Explore: Panama - General Info
Time Zone
Panama observes Eastern Standard Time all year (GMT-5).
There are no Daylight Saving Time clock changes.
Yachting Essentials
Electricity
- Voltage: 110 V* (*Panama City 120 V)
- Frequency: 60 Hz
LPG / Gas
Local gas (Tropigas & Panagas) is a variable mixture of propane and butane but works well for most purposes. Be advised that each has its own unique regulatory and neither is compatible with US (or other country’s) tanks. You CAN get US style tanks filled, but you will need to ask around and it will be a lot more expensive (approx. $30 as opposed to $6.40 for the local 30# tank). Some cruisers have successfully transferred gas from local tanks to US-style tanks with a pigtail-type connection.
Boatyards & Repairs
Haul out facilities are available at Bocas Marina, Balboa YC, Flamenco, Linton Bay, and Shelter Bay. Yachts coming from the Caribbean planning to spend longer in Panama to undertake re-fit work should research carefully options available to them before arriving (i.e. cheaper costs vs skilled workforce). Linton Bay Marina has the largest travelift in Panama and can accommodate catamarans.
For tips about boatyard practices in less developed countries and how to avoid pitfalls see: Getting work done on your boat whilst long distance cruising.
It is possible to get liferafts serviced in the Duty-free Zone where Viking have their own brand operation. Oceanco Panamax also service liferafts as do Servico on the Pacific side.
From the 1st February 2010, all persons or companies offering maritime services to ships or yachts must be in possession of an “Operation Licence”. See Noonsite Report. Cruisers are advised to check that anyone offering them such services has a valid license, but should be aware that this provides no guarantee of the quality of the service being offered.
See Customs for information on shipping in spares.
Provisioning
Good choice of large supermarkets. If crossing the Pacific from here, this is an affordable option. Be sure to stock up on non-perishables and alcohol.
Cruiser Resource Guide for Panama City
The guide is updated several times a year and contains a great many useful business listings, tips and advice by cruisers.
Author: Debi Shaimas – SV Serenity
Opening Hours
Money
Dollars are on par with US$.
Communications
See Panama Facts for a list of sources of Panama Information.
International dialling code for Panama is +507.
VHF CHANNELS
06 – Balboa Yacht Club and water taxi
10 – La Playita (Amador)
10 – Flamenco Marina
12 & 16 – “Cristobal Signal Station” and “Flamenco Signal Station Balboa” (Panama Canal Authority – call before entering canal areas)
68 – Bocas del Toro working channel & net at 8 AM
69 – Cruiser channel Balboa/Amador
72 – San Blas/Linton working channel
74 –Taboga Island mooring balls
74 – Colon Cruiser channel & Shelter Bay Marina Cruisers Net 7:40 AM (only on Mon & Thurs)
74 – Panama City Cruisers Net 8:00 AM (Mon-Sat)
81a – Alternative channel for cruisers nets
SSB Frequencies
7:30 AM (1230 UTC) – 8104 USB – Chris Parker Weather
7.30 AM (1230-1330 UTC) – 14.347 MHZ – Spider Web Net
8:00 AM (1300 UTC) – 7083 LSB – HAM only – C. American Breakfast Club
8:15 AM (1315 UTC) – 6209 USB – South West Caribbean Net
8:30 AM (1330 UTC) – 8107 USB – Panama Connection Net
9:00 AM (1400 UTC) – 8143 USB – Pan Pacific Net
9:00 AM (1400 UTC) – 6209 USB – NW Caribbean Net
The Panama Connection Net – on SSB 8107 (USB) 8:30 AM is a very helpful net for cruisers transiting the area from the ABC’s, Cartagena to Panama. 8167 (USB) is an alternative frequency.
Internet / Phone
Latest reports for the San Blas Islands are that Digicel works well in the W. Lemmons/ Chicheme area and Green Island group. Movil is said to be good in the Lemmons Carti area.
Last updated: December 2018
Transport
Airports
Panama City – Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen (PTY)
(238-2700)
Located in the eastern part of the city. You will get there faster if you take Corridor Sur expressway. The tolls add up but it is extremely fast. Make sure you are clear with the taxi driver on the fee (are tolls included?) and which way you are going.
Aeropuerto Marcos A. Gelabert (PAC)
Also known as Albrook airport, is located in the western part of the city, known as Albrook. There are daily flights to all parts of Panama, including the San Blas, David, Bocas, Conatadora and other locations.
Note: AIR PANAMA has canceled flight destination to Corazon de Jesus and El Porvenir (Nov. 2015). These destinations will be reviewed in 2016.
These airlines also have a great economical courier service to remote areas of the country. If you have extra suitcases you can air ship them cheaper than checking them with your flight. Just go to the domestic shipping end of the Albrook airport and ship your heavy stuff. The trip between airports by taxi will take at least 45 minutes or longer depending on traffic (allow 1 ½ hour).
