Portobelo - Fees

Where is Portobelo?

The National Park of Portobelo is half a day’s sail away from either the San-Blas islands or Colón, at the northern entrance of the Panama canal.

Entry notes and cautions for Portebelo:

Cruisers have reported half sunk logs on the passage from Porvenir to Portobelo. Care should be taken around the Panama coastline for such hazards.

Security:

There are security concerns in this port for visiting yachts, particularly in regards to denghy theft.  See Docking for more information.

Cruiser Highlights for Portebelo:

Portobelo is a small historical city, part of the Spanish Main (Cartagena/Portobello/San Lorenzo) and quite interesting, being visited by most yachts passing Panama. Portobelo was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502 and the city was established in 1586 as a Caribbean transhipment centre for the South American riches the Spaniards took back to Spain. Several ruins can still be seen today.  The City is located in the southwest corner of Bahia de Portobelo and it is also the burial place of Sir Frances Drake, the 16th-century English explorer.

Position:

09° 33.18'N, 79° 40.50'W (entrance) Last updated:  April 2025