Coronavirus – February 2020: New procedures are in place in Providencia whereby all crew must have a medical check before checking in/leaving the vessel. Other ports of entry in Colombia require the same depending on crew nationalities and last ports of call. It is recommended to call Port Control on VHF Channel 16 and your agent on approaches to find out what is required.

Full details on the formalities required for clearing into and out of Colombia can be found at Colombia Formalities.

For a list of agents see Clearance Agents.

Remember, an agent is required to clear into and out of Colombia, so no attempt at contacting the Port Captain should be made, except through your nominated clearing agent (Agencia Maritima) on arrival.

Anchor on the Eastern side of the harbour and catch a launch to Capurgana (an open bay around the corner) for clearing in.

You may be approached by a man on a panga saying that he is from the “Junta de Acción Comunal,” the local community board, who will request a 25,000 peso anchorage fee. The anchorage fee supposedly includes trash disposal and access to fresh water; however, the trash is reportedly never collected and fresh water is available at the dock for free.

All crew members aboard need to go. Many of the boats that move backpackers from Panama to Colombia bring them here and pick them up as you can also clear out of the country by land here too.

Last updated December 2017.