Cristobal (Colon) : Profile

Clearance

Cristobal Signal Station should be contacted on VHF Channels 12 or 16 and the yacht will be directed to go to the yacht club, if there is space available, anchor at the designated yacht anchorage in the Flats, or proceed directly to Shelter Bay marina (VHF channel 74).

The captain should go ashore and clear Immigration first. The office is in a building to the right of the yacht club, open 0700-1500 Monday to Friday. After hours clearance can be obtained from the Immigration office in Cristobal. Next the captain should go to the Autoridad Portuaria (port authority) to clear into Panama and obtain a cruising permit. The Port Captain's office is in the Panama Canal Commission building 1105, 3rd floor. If not transiting the Canal, clearance is completed at the Port Authority. If transiting the Canal, the captain should contact the Canal Admeasurement office on VHF channel 12 or tel. 443 2293 to make an appointment. If berthed in Shelter Bay Marina, the admeasurer will visit there. If your knowledge of spanish is uncertain, then employing an agent who knows the system would, be useful.

It is considered dangerous to walk out of the yacht club gates at any time of day or night, so a taxi should be used at all times to visit the various offices.

Centenario & Co. S.A.
Cristobal/Balboa, Rep. of Panama
Tel:(507) 6676-1376 (MBL), Fax:(507) 290-3548
www.centenarioconsulting.com, info@centenarioconsulting.com
POC: Erick Galvez. Ship and yacht agency services.

Match Shipping Management
Tel:+507 661 58157 (Mobile 24hr hotline) 507-315-1636 / 507-315-1968 / 507-315-0731
www.matchship.com, info@matchship.com
Agents for canal transit.

Panama Yacht Services
P.O. Box 6-4891, Panama 6, Panama
Tel:(507) 226.4053; Cel: (507) 613-6337, Fax:(507) 270-7848
pys@mavclex.com

Docking

Visiting yachts have a choice of staying at the Panama Canal Yacht Club in Colon on the Atlantic side although it can be very crowded during the peak season (February to April), or at the new marina at Shelter Bay. Alternatively, one can anchor out in the Flats "Anchorage Area F".

The yacht club dinghy dock can be used by yachts anchored on the Flats. Those who wish to tie up at the club pontoons can do so on payment of a daily fee but must contact the club first on channel 68 to find out if there is any space available.

It is advisable to book in advance which ever berthing facility is used.

Shelter Bay Marina
Shelter Bay, Colon, Panama
Tel:+ (507) 433-358, Fax:+ (507) 322-0439, VHF Channel 74
info@shelterbaymarina.com
A new marina with 86 berths, located inside the military area, and a high standard of facilities. All facilities, wi-fi, 100 ton haulout facility, laundry, regular daily transport to/from Colon and provision stores. Dry storage yard for long term storage as well as a work area. Dock 200 feet long for mega-yachts. Fuel, LPG refils, clearance services, bar and restaurant. Good 24hr security.

Yacht Clubs

Panama Canal Yacht Club
Box 0301-03505 Cristobal, Colon, Republic of Panama
Tel:(507)441-5882, Fax:(507)441-7752, VHF Channel 68
http://travel.to/pcyc, pcyachtclub@cwpanama.net

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