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The isthmus of Panama links two continents and two oceans. The country connects North and South America. Colombia is its immediate southern neighbor. Similarly, Panama lies between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean and its Panama Canal connects the two. Scores of cruising yachts from all over the world visit every year to go sailing from Panama to Colombia.
A popular route stretches from the northern Panamanian coast through the Caribbean Sea to Cartagena, Barranquilla and then Santa Marta, three large cities along the northern coast of Colombia. This route covers a total distance of about 500 nautical miles, depending on the exact start- and end-points. Since the journey can take about five days of nonstop sailing, many yachts stagger their journey with at least one stop along the way.
Colon is a common departure point. This commercial port city sits at the mouth of Bahia de Manzanillo (or Limon Bay). Colon does not have docking for pleasure craft. Recreational yachts arriving from Europe or the US tie up west of the city at the modern Shelter Bay marina.
The Shelter Bay marina is a modern facility with top class marine equipment and excellent recreational amenities including a restaurant, bar, TV lounge, gym, pool, rest rooms and showers. Its provides excellent Wi-fi Internet connection throughout the compound, including the yacht berths.
Vessels that remain at the marina for more than a month receive the benefit of a discounted rate. The berths are designed mainly for monohulls; only a few berths are wide enough to accommodate catamarans. Bicycles are available for hire. There is tight security preventing access to the marina compound, including the docking area, by unauthorized individuals.
The marina is on land adjacent to the historic military site of US Fort Sherman, now named Fort San Lorenzo. Large sections of the fort are open as a tourist attraction. Some parts remain in active military service and used by Panamanian special forces.
After Shelter Bay, many yachts journey about 80 nautical miles to spend some time exploring the sublime Archipelago de San Blas. San Blas is a long stretch of over 300 coral isles. The precise count varies among sources. Some say 322, others 365 and some put the figure closer to 400. Most islands within the archipelago lie just a few nautical miles off the Panamanian coast.
The San Blas archipelago is populated by Guna (or Kuna) Indians, a distinctive indigenous native group with its own language and culture, originally from Colombia. The history of this native group stretches back more than five centuries to before the arrival of Columbus. The Guna have proudly kept their heritage intact. Many live a traditional life in simple cane and thatch huts, some without basic facilities such as electricity, running water or modern sanitation. They refused outsiders to study their traditions and culture until the middle of the twentieth century. The opportunity to visit the San Blas and interact with the Guna is a compelling prospect that drives some yacht cruisers to go sailing from Panama to Colombia.
A popular route stretches from the northern Panamanian coast through the Caribbean Sea to Cartagena, Barranquilla and then Santa Marta, three large cities along the northern coast of Colombia. This route covers a total distance of about 500 nautical miles, depending on the exact start- and end-points. Since the journey can take about five days of nonstop sailing, many yachts stagger their journey with at least one stop along the way.
Colon is a common departure point. This commercial port city sits at the mouth of Bahia de Manzanillo (or Limon Bay). Colon does not have docking for pleasure craft. Recreational yachts arriving from Europe or the US tie up west of the city at the modern Shelter Bay marina.
The Shelter Bay marina is a modern facility with top class marine equipment and excellent recreational amenities including a restaurant, bar, TV lounge, gym, pool, rest rooms and showers. Its provides excellent Wi-fi Internet connection throughout the compound, including the yacht berths.
Vessels that remain at the marina for more than a month receive the benefit of a discounted rate. The berths are designed mainly for monohulls; only a few berths are wide enough to accommodate catamarans. Bicycles are available for hire. There is tight security preventing access to the marina compound, including the docking area, by unauthorized individuals.
The marina is on land adjacent to the historic military site of US Fort Sherman, now named Fort San Lorenzo. Large sections of the fort are open as a tourist attraction. Some parts remain in active military service and used by Panamanian special forces.
After Shelter Bay, many yachts journey about 80 nautical miles to spend some time exploring the sublime Archipelago de San Blas. San Blas is a long stretch of over 300 coral isles. The precise count varies among sources. Some say 322, others 365 and some put the figure closer to 400. Most islands within the archipelago lie just a few nautical miles off the Panamanian coast.
The San Blas archipelago is populated by Guna (or Kuna) Indians, a distinctive indigenous native group with its own language and culture, originally from Colombia. The history of this native group stretches back more than five centuries to before the arrival of Columbus. The Guna have proudly kept their heritage intact. Many live a traditional life in simple cane and thatch huts, some without basic facilities such as electricity, running water or modern sanitation. They refused outsiders to study their traditions and culture until the middle of the twentieth century. The opportunity to visit the San Blas and interact with the Guna is a compelling prospect that drives some yacht cruisers to go sailing from Panama to Colombia.
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