Good News From Panama: A New Marina On The Caribbean Side

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-06-21 08:43:53
Countries: Panama

Recently Noonsite was informed that Shelter Bay Marina near the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal has come on stream. The docking of boats waiting for transiting the Canal has been a major problem for several years, so we are pleased to have received the following two reports from sailors who have used the marina recently:

I have got to say that I am in two minds about writing about the facilities at Shelter Bay Marina. It is the best kept secret in the Western Caribbean. If I go telling everyone about how great it is then it won't be a secret anymore.

So I have decided not to say a thing about the excellent floating pontoons at Shelter Bay. It was originally an American military facility and you won't see better marine works. The pilings are bullet proof not just hurricane proof. Which, come to think of it, is another reason not to go telling everyone about Shelter Bay - we don't get hurricanes down here.

But that is just the start. I had better not mention the top quality water and power supplies, unlimited ice, excellent washing facilities, fast WiFi and the finest showers and Jacuzzis that I have ever seen in any marina, anywhere, in Europe or in the Americas.

Of course nowhere is perfect and if you are after the big city, bright lights and dubious security then look elsewhere. Sheltered Bay is in the middle of a real jungle with monkeys and orchids, crocodiles and panthers (though Panama City is just over two hours away by boat and air-conditioned coach, and the Marina organizes a regular bus service to good supermarkets and to Colon to deal with immigration and customs formalities). There is even a well-kept air strip.

So please don't go telling everybody about Shelter Bay because it is already too well known and if you want to be sure of a berth it would now be wise to book.

Geoffrey, SV KATINKA

Shelter Bay Marina, just inside the breakwater at Colon, is setting new standards of excellence in marina's both in the Caribbean and further afield. From the moment that you begin your approach following the easy to see marker buoys that lead from the main shipping channel you will begin to appreciate the professionalism that underwrites all aspects of the services offered in this safe, sheltered top class facility.

The entrance to the docks, which were previously part of the U.S. Fort Sherman, is deep and well marked. The channel whilst not over wide is 30 feet deep and the Dock Master always on hand to give explicit instructions via VHF radio. The slips are well placed, really wide and no nasty tight turns to tax the larger or difficult to handle boat skipper! It was a real delight to be able to berth with sufficient space for today's beamier design craft, with plenty of space between neighbors! Some of the slips are big enough to cope with the widest of catamarans, and when we were last there a 70 foot Trimaran was accommodated with ease. Not a common facility in the Caribbean!

Each slip has superb power and water connections with a wide variety of power requirements catered for. Water is FREE up to 1 gallon per foot per day, good pressure and of the highest quality. A joy to be able to wash the grime of Cartagena away and fill the tanks with quality potable good tasting water.

All this would seem superb but there is more! High-speed reliable broadband offered by wireless connection to your boat as well as in the air-conditioned comfort of the Marina offices. The best laundry facilities we have found in 5 years of cruising, new washing and drying machines that WORK!

There is an honor bar with cold soft drinks and beers available, ice from the inexhaustible machine, a TV and book swap room.

Maybe best of all are the shower facilities! Words cannot do justice to this amenity, I have not seen better in the worlds top hotels. Suites of Jacuzzi or shower, all double-seaters with endless hot water, mood lighting and piped music. State of the art control systems to satisfy the most demanding of clientele. It's worth coming in for this experience alone!

And on top of all this there is the location. The marina is situated within a National Park. You are literally surrounded by the jungle, palm trees with orchids growing like weeds, monkeys that come down to the edge of the office complex, fabulous dinner plate size butterflies in neon colors. There are indigenous mammals, fish in the dock and nature trails to delight.

Yes its off the beaten track, no flash restaurant, seething bar, gawking tourists or souvenir shops. There is peace, tranquility, places to do boat projects. Capable local staff to give a hand with heavy tasks. The Marina staff are happy to help source local craftsmen and services. They also provide access to the outside world via the boat launch that runs from the dock to Colon daily or the mini bus that will take you to the supermarket or into town.

Shelter Bay Marina is perfect in my opinion for both a short stopover to clean and prepare / recover from a canal transit or just to enjoy top class facilities in a delightful unspoilt location. A real treat. Come and see for yourself!

Gerry SV KATINKA