Old World Charm of Cartagena, Colombia

Our month long stay here in Cartagena has been delightful! After many months of living so close to nature and learning to do without the conveniences of civilization, it was a radical change to suddenly find ourselves in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a city once again.

Cartagena, Colombia with Club de Pesca marina in center of photo

Walled city "old Cartagena" was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.

Thriving city surrounds the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (center).

We originally anchored out in the inner bay near Club Nautico, but the constant wakes from the passing boats was annoying, plus our insurance required us to be in a marina for safety considerations (although the anchorage seemed safe enough if you lock and lift the dinghy). We considered a mooring in Club Nautico but the boats there are tied bow and stern in "Med-moor" style... not a problem itself, but combined with a lack of dock fingers and overcrowding meant that we would be tied close enough to step from one boat right onto the next.  Our observations of the swaying rigging of the sailboats already moored there rendered this as too dangerous for our taste, so we checked out Club de Pesca just down the road.

Club de Pesca turned out to be a great place to stay. They have about 10 slips reserved for transients on the far northern dock, closest to the walled city. These are floating docks and although we backed in, there are dock fingers and ample space between boats to ensure a secure tie up. We are bow into the wind here so there is great circulation and minimal rolling, mostly just from the water taxis or occasional jet ski passing. The only downside with being near the walled city is that they never seem to stop partying and the music can go on until the sun starts to rise, but this is a problem throughout the anchorage and at Club Nautico as well. You either get used to it or get some ear plugs!

New Cartagena across the bay sits in contrast to the ancient walled city.

Walled city of old Cartagena mostly built in the 1600's it's now a World Heritage site.

Sirena at Club de Pesca

We were placed on the north side with a gorgeous view of the cityscape and arched stone bridge leading there. The marina itself is neatly kept and the staff most helpful. The restrooms and showers are clean and modern, much better than the run-down, broken-doored facilities at Club Nautico by far! Private security guards are on duty 24/7 and they walk the docks regularly checking everything. Laundry facilities are available, although not self serve. The cost for doing two duffle bags full is about 30,000 pesos, or $10 US. There is even a small shop at the end of the dock selling ice, booze, soft drinks and munchies in case you run out. Otherwise, grocery shopping is to be found a few blocks away right up the road from Club Nautico with a mini-super two blocks the other way towards the walled city. We even found a large US style (think CVS or RiteAid) Pharmacy on the corner next to the bridge. This is the first one of this style we have encountered like that since leaving the states over a year ago!

Our friends from S/V Gaia were at anchor for a while nearby before heading over to the outer bay to be hauled out for boat work at Ferroalquimar boat yard. We enjoyed dinners and hanging out with them as always.

Dinner with Bob and Irma of S/V Gaia.

Our new friends from Italy on S/V Elpis, a beautiful Koopmans 57

We met some interesting people and saw some beautiful boats while we were at the marina, including one very strange looking trimaran from Hong Kong.

It looked like a submarine, or perhaps a spaceship from a distance. 

The spaceship has landed! Over 100' long this was quite the attention getter.

But my favorite thing about Club de Pesca is the kitties...

This little ginger cat has doubled in size while we've been here. 

It's going to be awfully difficult to say goodbye to such a sweetie!

Momma Zoro as we call her gave birth to twins on my birthday!

Sweetie has the cutest little begging cry. 

I hope someone will come along and give her a nice home!

Walking the walled city of old Cartagena. The colorful buildings, cobblestone roads, churches, plazas, restaurants and shops can keep you busy for days!

Horse drawn carriages still traverse the walled city and an hour long tour (in Spanish, of course) will cost around 120,000 pesos ($40 USD). Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. A ride form the pretty much anywhere near the marina to the walled city or surrounding area is 6,000 pesos ($2.00 USD)