The Pacific Ocean entrance channel to the Canal is protected on the east by a breakwater called "The Causeway" (also “La Calzada de Amador” and “ Avenida Amador”) that extends south two miles from Balboa on the mainland to four interconnected islands (listed in order from Balboa to the outer extreme): Naos, Culebra, Perico, and Flamenco.
Las Brisas Anchorage - NW of Isla Perico, on The Causeway
This anchorage tends to be used during the rainy season (April to December) due to prevailing S/SE winds. It can be quite rough during the dry season due to N/NE gap winds. During the rainy season expect frequent, sudden and violent storm squalls. There are a couple of places where the bottom is gravel/construction debris with bad holding, however, the rest of the anchorage is mostly mud and shell. That said, holding in the main is excellent as long as you follow a few simple rules:
There is a free dinghy dock but space is limited. You can only use it to load/unload as it is used by commercial traffic. The old dinghy dock which collapsed is still there. If you want to tie your dinghy to the old dock there is a small boat on a pulley system that you can use to pull yourself ashore. Use of the docks at Flamenco Marina for dinghy landing is limited; check in advance for costs and availability (see listing below). Water taxis are also available:
CAUTION: Sunken sailboat at N 08 55.309 and W 079 32.107
La Playita Anchorage - outside the breakwater of La Playita Marina, south side of The Causeway
The anchorage here is protected from strong winds and waves from the north and east, yet you are continuously exposed to the wake of transiting canal vessels and their related work boats which speed through the anchorage. Holding is poor with a hard bottom. Use an anchor alarm and lots of chains. Back-up strongly on the anchor to test the hold.
Access to the shore is via Marina's dinghy dock service available to cruisers for a fee. Check with the marina office for rates. See the marina listing below re. fuel and water.
All the Marinas and Landings around Balboa - Balboa Yacht Club, Mi Playita Marina and Brisas de Amador - are not only servicing local and visiting yachts, but also an extensive amount of commercial traffic such as the launches servicing the Islands in the Gulf of Panama and the commercial ships at the Canal. Wash and roll is therefore a problem.
The Balboa Yacht Club - probably the best value for an overnight stay on this side of the Canal. Mooring balls need to be booked in advance. No dinghy use but 24-hour service boat. Alot of movement here due to passing traffic.
Alli on SV Genesis - Speaks English. Phone: 6685 0858.
Neldo - Speaks some English. Phone: 6885 7239.
Flamenco Marina - has mainly local yachts and some visitors (limited slips), but is very expensive (approx. $100 a night for a 40ft boat). It has fuel available. Call them on VHF Ch.10.
La Playita Marina - has fuel available, a laundry and the staff are reported to be friendly and accommodating.
Vista Mar Marina - eight miles west of the main channel - is part of a large hotel, golf course complex. Again, alot of movement here and surge (so wear and tear on cleats and lines). Haul out facilities.
Club de Yates y Pescas - not a viable option for cruisers. Has silted over, access to power boats available only at high tide. To be relocated by the government at some undetermined time in the future.
Buenaventura Marina - new marina (2020) approx. 60 miles SW from Balboa, part of a residential resort and very sheltered. Good place to leave the boat. Entrance to the marina is tide dependent but a good 6-8 feet clearance makes entry easy. Good for catamarans with wide berths of different sizes.
Last updated: November 2022
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