Portobelo - Clearance
Yachtgala is a local agent based in the Galapagos Islands for cruisers, we assist cruisers in all the services they required during their stay in Galapagos Islands with the most competitive prices.
We provide services such as obtaining entry permit to Galapagos waters, technical services, tours etc.
Contact Yachtgala on Ph: +593 98 157 0856 or [email protected].
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Visit us at https://www.yachtgala.com.ec
CloseShelter Bay Marina and Boatyard, located at the entrance of the Panama Canal and only 50 minutes away from Panama City, offers a prime destination for boat owners.
Positioned just a day's cruise away from San Blas Island and Bocas Del Toro and outside the Hurricane Belt, it is an ideal choice for various boating needs.
- 200 wet slips enclosed in a cove
- 24/7 security
- Long-term secure storage space to accommodate up to 120 vessels
- Boat Yard with an enclosed 5,000 square feet sheltered space for refits
- 100-ton travel lift
- Sail loft
- Chandlery
- Hotel and Restaurant
Shelter Bay Marina and Boatyard in Colon, Panama, offers a comprehensive solution for boat owners, with a yacht-friendly environment, experienced staff, customized services, and excellent facilities, making it an attractive choice for various boating needs.
Visit us at www.shelterbaymarina.com
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Read Panama Formalities for detailed information on procedures for clearing into and out of Panama.
Due to the large numbers of yachts visiting here, the Panamanian Maritime Authorities established a Port Captain and Immigration offices at Portobelo – which can now be considered a port of entry.
Note however that the Immigration Office here is only a Branch Office under the Immigration Office in Colon. This means that officially they are unable to issue visas, and can only issue “entry to the country” stamps. Entry to the country stamps for yachts at marinas and islands, allow you 72 hrs to obtain a visa (as per the government regulations) at your next port of call (Cristobal/Bocas del Toro/Panama City).
In reality, if the office has visas available, they will issue them, however, reports are that opening hours vary, so it’s advisable to check in advance when they are open the week you intend to arrive.
In addition, the Port Captain is not authorised to issue cruising permits here, however, skippers can take a bus from Portobelo to Colon (2 hours – costs less than US$2) to obtain a cruising permit and visa at the same time.
It is also possible to obtain a Cruising Permit through an agent, which can be requested prior to arrival in Panama and can then be scanned and sent to you by e-mail. The original, however, must be collected from Colon at some point.
Important Notes:
- All crew must go ashore and present their passports in person.
- There is no bank in Portobelo, but there are banks and ATMs in Sabanitas, which is on the way to Colon or Panama city.
- For the latest updates from cruisers on immigration fees charged here, see the following Noonsite report.
Canal Transit
If using an Agent for your canal transit, it is a strong possibility that your agent can now do all of the paperwork and payment for the canal transit in Portobelo. This means paying for your canal transit via the agent, avoiding the dangers of traveling to Colon and carrying around large amounts of cash. Whilst a day-visit to the flats in Colon is necessary to get the boat measured, the remainder of the time the boat can stay anchored in Portobelo waiting for the transit date. Do your research carefully to find a reputable agent that can do this, if it is your preferred option.
See this Noonsite report, Canal Transit Information
Last updated: July 2019
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at [email protected]. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
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Port Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
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Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Panama
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
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As reported by the Caribbean Safety & Security Net – 21st August 2017:
An in-the-water but chain locked dinghy was stolen overnight. The dinghy minus the outboard was recovered the next morning,
There is a sailmaker/repair shop on the water a couple of houses north of Casa Congo. The owner and operator is a German guy named Rey. He fixed my sail and sail bag for a very reasonable rate.
I hear there is a good sailmaker in Portobelo. True? Contact info?
It`s definitely not possible to do pay for the canal in Portobello. You have to go to the Citibank in Colon and even there it`s not possible to pay by credit card. Use the guide http://www.noonsite.com/images/pdfs/panama_transit-without-an-agent_2014 mentioned in canal procedures and you will come through hassle-free. It` s really easy and not complicated at all and saves you a lot of dollars.
Diesel, gasoline and water can be arranged at Public Dock in Portobelo, ask for Tabito (mechanic), or call: 507-6003-7779