FAQ's
Do I need passport or visa to travel to Colombia?
Yes, a valid passport is required to enter Colombia. A visa is not required for US, UK, or EU citizens. Please check your country’s requirements. The arrival airport is Medellin City (MDE).
Do I need any vaccines or other medical attention before going?
A Yellow fever certificate may be requested upon arrival in Medellin. Depending on your origin country
How long in advance should I book?
As soon as possible to get your preferred dates. We have limited capacity, and dates and spaces are typically booked months in advance.
Do I need to be and experienced angler? Is it kid friendly?
This is a great place to learn how to fish for the first time and its ideal for kids, as the variety of species and techniques can accommodate everyone from beginners to professional anglers. Our crew is well experienced in teaching beginners how to hook and fight their own fish.
What other activities do you offer?
We are mainly fishing focused but if requested in advance activities such as Birdwatching, Jungle Treks and Diving can be arranged at an extra cost
Do you accommodate food allergies or dietary preferences?
Yes, we accommodate all dietary needs, please let your booking agent know or address it in our pre trip questionnaire prior to your arrival in Colombia
How many rooms are there?
The Lodge has six en suite double rooms. All rooms have double or queen beds and have fully appointed bathrooms with hot water.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
There is satellite wifi. Due to the lodge's remote location internet can be slow at times but emails can be sent and receive
Is there any housekeeping and laundry service?
Yes we provide daily housekeeping and free laundry service.
Do I need an electrical converter or adapter?
No, Colombia uses the same electric outlets as the US.
What is the fishing style?
We utilize a variety of techniques including trolling with live and dead baits, lures, bait and switch, popping, jigging and fly fishing.
When is the best time to fish?
Most of the year is an excellent time to visit us. If you crave Black or Blue Marlin, May - June and October - December is the best time, for a Grand Slam, then January and July are the best months. If you want to focus on sailfish, March, April, May, and June are prime times for them as the sardine migration is at its peak. March to July is an excellent month for inshore fishing with cubera snapper, roosterfish, and grouper. Tuna are around all year.
Do you have a music system on the boat?
We do, so if you have a Bluetooth music device, please feel free to bring it for personalized music onboard. Let our Captain know and he’ll will set it up for you.
Do I need a fishing license?
No, we provide it for you and the Captain will have it on board.
What Gear do I need to bring down?
None we supply all the tackle. Our Boat is fully equipped with top of the line conventional, spinning and fly tackle, but if you have a favorite rod, reel or lures selection you are more than welcome to bring it. Our crew is always eager to try new toys. Please remember that most airlines have strict luggage size restrictions especially with rod tubes.
How physically demanding are the trips?
Colombian waters are normally calm but at times it can get rough, the fishing is normally not very physically demanding unless you are hooked up to a big fish. In that case the captain and mate will take good care of you while on board; and will assist you when fighting a fish for a long time, will offer drinks to make sure you stay hydrated and will be there for you at all times while you are fishing.
What time do we go out fishing?
The boats depart between 6:30 and 7am, or later if requested, and return to the dock by 4:30-5:00 p.m depending on the bite.
What’s the weather like?
Temperatures during the day range between 80 F and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (25-30 degrees Celsius). It cools off in the evenings which are invariably pleasant. There are two seasons – the “dry” season and the “wet” season. The dry season is from mid-December until May and wet season from May until December. Refreshing tropical showers are common in the area. It rarely rains all day long but it can happen so we recommend you to bring some rain gear.
Can I bring home fish I caught?
Conservation is critical to us at Black Sands. We have a release policy for all billfish and resident reef species such as roosterfish, tarpon, and Cuberas. The only edible fish we allow are tuna, wahoo, or Mahi Mahi, which the chef can prepare for you. We don’t have the logistical capability to ship your catch home from our remote location.
How are the sea conditions?
Most days, the seas are calm, but there are a handful of days each season when the captain will recommend not fishing due to bad weather or heavy seas.
What are the size & kind of boats we will use?
We have two Contender Boats, a 2019 32T & a 2022 39ST, both are power with Yamaha 300 engines, and equipped with Garmin latest electronics.
What time zone is Colombia in?
Colombia has one time zone, Colombia Time (COT) which is located in the UTC – 5 zone.
What currency is accepted?
The currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). US dollars are accepted in major stores but the preferred currency is the local COP. For smaller purchases and staff gratuities we recommend you bring small denominations of clean U.S. dollars without tears, rips or other damage. US bills with any types of pen marks, or rips are not accepted by vendors.
Can you tailor or package and book extra activities?
Yes, please send us an email with the other activities you are interested in, we can arrange customized packages, non fishing activities, private charter flights Medellin or Bogota, hotel upgrades while in Medellin, or city tours.
How big can a group be?
Black Sands Lodge can accommodate up to 12 guest in double accommodation.
Do you recommend travel protection?
We recommend buying travel insurance to protect your investment against an unexpected cancelation and medical insurance in case of an emergency that requires a complex evacuation.