Does the Poti/Sochi Ferry Still Operate?

Having cancelled my plans of an illegal crossing into Abkhazia, I hop on a marshrutka to Poti. I knew that there used to be ferries from Poti to Sochi, though after the war they might be cancelled, my backup plan was to go from Poti to Odessa.

I arrive in Poti in under two hours and make it to the ferry office.

Me: When does the Poti/Sochi ferry arrive?

Woman at the counter: That’s been cancelled since the war. You can go to Odessa on Saturday (in three days) for $195USD.

Me: Bummer, so all the Sochi ferries are cancelled?

Woman: You can go from Batumi, but I don’t know the timetable.

Me: Ok, cheers.

Half an hour after arriving to Poti, I’m on a marshrutka to Batumi. When I get to Batumi, I head to the ferry office.

Me: Is there a ferry to Sochi?

Woman: Yeah, it departs in two hours.

Me: WOOHOO, one ticket please.

I high five the other people in line and go to do the only thing that I have time for, feast on Adjarian Khachapuri.

While eating at the cafe, I start talking to some of the other patrons about my travels. After I tell them about my failed Abkhazia attempt, we start talking about Adjaria (Georgia’s remaining autonomous republic after South Ossetia and Abkhazia declared independence.) They tell me that there were plans for Adjaria to separate also, and that things are still in the works.

One of the guys I’m talking with tells me he has something for me, runs home, grabs an Icon of St. Nino and gives it to me to guide me in my travels.

Two hours later, I’m on the ferry to Sochi.