From Cruisers Network Online – If flying from Panama to Quito, be sure to go armed with copies of your Panama cruising permit and boat documentation, as you will not be allowed to return to Panama without it.
Buses
Panama City – The Gran Terminal de Transportes is located adjacent to the Albrook Mall. Bus travel is very economical with numerous and frequent bus service between cities. Within Panama City taxis are better and very economical. Find out the rate before you hire a taxi as like everywhere there are sometimes higher prices for tourists.
Car Rental
Cruisers rent cars in Colon, Panama City, and David. Rental cars cannot be taken across the border into Costa Rica. The new 4 lane interstate is open between Colon (Sabinitas) and Panama City. In general, the roads throughout Panama are good. You can get a better rate if you reserve a car online. You can also rent a GPS with digitized road maps. You will need to show a valid national or international driving license.
Colon – Hertz (442-3272) and Budget (441-2126) are located at Colon 2000.
Panama City – Budget (Tocumen Airport PTY – 263-8777), Hertz (PTY – 301-2611), Dollar (270-0355), Thrifty (204-9555), National (PTY – 265-2222), Avis (PTY – 278-9444), Barriga Rent A Car (PTY – 269-0056), Arrendadora Economica (Nuevo Reparto El Carmen & Calle 50 – (229-5257), and Continental Rent a Car (213-0177).
Train
The Panama Canal Railway (317-6070) www.panarail.com
Runs one roundtrip per day between Panama City and Colon. From Panama City, the train leaves at 7:15 AM from the station which is located in the Albrook area. The train leaves Colon at 5:15 PM. The train ride is about one hour, in modern coaches, air-conditioning and modeled after the railway first built in 1855. To be recommended.
Getting to the San Blas from Panama City
This is easily done by taxi/car. There are lots of companies that do 4wd trips to Carti and they usually can also arrange a small boat from there to take you out to the Islands.
Diplomatic Missions
Events
Related Businesses
Panama Posse Rally
Starts on Nov.30, 2018 from Barra de Navidad, Mexico, sails to seven countries including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and finishes at... Read More
Emergencies
- Fire – Dial 103
- Ambulance – Dial 911
- Police – Dial 104
- Directory assistance – Dial 102
The Panamanian National Police (PNP) has a special Tourism Police Unit to deal with crimes against tourists and foreigners, and they have sub-stations in all major regions in Panama with numerous offices in Panama City.
Last updated: December 2018
Publications
Caribbean, Central America, USA: Cruising Ports: Florida to California via Panama
Nautical guidebook from 2003 for boaters making this popular 5,000-mile cruising route between the US coasts via the Panama Canal: Cuba, Mexico's Gulf Coast & Yucatan Channel, Belize's outer cays, Rio Dulce, W. Caribbean islands, Panama's Caribbean & Pacific cruising grounds, How To Transit the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Fonseca,... Read More
Caribbean, Central and South America: Cruising Guide to the Caribbean: Including the North Coast of South America, Central America and Yucatan
By William T. Stone Publisher: Sheridan House; 2nd Revised edition edition (Aug. 21, 1998) ISBN-13: 978-0924486579... Read More
Caribbean: A Thinking Man’s Guide to Voyaging South
Written by Frank Virgintino, author of numerous cruising guides for the Caribbean. In this book, the author represents the Caribbean basin in four quadrants to aid with route planning and discusses the pros and cons of the various options to depart from North America plus the various entry points into... Read More
Caribbean: Cruising Guide to the Caribbean
By William T. Stone and Anne M. Hayes Publisher Sheridan House. Rev Rep edition (August 21, 1998) ISBN-13: 978-0924486579... Read More
Central America, Caribbean: Cruising Ports: The Central American Route
New 6.5 edition, March 2011. Nautical guidebook (272 pages) for boaters (sail & power) to all the marinas, anchorages & services along Pacific Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama - also Mexico's Gulf Coast, Yucatan Channel, NW Cuba, Belize, Rio Dulce, Honduras and Western Caribbean islands - plus the... Read More
Central and South America: Colombia to Rio Dulce Cruising Guide
Covers the coast of Colombia, The San Blas Islands, the off-lying islands of Colombia (San Andres and Providencia), the Moskito coast, the Cape at Gracias a Dios and the Hobbies, the islands of Honduras and finally the Rio Dulce River (Guatemala). Authors: Amaia Agirre & Frank Virgintino (May 2016) Available free at... Read More
Panama: Living in Panama
Most authoritative day-to-day guide to life in Panama. Available in bookstores in Panama or online at www.livinginpanama.net By Sandra T. Snyder Publisher: TanToes, S.A.; 2nd edition (March 28, 2007) ISBN 13: 978-9962001560... Read More
Reeds 9-Language Handbook
The pocket dictionary is centered around clear, color, annotated diagrams, such as parts of the rig and engine, in each nautical subject area, and makes it very easy and convenient to translate between nine languages (English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Portuguese and Greek). The diagrams can easily be... Read More
