, and dispose of refuge nearby ask at bar or on Quay.

Five Bays
Arriving at 5 bays was a wonderful experience, as we saw for the first time for a while in the Caribbean, many trees and much greenery. For a second, it reminded us of a Scottish Loch, but then we realised the sun was shining the water 30C not 30F, and no midges! We stayed a few days then the Guarda Costa moved us on as it is now a marine park. At 5 Bays the Guard Costa seem to be politely moving you on some boats get one night only and other, we got 4 before they found us, but most people report being moved on after one night.

La Fluerte
Way point for La Fluerte 09.23.17N 076.10.46W
A small island with an attractive anchorage, We anchored at 09.23.167N 076.10.456W, in 3.3 metres and approached it on a bearing of 320 magnetic, with a minimum depth of 3 metres. Good holding in sand and clay. You can go ashore a little further south, where the fishing boats are. A really friendly place to spend a few days.

Punta Hermaos
Punta Hermaos or Puerto Velero as it is know locally Although there is a record of some unfortunate vessel that had been robbed in 2004. Things seem to have changed. We phoned John Halley (OCC Port Officer Cartagina) who was most helpful and said he did not know of any problems.
The Pizzaz way points are still good to find your way in, Do not try to cut the corner there is a long sand spit that runs out, when we were there a few buoys (plastic cans ) were to be left on your port side when entering, there was a flag marking what we thought was the one to round and we had 5 metres of depth at that point.
We, went to the top of the bay, where there is good holding in a very sheltered anchorage at least 4 metres depth all the way in where it shallows to 3 metres at the very head of the bay, The Guarda Costa have a base there, and came around twice, very friendly and did not seem to mind that we had not checked in to the Country yet.
We stayed 10 days, an excellent wind and kite surfing centre is there, and the lessons are the lowest price we have come across in the Caribbean, and Martyn is an English speaking Instructor. The club Nautico Velero will call a taxi to take you to the local town St Columbia, or you can go by moped taxi as well (much more fun). There is an ATM in the town where you can get PESOs.

Santa Martha
They asked us to go to Santa Martha, and where we dragged our anchor. The Coastguard guided us to a good anchorage just to the East of the shipping channel by the harbour entrance in 4 metres of quality mud. 11deg14.80N 074deg13.00W. But they could have advised us that in the afternoon after passing us many times rather than wait until we dragged at midnight! We did not go to Rodedero, as the Coast Guard wanted us in Santa Martha, but we met many cruisers who did and enjoyed it.