Santa Marta : Profile

Location

This is reported to be a safe town to visit and a great place from which to explore the wonderful hinterland of Colombia with its snow-capped mountains and natural parks such as the renowned Tayrona Park. This historic city is about 25nm NE of Catagena. With the opening of the new IGY Marina Santa Marta, it is poised to become a central destination for those cruising to and from Panama, Venezuela, Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago.

Clearance

Go alongside the eastern dock or anchor south of the dock. Officials prefer to board at the dock.

The port captain should be contacted on Channel 16. He is likely to recommend the use of an agent for clearance formalities, which must be completed even if coming from another port in Colombia. See Lessons Learnt in Colombia for advice about choosing an agent.

Ensure that your zarpe lists Santa Marta as your next port of call, otherwise you may find yourself in severe difficulties and/or paying a stiff fine.

The new marina does not have officials on site. However, an email to the marina with your arrival date/time requesting their agent's help with clearing in (Dino), will have him showing up shortly after you arrive. He can then handle everything for approx. $50US and the captain does not have to do any of the running around.

Visas are neither issued nor required.

Last updated February 2012.

Dino Alfonso Nelo Campo
Caribbean Sea of Colombia
Tel:(57) 300-639-2640 / (57) 301-430-8166 / Cell:(57) 300-716-4689
dinomeloc62@hotmail.com
Maritime Agency and Ship's Agent - recommended by cruisers

Port Captain
VHF Channel 13, 14, 16
JEFCP04@dimar.mil.co

Romovela ltda
(Edgar Romero's agency), Santa Marta and Cartagena
Tel:+57-312-659-9223
motoresyvelas@hotmail.com
Edgar been helping cruisers for many years with clearance, and zarpes and every situation imaginable. His agency has been found to be competent, reliable and very helpful. Highly recommended.

Docking

There is a new Island Global Yachting (IGY) marina here which will undoubtedly be very popoular with cruisers.

The entrance is about 0.3 NM south of the first docks of the commercial harbour. Head due East towards channel marker no. 2 (red buoy). The marina entrance at the N end end of the breakwater is marked (and lit at night). Once through the entrance, turn to starboard. The yacht berths are to port.

Anchoring
It is possible to anchor here, south of the moored small boats in the port and north of the new marina.

Last updated February 2011.

Marina Santa Marta
Carrera 1 No 22-93, Santa Marta, Colombia
Tel:+575 4215037, Fax:+575 4235995, VHF Channel 16, 72
www.igy-marinasantamarta.com, jcromero@marinasantamarta.com.co
This new marina has top notch amenities. 256 slips, 5 dedicated to yachts up to 132 feet. 24-hour security, electricity, water, WiFi, fuel, showers & laundry.
The service and staff at the marina are reported to be warm, friendly and keen on pleasing customers. Manager Ken Clark, and his assistant Diana Gomez.