Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Club Nautico Cartagena


We came into Cartagena over two weeks ago and had no idea what to expect. We had read conflicting reports about the availability of docking and conditions there, but knew we would have to stay for quite a while to repair the lightning damage.

We anchored out at the Club Nautico and are happy to report that it is a bustling, vibrant, well run marina. Although we have chosen to anchor out, we can see that the docks are sturdy. Most boats stern tie using mooring screws at the bow. The marina management helps configure those.

Club Nautico Entry Gate

For our $28.00 weekly dinghy dock fee we get use of the restrooms, showers, laundry room, garbage, potable water, and library. There is a nice restaurant on the premises, and the management will help arrange for repairs, maintenance, and receipt of packages. Taxis are available right out front, and there is a very nice grocery store less than two blocks away. The marina has no fuel dock, but Club de Pesca and Marina Santacruz, both less than 2000' from the anchorage, have fuel docks.

Anchorage and Points of Interest

Dinghy Dock and Patio

Fuel Dock at Marina Santacruz

The neighborhood in which the marina sits is called Manga. Manga is a comfortable residential area with shops and restaurants and three marine supply stores. We see folks walking along the malecon at all hours and we feel safe walking anywhere in the neighborhood. For a $2.00 taxi ride you can get to most tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping malls. For $3.00 you can get to the Bocagrande neighborhood with its hotels, beaches, and medical offices.

The only fly in the ointment seems to be trying to get parts shipped to a "yacht in transit". From everything we've heard, a hefty duty and/or tax will be charged on the total value of the package. That means the value of the item, the insurance, and the shipping cost. Yikes! Most countries allow things to be shipped to yachts in transit with low or no duty. I wonder why Colombia doesn't do that?

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