Route Planning: The Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South
The Thornless Path to Windward - He has systematically taken the thorns out of the route they used to call the Thorny Path. For example, he exploits the calming effects on wind and sea which result from land cooling on each side of an inter-island passage. Applying his many methods,... Read More
South Pacific, Europe, Americas: Downwind Around Australia & Africa Yacht Pilot
Provides sailing directions from the South Pacific to Europe and Americas on the downwind route in one volume including weather information and route planning information. Information on 166 ports, harbors, and anchorages en route, almost all with sketch charts. Final landfalls are Gibraltar ( for the Mediterranean), Bayona, Spain (for... Read More
Spanish for Cruisers
The new edition of this extremely useful guide has a host of new features that will make life even easier for sailors visiting Spanish speaking countries. By Kathy Parsons, See full report here... Read More
The Illustrated Boat Dictionary in 9 Languages
An invaluable book for anyone sailing outside their native country. Published by Adlard Coles Nautical (January 2014), See more details here ... Read More
The Panama Cruising Guide
Considered one of the best Guides covering Panama, this 5th Edition (2014) is a comprehensive cruising guide for both the Panama Canal and San Blas and Las Perlas. There is also a useful overview of Panama’s coastlines, both in the Caribbean and Pacific. The book contains detailed sketch plans of... Read More
The Panama Guide
Still the most comprehensive guide written about the extraordinarily beautiful waters of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama. It contains vital information for planning waterborne adventures along these fascinating shores. With 187 detailed chartlets, this guide travels through the 365 islands of San Blas, explores the protected bays of... Read More
The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914
The National Book Award-winning epic chronicle of the creation of the Panama Canal, a first-rate drama of the bold and brilliant engineering feat that was filled with both tragedy and triumph. By David McCullough Available to buy on Amazon in all formats Read Noonsite's Review here.... Read More
Links
Cruiser Resource Guide for Panama City
The guide is updated several times a year and contains a great many useful business listings, tips and advice by cruisers.
Author: Debi Shaimas – SV Serenity
Panama City Anchorages
By MY Domino who spent a year in Panama
http://dominocatamaran.blogspot.com/2013/09/panama-city-anchorages.html
Tourist website for the Republic of Panama
http://www.visitpanama.com/
Panama Canal Links:
Panama Canal Authorities, with links to webcams at the locks.
https://www.pancanal.com/
Panama Canal Transits & Beyond
http://madaboutpanama.com/
The original aim of this website was to explain how to Transit the Canal in a yacht. The project quickly expanded to include what you will see on a cruise ship, and some of the excursions you can make during a port call in Panama.
Line Handlers – seeking or volunteering
http://www.panlinehandler.com
Line Handlers and Canal Experts
Transiting the Panama Canal
An interesting Bluewater Cruising article by a catamaran that transited in October 2016.
A look inside the Panama Canal
On their third transit, cruisers John Lewis and Shawn Maxey on the Tayana 37 Pilothouse cutter Active Transport got a VIP tour of the workings of the Miraflores Locks. Published by Ocean Navigator.
There are two Yahoo e-mail groups specifically designed for cruisers to share information. Both groups have cruisers worldwide:
Panama Canal: Tips for Transit
Well know cruiser Behan Gifford offers her Tips for Canal Transit – how to make it an enjoyable and easy experience.
Cruiser Networks:
Cruisers Network Online – Caribbean Side of Panama
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruisers_Network_Online/
To subscribe to Cruisers Network Online, email:
[email protected]
Southbound Group – Pacific side of middle America going west
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbound_group/
To subscribe to the Southbound Group, email:
[email protected]
Cruisers VHF Nets – Caribbean side of Panama:
Shelter Bay Marina: VHF Channel 77 every morning at 7.30am
Bocas del Toro: VHF Channel 68 at 7.45am
Cruisers VHF Nets – Pacific side of Panama:
La Playita / Las Brisas: VHF Channel 72 (sometimes changing due to local traffic) Monday-Saturday at 8.00am
Panama Cruisers Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/panamacruisers/
San Blas Cruisers Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/sanblassailors/
See the Communications section for a list of SSB Radio Nets.
The South Pacific Sailing Network
South Pacific Sailing Network
Founded by a group of like-minded tourism and marine industry professionals across the South Pacific islands. The Network’s aim through promotion and communication is to encourage more yachts to experience these exceptional cruising grounds, strengthen the services available and aid the economies of the island groups. Founding member countries are French Polynesia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, New Zealand and Panama.
